MA Bar Constitutional Law 2

Question 1

Under the Fourth Amendment, which standard governs whether an investigative stop (Terry stop) is constitutional?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable suspicion

Answer

A Terry stop requires only reasonable suspicion—articulable facts suggesting criminal activity—rather than the higher probable cause standard needed for a full arrest.

Question 2

Which Supreme Court standard applies to a law that classifies based on gender?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate scrutiny

Answer

Gender-based classifications are reviewed under intermediate scrutiny, requiring the government to show the law is substantially related to an important governmental interest.

Question 3

A state law conflicts with a valid federal statute. Under the Supremacy Clause, the result is:

Accepted Answer

The federal law preempts the state law

Answer

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

Question 4

Which constitutional provision most directly protects against warrantless searches of a person's home?

Accepted Answer

Fourth Amendment

Answer

The Fourth Amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the home receives its strongest protection—warrantless entries are presumptively unreasonable.

Question 5

Under substantive due process, which right has been recognized as 'fundamental,' triggering strict scrutiny?

Accepted Answer

Right to interstate travel

Answer

The right to travel interstate has been recognized as a fundamental right under substantive due process, requiring strict scrutiny for laws that burden it.

MA Bar - Massachusetts Bar Exam Practice Test

MA Bar - Massachusetts Bar Exam Practice Test

MA Bar Constitutional Law 2