Chapter 9 - Constitution PRACTICE

Why is the U.S. Constitution called a “living document”?

• A. It has changed with time.

• B. It is rewritten by each president.

• C. It has remained the same over the years.

• D. It is signed each year by members of Congress.

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.

Why did the delegates start the Preamble to the Constitution with the words “We, the people”?

• A. to record that all the citizens wrote the Constitution

• B. to state that government power comes from the people

• C. to declare that the people were separating from Great Britain

• D. to provide an introduction that would interest readers

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 make laws for the country

• 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

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

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

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. to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• D. to share power between state and national governments

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.

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.