MA Bar Constitutional Law 3

Question 1

Which doctrine holds that a constitutional case is not justiciable if it involves a question committed to another branch of government?

Accepted Answer

Political question doctrine

Answer

Standing doctrine

Answer

Ripeness doctrine

Answer

Mootness doctrine

Question 2

For a plaintiff to have standing in federal court, which of the following is NOT required?

Accepted Answer

A jury trial

Answer

Injury in fact

Answer

Causation

Answer

Redressability

Question 3

Under the Establishment Clause, which test historically asked whether a law had a secular purpose, neutral effect, and avoided excessive entanglement with religion?

Accepted Answer

Lemon test

Answer

Endorsement test

Answer

Coercion test

Answer

Neutrality test

Question 4

The Eleventh Amendment generally bars federal suits against:

Accepted Answer

State governments by citizens of another state or foreign nation

Answer

Federal agencies

Answer

Private companies

Answer

Local municipalities

Question 5

Massachusetts courts have interpreted Article 14 of the Declaration of Rights (search and seizure) as providing:

Accepted Answer

Greater protections than the federal Fourth Amendment in some contexts

Answer

Identical protections to the federal Fourth Amendment

Answer

Narrower protections than the federal Fourth Amendment

Answer

No independent protection beyond federal law

Question 6

A law that burdens a fundamental right is subject to strict scrutiny, meaning the government must show the law is:

Accepted Answer

Necessary to achieve a compelling interest and narrowly tailored

Answer

Rationally related to a legitimate interest

Answer

Substantially related to an important interest

Answer

Reasonably designed to promote public welfare