Chapter 9 - Constitution PRACTICE

The U.S. Constitution it has changed with time - because of this it is often called_____________

• A. a 'living document'

• B. the Supreme Law of the Land

• C. WRONG - it hasn't changed!

• D. the Bill of Rights

Answer explanation

The U.S. Constitution is called a "living document" because it has changed with time, allowing it to adapt to new circumstances and societal needs, which is reflected in the correct answer A.

First words of the Constitution...

• A. "Four score and seven years ago"

• B. "We the People..."

• C. "In the Course Human Events..."

• D. "I was a ghost, I was alone
  In the dark"

• E. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"

Answer explanation

The delegates began the Preamble with "We, the people" to emphasize that the authority of the government is derived from the citizens, highlighting the principle of popular sovereignty.

What is the primary work of Congress?

• A. to argue for their political party

• B. to debate whether laws are constitutional

• C. to determine who will be the candidate for president

• D. to be the chief executives of the states they represent

• E. to make laws for the country

Answer explanation

The primary work of Congress is to make laws for the country, as stated in the U.S. Constitution. While they may debate laws and their constitutionality, their main function is legislative.

What is the final step before a national bill becomes a law?

• A. It is signed by the president.

• B. It is voted on by the citizens.

• C. It is passed by the Supreme Court.

• D. It is approved by the state legislators

• E. the Senate votes for it

Answer explanation

The final step before a national bill becomes a law is that it is signed by the president. This action is necessary for the bill to be enacted, making option A the correct choice.

Why does each state have two senators?

• A. to balance the rights of large and small states

• B. so the Senate does not become overcrowded

• C. to assure there are enough people to pass the laws

• D. so that one can take over if the other is unavailable

• E. WRONG! the number of Senators is based on the Population of the state

Answer explanation

Each state has two senators to ensure equal representation in the Senate, balancing the interests of both large and small states. This structure prevents larger states from dominating legislative decisions.

What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?

• A. to list the responsibilities of elected officials

• B. to make it difficult to amend the Constitution

• C. so the President has unyielding power

• D. to share power between state and national governments

• E. to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

Answer explanation

The system of checks and balances is designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, ensuring that power is distributed and that each branch can limit the others' authority.

All of these are duties of the executive branch except

• A. negotiating treaties.

• B. carrying out the laws.

• C. proposing new taxes.

• D. nominating federal judges.

• E. choosing a cabinet

Answer explanation

Proposing new taxes is primarily a legislative duty, not an executive one. The executive branch focuses on enforcing laws, negotiating treaties, and nominating judges.

Why does the Constitution establish the principle of majority rule?

• A. so decisions are based on what the president wants

• B. so decisions represent what most of the people want

• C. so decisions are made only when more than half of the people vote

• D. so decisions are made when most of the members of Congress are present

Answer explanation

The Constitution establishes majority rule to ensure that decisions reflect the preferences of most people, promoting democratic governance and fairness in the decision-making process.

Which of these describes the responsibility of the judicial branch?

• A. to put laws into effect

• B. to resolve disputes under the law

• C. to veto decisions of the Supreme Court

• D. to propose bills needed to achieve justice

Answer explanation

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and resolving disputes under the law, making option B the correct choice. Options A, C, and D describe functions of other branches or are incorrect.

What name is given to the Supreme Court’s power to declare a law unconstitutional?

• A. federalism

• B. veto power

• C. impeachment

• D. judicial review

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court's power to declare a law unconstitutional is known as judicial review. This principle allows the Court to ensure that laws align with the Constitution, making 'D. judicial review' the correct answer.