Benchmark 1

In the United States, how are conflicts between state laws and federal laws generally resolved?

• The conflict must be resolved by the U.S. attorney general.

• The conflict must be resolved by a national referendum.

• The conflict must be resolved using the Supremacy Clause.

• The conflict must be resolved using the Tenth Amendment.

Which best defines the concurrent powers (such as power to tax) described in the Constitution?

• Power reserved only to states

• Power shared by both Judicial and Executive branches

• Power shared by both federal and state governments

• Power held by both Legislative and Executive branches

What is a Constitutional check on Legislative Branch Powers?

• The Judicial Branch can impeach members of Congress

• The Executive Branch can veto laws passed by Congress

• Congress can review Supreme Court decisions

• The Executive can appoint members to the Senate

Reserved powers in the United States Constitution are those that

• The president could exercise if he wanted to

• Are not granted to the federal government and that are reserved to the States

• Powers that the Constitution hints at but does not expressively writes out

• None of the above

The main goal of the Federalist Party was to

• Give more power to the federal/national government

• Insure that the States retained most of the power to govern

• Establish the State governments as more power than the National Government

• To completely do away with the States and have only one type of government

Which statement is a Constitutional check on Executive Branch powers

• Congress can negotiate trade treaties with other countries

• The Senate has to approve Executive nominees to the Supreme Court

• Supreme Court can override a veto by the Executive Branch

• House of Representatives has the power to approve treaties

The “Necessary and Proper” clause in Article I of the Constitution is said to grant what type of powers to Congress?

• Enumerated

• Reserved

• Implied

• Delegated

Which political philosopher’s ideas are best represented in the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Hobbes

• Jean Jacques Rousseau

• Montesquieu

• John Locke

Which group strongly supported the addition of the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution?

• Anti-federalists

• Democrats

• Federalists

• Whigs

Why was the Bill of Rights a vital addition to the Constitution?

•  It ensures that all Americans are treated equally

• It provides protections that citizens can use against government tyranny

• It provides a way for American citizens to void the United States Constitution