Question 1

The merit plan applies to ________ in the ________ court system.

Accepted Answer

A) selection of judges;federal 
B) selection of judges;state 
C) jurisdiction;federal 
D) jurisdiction;state 
E) None of these answers is correct. 
A) selection of judges;federal 
B) selection of judges;state 
C) jurisdiction;federal 
D) jurisdiction;state 
E) None of these answers is correct. B

Question 2

What are the constitutional requirements to be a federal judge?

Accepted Answer

A) at least 30 years old and a citizen of the United States 
B) at least 25 years old and a citizen of the United States 
C) at least 30 years old and a resident of the specific judicial district 
D) at least 30 years old and a lawyer in good standing with the state bar 
E) There are no constitutional requirements to be a federal judge. 
A) at least 30 years old and a citizen of the United States 
B) at least 25 years old and a citizen of the United States 
C) at least 30 years old and a resident of the specific judicial district 
D) at least 30 years old and a lawyer in good standing with the state bar 
E) There are no constitutional requirements to be a federal judge. E

Question 3

Over the last fifteen or so years,the Supreme Court can BEST be said to be practicing judicial

Accepted Answer

A) activism. 
B) liberalism. 
C) restraint. 
D) socialism. 
E) relativism. 
A) activism. 
B) liberalism. 
C) restraint. 
D) socialism. 
E) relativism. C

Question 4

Regarding Supreme Court procedures,which one of the following statements is NOT accurate?

Accepted Answer

A) When part of the majority,the chief justice decides which justice will write the majority opinion. 
B) A concurring opinion is a view written by a justice who votes with the majority and agrees with its reasoning. 
C) A dissenting opinion is an opinion of a judge who votes against the majority. 
D) Attorneys who argue a case before the Supreme Court operate under strict time limits. 
E) The Court has broad standards in choosing the cases it will hear. 
A) When part of the majority,the chief justice decides which justice will write the majority opinion. 
B) A concurring opinion is a view written by a justice who votes with the majority and agrees with its reasoning. 
C) A dissenting opinion is an opinion of a judge who votes against the majority. 
D) Attorneys who argue a case before the Supreme Court operate under strict time limits. 
E) The Court has broad standards in choosing the cases it will hear.

Question 5

There are __ federal courts of appeal.

Accepted Answer

A) 2 
B) 13 
C) 50 
D) 94 
E) 435 
A) 2 
B) 13 
C) 50 
D) 94 
E) 435

Question 6

Which of the following Supreme Court justices was appointed during the Clinton administration?

Accepted Answer

A) Sandra Day O'Connor 
B) Clarence Thomas 
C) Ruth Bader Ginsburg 
D) Robert Bork 
E) John Paul Stevens 
A) Sandra Day O'Connor 
B) Clarence Thomas 
C) Ruth Bader Ginsburg 
D) Robert Bork 
E) John Paul Stevens

Question 7

Fewer than ________ percent of the cases heard by federal appeals courts are later reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Accepted Answer

A) 1 
B) 10 
C) 25 
D) 33 
E) 50 
A) 1 
B) 10 
C) 25 
D) 33 
E) 50

Question 8

With regard to public opinion,the Supreme Court

Accepted Answer

A) ignores it in order to make decisions that are based on enduring values rather than the public's passing whims. 
B) remains uninformed about it because justices stay on the bench for life and never face the public scrutiny of an election. 
C) attempts to stay close enough to public opinion so as to avoid outright defiance of its decisions. 
D) attempts to follow it very closely in order to create public enthusiasm for its rulings. 
E) None of these answers is correct. 
A) ignores it in order to make decisions that are based on enduring values rather than the public's passing whims. 
B) remains uninformed about it because justices stay on the bench for life and never face the public scrutiny of an election. 
C) attempts to stay close enough to public opinion so as to avoid outright defiance of its decisions. 
D) attempts to follow it very closely in order to create public enthusiasm for its rulings. 
E) None of these answers is correct.

Question 9

The discretionary power of judges is less than that of elected officials because judges

Accepted Answer

A) are prohibited from relying on personal judgment when deciding an issue. 
B) must make decisions that can be justified in terms of existing provisions of the law. 
C) are prohibited from addressing issues that have not been previously addressed by elected officials. 
D) are prohibited from taking into account the political consequences of a decision. 
E) must render rulings on all appeals.
Essay Questions 
A) are prohibited from relying on personal judgment when deciding an issue. 
B) must make decisions that can be justified in terms of existing provisions of the law. 
C) are prohibited from addressing issues that have not been previously addressed by elected officials. 
D) are prohibited from taking into account the political consequences of a decision. 
E) must render rulings on all appeals.
Essay Questions

Question 10

Describe the four types of U.S.Supreme Court opinions.

Accepted Answer

There are four types of U.S.Supreme Cour

Question 11

Senatorial courtesy refers to the tradition whereby

Accepted Answer

A) nominees for federal judgeships are treated with respect during Senate confirmation hearings,even by senators who plan to vote against the nominee. 
B) senators usually defer to the president's choice of Supreme Court nominees. 
C) senators are consulted on the nomination of lower-court federal judgeships in their state. 
D) nominations for the federal courts,once committee hearings are concluded,are scheduled for a vote ahead of other Senate business. 
E) House members always defer to the Senate on matters dealing with the judiciary. 
A) nominees for federal judgeships are treated with respect during Senate confirmation hearings,even by senators who plan to vote against the nominee. 
B) senators usually defer to the president's choice of Supreme Court nominees. 
C) senators are consulted on the nomination of lower-court federal judgeships in their state. 
D) nominations for the federal courts,once committee hearings are concluded,are scheduled for a vote ahead of other Senate business. 
E) House members always defer to the Senate on matters dealing with the judiciary.

Question 12

The Lawrence v.Texas decision in 2003 involved

Accepted Answer

A) the Supreme Court reinterpreting a provision of the Constitution. 
B) the Supreme Court striking down federal law. 
C) the Supreme Court invalidating state laws. 
D) the Supreme Court striking down an executive action as unconstitutional. 
E) a U.S.appeals court upholding a lower state court ruling. 
A) the Supreme Court reinterpreting a provision of the Constitution. 
B) the Supreme Court striking down federal law. 
C) the Supreme Court invalidating state laws. 
D) the Supreme Court striking down an executive action as unconstitutional. 
E) a U.S.appeals court upholding a lower state court ruling.

Question 13

Describe the relationship between the federal and the state court systems.

Accepted Answer

As a consequence of the separation of st

Question 14

Distinguish between the facts of a case and the relevant laws of a case.Discuss the three main sources of laws.

Accepted Answer

The legal constraints on a court when he

Question 15

The laws applicable to a case

Accepted Answer

A) reveal the relevant circumstances of the case,and are determined solely by trial courts. 
B) are more important than the facts of a case,and supersede the facts when the two conflict. 
C) constrain the judiciary,because court decisions must be based on applicable laws. 
D) apply only in the area of criminal cases and not in the area of civil disputes. 
E) None of these answers is correct. 
A) reveal the relevant circumstances of the case,and are determined solely by trial courts. 
B) are more important than the facts of a case,and supersede the facts when the two conflict. 
C) constrain the judiciary,because court decisions must be based on applicable laws. 
D) apply only in the area of criminal cases and not in the area of civil disputes. 
E) None of these answers is correct.

Question 16

In most instances,

Accepted Answer

A) criminal cases are tried in federal courts and civil cases are tried in state courts. 
B) criminal cases are tried in state courts and civil cases are tried in federal courts. 
C) both criminal cases and civil cases are tried in federal courts. 
D) both criminal cases and civil cases are tried in state courts. 
E) None of these answers is correct. 
A) criminal cases are tried in federal courts and civil cases are tried in state courts. 
B) criminal cases are tried in state courts and civil cases are tried in federal courts. 
C) both criminal cases and civil cases are tried in federal courts. 
D) both criminal cases and civil cases are tried in state courts. 
E) None of these answers is correct.

Question 17

According to living constitution theory

Accepted Answer

A) the Supreme Court should rule as the Founding Fathers would have back in 1787. 
B) the Constitution should be adaptable to current conditions and challenges. 
C) the Supreme Court cycles between periods of judicial activism and periods of judicial restraint. 
D) there is one single Constitution rooted in natural law that applies in every country throughout history. 
E) None of these answers is correct. 
A) the Supreme Court should rule as the Founding Fathers would have back in 1787. 
B) the Constitution should be adaptable to current conditions and challenges. 
C) the Supreme Court cycles between periods of judicial activism and periods of judicial restraint. 
D) there is one single Constitution rooted in natural law that applies in every country throughout history. 
E) None of these answers is correct.

Question 18

The power of the Supreme Court is MOST apparent in its ability to

Accepted Answer

A) issue advisory opinions when Congress is considering a new bill. 
B) impeach federal judges who consistently ignore its rulings. 
C) declare another institution's action to be unconstitutional. 
D) override any decision of a state court. 
E) issue advisory opinions to the president on a regular basis. 
A) issue advisory opinions when Congress is considering a new bill. 
B) impeach federal judges who consistently ignore its rulings. 
C) declare another institution's action to be unconstitutional. 
D) override any decision of a state court. 
E) issue advisory opinions to the president on a regular basis.

Question 19

The constitutional provision that federal judges and justices hold office "during good behavior" has

Accepted Answer

A) meant,in effect,that they will serve until they die or choose to retire. 
B) provided them the opportunity to carry out their duties without immediate fear of reprisal by the president or Congress. 
C) enabled presidents to influence judicial policy through their appointments long after leaving the White House. 
D) had all of these effects: Federal judges and justices serve,effectively,until they die or choose to retire;they are provided the opportunity to carry out their duties without immediate fear of reprisal by the president or Congress;and presidents are able to influence judicial policy through their appointments long after leaving the White House. 
E) None of these answers is correct. 
A) meant,in effect,that they will serve until they die or choose to retire. 
B) provided them the opportunity to carry out their duties without immediate fear of reprisal by the president or Congress. 
C) enabled presidents to influence judicial policy through their appointments long after leaving the White House. 
D) had all of these effects: Federal judges and justices serve,effectively,until they die or choose to retire;they are provided the opportunity to carry out their duties without immediate fear of reprisal by the president or Congress;and presidents are able to influence judicial policy through their appointments long after leaving the White House. 
E) None of these answers is correct.

Question 20

What is meant by the term jurisdiction? What is the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction as it applies to the U.S.Supreme Court?

Accepted Answer

A court's jurisdiction is its authority

The merit plan applies to in the court system.

What are the constitutional requirements to be a federal judge?

Over the last fifteen or so years,the Supreme Court can BEST be said to be practicing judicial

Regarding Supreme Court procedures,which one of the following statements is NOT accurate?

There are __ federal courts of appeal.

Which of the following Supreme Court justices was appointed during the Clinton administration?

Fewer than ________ percent of the cases heard by federal appeals courts are later reviewed by the Supreme Court.

With regard to public opinion,the Supreme Court

The discretionary power of judges is less than that of elected officials because judges

Describe the four types of U.S.Supreme Court opinions.

Senatorial courtesy refers to the tradition whereby

The Lawrence v.Texas decision in 2003 involved

Describe the relationship between the federal and the state court systems.

Distinguish between the facts of a case and the relevant laws of a case.Discuss the three main sources of laws.

The laws applicable to a case

In most instances,

According to living constitution theory

The power of the Supreme Court is MOST apparent in its ability to

The constitutional provision that federal judges and justices hold office "during good behavior" has

What is meant by the term jurisdiction? What is the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction as it applies to the U.S.Supreme Court?

Political Thinking and Political Culture: Becoming a Responsible Citizen

Constitutional Democracy: Promoting Liberty and Self-Government

Federalism: Forging a Nation

Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights

Equal Rights: Struggling Toward Fairness

Public Opinion and Political Socialization: Shaping the Peoples Voice

Political Participation: Activating the Popular Will

Political Parties,candidates,and Campaigns: Defining the Voters Choice

Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence

The News Media: Communicating Political Images

Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests

The Presidency: Leading the Nation

The Federal Bureaucracy: Administering the Government

Economic and Environmental Policy: Contributing to Prosperity

Filters

Exam 14: The Federal Judicial System: Applying the Law

The merit plan applies to ________ in the ________ court system.

What are the constitutional requirements to be a federal judge?

Over the last fifteen or so years,the Supreme Court can BEST be said to be practicing judicial

Regarding Supreme Court procedures,which one of the following statements is NOT accurate?

There are __ federal courts of appeal.

Which of the following Supreme Court justices was appointed during the Clinton administration?

Fewer than ________ percent of the cases heard by federal appeals courts are later reviewed by the Supreme Court.

With regard to public opinion,the Supreme Court

The discretionary power of judges is less than that of elected officials because judges

Describe the four types of U.S.Supreme Court opinions.

Senatorial courtesy refers to the tradition whereby

The Lawrence v.Texas decision in 2003 involved

Describe the relationship between the federal and the state court systems.

Distinguish between the facts of a case and the relevant laws of a case.Discuss the three main sources of laws.

The laws applicable to a case

In most instances,

According to living constitution theory

The power of the Supreme Court is MOST apparent in its ability to

The constitutional provision that federal judges and justices hold office "during good behavior" has

What is meant by the term jurisdiction? What is the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction as it applies to the U.S.Supreme Court?

Political Thinking and Political Culture: Becoming a Responsible Citizen

Constitutional Democracy: Promoting Liberty and Self-Government

Federalism: Forging a Nation

Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights

Equal Rights: Struggling Toward Fairness

Public Opinion and Political Socialization: Shaping the Peoples Voice

Political Participation: Activating the Popular Will

Political Parties,candidates,and Campaigns: Defining the Voters Choice

Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence

The News Media: Communicating Political Images

Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests

The Presidency: Leading the Nation

The Federal Bureaucracy: Administering the Government

Economic and Environmental Policy: Contributing to Prosperity

Filters

The merit plan applies to in the court system.