Mr. C Civics Vocab Quiz 1 - Constitution

What is the principle that no person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures and safeguards?

• Elastic Clause

• Due Process

• Implied Powers

• Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer explanation

The principle that no person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures and safeguards is known as Due Process. It ensures that individuals are treated fairly and their rights are protected by the legal system. The other options, Elastic Clause, Implied Powers, and Necessary and Proper Clause, do not directly relate to this principle.

What is a clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to stretch its lawmaking powers to include laws that are 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its duties?

• Elastic Clause

• Due Process

• Implied Powers

• Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Necessary and Proper Clause'. This clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution allows Congress to make laws that are 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its duties. It is often referred to as the 'Elastic Clause' because it allows for flexibility in lawmaking. However, the exact term used in the Constitution is 'Necessary and Proper Clause'.

What are those powers of the national government that are specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution?

• Elastic Clause

• Due Process

• Enumerated Powers

• Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer explanation

The powers of the national government that are specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution are called Enumerated Powers. These powers are explicitly granted to Congress and include the power to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war. The other options, Elastic Clause, Due Process, and Necessary and Proper Clause, do not refer to the specific powers listed in the Constitution.

What is a clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, stating that it is the 'supreme Law of the Land'?

• Supremacy Clause

• Habeas Corpus

• Civil Case

• Republicanism

Answer explanation

The Supremacy Clause is a clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, which states that it is the 'supreme Law of the Land.' This means that federal laws and the Constitution take precedence over state laws when there is a conflict. The other options, Habeas Corpus, Civil Case, and Republicanism, are not related to the specific clause mentioned in the question.

What is the government's right to take private property for public use, as long as fair compensation is paid?

• Supremacy Clause

• Habeas Corpus

• Civil Case

• Eminent Domain

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Eminent Domain. This term refers to the power of the government to take private property and convert it into public use. The Fifth Amendment provides that the government may only exercise this power if they provide just compensation to the property owners.

What are powers shared by the federal and state governments under the U.S. Constitution?

• Supremacy Clause

• Habeas Corpus

• Concurrent Powers

• Eminent Domain

Answer explanation

Concurrent powers are those shared by both federal and state governments under the U.S. Constitution. These powers include the ability to tax, borrow money, and establish courts. The other options, Supremacy Clause, Habeas Corpus, and Eminent Domain, do not represent shared powers between the federal and state governments.

What is a system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches?

• Veto Power

• Checks and Balances

• Republicanism

• Delegated Powers

Answer explanation

A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches is called Checks and Balances. This system ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful, as they can be held accountable by the other branches. It promotes a balance of power and prevents the abuse of authority.

What is a political system in which power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments?

• Veto Power

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

• Delegated Powers

Answer explanation

Federalism is the correct answer because it is a political system where power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments. This system allows for a balance of power and prevents any single entity from becoming too powerful. Veto Power, Checks and Balances, and Delegated Powers are related concepts but do not specifically describe the division of power between central and regional governments.

Powers kept by the states under the U.S. Constitution

• Impeachment

• Reserved Powers

• Precedent

• Originalism

Answer explanation

The question asks about the powers that are kept by the states under the U.S. Constitution. The correct answer is 'Reserved Powers'. This term refers to powers that are not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, and are therefore reserved to the States or to the people. The other options, 'Impeachment', 'Precedent', and 'Originalism', do not correctly describe these powers.

What is the power of the courts to declare laws and executive acts unconstitutional?

• Strict Construction

• Executive Privilege

• Judicial Review

• Interpretivism

Answer explanation

The power of the courts to declare laws and executive acts unconstitutional is known as 'Judicial Review'. This is not to be confused with 'Strict Construction', 'Executive Privilege', or 'Interpretivism'. Judicial Review allows the judiciary to interpret the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, ensuring they align with the constitution.