Practice Quiz on the U.S. Congress

1) (1 pts)

AP Comparison: In a parliamentary system, a vote of no confidence can remove a prime minister. Which constitutional process is most similar in the U.S. system?

A. Impeachment and removal by Congress B. Judicial review of executive actions C. The Senate’s advice and consent on treaties D. The president’s veto of legislation

2) (1 pts)

AP Comparison: Which statement best compares the allocation of power in the U.S. Constitution to a unitary system?

A. A unitary system gives courts more power than legislatures, unlike the U.S. system. B. The U.S. system relies on hereditary leaders, unlike a unitary system. C. The U.S. system shares power between national and state governments; a unitary system concentrates most power at the national level. D. Both systems divide sovereignty between national and regional governments.

3) (1 pts)

Stimulus:

"To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States..." (Article I, Section 8)

This clause is most often used by Congress to justify

A. appointing federal judges B. creating state-level education standards C. conducting foreign diplomacy D. regulating economic activity that crosses state lines

4) (1 pts)

Which constitutional provision most directly allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers?

A. Establishment Clause B. Necessary and Proper Clause C. Supremacy Clause D. Full Faith and Credit Clause

5) (1 pts)

If a state law conflicts with a valid federal law, which principle determines which law prevails?

A. The Supremacy Clause B. Reserved powers under the Tenth Amendment C. Judicial review by the Supreme Court D. The Equal Protection Clause

6) (1 pts)

The Constitution does not explicitly mention judicial review. The practice was established primarily through

A. the Necessary and Proper Clause B. the creation of the Bill of Rights C. the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) D. the electoral process for federal judges

7) (1 pts)

Stimulus:

"Ambition must be made to counteract ambition." This idea from Federalist No. 51 supports which constitutional design?

The quotation best supports the idea of

A. popular sovereignty through direct democracy B. majority rule without minority protections C. checks and balances among branches D. limited government through federalism

8) (1 pts)

Stimulus:

A state passes a law allowing something that Congress has prohibited in a federal statute. A citizen challenges the state law in federal court.

Which constitutional clause is the strongest basis for striking down the state law?

A. Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I) B. Supremacy Clause (Article VI) C. Ex Post Facto Clause (Article I) D. Privileges and Immunities Clause (Article IV)

9) (1 pts)

Graphic: Use the diagram to answer the question.

Which branch has the constitutional power to declare war?

A. Legislative (Congress) B. Judicial (Supreme Court) C. State governments D. Executive (President)

10) (1 pts)

The framers divided power among three branches primarily to

A. ensure states could nullify federal laws they dislike B. eliminate the need for a written constitution C. prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful D. allow citizens to vote directly on federal laws