Civic Literacy Exam Constitution and History Question and Answers 3

Question 1

What is the constitutional basis for the power of Congress to investigate?

Accepted Answer

It is implied from Congress's legislative and oversight functions, recognized by the Supreme Court as essential to the legislative process

Answer

Congress's investigative power is not explicitly stated in the Constitution but has been recognized by the Supreme Court as an implied power necessary to the legislative function — to gather information to legislate effectively and to oversee the executive branch.

Question 2

What is 'selective incorporation' in constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

The process by which the Supreme Court has applied specific Bill of Rights protections to the states through the 14th Amendment on a case-by-case basis

Answer

Selective incorporation is the constitutional doctrine through which the Supreme Court has, on a case-by-case basis, applied most (but not all) provisions of the Bill of Rights to state governments through the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Question 3

What is the significance of the Articles of Confederation in American constitutional history?

Accepted Answer

As the first American national constitution, it governed the country from 1781 to 1789 but proved too weak to function effectively, directly motivating the creation of the current Constitution

Answer

The Articles of Confederation were the United States' first constitution, creating a loose confederation of states from 1781-1789. Its weaknesses — including no power to tax or regulate commerce and no executive branch — led directly to the Constitutional Convention and the current Constitution.

Question 4

What is the historical significance of the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848?

Accepted Answer

It was the first women's rights convention in U.S. history, which adopted the Declaration of Sentiments demanding equal rights and suffrage for women

Answer

The Seneca Falls Convention (July 1848) was the first major women's rights convention in U.S. history, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. It adopted the Declaration of Sentiments, which modeled the Declaration of Independence to demand equal rights and voting rights for women.

Question 5

What was the significance of the Missouri Compromise of 1820?

Accepted Answer

It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, and banned slavery north of the 36°30' latitude line in the Louisiana Territory

Answer

The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state to maintain sectional balance, and drew the 36°30' latitude line dividing future slave territory (south) from free territory (north) in the Louisiana Purchase lands.

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Constitution and History Question and Answers 3