JD Constitutional Law 3

Question 1

Which constitutional amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States?

Accepted Answer

Thirteenth Amendment

Answer

The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime.

Question 2

Under the Supremacy Clause, what happens when a valid federal law conflicts with a state law?

Accepted Answer

The federal law preempts the state law

Answer

The Supremacy Clause of Article VI makes the Constitution and valid federal laws the supreme law of the land, preempting conflicting state laws.

Question 3

The 'void for vagueness' doctrine under the Due Process Clause invalidates laws that fail to do what?

Accepted Answer

Give fair notice of prohibited conduct

Answer

A law is unconstitutionally vague if it does not give persons of ordinary intelligence fair notice of what conduct is prohibited and invites arbitrary enforcement.

Question 4

Which amendment extended voting rights to citizens regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude?

Accepted Answer

Fifteenth Amendment

Answer

The Fifteenth Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Question 5

In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), the Supreme Court held that a public official suing for defamation must prove what?

Accepted Answer

Actual malice (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth)

Answer

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan requires public officials to prove actual malice — that the defendant knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for its truth.

JD - Juris Doctor or a Doctor of Jurisprudence Practice Test

JD - Juris Doctor or a Doctor of Jurisprudence Practice Test

JD Constitutional Law 3