Civics Reporting Category 4 Test Review

Which action distinguishes the legislative branch from the judiciary branch of government?

• It gives orders to the armed forces.

• It writes bills that may be passed into law.

• It reviews laws to determine constitutionality.

• It pardons people convicted of federal crimes.

Read the following sentence and answer the question below.

The President of the United States has nominated someone to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court.

Which action is necessary before the nominee can serve on the Court?

• The House of Representatives must confirm the nominee.

• The Attorney General must approve the nominee.

• The Supreme Court must approve the nominee.

• The Senate must confirm the nominee.

Why did the Founders believe it was important to include the concept of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution?

• to make sure that all citizens are treated equally

• to make sure that the economy operates effectively

• to ensure the government has the power to deal with crises

• to ensure that no branch of government has too much power

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.

The U.S. Senate asks the president to testify before a committee. The president responds that giving testimony would interfere with his job as chief executive. The U.S. Congress brings charges against the president for refusing to appear before the committee. The U.S. Supreme Court hears the case and rules against the president.

Which principle of government is shown in this scenario?

• federalism

• due process of law

• checks and balances

• representative democracy

How is the power of the judicial branch limited by the U.S. Constitution?

• It lacks the authority to hand down punishments.

• It lacks the authority to approve new legislation.

• It lacks the authority to evaluate the actions of government officials.

• It lacks the authority to make people appear in court without their consent.

How are the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government different from each another?

• The legislative branch enforces the laws, and the executive branch interprets the laws.

• The legislative branch interprets the laws, and the executive branch enforces the laws.

• The legislative branch makes the laws, and the executive branch interprets the laws.

• The legislative branch makes the laws, and the executive branch enforces the laws.

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.

In the State of the Union speech, the president recommends that Congress lower taxes. Congress responds that the government needs the funds created by taxes. The president then issues an executive order to lower taxes. The Supreme Court declares the executive order unconstitutional, determining that the action is a violation of separation of powers.

Which of these is described in this scenario?

• how checks and balances works

• why freedom of speech is important

• how due process of law protects rights

• why powers are shared between levels of government

Read the following chart and answer the question below.

Which column correctly explains how the legislative branch can check the power of the executive and judicial branches?

• A

• B

• C

• D

How are trial and appellate courts different?

• Trial courts introduce appeals.

• Appellate courts present evidence.

• Trial courts must persuade a citizen jury.

• Appellate courts must sway a citizen panel.

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.

In a civil appellate court case, a decision is made by the court that certain evidence should have been admitted in the original trial. The appeals court orders a retrial of the case.

What difference between trial and appeals courts is being demonstrated here?

• Trial courts only handle criminal cases.

• Appellate courts only handle civil cases.

• Appeals courts determine legal errors in trial cases.

• Trial courts present new findings to appealed cases.