Chapter 3 Quiz

The first ten amendments, which identify freedoms of citizens, is know as the Preamble.

False; Bill of Rights

In what way is the structure of state governments like that of the federal government?

both have legislative representatives to pass laws

Which of the following best defines constitutional amendment?

changes to the original Constitution

To maintain law and order in their state, governors can use their power as

commander in chief of the National Guard

Alexander Hamilton published The Federalists Papers in an effort to

communicate the importance of the Constitution to the public

States cannot violate due process laws because

due process is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution

law that lets Congress stretch its power to meet certain situations

elastic clause

powers that are listed by number in the Constitution

enumerated powers

About half of the states in the United States have unicameral state legislatures

false

Constitutions are documents that allow local communities to form their own sovereign government

false

The preamble of the Constitution describes the 27 amendments to the original document

false

The principles of the Constitution included unlimited government and individual rights over common good.

false

Structural changes to the Constitution, extensions of government power, and extensions of individual rights are outlined in Amendments 18-24

false; 11-17

In the case Plessy v. Ferguson, the Supreme Court ruled that separate but equal facilities violated the Constitution.

false; Brown v. Board of Education

The right to due process of law is guaranteed by the

fifth amendment

In Texas v. Johnson, the Supreme Court ruled that flag-burning is protected by

first amendment

Which amendment was created to protect the rights of freed slaves and their descendants?

fourteenth amendment

After achieving independence from Britain, U.S. leaders created an executive branch that

had limited power but could enforce laws

Which branch of government interprets the law and includes the Supreme Court?

judicial branch

court's ability to interpret the Constitution and overturn laws that violate the Constitution

judicial review

court's authority to hear certain kinds of cases

jurisdiction

If lawmakers are part of the general court, they are in their state's

lower house

Which of the following best describes the formal process of amending the Constitution?

propose an amendment, then have the state legislatures ratify it

A written constitution is important because it

provides a rule book for government

approved

ratified

What is the effect of federalism on state governments?

state governments can rule on local issues

Which group can influence the meaning of the Constitution through judicial review

the Supreme Court

How does representation in the U.S. Senate differ from representation in the House?

the number of representatives in the House is based on state population

Which of the following is an enumerated power of Congress?

the power to levy taxes on citizens

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in the United States?

the president appoints judges to the Supreme Court

How did the Founders solve the problem of a too-powerful military?

they put the military under the control of the executive branch

Citizens who commit a major crime would be tried in a

trial court

By specifying the powers of the federal government, the Constitution fulfills the principle of limited government

true

Interpretation of a state constitution is the responsibility of the state's supreme court

true

One method of proposing an amendment is by a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate

true

State constitutions must contain all rights guaranteed to citizens in the U.S. Constitution

true

The Articles of the Constitution describe the bicameral structure of Congress.

true

The Bill of Rights arose in part because of Americans' experiences with Britain

true

The First Amendment protects freedom of religion and prevents the government from establishing a national religion

true

The principle of national supremacy states that state constitutions cannot conflict with the U.S. Constitution

true