Law and Government

What is the primary function of law in society?

• A. To establish moral standards

• B. To maintain order and regulate conduct

• C. To provide social services

• D. To promote economic growth

Which of the following best defines “rule of law”?

• A. Laws are created by the ruling class

• B. Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law

• C. Laws are based on religious principles

• D. The majority has the power to override laws

Laws that deal with actions considered harmful to society as a whole are known as:

• Civil laws

• Criminal laws

• Administrative laws

• Constitutional laws

The division of lawmaking power among different levels of government is called:

• A. Separation of powers

• B. Federalism

• C. Checks and balances

• D. Popular sovereignty

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are collectively known as:

• The Preamble

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

Which branch of government is primarily responsible for interpreting laws?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

• Administrative

Statutory laws are created by:

• A. Courts

• B. Regulatory agencies

• C. Legislatures

• D. The executive branch

The process by which courts decide whether laws passed by legislatures are constitutional is called:

• A. Judicial review

• B. Judicial activism

• C. Judicial restraint

• D. Judicial precedent

A less serious crime, punishable by less than one year in jail, is known as a:

• Felony

• Misdemeanor

• Infraction

• Tort

The principle that prevents the government from prosecuting someone for an act that was not a crime at the time it was committed is known as:

• Habeas corpus

• Ex post facto

• Double jeopardy

• Due process