CFPT U.S. Government and Civics 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the constitutional term length for a U.S. federal district court judge?
- Six years
- Ten years
- Life tenure during good behavior (Correct answer)
- Fifteen years
Correct answer: Life tenure during good behavior
Article III judges, including federal district court judges, serve during 'good behavior,' which effectively means life tenure.
Question 2: Which body has the sole constitutional authority to declare war on behalf of the United States?
- The President
- The Secretary of Defense
- Congress (Correct answer)
- The National Security Council
Correct answer: Congress
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power to declare war.
Question 3: The concept of 'judicial review'âthe power of courts to invalidate unconstitutional lawsâwas established in which landmark Supreme Court case?
- McCulloch v. Maryland
- Marbury v. Madison (Correct answer)
- Gibbons v. Ogden
- Dred Scott v. Sandford
Correct answer: Marbury v. Madison
Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the doctrine of judicial review under Chief Justice John Marshall.
Question 4: Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the federal government from abridging freedom of speech, press, and assembly?
- First Amendment (Correct answer)
- Fourth Amendment
- Fifth Amendment
- Eighth Amendment
Correct answer: First Amendment
The First Amendment protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition from government infringement.
Question 5: What is the quorum requirement for the U.S. Senate to conduct business?
- A simple majority (51 senators) (Correct answer)
- Two-thirds of senators
- Three-fifths of senators
- A majority of those present, regardless of number
Correct answer: A simple majority (51 senators)
Article I requires a majority of each chamberâ51 senatorsâto constitute a quorum to do business.
Question 6: Which constitutional provision requires states to honor the laws, public records, and judicial proceedings of other states?
- The Supremacy Clause
- The Commerce Clause
- The Full Faith and Credit Clause (Correct answer)
- The Necessary and Proper Clause
Correct answer: The Full Faith and Credit Clause
The Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV, Section 1) obligates states to recognize legal acts, records, and court rulings of other states.
Question 7: The United States Senate has how many members?
- 50
- 100 (Correct answer)
- 150
- 435
Correct answer: 100
The Senate has 100 membersâtwo senators from each of the 50 statesâserving six-year staggered terms.
CFPT U.S. Government and Civics 3
What is the constitutional term length for a U.S. federal district court judge?