Constitution And Federalism Test Period 4
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Chapters 3 and 4 in your textbook
- 1.
Which of the following is NOT true of the Articles of Confederation?
- A.
They vested all meaningful power in the states.
- B.
They represented a “league of friendship” among the states.
- C.
They provided for no judiciary.
- D.
They gave the president too much power.
- E.
They provided for a unicameral national legislature.
Correct Answer
D. They gave the president too much power.Explanation
The Articles of Confederation did not give the president too much power. In fact, they did not provide for a strong executive branch at all. The Articles vested all meaningful power in the states, represented a "league of friendship" among the states, provided for no judiciary, and established a unicameral national legislature. However, they did not grant significant powers to the president, as the executive branch was weak under the Articles of Confederation.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following is NOT true of the United States government under the Articles of Confederation?
- A.
Each state had only one vote in Congress.
- B.
Most authority rested with the United States Congress rather than the state governments
- C.
The Congress had only one house.
- D.
There was no president.
- E.
All of these are false.
Correct Answer
B. Most authority rested with the United States Congress rather than the state governmentsExplanation
During the time of the United States government under the Articles of Confederation, most authority actually rested with the state governments rather than the United States Congress. The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government, giving more power to the individual states. The Congress had limited authority and lacked the power to enforce laws or collect taxes. This decentralized system eventually proved to be ineffective, leading to the adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of a stronger federal government.Rate this question:
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- 3.
On the issue of slaves, the Constitution specified
- A.
That a gradual end to slavery must be worked out by Congress and the states within ten years
- B.
That slavery would be banned beginning in 1800
- C.
A boundary, known as the Mason-Dixon line, south of which slavery would be legal.
- D.
Nothing; it was too controversial a subject, and the delegates could not agree on anything regarding it.
- E.
That slaves would count as three-fifths of a person for counting the nation’s population and determining seats in the House.
Correct Answer
E. That slaves would count as three-fifths of a person for counting the nation’s population and determining seats in the House.Explanation
The correct answer is that slaves would count as three-fifths of a person for counting the nation's population and determining seats in the House. This provision, known as the Three-Fifths Compromise, was included in the Constitution to address the issue of representation for states with large slave populations. It determined that for the purposes of determining the number of seats each state would have in the House of Representatives, enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person. This compromise was a result of the disagreement between states with and without slavery, and it aimed to balance the interests of both sides.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Connecticut Compromise at the Constitutional Convention
- A.
Resolved the impasse between those who favored the New Jersey Plan and those who preferred the Virginia Plan.
- B.
Added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution in order to lessen concerns about too much power for the new government.
- C.
Settled the dispute about whether slavery should be permitted in the final Constitution.
- D.
Threw out the idea of having a monarch in the United States, opting instead for an indirectly elected president.
- E.
Involved their own states.
Correct Answer
A. Resolved the impasse between those who favored the New Jersey Plan and those who preferred the Virginia Plan.Explanation
The Connecticut Compromise at the Constitutional Convention resolved the impasse between those who favored the New Jersey Plan and those who preferred the Virginia Plan. This compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, proposed a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate (favoring the small states) and proportional representation in the House of Representatives (favoring the large states). This compromise satisfied both sides and established the structure of the legislative branch in the United States government.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Regarding the right to vote in national elections, the Framers of the Constitution
- A.
Required that all free, adult males with property worth at least $50 be allowed to vote.
- B.
Decided to leave it up to the individual states to determine voter qualifications in their own states.
- C.
Finally granted women the right to vote.
- D.
Included a requirement that all free, adult males be allowed to vote.
- E.
Provided that free men and women over the age of 20 be allowed to vote.
Correct Answer
B. Decided to leave it up to the individual states to determine voter qualifications in their own states.Explanation
The Framers of the Constitution decided to leave it up to the individual states to determine voter qualifications in their own states. This means that each state had the authority to set its own requirements for who could vote in national elections. This decision allowed for flexibility and variation in voting rights across the country, as different states could have different criteria for determining voter eligibility.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following was NOT a power given to Congress by the Constitution in terms of the economy?
- A.
The ability to levy taxes
- B.
The ability to pay debts
- C.
The ability to force states to abolish slavery
- D.
The ability to borrow money
- E.
The ability to regulate interstate and intrastate foreign commerce
Correct Answer
C. The ability to force states to abolish slaveryExplanation
The Constitution did not give Congress the power to force states to abolish slavery. This power was not granted to Congress in order to appease the Southern states who relied heavily on slavery for their economy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The Framers of the Constitution gave chief economic policymaking power to the
- A.
Courts
- B.
States.
- C.
U.S. Congress
- D.
President.
- E.
Federal Reserve Board
Correct Answer
C. U.S. CongressExplanation
The Framers of the Constitution gave chief economic policymaking power to the U.S. Congress. This is because the Constitution grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce, levy taxes, and spend money. The Framers believed that the legislative branch should have the primary responsibility for making economic decisions and setting economic policies for the country. By giving this power to Congress, they ensured that economic decisions would be made by elected representatives who are accountable to the people.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Ratification of the Constitution
- A.
Needed the approval of nine states.
- B.
Needed the approval of a majority of the people.
- C.
Occurred when it was approved by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention
- D.
Needed the approval of all the states.
- E.
Was by a two-thirds vote of the Continental Congress
Correct Answer
A. Needed the approval of nine states.Explanation
The correct answer is "needed the approval of nine states." This is because ratification of the Constitution required the approval of at least nine out of the thirteen states. This process ensured that a majority of the states agreed to adopt the new Constitution, providing a level of consensus among the states before it could go into effect.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of these has no formal role in amending the Constitution?
- A.
The states
- B.
The House of Representatives
- C.
The president
- D.
The Senate
- E.
None of the above; they all have a formal role in amending the Constitution.
Correct Answer
C. The presidentExplanation
The president has no formal role in amending the Constitution. The process of amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V, which grants the power to propose amendments to Congress, specifically the House of Representatives and the Senate. Once proposed, amendments must be ratified by the states. The president's role is limited to signing or vetoing legislation passed by Congress, but they do not have a direct role in the amendment process.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress and the executive branch are constitutional is called
- A.
Judicial review
- B.
Stare decisis
- C.
Precedent.
- D.
Laissez-faire.
- E.
Liberalism.
Correct Answer
A. Judicial reviewExplanation
Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress and the executive branch are constitutional. This power allows the judiciary to review and potentially invalidate laws or actions that are found to be in violation of the Constitution. It is an essential aspect of the system of checks and balances in a democratic society, ensuring that the actions of the legislative and executive branches are in line with the principles and limitations established by the Constitution. Stare decisis, precedent, laissez-faire, and liberalism are not accurate descriptions of this power.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Judicial review was established in
- A.
Marbury v. Madison
- B.
McCulloch v. Maryland
- C.
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.
- D.
U.S. v. Lopez
- E.
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Correct Answer
A. Marbury v. MadisonExplanation
Marbury v. Madison is the correct answer because this landmark Supreme Court case in 1803 established the principle of judicial review in the United States. In this case, the Court declared that it had the power to review the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and could strike them down if they were found to be unconstitutional. This decision solidified the Court's role as the ultimate arbiter of the Constitution and greatly expanded its power and influence in the American legal system.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Some scholars have suggested that a consequence of separation of powers and checks and balances has been
- A.
An inability of groups to get their grievances heard.
- B.
Gridlock and inadequate policy.
- C.
Tyranny of the majority
- D.
Streamlined but hasty government decision making
- E.
Political instability
Correct Answer
B. Gridlock and inadequate policy.Explanation
The separation of powers and checks and balances in a government system are designed to prevent any one group or branch from gaining too much power. However, this can lead to gridlock and inadequate policy-making as different groups and branches may struggle to reach consensus or make timely decisions. This can result in a lack of progress and hinder the government's ability to effectively address grievances and implement effective policies.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Constitution’s provision that Congress has the right to “make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution” its powers is often referred to as the
- A.
Enumerated powers
- B.
Heart of fiscal federalism
- C.
Unwritten Amendment
- D.
Elastic clause
- E.
Privileges and immunities
Correct Answer
D. Elastic clauseExplanation
The correct answer is "elastic clause." The elastic clause refers to the provision in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. This clause allows Congress to interpret and expand its powers as needed, giving it flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances and addressing new challenges. The elastic clause has been a subject of debate and controversy, as it can be seen as either a necessary tool for effective governance or as a potential source of abuse of power.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Enumerated powers are those that are
- A.
Reserved for the states
- B.
Stated in the Constitution
- C.
Implied in the Constitution
- D.
Involving money matters
- E.
Granted specifically to the president
Correct Answer
B. Stated in the ConstitutionExplanation
The correct answer is "stated in the Constitution". Enumerated powers are powers that are specifically listed or stated in the Constitution. These powers are granted to the federal government and are limited to those explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. This is in contrast to implied powers, which are not explicitly stated but are derived from the necessary and proper clause. Enumerated powers ensure a system of checks and balances and help define the scope and limitations of the federal government's authority.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Defense of Marriage Act
- A.
Permits states to disregard same-sex marriages or civil unions of same-sex partners issued in other states
- B.
Prohibits states from issuing same-sex marriages or civil unions to same-sex partners.
- C.
Requires states to issue same-sex marriages and civil unions to same-sex partners.
- D.
Requires states to recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions issued in other states for same-sex partners.
- E.
Requires states to provide the same rights to same-sex couples that they provide to heterosexual couples.
Correct Answer
A. Permits states to disregard same-sex marriages or civil unions of same-sex partners issued in other statesExplanation
The Defense of Marriage Act allows states to ignore same-sex marriages or civil unions that were performed in other states. This means that even if a same-sex couple is legally married or in a civil union in one state, another state can choose not to recognize or provide any legal benefits or protections to that couple.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Cooperative federalism refers to a system in which
- A.
The national government and the state governments share powers and policy assignments.
- B.
The national government and the state governments have clearly defined, distinct powers and policy assignments.
- C.
The national government reigns supreme over the state governments.
- D.
The state governments reign supreme over the national government
- E.
None of the above is true.
Correct Answer
A. The national government and the state governments share powers and policy assignments.Explanation
Cooperative federalism refers to a system in which the national government and the state governments share powers and policy assignments. This means that both levels of government work together and collaborate in decision-making and policy implementation. It is a model of federalism where power is not concentrated solely in the national government or the state governments, but rather shared between them. This allows for a more balanced and cooperative approach to governance, where both levels of government can contribute to the development and implementation of policies that affect the entire country.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Devolution refers to
- A.
Transferring responsibility for policies from the state governments to the national government.
- B.
Transferring responsibility for policies from the national government to state governments.
- C.
Returning to the politics of nineteenth-century federalism.
- D.
Unwinding federalism and moving toward a unitary system.
- E.
A movement among liberal activist judges to expand Congress’ interstate commerce power.
Correct Answer
B. Transferring responsibility for policies from the national government to state governments.Explanation
Devolution refers to transferring responsibility for policies from the national government to state governments. This means that the national government delegates certain powers and responsibilities to the state governments, allowing them to make decisions and implement policies that are more tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. This decentralization of power helps to promote local governance, enhance democracy, and provide greater autonomy to the states in managing their own affairs.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The main instrument the national government uses to influence state governments is
- A.
Grants-in-aid.
- B.
Mandates.
- C.
Judicial review.
- D.
The Tenth Amendment.
- E.
Presidential decrees.
Correct Answer
A. Grants-in-aid.Explanation
The correct answer is grants-in-aid. Grants-in-aid are funds provided by the national government to state governments for specific purposes or projects. This is a powerful tool used by the national government to influence state governments because it allows them to provide financial assistance and incentives to states in exchange for their compliance with national policies or objectives. By providing grants-in-aid, the national government can shape state policies and actions in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Grants for specific programs distributed according to community demographic factors, such as population or income, are
- A.
Formula grants.
- B.
Categorical grants
- C.
Revenue-sharing grants
- D.
Project grants.
- E.
Block grants.
Correct Answer
A. Formula grants.Explanation
Grants for specific programs distributed according to community demographic factors, such as population or income, are known as formula grants. This means that the allocation of funds is based on a predetermined formula that takes into account certain demographic factors. These grants are typically used to address specific needs or issues within a community and are distributed to eligible recipients based on the formula criteria. Categorical grants, revenue-sharing grants, project grants, and block grants may also be used for funding specific programs, but they are not specifically tied to community demographic factors like formula grants are.Rate this question:
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- 20.
When Congress passes a law creating financial obligations for the states but provides no funds for states to meet those obligations, it is called a(n)
- A.
Crossover sanction.
- B.
Crosscutting requirement.
- C.
Unfunded mandate.
- D.
Categorical grant.
- E.
Block grant.
Correct Answer
C. Unfunded mandate.Explanation
When Congress passes a law creating financial obligations for the states but provides no funds for states to meet those obligations, it is called an unfunded mandate. This means that the states are required to comply with the law and fulfill the obligations without receiving any financial support from the federal government. This can put a significant burden on the states' budgets and resources, as they are left to find ways to fund and implement the mandated requirements on their own.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Federalism is a way of organizing a nation so that
- A.
Power is centralized in state and local government
- B.
Both national and state levels of government have some authority over the same land and people
- C.
There is one federal government, and all regional governments are administrative subunits of it.
- D.
Power is centralized in the national government.
- E.
There are three branches of government and a system of checks and balances.
Correct Answer
B. Both national and state levels of government have some authority over the same land and peopleExplanation
The correct answer is that both national and state levels of government have some authority over the same land and people. This is the essence of federalism, where power is divided between a central government and regional governments. It allows for a balance of power and the ability for each level of government to have some degree of autonomy in governing their respective jurisdictions.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments are collectively known as the
- A.
Equal rights amendments
- B.
Reconstruction amendments
- C.
Civil War amendments
- D.
Women’s rights amendments
- E.
Failure of prohibition
Correct Answer
C. Civil War amendmentsExplanation
The thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments are collectively known as the Civil War amendments because they were enacted during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War. These amendments were aimed at addressing the issues of slavery, citizenship, equal protection under the law, and voting rights for African Americans. The thirteenth amendment abolished slavery, the fourteenth amendment granted equal protection and citizenship rights to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, and the fifteenth amendment prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race or color.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The supremacy clause
- A.
Establishes the Constitution, laws of the national government, and treaties as the supreme law of the land.
- B.
Establishes the Supreme Court as the final arbiter in all civil and criminal disputes.
- C.
. declares that the national government is superior to the states in every concern.
- D.
States that powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by the states, are reserved to the states.
- E.
States that the people are the supreme authority in the United States and that the government shall be subservient to them.
Correct Answer
A. Establishes the Constitution, laws of the national government, and treaties as the supreme law of the land.Explanation
The supremacy clause establishes the Constitution, laws of the national government, and treaties as the supreme law of the land. This means that any state or local laws that conflict with the Constitution or federal laws are invalid. It ensures that the federal government has the ultimate authority and that its laws and treaties take precedence over any conflicting state laws. This clause helps maintain the balance of power between the federal government and the states, ensuring a unified legal system throughout the country.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Fifteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution have what in common?
- A.
They each pertain to the voting rights of African Americans.
- B.
They each were a direct result of the Civil War.
- C.
They each contributed to the expansion of the electorate.ns.
- D.
They each contributed to the shrinkage of the electorate.ns.
- E.
They each are part of the Bill of Rights.
Correct Answer
C. They each contributed to the expansion of the electorate.ns.Explanation
The Fifteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-fifth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution each contributed to the expansion of the electorate. These amendments granted or protected the voting rights of various groups of people. The Fifteenth Amendment granted African American men the right to vote, the Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote, the Twenty-third Amendment granted residents of Washington D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections, the Twenty-fourth Amendment prohibited poll taxes, which disproportionately affected African Americans, and the Twenty-fifth Amendment addressed the presidential succession and disability.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Over time, there has been a gradual change from a dual federalism to a(n) ________ federalism.
- A.
Unitary
- B.
Single
- C.
Tripartite
- D.
Cooperative
- E.
Fiscal
Correct Answer
D. CooperativeExplanation
The question is asking for the term that completes the sentence "Over time, there has been a gradual change from a dual federalism to a ________ federalism." The term that best fits this sentence is "cooperative" federalism. This is because cooperative federalism refers to a system where the national and state governments work together and share powers and responsibilities. This is in contrast to dual federalism, where the national and state governments operate independently and have distinct spheres of authority.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The set of interactions among national, state, and local governments is called
- A.
Pluralism.
- B.
Bicameralism.
- C.
Hyperpluralism.
- D.
Intergovernmental relations.
- E.
International relations.
Correct Answer
D. Intergovernmental relations.Explanation
Intergovernmental relations refers to the interactions and relationships between national, state, and local governments. It involves the sharing of responsibilities, coordination of policies, and cooperation among these different levels of government. This term accurately describes the set of interactions among national, state, and local governments, making it the correct answer. Pluralism refers to a political theory, bicameralism refers to a legislative structure, hyperpluralism refers to an extreme form of pluralism, and international relations refers to interactions between different countries.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Which of the following is one way that federalism may have a negative effect on democracy?
- A.
Federalism may increase inequities between and among states.
- B.
Federalism tends to increase conflict at the national level.
- C.
Federalism tends to decrease opportunities for citizens to participate in government.
- D.
Federalism may encourage electoral dissent.
- E.
None of these is an example of how federalism may have a negative effect on democracy.
Correct Answer
A. Federalism may increase inequities between and among states.Explanation
Federalism may have a negative effect on democracy by increasing inequities between and among states. This is because federalism allows for the distribution of power between the central government and state governments, which can lead to disparities in resources, policies, and opportunities among different states. These inequities can undermine the principle of equal representation and participation in a democratic system.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The Constitution grants the power to directly regulate such things as drinking ages, marriage and divorce, and sexual behavior to
- A.
All governments by the Bill of Rights.
- B.
The national government.
- C.
The president
- D.
State governments.
- E.
both the state and national governments
Correct Answer
D. State governments.Explanation
The correct answer is state governments. The Constitution grants the power to directly regulate drinking ages, marriage and divorce, and sexual behavior to state governments. This means that each state has the authority to set its own laws and regulations regarding these matters, rather than the national government or the president having the sole power to do so. The Bill of Rights ensures that state governments have the ability to exercise these powers without interference from the national government.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Almost every policy the national government has adopted has originated with
- A.
The Senate
- B.
The states.
- C.
The House of Representatives
- D.
The Supreme Court.
- E.
The president.
Correct Answer
B. The states.Explanation
The correct answer is "the states." This is because the national government's policies are often influenced by the needs and demands of individual states. The states play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions through their representatives in Congress and through their ability to pass laws and regulations at the state level. The national government takes into account the diverse needs and perspectives of the states when formulating policies to ensure a balanced and inclusive approach.Rate this question:
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- 30.
What was the purpose of the Twenty-sixth Amendment?
- A.
To give African Americans the right to vote
- B.
To give women the right to vote
- C.
To prohibit flag burning
- D.
To lower the voting age to 18
- E.
To abolish slavery
Correct Answer
D. To lower the voting age to 18Explanation
The purpose of the Twenty-sixth Amendment was to lower the voting age to 18. This amendment was ratified in 1971 in response to the Vietnam War and the argument that if 18-year-olds were old enough to fight and die for their country, they should also have the right to vote. Prior to this amendment, the voting age in the United States was 21.Rate this question:
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- 31.
What are three of the five rights guaranteed by the First Amendment?
- 32.
What two rights are guaranteed by the Second amendment?
- 33.
What right is guaranteed by the Third Amendment?
- 34.
What two rights are guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment?
- 35.
What are three of the five rights guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment?
- 36.
What are three of the six rights guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment?
- 37.
Cizitens' rights in ___________ cases are protected by the Seventh Amendment.
- A.
Civil
- B.
Criminal
- C.
International
- D.
Maritime
- E.
Interstate
Correct Answer
A. CivilExplanation
The correct answer is Civil. The Seventh Amendment protects citizens' rights in civil cases. Civil cases involve disputes between individuals or organizations, such as personal injury claims, contract disputes, or property disputes. This amendment ensures that individuals have the right to a jury trial in civil cases, providing them with the opportunity to present their case before a jury of their peers. It also prevents the government from overturning a jury's decision in civil cases.Rate this question:
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- 38.
What are two of the three rights protected by the Eighth Amendment?
- 39.
The Nineth Amendment states that; "the___________ in the Constitution, of certain________ , shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the____________.
- A.
Suggestion, powers, national government
- B.
Enumeration, powers, people
- C.
Suggestion, rights, states
- D.
Enumeration, rights, people
- E.
Suggestion, powers, states
Correct Answer
D. Enumeration, rights, peopleExplanation
The Ninth Amendment of the Constitution states that the enumeration of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage other rights retained by the people. This means that just because certain rights are explicitly listed in the Constitution does not mean that those are the only rights that people have. The amendment recognizes that there are other rights that are not specifically mentioned but are still protected.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Summarize the Tenth Amendment and describe its importance to our federal system.
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