WorksheetsKnowledge Check #4: Separation of Power/ Checks Balances/Federal
Total questions: 19
Worksheet time: 13mins
From the image consider: Which of the following checks on the judicial branch is the author most likely commenting on?
Which of the following checks could the judicial branch be using on the legislative branch as shown in the image ?
Which of the following statements best explains the author's message in the image?
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the separation of powers is integral to the Constitution not to preserve the prerogatives of each branch of government but to divide governmental powers among the branches so as to keep power diffused—and thereby limited and protective of personal freedom. . . .
Thus, even if one branch of government consented to ceding an essential power to another branch, such a giveaway would be unconstitutional. . . .
Can the president legally use military force to attack a foreign land without a serious threat or legal obligation or a declaration of war from Congress? In a word: No. Here is the back story. . . .
. . . [A] bipartisan group of senators offered legislation supported by the president that . . . would permit a president to strike whomever and wherever he pleases. The president would be restrained only by a vote of Congress—after hostilities have commenced.
Such a statute would give the president far more powers than he has now, would directly violate Congress’ war-making powers by ceding them away to the president, would defy the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of giving away core governmental functions, would commit the U.S. to foreign wars without congressional and thus popular support, and would invite dangerous mischief by any president wanting to attack any enemy—real or imagined, old or new—for foreign or domestic political purposes, whether American interests are at stake or not.
Andrew Napolitano, “At War with the Separation of Powers,” The Washington Times, 2018
Which of the following principles of government is most related to the author’s argument in the passage?
Separation of powers is necessary to our constitutional system to limit the power of the three branches and guarantee limited government.
The president’s power is constitutionally permitted to expand during times of crisis, which can lead to the use of force without permission from Congress.
As the legislative branch, Congress is authorized to change the constitutional balance of power whenever it deems necessary.
Separation of powers guarantees that each branch can focus on what it does best, but in some cases one branch may voluntarily cede power to another branch.
Which of the following describes a possible method that can check the power of the president who willingly violates the constitutional balance of power as described in the passage?
Congress can pass a law that removes the president from office.
The Supreme Court can rule that the presidential election results are null and void based on the actions of the president.
States can recall the president through a special election process.
Congress can impeach and remove a president who is unable or unwilling to perform his or her official functions.
Which of the following political processes would best solve the problem regarding the system of checks and balances, as articulated by the author in the passage?
The president agrees to lift sanctions and signs a peace treaty with another country without waiting for the approval from Congress.
Congress cuts the budget from the Armed Forces without getting presidential approval to prevent the president from sending troops abroad.
The Supreme Court rules on a suit brought by an interest group that legislation permitting the president to launch military strikes without congressional approval is unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court refuses to take a case on legislation that permits the president to launch military strikes without congressional approval.
What mechanism did the Founders embed in the Constitution have a final resolution in cases where state and national government disagree on policy?
Necessary and Proper Clause
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Supremacy Clause
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Which of the following explanations best explains the difference between enumerated and implied powers in the Constitution?
Implied powers are specifically listed in the Constitution, while enumerated powers may go beyond the list as needed but in line with the Constitution
Enumerated powers are specifically listed in the Constitution, while implied powers may go beyond the specific list as needed
Enumerated powers are only for state governments while implied powers are for only the national government
Implied powers give state governments flexibility while enumerated powers keep national government in its proper place with limited room for expansion
The Supremacy Clause states that:
Only the U.S. may regulate interstate commerce
Slave trade could not be banned in the capitol for 20 years
States cannot discriminate against citizens of other states
U.S. laws and court cases overrule any state policies
How is the 10th amendment different from the Enumerated powers in the Constitution?
The 10th amendment's list of powers is more restrictive
The enumerated powers are vaguely worded
The enumerated powers cannot be challenged in court while 10th amendment powers can be
The 10th amendment reserves future unknown powers for states
