Deck 1: Introduction to Constitutional Law

Question 1

When attorneys and judges read court opinions, which of the following elements is generally not important?

A)the factual background of the case
B)the legal issue or question presented to the court
C)the holding or decision in the case and the reason for the decision
D)the name of the judge who wrote the opinion

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Who was not an author of the Federalist Papers?

A)George Washington
B)Alexander Hamilton
C)John Jay
D)James Madison

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The organizational plan for the national government is found in which part of the Constitution?

A)the Preamble
B)the Articles
C)the Amendments
D)None of the above

Answer 3

B

Question 4

The Constitutional Convention met to amend the Articles of Confederation, not to draft a new constitution.

Question 5

In order to win at the U.S.Supreme Court level, a party must have the vote of

A)a majority of the justices.
B)all of the justices.
C)two-thirds of the justices.
D)None of the above.

Question 6

Under the Articles of Confederation, the president was to be chosen by popular election.

Question 7

When a case is heard before the U.S.Supreme Court, it is usually heard by

A)one justice.
B)three justices.
C)seven justices.
D)nine justices.

Question 8

The Declaration of Independence was an attack on the president of the United States.

Question 9

Which of the following principles form the basis for the Declaration of Independence?

A)Governments are formed to secure rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
B)Governments derive their power from the people who are governed.
C)The abuse of power by a government justifies changing the government.
D)All of the above.

Question 10

Those who supported the Constitution were known as

A)patriots.
B)federalists.
C)antifederalists.
D)traitors.

Question 11

Courts, as well as legislatures, are bound to follow the U.S.Constitution.

Question 12

George Washington rose to prominence in the French and Indian Wars.

Question 13

The U.S.Constitution begins with which words?

A)Four score and twenty years ago ...
B)We declare these truths to be self-evident ...
C)We the people ...
D)Give me liberty ...

Question 14

The Magna Carta was a response to several abuses by the English king.

Question 15

The document that first attempted to establish a national government for the colonies was the

A)Declaration of Independence.
B)Articles of Confederation.
C)English Bill of Rights.
D)U.S.Constitution.

Question 16

The Preamble is not really part of the Constitution; it is just an introduction to the
Constitution.

Question 17

Case law does not arise unless the decision of the trial court is appealed.

Question 18

Case law is found in written and published opinions deciding actual disputes that have been heard in state and federal appellate and supreme courts.

Question 19

To amend the Articles of Confederation required

A)a unanimous vote of the states.
B)a two-thirds majority of the states.
C)a unanimous vote of all of the members of Congress.
D)It could not be amended.

Question 20

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land because it says that it is.