US Constitution Modern Relevance 5

Question 1

Which constitutional clause has been used to challenge state laws that discriminate against out-of-state businesses in favor of local ones?

Accepted Answer

The Privileges and Immunities Clause and the dormant Commerce Clause

Answer

The dormant Commerce Clause and the Privileges and Immunities Clause together limit states' ability to enact laws that discriminate against interstate commerce or out-of-state citizens.

Question 2

A federal agency issues a rule interpreting an ambiguous statute. Under which doctrine (recently curtailed) did courts traditionally defer to the agency's reasonable interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Chevron deference

Answer

Chevron deference, established in Chevron U.S.A. v. NRDC (1984) and overruled in Loper Bright (2024), required courts to defer to agencies' reasonable interpretations of ambiguous statutes they administer.

Question 3

Which constitutional mechanism allows three-fourths of states to ratify an amendment without Congress's approval if two-thirds of states call for a convention?

Accepted Answer

An Article V constitutional convention proposed by the states

Answer

Article V allows two-thirds of state legislatures to call a constitutional convention to propose amendments, which then require ratification by three-fourths of states.

Question 4

The 'major questions doctrine' adopted by the Supreme Court requires that when an agency claims authority over matters of vast economic or political significance, it must show:

Accepted Answer

Clear congressional authorization for that specific authority

Answer

The major questions doctrine, emphasized in West Virginia v. EPA (2022), holds that agencies must point to clear congressional authorization when claiming sweeping authority over major national questions.

Question 5

Which constitutional amendment abolished poll taxes in federal elections, expanding voting access?

Accepted Answer

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

Answer

The Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964) prohibited poll taxes in federal elections, removing a barrier that had been used to disenfranchise Black voters and the poor.

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Modern Relevance 5