US Civil Liberties 3

Question 1

Which constitutional provision prohibits the government from compelling a person to be a witness against themselves in a criminal case?

Accepted Answer

Fifth Amendment self-incrimination clause

Answer

The Fifth Amendment's Self-Incrimination Clause states that no person 'shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.'

Question 2

In Texas v. Johnson (1989), the Supreme Court ruled that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment as a form of:

Accepted Answer

Symbolic speech

Answer

The Court held in Texas v. Johnson that burning the American flag as political protest is protected symbolic speech under the First Amendment.

Question 3

Which right, guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, ensures a criminal defendant can question witnesses who testify against them?

Accepted Answer

Confrontation Clause right

Answer

The Sixth Amendment's Confrontation Clause guarantees criminal defendants the right to face and cross-examine witnesses who testify against them.

Question 4

The concept of 'prior restraint' in First Amendment law refers to government action that:

Accepted Answer

Prevents publication or speech before it occurs

Answer

Prior restraint is a government action that prohibits speech or publication before it occurs, and it carries a heavy presumption of unconstitutionality.

Question 5

Under Miranda v. Arizona (1966), police must inform suspects of their rights before custodial interrogation. Which of the following is NOT among those rights?

Accepted Answer

Right to a speedy trial

Answer

Miranda warnings cover the right to silence, that statements can be used against them, and rights to an attorney — a speedy trial is a separate Sixth Amendment right, not a Miranda warning.

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Civil Liberties 3