Quiz on Legal Principles

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a grand jury?

• To decide whether an accused person is guilty or innocent

• To determine if there is enough evidence to bring someone to trial

• To oversee the conduct of trials in federal courts

• To sentence criminals who are convicted of serious crimes

The Quartering Act of 1765 angered American colonists because it required them to:

• Pay additional taxes on British goods

• Provide food and housing for British soldiers in their homes

• Serve in the British army for a period of five years

• Give up land to British officials

What is the primary function of a warrant?

• To grant permission for government officials to make laws

• To allow law enforcement to search private property with judicial approval

• To protect people from self-incrimination in court

• To ensure that defendants receive a fair trial

A person being forced to testify against themselves in court is an example of:

• Due process

• Petitioning the government

• Self-incrimination

• Seizure

Trial by jury is important because it:

• Prevents biased judges from deciding a case alone

• Requires all cases to be decided by the president

• Gives police more power over legal decisions

• Eliminates the need for legal representation

The press in the First Amendment refers to:

• The right of journalists and newspapers to publish information freely

• The ability of Congress to restrict false or offensive speech

• The requirement that government documents be printed for public use

• The freedom of individuals to print their own currency

Seizure in the Fourth Amendment refers to:

• The government taking property or arresting a person

• The right to refuse military service

• The ability of the press to criticize government officials

• The act of creating a new petition for a law

The right to petition the government allows citizens to:

• Demand a change in law or policy

• Seize property from the government

• Assemble a private army

• Refuse to follow federal laws

Due process ensures that:

• Citizens can be imprisoned without trial if they are guilty

• The government follows legal procedures before depriving someone of rights

Limited power means that:

• The government’s authority is restricted by laws and the Constitution

• The president can rule without interference

• Congress controls all legal matters without judicial oversight

• Citizens have no power in government decisions