Federalism and Constitutional Law Quiz

Landmark Supreme Court decisions on federalism have generally:

• Always expanded state power.

• Consistently favored the national government over states.

• Occasionally expanded or limited state power.

• Avoided ruling on federalism issues.

Which part of the Constitution ensures federal laws take precedence over state laws?

• Supremacy Clause

• Elastic Clause

• Necessary and Proper Clause

• Commerce Clause

How does the Constitution protect minority rights?

• By creating interest groups to represent minorities.

• Through separation of powers and checks and balances.

• By granting absolute power to the majority.

• By limiting the power of political parties.

What voting system requires a candidate to win more than 50% of the vote?

• Plurality voting

• Majority voting

• Proportional voting

• Runoff voting

The Electoral College’s primary responsibility is to:

• Elect the president.

• Develop the party platform.

• Nominate the party’s presidential candidate.

• Conduct general elections.

What is the first step for a candidate seeking to win a congressional seat?

• Participate in a donor forum.

• Win the primary election.

• Gain Electoral College support.

• Compete in a runoff election.

The term “ground game” refers to:

• Negative ads aired against opponents.

• Efforts to canvass and mobilize voters.

• Strategic fundraising events.

• Retail politics focused on small groups.

What is opposition research used for in campaigns?

• To highlight the candidate’s strengths.

• To provide policy recommendations.

• To raise doubts about an opponent.

• To increase voter turnout.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is responsible for:

• Monitoring voter turnout trends.

• Administering federal election laws.

• Developing party platforms.

• Organizing presidential debates.

What is an “iron triangle”?

• The relationship between voters, candidates, and parties.

• A policy-making alliance among lawmakers, bureaucrats, and interest groups.

• A fundraising strategy used by interest groups.

• An electoral strategy for swing states.