Quiz on Federal System of Government

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

• Elected representatives make decisions for the nation.

• Power is divided between central and regional bodies.

• Separate branches have different areas of responsibility.

• Legislative actions are limited by a set of written guidelines.

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.

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.

Which of these plays the largest role in interpreting the Bill of Rights?

• Congress

• state legislatures

• the Supreme Court

• the executive branch

Which of these unpopular forms of expression is protected by the First Amendment?

• libel

• slander

• obscenity

• flag burning

The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth amendments protect

• voting rights.

• privacy rights.

• rights in the legal system.

• rights reserved to the states.

The phrase “You have the right to remain silent” reflects the provision in the Bill of Rights regarding

• double jeopardy.

• eminent domain.

• judicial review.

• self-incrimination.

The term prior restraint refers to which government action?

• deciding a law is unconstitutional

• preventing publication of certain material

• jailing individuals without bail before a trial

• searching people suspected of planning a crime

Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan both advocated a policy known as devolution. What was this policy aimed at?

• limiting taxes levied by states

• reducing federal grants to the states

• transferring power back to the states

• improving cooperation among the states

Which of these descriptions best defines gerrymandering?

• interpreting laws in a way that benefits the party in power

• enlarging a court by the addition of politically appointed judges

• drawing legislative district boundaries to give one group an advantage

• combining local governments into larger units to increase their influence