US Constitution Modern Relevance 4

Question 1

Which constitutional principle allows federal law to override conflicting state law?

Accepted Answer

The Supremacy Clause

Answer

The Supremacy Clause (Article VI) establishes that federal law is the supreme law of the land, preempting state laws that conflict with valid federal statutes or the Constitution.

Question 2

A journalist is subpoenaed to reveal confidential sources in a federal criminal case. The First Amendment protection they would claim is called:

Accepted Answer

Reporter's privilege or press shield

Answer

Reporters often invoke a reporter's privilege or press shield, arguing the First Amendment protects them from compelled disclosure of confidential sources, though the Supreme Court has not fully recognized this right.

Question 3

Under the Non-Delegation Doctrine, Congress is limited in its ability to:

Accepted Answer

Transfer its core legislative power to executive agencies without intelligible guiding principles

Answer

The Non-Delegation Doctrine holds that Congress cannot give legislative power to agencies without providing an 'intelligible principle' to guide the agency's exercise of that authority.

Question 4

Which landmark ruling held that corporations and unions have First Amendment rights to spend unlimited funds on independent political expenditures?

Accepted Answer

Citizens United v. FEC

Answer

Citizens United v. FEC (2010) held that the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations, associations, or labor unions.

Question 5

A state law requires all pharmacists to fill any valid prescription regardless of their religious objections. A pharmacist challenges this under which clause?

Accepted Answer

Free Exercise Clause

Answer

The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment protects individuals from government laws that substantially burden their sincere religious practices, the basis for such a challenge.

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Modern Relevance 4