Civic Literacy Exam Public Policy & Political Systems 3

Question 1

What is 'judicial review,' and which case established this power?

Accepted Answer

The power of courts to invalidate laws that violate the Constitution, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Answer

Judicial review is the power of federal courts to declare laws unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Marshall established this power in Marbury v. Madison (1803), though the Constitution does not explicitly grant it.

Question 2

What is 'separation of powers' and why did the Founders include it in the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from accumulating too much power

Answer

Separation of powers divides governmental authority among three branches — legislative, executive, and judicial — each with distinct functions, so that no single branch can dominate government. The Founders designed this to prevent tyranny.

Question 3

What are 'checks and balances' and how do they work in the U.S. government?

Accepted Answer

Each branch has constitutional powers to limit the other branches, preventing any single branch from becoming too dominant

Answer

Checks and balances give each branch of government specific powers to limit the other branches: Congress can override vetoes and impeach, the president can veto legislation and appoint judges, and the courts can strike down laws as unconstitutional.

Question 4

What is the significance of the 10th Amendment to the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

It reserves all powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people

Answer

The 10th Amendment is the constitutional foundation for state sovereignty, reserving to the states (or the people) all powers not specifically delegated to the federal government by the Constitution.

Question 5

What does the Constitution say about treaties, and what is required for a treaty to take effect?

Accepted Answer

The President negotiates treaties with foreign nations, and two-thirds of the Senate must ratify them for them to become law

Answer

Under Article II, the President has the power to make treaties 'with the advice and consent of the Senate,' requiring approval by two-thirds of senators present — a high threshold that has blocked many presidential treaty proposals.

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Practice Test

Civic Literacy Exam Public Policy & Political Systems 3