US Separation of Powers 2

Question 1

Which constitutional provision prevents Congress from reducing a sitting federal judge's salary?

Accepted Answer

The Compensation Clause of Article III

Answer

Article III's Compensation Clause protects judicial independence by prohibiting Congress from diminishing judges' salaries during their continuance in office.

Question 2

What is the constitutional term for Congress's power to gather information in support of its legislative function?

Accepted Answer

Oversight authority

Answer

Congressional oversight authority, implied from Article I's legislative powers, allows Congress to investigate executive branch activities to inform legislation.

Question 3

Which branch has the exclusive power to recognize foreign governments under the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

Executive

Answer

The President holds exclusive power to recognize foreign governments, derived from the authority to receive ambassadors under Article II.

Question 4

What constitutional mechanism allows the President to shape legislation without formal veto power?

Accepted Answer

Signing statements

Answer

Presidents use signing statements to express their interpretation of legislation or signal how they intend to enforce it, influencing its practical effect.

Question 5

Under the non-delegation doctrine, Congress may delegate legislative power to agencies only if it provides a(n):

Accepted Answer

Intelligible principle to guide the agency

Answer

The Supreme Court's non-delegation doctrine requires Congress to supply an intelligible principle when granting regulatory authority to executive agencies.

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Constitution Exam Practice Test

US Separation of Powers 2