WorksheetsCivics 07.3
Total questions: 103
Worksheet time: 52mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
According to Marbury v. Madison, "The question, whether an act, repugnant to the constitution, can become the law of the land, is a question deeply interesting to the United States . . ." How did this Supreme Court case impact the government of the United States?
a)
The case expanded the power of the Supreme Court by establishing the principle of judicial review.
b)
The case limited the power of the legislative branch by requiring prior approval for passing bills.
c)
The case limited the power of the executive branch by restricting the types of executive departments.
d)
The case expanded the power of the Federal Reserve by supporting the responsibility of regulating the economy
2.
The president has just vetoed a controversial budget bill passed by Congress last week. Which role of the president is represented in the scenario?<br /><br />
a)
head of the executive branch
b)
head of state
c)
chief diplomat
d)
commander-in-chief
3.
The landmark U.S. Supreme Court case U.S. v. Nixon (1974) began when, through a court order, a federal prosecutor called on President Nixon to release certain recordings dealing with a criminal investigation. However, the president, citing the principle of "executive privilege," argued that responding to such a court order would interfere with his ability to fulfill his role as chief executive. Both parties appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ordered the release of the recordings. Which statement best describes the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in U.S. v. Nixon?<br /><br />
a)
It limited the use of executive privilege.
b)
It abolished the use of executive privilege.
c)
It increased the U.S. Supreme Court's power to review laws.
d)
It decreased the U.S. Supreme Court's power to hear appeals.
4.
Which legal dispute would be handled by the federal court system?
a)
A man is charged with speeding in a national park.
b)
A married couple is requesting a divorce.
c)
A juvenile is being charged with a curfew violation.
d)
A woman is suing for damage to her car caused by a state employee.
5.
Max has just received his tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an agency that reports to the president. Which governmental power has just been exercised by the IRS?<br /><br />
a)
The IRS has enforced the tax laws.
b)
The IRS has created tax laws.
c)
The IRS has executed a judicial order.
d)
The IRS has interpreted a congressional order.
6.
How are trial and appellate courts different?
a)
Trial courts must persuade a citizen jury.
b)
Trial courts introduce appeals.
c)
Appellate courts present evidence.
d)
Appellate courts must sway a citizen panel.
7.
The president makes a television appearance and announces that the government needs more money to pay for government services and domestic policies. The president then drafts an executive order for a new payroll tax. However, the Supreme Court rules the order to be unconstitutional. Which statement justifies the Supreme Court ruling?<br /><br />
a)
The power to tax belongs to the legislative branch.
b)
Domestic policies are made by the Senate.
c)
Executive orders are approved by the judicial branch.
d)
The power to increases government services belongs to the Congress
8.
"Soldiers Accused of Stealing From Base" Which court would hear this case?<br /><br />
a)
a military court
b)
a civil court
c)
a criminal court
d)
a constitutional court
9.
Which phrase best explains criminal law jurisdiction?
a)
the authority of a court to try an individual accused of violating a penal law
b)
the authority of a court to try a case based on the constitutionality of a law
c)
the authority of a court to try an individual or government for failing to carry out a legal obligation
d)
the authority of a court to try cases involving military personnel or civilians in cases related to martial law
10.
Which power is shared by the federal and state court systems?
a)
trying criminal cases
b)
enforcing state laws
c)
appointing new judges
d)
negotiating international treaties
11.
In a civil appellate court case, a decision is made by the court that certain evidence should have been admitted in the original trial. The appeals court orders a retrial of the case. What difference between trial and appeals courts is being demonstrated here?<br /><br />
a)
Appeals courts determine legal errors in trial cases.
b)
Trial courts only handle criminal cases.
c)
Appellate courts only handle civil cases.
d)
Trial courts present new findings to appealed cases.
12.
Marbury v. Madison (1803): "It is . . . the . . . duty of the Judicial Department [the judicial branch] to say what the law is. . . . If two laws conflict with each other, the Courts must decide on the operation of each." Which practice became commonly accepted as a result of this Supreme Court decision?<br /><br />
a)
the interpretation of the constitutionality of laws
b)
the supremacy of federal laws over state laws
c)
the establishment of new courts at the state level
d)
the expansion of individual rights by the federal courts
13.
Which statement best describes the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) on American society?
a)
It established the legal separation of races in the United States
b)
It prohibited slavery in the United States.
c)
It gave African Americans the right to vote.
d)
It ended unfair treatment of African Americans in society.
14.
Why was the U.S. Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson later found to be unconstitutional?
a)
becuase it took away students' right to equal protection
b)
because it took away students' right to citizenship
c)
because it took away students' right to personhood
d)
because it took away students' right to free speech
15.
Which Supreme Court decision overturned the Court′s earlier ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson?
a)
Brown v. Board of Education
b)
Miranda v. Arizona
c)
Tinker v. Des Moines
d)
Gideon v. Wainwright
16.
Which statement is an explanation of the Marshall Court ruling in Marbury v. Madison?
a)
The Supreme Court can decide whether laws are constitutional.
b)
The Congress can decide whether laws are constitutional.
c)
The president can decide whether laws are constitutional.
d)
The citizens of the United States can decide whether laws are constitutional.
17.
In the case of Gideon v. Wainwright, why did the Supreme Court rule that lawyers are required in many cases?
a)
Lawyers help ensure that the trial is a fair process.
b)
Lawyers help guarantee a speedy trial.
c)
Lawyers ensure that the defendant is found innocent by the court.
d)
Lawyers prevent the defendant from having to rely on a jury decision.
18.
Sarah and Lucia were accepted to the same college. The two women decided to share a house during the school year. They both signed a rental contract with a landlord. After the first semester, Sarah decided to change schools. Sarah moved out without telling Lucia. Sarah also refused to pay her share of the rent to Lucia. Which type of law addresses the scenario?<br /><br />
a)
civil law
b)
military law
c)
criminal law
d)
constitutional law
19.
Which type of law involves the distribution of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government?
a)
constitutional law
b)
civil law
c)
military law
d)
criminal law
20.
Which part of the federal government can impeach the president?
a)
the House of Representatives
b)
the Cabinet
c)
the Supreme Court
d)
the National Security Council
21.
The landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) began when stories in a school newspaper designed as part of a class project were removed by the school's principal. The student editor, Cathy Kuhlmeier, sued the school district for violating her First Amendment rights. The District Court held that the stories should not have been removed. The U.S. Supreme Court overruled that decision. Which statement best describes the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier?<br /><br />
a)
School newspapers could be censored by school officials.
b)
The right of students to sue their principal was upheld.
c)
School newspapers could be banned by school authorities.
d)
The right of students to sue their school districts was upheld.
22.
In which way are the federal and state judicial systems different?
a)
Only federal courts can try cases between states.
b)
Only state courts can hear civil cases.
c)
Only federal courts can assign the death penalty.
d)
Only state courts can review the constitutionality of state laws.
23.
In 1963, Clarence Gideon was accused of a crime, but he could not afford a lawyer and asked the court to provide him with a free lawyer. The court did not provide Gideon with a lawyer because he was not accused of a capital crime, which can result in the death penalty if found guilty. Gideon tried to defend himself during his trial, but he was not trained as a lawyer, and he lost the case. He was sentenced to five years in prison. While he was in prison, Gideon appealed to the Florida Supreme Court, which denied his petition. In the case of Gideon v. Wainwright, The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Gideon's case and responded with a landmark ruling. Which conclusion can be made about the significance of the decision in the Gideon v. Wainwright Florida Supreme Court case?<br /><br /><br /><br />
a)
Poor defendants have the right to a court-appointed attorney.
b)
All defendants have the right to a court-appointed attorney.
c)
Poor defendants have the right to an attorney at their own cost.
d)
All people convicted of a crime can appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
24.
Two neighbors who live on an army base have a dispute that involves one of the neighbors accusing the other of breaking a law. Which court would handle this dispute?<br /><br />
a)
military court
b)
civil court
c)
criminal court
d)
constitutional court
25.
In the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954), parents sued the Topeka, Kansas, Board of Education for violating their child's Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection under the law by separating students by race. The District Court ruled in favor of the Topeka Board of Education. On appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered this ruling to be reversed. Which statement best describes the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in this case?<br /><br />
a)
It made it illegal to create racially segregated schools in the United States.
b)
It gave parents the right to choose their children's schools in Kansas.
c)
It gave parents the right to sue their children's school districts in Kansas.
d)
It created racially separate schools of equal quality in the United States.
26.
Code of Hammurabi: "If any one steal[s] the property of a temple or of the court, he shall be put to death…" " Which type of law best describes this excerpt?<br /><br />
a)
criminal
b)
civil
c)
military
d)
constitutional
27.
What was the issue in the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education?
a)
school segregation
b)
voting rights
c)
bus transportation
d)
employment opportunity
28.
"Police Arrest Burglary Suspect" Which kind of power is being exercised in the headline?<br /><br />
a)
local executive power
b)
state judicial power
c)
state legislative power
d)
federal legislative power
29.
Who is the presiding officer during an impeachment trial for a sitting president of the United States?
a)
the Supreme Court Chief Justice
b)
the Attorney General
c)
the Speaker of the House
d)
the Majority Leader of the Senate
30.
Which court system would first hear the case of a Florida citizen accused of a violent crime?
a)
The Florida County court system
b)
The Florida Appeals court system
c)
The United States Supreme Court
d)
The United States District court system
31.
Which conclusion can be drawn from Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District
a)
Students have First Amendment protection as long as it does not interfere with school.
b)
First Amendment protections apply only to teachers at school.
c)
Students have First Amendment protections whenever they choose to express themselves.
d)
First Amendment protections for students includes all expressive behavior in school.
32.
Which branch of government is in charge of federal spending?
a)
Congress
b)
President
c)
The National Bank
d)
The Supreme Court
33.
There are two basic categories of laws, criminal law and civil law
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
34.
Criminal law is the group of laws that refers to disputes between people
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
k
35.
Most criminal laws are statutory laws
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
36.
An accused person may have a lawyer only if he or she can afford it
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
k
37.
Even if the majority of citizens change their position on a law, the law cannot be changed
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
k
38.
Judges are not allowed to make decisions based on common sense or previous cases
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
k
39.
Administrative laws cover many areas of daily life, such as health, safety, education, and banking
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
40.
An accused person is always presumed innocent until proven guilty
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
41.
In a criminal case, the accused may not confront his or her accuser
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
k
42.
It is possible that a person could appeal his or her case to a higher court
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
43.
To ensure that cases are decided fairly, the U.S. court system provides the right to __________________________, or seek a review of the case
a)
appeal
b)
common law
c)
constitutional law
d)
civil law
44.
Any behavior that is illegal because society, through its government, considers it harmful is called a __________________________.
a)
crime
b)
appeal
c)
common law
d)
constitutional law
45.
Many judges might follow a __________________________, or earlier decision, when considering a case
a)
precedent
b)
crime
c)
appeal
d)
common law
46.
_____________________ describes how a person accused of a crime should be tried in court and how crimes should be punished
a)
criminal law
b)
precedent
c)
crime
d)
appeal
47.
Cases such as contract disputes, divorce proceedings, and property boundaries are settled using
a)
civil law
b)
criminal law
c)
precedent
d)
crime
48.
is based on the Constitution and on Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution
a)
constitutional law
b)
civil law
c)
criminal law
d)
precedent
49.
__________ comes from judges’ decisions that are based on common sense or previous cases
a)
common law
b)
constitutional law
c)
civil law
d)
criminal law
50.
. laws passed by lawmaking bodies
a)
statutory laws
b)
appeal
c)
Constitution
d)
crime
51.
earlier decision made by a judge
a)
precedent
b)
statutory laws
c)
appeal
d)
Constitution
52.
type of law that comes from judge’s decisions
a)
common law
b)
precedent
c)
statutory laws
d)
appeal
53.
based on the Constitution and on Supreme Court decisions that interpret it
a)
constitutional law
b)
common law
c)
precedent
d)
statutory laws
54.
laws created by government agencies
a)
administrative law
b)
constitutional law
c)
common law
d)
precedent
55.
group of laws that refer to disputes between people
a)
civil law
b)
administrative law
c)
constitutional law
d)
common law
56.
laws that are intended to protect society as a whole
a)
criminal laws
b)
civil law
c)
administrative law
d)
constitutional law
57.
behavior that is illegal because society, through its government, considers the behavior harmful
a)
crime
b)
criminal laws
c)
civil law
d)
administrative law
58.
what all laws in the United States must follow in principle
a)
Constitution
b)
crime
c)
criminal laws
d)
civil law
59.
process by which a person asks a higher court to review the result of his or her trial
a)
appeal
b)
Constitution
c)
crime
d)
criminal laws
60.
A court with __________________________ has the power to review decisions made by lower courts
a)
appellate jurisdiction
b)
courts of appeals
c)
Jurisdiction
d)
District courts
61.
The Supreme Court has nine __________________________, or judges
a)
justices
b)
appellate jurisdiction
c)
courts of appeals
d)
Jurisdiction
62.
The lowest courts are trial courts, which have __________________________, or the authority to be the first courts in which most federal cases are heard
a)
original jurisdiction
b)
justices
c)
appellate jurisdiction
d)
courts of appeals
63.
___________________ are the lowest level of federal courts
a)
District courts
b)
original jurisdiction
c)
justices
d)
appellate jurisdiction
64.
___________ is defined as the scope of authority a court has to hear and decide a case brought before it
a)
Jurisdiction
b)
District courts
c)
original jurisdiction
d)
justices
65.
The __________________________ review cases that are appealed from district courts
a)
courts of appeals
b)
Jurisdiction
c)
District courts
d)
original jurisdiction
66.
There are three levels of federal courts in the United States
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
67.
Appellate jurisdiction has authority over original jurisdiction
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
68.
There is at least one district court in each state and the District of Columbia
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
69.
U.S. marshals cannot arrest people accused of breaking federal laws
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
k
70.
Jury trials take place in the courts of appeals
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
k
71.
The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the land
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
72.
All federal judges, except those in the U.S. territories, are appointed for life by the president and approved by the Senate
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
73.
All federal courts are presided over by judges approved by the president and the Senate
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
k
74.
The only courts in the federal court system in which jury trials are held are
a)
district courts
b)
courts of appeals
c)
Supreme Court
d)
appellate courts
75.
There are ______ federal district courts in the United States
a)
94
b)
45
c)
10
d)
12
76.
In a court of appeals, a panel of _______ makes a decision on the case brought before it
a)
at least 3 judges
b)
12 jurors
c)
at least 6 judges
d)
40 jurors
77.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in
a)
all of the above
b)
cases between a state and the federal government.
c)
cases between states
d)
cases involving diplomats from other countries
78.
The Constitution grants the federal courts _____ in several different kinds of court cases. This gives them the authority to hear and decide cases properly brought before them
a)
jurisdiction
b)
court-martial
c)
U.S. Supreme Court
d)
Magistrate judges
79.
The lowest federal courts are trial courts, which have_____, the authority to hear and decide a case for the first time
a)
original jurisdiction
b)
jurisdiction
c)
court-martial
d)
U.S. Supreme Court
80.
An appeal is usually made to a _____ when lawyers want the case to be reviewed by a higher court
a)
appellate court
b)
district court
c)
Supreme Court
d)
federal court
81.
There is at least one _____ in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. These courts are the courts of original jurisdiction
a)
district court
b)
appellate court
c)
Supreme Court
d)
federal court
82.
Judges on the Supreme Court are called _____
a)
Justices
b)
Judges
c)
Secretaries
d)
Lords
83.
The decisions of the _____ are final and cannot be appealed.
a)
U.S. Supreme Court
b)
Magistrate judges
c)
courts of appeals
d)
subpoenas
84.
The Constitution does not explicitly give the judicial branch the power of judicial review
a)
t
b)
f
c)
i
d)
k
85.
The Supreme Court reviews all cases that are appealed to it
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
k
86.
If the Supreme Court refuses to review a case, the decision of the lower court is reversed
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
k
87.
A justice may agree with the decision of the majority but for different reasons
a)
t
b)
f
c)
i
d)
k
88.
The Supreme Court can rule that a law passed by Congress is unconstitutional
a)
t
b)
f
c)
i
d)
k
89.
The case Plessy v. Ferguson desegregated schools
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
k
90.
By law, police must inform arrested suspects of their rights before questioning them
a)
t
b)
f
c)
i
d)
k
91.
A Supreme Court justice is appointed by the Senate and approved by the president
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
k
92.
There are no limits on the Supreme Court’s power
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
k
93.
Justices are appointed to the Supreme Court for 10-year terms
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
k
94.
The president determines the size of the Supreme Court
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
j
95.
A federal judge must meet many special requirements in order to be a Supreme Court justice
a)
f
b)
t
c)
i
d)
k
96.
If a court decides that a law conflicts with the Constitution, that law is declared unconstitutional
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
l
97.
. John Marshall’s work on the Supreme Court laid foundations for the judicial branch’s use of power
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
l
98.
All of the Supreme Court justices must agree to hear a case
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
l
99.
If the Supreme Court rules that a law is unconstitutional, Congress can try and write a better law
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
l
100.
Justices who disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court may explain their reasoning to the president
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
l
101.
In Brown v. Board of Education the Supreme Court ruled that the segregation of public schools is unconstitutional
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
l
102.
Justices can only be removed from the Supreme Court by impeachment
a)
t
b)
f
c)
j
d)
l
103.
The Supreme Court decision in 1966 of Miranda v. Arizona declared that police must inform suspects of their rights before questioning them
a)
f
b)
t
c)
j
d)
l
100 %
