1.
Which one of the following is NOT true about the federal district courts?
Correct Answer
C. They hear appeals from municipal, county, and state courts
Explanation
The federal district courts do not hear appeals from municipal, county, and state courts. Appeals from these courts are usually heard by higher appellate courts, such as the circuit courts of appeals or state supreme courts. Federal district courts are the entry points for most litigation in the federal court system, they have jurisdiction over diversity of citizenship cases, they hold trials and impanel juries, and each district has between 2 and 28 judges.
2.
A plaintiff cannot bring suit unless he or she has fulfilled which of the following requirements?
Correct Answer
E. Established standing to sue
Explanation
To bring a suit, a plaintiff must establish standing to sue. This means that they must demonstrate a personal stake or interest in the outcome of the case. Without standing, a plaintiff does not have the legal right to initiate a lawsuit. The other options listed are not requirements for bringing a suit. Paying bail may be necessary for release from custody, filing an amicus curiae brief is a way for a third party to provide information to the court, appealing the case is a post-trial action, and hiring a public defender is an option for those who cannot afford legal representation.
3.
Which of the following statements are true about the cases on the Supreme Court's docket?
I. The Supreme Court tries to hear every case that is appealed to it
II. Cases pertaining to civil liberties are more likely to be placed on the docket
III. The US solicitor general decides which cases the Supreme Court will hear
IV. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving civil disputes among residents of a particular state
Correct Answer
A. II only
Explanation
The correct answer is II only. This means that only statement II is true about the cases on the Supreme Court's docket. The statement states that cases pertaining to civil liberties are more likely to be placed on the docket. This suggests that the Supreme Court prioritizes cases that involve civil liberties issues over other types of cases.
4.
Courts with appellate jurisdiction focus their attention on which aspect of a case?
Correct Answer
D. The legal issues involved in the original case
Explanation
Courts with appellate jurisdiction focus their attention on the legal issues involved in the original case. Appellate courts do not re-examine the facts or evidence presented in the original trial, but rather review the legal arguments and decisions made by the lower court. They analyze whether the lower court correctly applied the law and determine if any errors were made in the legal process. The focus is on ensuring that the law was correctly interpreted and applied, rather than reevaluating the facts of the case.
5.
Congress influences the ideology of the Supreme Court by
Correct Answer
C. Approving or rejecting the president's nomination of Supreme Court justices
Explanation
Congress influences the ideology of the Supreme Court by approving or rejecting the president's nomination of Supreme Court justices. This is because the president's nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which is part of Congress. By approving or rejecting the president's choice, Congress can have a say in the ideological makeup of the Supreme Court. This process allows Congress to shape the court's ideology by either confirming nominees who align with their own views or rejecting those who do not.
6.
All of the following statements accurately describe the federal court system EXCEPT
Correct Answer
B. Federal courts only handle cases involving federal laws
Explanation
The given answer is correct because it accurately describes the federal court system. Federal courts do not only handle cases involving federal laws, but they also handle cases involving state laws and constitutional issues. Federal courts have jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Therefore, the statement that federal courts only handle cases involving federal laws is incorrect.
7.
Which of the following is the most frequent outcome of a case on the Supreme Court's docket?
Correct Answer
E. The lower court's decision stands
Explanation
The most frequent outcome of a case on the Supreme Court's docket is that the lower court's decision stands. This means that the Supreme Court chooses not to intervene and allows the decision made by the lower court to remain in effect. This could be because the Supreme Court agrees with the lower court's decision, or because they do not believe the case presents a significant enough issue to warrant their review.
8.
The decision of a federal court is most likely determined by
Correct Answer
C. Precedents set in similar cases
Explanation
A federal court decision is most likely determined by precedents set in similar cases. Precedents refer to previous court rulings that have established a legal principle or interpretation of the law. Federal courts often follow these precedents to ensure consistency and fairness in the application of the law. By considering how similar cases have been decided in the past, judges can establish a legal framework and provide guidance for their own decision-making process. This helps to promote predictability and stability in the legal system.
9.
Which of the following methods is an interest group most likely to use to influence the federal judiciary?
Correct Answer
C. Filing amicus curiae briefs
Explanation
An interest group is most likely to use the method of filing amicus curiae briefs to influence the federal judiciary. This method allows the interest group to provide additional information or arguments to the court in cases that may affect their interests. By filing these briefs, the interest group can present their perspective and try to sway the court's decision in a way that aligns with their goals or objectives. It is a common and effective strategy used by interest groups to shape judicial outcomes.
10.
What is the significance of the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison?
Correct Answer
B. It established the Supreme Court's power to exercise judicial review
Explanation
The significance of the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison is that it established the Supreme Court's power to exercise judicial review. Judicial review allows the Court to declare laws or actions by the other branches of government as unconstitutional. This decision was crucial in defining the role of the Supreme Court as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution and ensuring the balance of power among the three branches of government. It solidified the Court's authority and has had a lasting impact on American constitutional law.