AK Bar Alaska Constitutional Law 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the Alaska Constitution require regarding the state's natural resources?
- They must be sold to private parties
- They must be utilized, developed, and maintained for the maximum benefit of the people (Correct answer)
- They must be preserved untouched
- They must be federally managed
Correct answer: They must be utilized, developed, and maintained for the maximum benefit of the people
Article VIII, Section 2 requires that Alaska's natural resources be managed for the maximum benefit of its people.
Question 2: Under the Alaska Constitution, what is the minimum age to serve as Governor?
- 25
- 30 (Correct answer)
- 35
- 40
Correct answer: 30
Article III, Section 2 requires the Governor to be at least 30 years old.
Question 3: The Alaska Supreme Court has how many justices under the state constitution?
- Five (Correct answer)
- Seven
- Nine
- Three
Correct answer: Five
The Alaska Supreme Court consists of five justices, including a Chief Justice.
Question 4: Which body initially selects Alaska Supreme Court justices?
- The Governor alone
- The legislature
- The Alaska Judicial Council (Correct answer)
- Direct popular election
Correct answer: The Alaska Judicial Council
The Alaska Judicial Council nominates candidates and the Governor appoints from that list under a merit selection system.
Question 5: After appointment, Alaska Supreme Court justices face voters in what type of election?
- Contested partisan election
- Contested nonpartisan election
- Retention election (Correct answer)
- No election required
Correct answer: Retention election
Alaska Supreme Court justices face retention elections where voters decide yes or no on keeping them in office.
Question 6: The Alaska Constitution's equal rights provision prohibits discrimination based on what characteristic among others?
- Age only
- Sex only
- Race, color, creed, sex, and national origin (Correct answer)
- Political affiliation only
Correct answer: Race, color, creed, sex, and national origin
Article I, Section 3 prohibits denial of civil rights based on race, color, creed, sex, and national origin.
What does the Alaska Constitution require regarding the state's natural resources?