IL Bar Constitutional Law 2

Question 1

Under the Equal Protection Clause, which classification triggers strict scrutiny?

Accepted Answer

Race

Answer

Age

Answer

Disability

Answer

Wealth

Question 2

The Eleventh Amendment generally bars suits in federal court against states. Which of the following is NOT an exception to this bar?

Accepted Answer

Suits by foreign nations against a state

Answer

Congressional abrogation under Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment

Answer

State consent to suit

Answer

Suits against state officers for prospective injunctive relief

Question 3

When Congress exercises its Commerce Clause power, it may regulate which of the following under current doctrine?

Accepted Answer

The channels of interstate commerce

Answer

Purely intrastate non-economic activity with no substantial effect on interstate commerce

Answer

Activities that have no rational basis connection to commerce whatsoever

Answer

Gun possession near schools as a standalone measure

Question 4

A state law requires all residents to attend a government-sponsored civic ceremony. Which clause is most directly violated?

Accepted Answer

Free Speech Clause

Answer

Free Exercise Clause

Answer

Establishment Clause

Answer

Substantive Due Process

Question 5

Under the non-delegation doctrine, Congress may delegate legislative power to administrative agencies provided it establishes:

Accepted Answer

An intelligible principle guiding the agency's discretion

Answer

Detailed procedural rules

Answer

Senate confirmation for all agency decisions

Answer

Judicial review of every agency action

Question 6

Which test governs whether a public official can recover for defamation under the First Amendment?

Accepted Answer

Actual malice — knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth

Answer

Negligence standard

Answer

Strict liability

Answer

Preponderance of the evidence of falsity