Separation of Powers #1

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

• A. It gives orders to the armed forces.

   

   

• B. It writes bills that may be passed into law.

• C. It reviews laws to determine constitutionality.

• D. It pardons people convicted of federal crimes.

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 ensure that no branch of government has too much power

   

• 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

   

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

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

   

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

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

Which example shows how branches of government interact with each other?

• The Supreme Court rules on a case. 

• The House of Representatives votes on a bill

• The president recommends legislation to Congress.

• The president signs a treaty with a country in Europe.

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.

In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace an outgoing judge. Sotomayor met with the Senate Judiciary Committee to answer questions about her experiences and opinions. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved of Sotomayor's nomination and sent it on to the Senate for a vote. On August 6, 2009, the Senate voted 68 to 31 to make her a justice on the Court.

Which feature of U.S. government is being described?

• judicial review

• concurrent powers

• separation of power

• checks and balances

How can the executive branch "check" the power of the legislative branch?

• by vetoing congressional bills

• by ratifying international treaties

• by declaring laws unconstitutional

• by confirming judicial appointments