Review Questions

Which document served as a precursor to the U.S. Constitution and established the first national government?

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

What principle of the Constitution establishes the separation of federal power into three branches?

• Federalism

• Checks and balances

• Popular sovereignty

• Judicial review

In the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Supreme Court established:

• Freedom of speech

• The right to bear arms

• Judicial review

• States' rights

Which level of government has the power to declare war?

• State government

• Local government

• Tribal government

• Federal government

What is the primary function of tribal governments in the United States?

• To regulate interstate commerce

• To maintain sovereignty over tribal lands

• To collect federal taxes

• To declare war

The concept of "reserved powers" in the Constitution refers to powers:

• Given to Congress

• Shared between states

• Reserved for the states

• Given to the President

The landmark case Brown v. Board of Education (1954) dealt with:

• Voting rights

• School segregation

• Freedom of religion

• Criminal rights

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

• State

Local governments derive their power from:

• Federal Constitution

• State governments

• Tribal agreements

• Municipal charters

The principle of "checks and balances" means:

• Each branch can limit the powers of the others

• States check federal power

• The budget must be balanced

• Voters check political power