2.2 The United States Constitution

Which of these terms refers to the principle that people accused of a crime must be granted certain legal rights?

• due process
• habeas corpus
• judicial review
• eminent domain

The Preamble to the Constitution lists which of the following?

• Steps for amending the Constitution
• Purpose to be served by the Constitution
• Procedures for ratifying the Constitution
• Guidelines for interpreting the Constitution

Why did the framers of the Constitution create three separate branches of government?

• to help people with different opinions cooperate
• to increase the power of the central government
• to keep any one group from gaining too much power
• to provide enough officials to handle the volume of work

The first words of the Constitution indicate that power and authority in our system of government come from the...

• States
• People
• Lawmakers
• Voters

Which of these is the defining characteristic of a federal system of government?

• Elected representatives make decisions for the nation.
• Separate branches have different areas of responsibility.
• Legislative actions are limited by a set of written guidelines.
• Power is divided between central and regional bodies.

The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution indicates how to resolve conflicts between

• state and federal laws.
• both chambers of Congress.
• strict and loose constructionists.
• majority rule and minority rights.

Which of these is the best example of constitutional checks and balances?

• Treaties require Senate approval.
• The Constitution may be amended.
• The president is paid for his services.
• Courts decide conflicts between states.

How did the decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) strengthen the power of the Supreme Court?

• It denied state courts the authority to override federal precedent.
• It asserted that the Court could order the president to carry out a law.
• It intervened in a conflict between the other two branches of government.
• It established the Court's right to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional.

The process of amending the Constitution involves both

• the Congress and the states.
• the president and the Congress.
• the states and the Supreme Court.
• the Supreme Court and the president.

Article 1 outlines which branch?

• Judicial Branch
• Legislative Branch
• Executive Branch