Chapter 13 - Civics and Gov.

Which of the following correctly characterizes the differences between fundamental laws and statutory laws?

Fundamental laws are constitutional laws of lasting importance that cannot easily be changed, whereas statutory laws are ordinary laws enacted by the legislature.

Which of the following is an argument against the popular election of judges?

The fact that a person is good at winning votes does not mean he or she has the qualities needed to be a good judge.

Which of the follow generalizations can be made about the States' general trial courts?

The general trial courts exercise original jurisdiction over most cases they hear.

Which of the following statements regarding a governor's power to appoint and remove subordinates is correct?

The governor cannot remove elected State executive officers from office.

How is power divided between the governor and lieutenant governor in most State legislatures?

The governor proposes legislation and the lieutenant governor presides over the senate.

In every State except Delaware, which of the following correctly lists the most common steps involved in changing a State constitution?

The legislature proposes and approves an amendment, which goes to voters for ratification.

Suppose there is an effort to add an amendment to your State constitution to increase taxes to pay for road repairs. Which of the following actions need to take place for this to happen?

The legislatures need to approve the proposal AND a majority of voters need to approve it.

Which of the following correctly describes the concept of popular sovereignty as it applies to State governments?

The people of the State are the source of authority for the State's government.

Which of the following is a major reason why most State constitutions need to be reformed?

They are severely outdated and contain obsolete provisions.They are severely outdated and contain obsolete provisions.

What is one major difference between a grand jury and a petit jury?

a grand jury considers a case before the trial; a petit jury does so during the trial

The presiding officers are powerful political figures because of their responsibility for which of the following?

appointing chairpersons and members of committees

The nonlegislative powers of State legislatures serve as checks on the executive and judicial branches of the State government through their authority to

approve executive branch appointments and remove executive officers or judges through impeachment.

Which kind of law is unwritten and has been made by judges over time?

common law

The Baker v. Carr decision equalized citizen representation by requiring that reappropriation be based on

equal population counts.

The attorney general ensures there are checks and balances on the power of the governor by

interpreting and applying State laws

If legislatures were not reapportioned using accurate census data,

not every citizen would be represented.

Which of the following would be an example of the State legislature's police power?

passing a law that requires everyone in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt

What are the basic principles upon which all State constitutions are based?

popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, and checks and balances

Some State constitutions enhance civil liberty in ways that go beyond the United States Constitution by

prohibiting imprisonment for debt.

Which of the following is NOT granted by a State constitution?

protection of civil rights that takes precedence over federal laws

The ideal legislature size results in

representation of all citizens' views and interests.

The powers of a State legislature differ from those of the United States Congress in that they are

specific to each State's needs, and are subordinate to the authority of the U.S. Congress.

Which is the most direct way that a governor can affect whether legislation is passed?

veto power

A nonpartisan primary is advantageous for voters over a partisan primary because

voters are able to select candidates in one general vote

The initiative process is a reflection of the principle of representative government because it provides a process for the

voters to have constitutional amendments, statutes, and laws brought to popular vote.

A need for State constitution reform can arise

when a constitution has become cluttered with too many provisions that could be considered statutory.

Governor Miriam "Ma" Ferguson of Texas used clemency over 3,700 times. Which category of power did this fall under?

Legislative

A direct initiative can be used to propose constitutional amendments and/or

Statutes

A decision made in American courts becomes a(n) _____, or a guide to be followed in later, similar cases.

Precedent