Politics of the United States Questions
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Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a case being decided based on precedent?a. The Supreme Court bases its decision in a case involving the commerce clause on one of its earlier decisions involving the commerce clause.b. The Supreme Court overturns a lower court decision in a case dealing with voter identification laws.c. A state passes a law which contradicts federal law, causing the Supreme Court to rule in favor of the federal government.d. The chief justice of the Supreme Court disagrees with the majority of the other justices and decides to declare a law passed by Congress as unconstitutional.
In 1998, Goodyear employee Lilly Ledbetter filed suit against her employer for pay discrimination based on her gender. Though Ledbetter was initially successful, Goodyear appealed the decision and the case went to the Supreme Court. In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (2007), the Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that sex discrimination complaints must be made within 180 days "after the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred," which Ledbetter had failed to do. Which of the following actions could be taken to reverse the impact of the decision?a. Ledbetter could renew her appeal by seeking additional Supreme Court review.b. The president could sign an executive order to alter the Civil Rights Act.c. Ledbetter could pursue her case using the same arguments in state courts.d. Congress could enact legislation to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
All of the following serve as checks on the power of the federal courts EXCEPT:a. Federal judges can be impeached.b. The voters can oust federal judges in national elections.c. Congress can pass a law clarifying "legislative intent."d. Presidents, governors, and local executives can refrain from enforcing court rulings.e. Congress and the state legislatures can amend the Constitution.
A United States Supreme Court justice has announced his retirement at the end of the current Supreme Court term. What is the most likely presidential action in response to this announcement?a. Confer with House leadership to discuss potential nomineesb. Confer with the chief justice to discuss potential nomineesc. Nominate a federal judge who shares the president's ideologyd. Nominate a sitting senator of the majority party
The passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a significant political event because ita. scaled back the provisions of the Fifteenth Amendmentb. was used to emancipate southern African Americansc. was declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court in Shaw v. Renod. was instrumental in increasing the number of African American and other minority voterse. required that minority officeholders be elected
The difference between an appellate court and a district court is that an appellate court:a. conducts trials by juryb. has original jurisdictionc. reviews previous court decisionsd. hears civil cases but not criminal casese. does not follow the principle of stare decisis
What significant mistake did America's founders make when writing the Constitution?
what is the primary function of the legislative branch?
which was the 9th state to ratify the Constitution?
what is the primary function of the executive branch?
when did the Bill of Rights go into effect?
what is the primary function of the judicial branch?
district courts try cases, courts of appeals decide if trials in lower courts were fair, and the Supreme Court reviews decisions in courts of appeals
What were the biggest obstacles of the Constitutional Convention?
When did the Constitutional Convention take place?
powers to propose, enforce, and veto laws; command armed forces; appoint ambassadors; conduct foreign policy; make treaties; issue executive orders; grant pardons
-no political parties -travel and communication was limited -a popular vote would be divided among many regional candidates -upper class did not trust low class-wanted lower class to vote wisely
The president has considerable power but the senate has to approve some of the presidents decisions
-each state has a set number of electors -number of electors = number of senators and representatives the state had in congress -most ballots equals winner -majority vote
Powers kept by the states -providing and supervising education, establishing marriage laws, and regulating trade with a state