2.
The Legislative Branch has to power to declare war.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Legislative Branch has the power to declare war. This is because according to the United States Constitution, the power to declare war is vested in Congress, which is part of the Legislative Branch. This means that only Congress has the authority to officially start a war or authorize the use of military force. The president, who is part of the Executive Branch, cannot declare war on their own. This system of checks and balances ensures that the decision to go to war is a collective one, made by the representatives of the people.
3.
Pardoning people convicted of crimes is a power reserved for which branch of government?
Correct Answer
A. Executive
Explanation
The power of pardoning people convicted of crimes is a power reserved for the Executive branch of government. This branch, which includes the President or Governor, depending on the level of government, has the authority to grant pardons, commutations, and reprieves. This power allows them to forgive or reduce the punishment of individuals who have been convicted of crimes. It is an important tool that the Executive branch can use to correct injustices or show mercy in certain cases.
4.
What body is head of the Judicial Branch?
Correct Answer
A. The Supreme Court
Explanation
The Supreme Court is the head of the Judicial Branch. As the highest court in the United States, it has the power to interpret and apply the law, making it the final authority on legal matters. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices who are appointed for life by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Its primary role is to ensure that laws and actions are constitutional, and it has the power to overturn decisions made by lower courts. Therefore, it is the correct answer for the head of the Judicial Branch.
5.
Although not outlined in the Constitution, the Supreme Court secured for itself the power to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the power of the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional is known as judicial review. Although not explicitly stated in the Constitution, the Supreme Court established this power through the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803. In this case, Chief Justice John Marshall declared that it is the duty of the Court to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws. This decision solidified the Supreme Court's authority to review and invalidate acts of Congress if they are found to be in violation of the Constitution.
6.
Which branch of government has the power to coin money?
Correct Answer
A. Legislative
Explanation
The branch of government that has the power to coin money is the Legislative branch. This branch is responsible for creating and passing laws, including those related to currency and monetary policy. The power to coin money is explicitly granted to Congress in the United States Constitution. This allows the Legislative branch to control and regulate the country's currency, ensuring stability and uniformity in the monetary system.
7.
The Legislative Branch has no power to impeach the president, or any other executive member.
Correct Answer
A. False
Explanation
The statement is false because the Legislative Branch does have the power to impeach the president, as well as other executive members. Impeachment is a process by which the legislative body can bring charges against a high-ranking government official for misconduct or abuse of power. In the United States, for example, the House of Representatives has the power to impeach the president, while the Senate has the power to conduct the trial and potentially remove the president from office.
8.
As a way to check the power of the Judicial Branch, members must be appointed by what other branch of government?
Correct Answer
A. Executive
Explanation
Members of the Judicial Branch must be appointed by the Executive Branch as a way to check the power of the Judiciary. This ensures that the appointment process is independent and free from political influence. The Executive Branch, headed by the President, has the authority to nominate and appoint judges to the federal courts, including the Supreme Court. This separation of powers helps maintain a system of checks and balances within the government.
9.
The president has the power of veto.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The president has the power of veto, which means they can reject or refuse to sign a bill that has been passed by Congress. This power allows the president to prevent a bill from becoming a law, unless it is overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This power is an important part of the checks and balances system in the United States government, giving the president the ability to influence legislation.
10.
Which of these is not a power given to the president?
Correct Answer
A. Deciding conflicts between state governments
Explanation
The president does not have the power to decide conflicts between state governments. This power is given to the judicial branch of government, specifically the Supreme Court. The president does have the power to nominate people for federal offices, send and receive foreign ambassadors, and negotiate treaties with other nations.
11.
The Supreme Court does not have appellate jurisdiction over cases heard in lower courts?
Correct Answer
A. False
Explanation
The Supreme Court does have appellate jurisdiction over cases heard in lower courts. As the highest court in the land, it has the power to review and overturn decisions made by lower courts. This allows individuals who are dissatisfied with the outcome of their case in a lower court to seek further review and potentially have their case heard by the Supreme Court. Therefore, the statement that the Supreme Court does not have appellate jurisdiction over cases heard in lower courts is false.