US Constitution Principles of Governance 2

Question 1

What constitutional principle prevents any single branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Accepted Answer

Checks and balances

Answer

Checks and balances give each branch mechanisms to limit the power of the others, preventing any one branch from dominating.

Question 2

Under the Constitution, which level of government holds powers not delegated to the federal government?

Accepted Answer

States and the people

Answer

The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Question 3

Which constitutional clause requires states to honor the laws and court decisions of other states?

Accepted Answer

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Answer

The Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV, Section 1) requires each state to respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Question 4

What does the principle of 'popular sovereignty' mean in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Government authority derives from the consent of the governed

Answer

Popular sovereignty holds that all governmental power originates from the people, as expressed in the Constitution's preamble 'We the People.'

Question 5

Which constitutional provision allows Congress to make laws 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its enumerated powers?

Accepted Answer

Elastic Clause

Answer

The Necessary and Proper Clause (also called the Elastic Clause) in Article I, Section 8 grants Congress flexibility to pass laws needed to execute its listed powers.

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Principles of Governance 2