#1
Who has the authority to amend the Constitution in a federal system?
Legislative branch
ExplanationThe power to amend the Constitution rests with the legislative branch.
#2
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial?
Sixth Amendment
ExplanationThe Sixth Amendment secures the right to a swift and public trial.
#3
Which constitutional amendment abolished slavery in the United States?
Thirteenth Amendment
ExplanationThe Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery within the United States.
#4
In constitutional law, what does the 'Free Exercise Clause' protect?
The freedom to practice religion
ExplanationThe Free Exercise Clause shields the liberty to engage in religious practices.
#5
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms?
Second Amendment
ExplanationThe Second Amendment secures the right to possess and carry firearms.
#6
Which principle allows courts to declare legislation unconstitutional if it violates fundamental rights?
Doctrine of judicial review
ExplanationJudicial review permits courts to invalidate laws contradicting fundamental rights.
#7
Which clause of the Constitution prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another?
Establishment Clause
ExplanationThe Establishment Clause bars government endorsement of any religion.
#8
What does the 'necessary and proper clause,' also known as the 'elastic clause,' in the U.S. Constitution authorize Congress to do?
Pass laws deemed necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers
ExplanationThe Necessary and Proper Clause empowers Congress to enact laws essential for executing its specified powers.
#9
What is the significance of the 'Commerce Clause' in constitutional law?
It allows Congress to regulate economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce
ExplanationThe Commerce Clause grants Congress authority to regulate commerce crossing state lines.
#10
What is the purpose of the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution?
To affirm that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land
ExplanationThe Supremacy Clause establishes the superiority of federal law over state law.
#11
Which case established the 'clear and present danger' test for determining when speech can be restricted?
Schenck v. United States
ExplanationSchenck v. United States established the 'clear and present danger' test for speech limitations.
#12
In constitutional law, what does the term 'strict scrutiny' refer to?
A standard of review applied to laws that burden fundamental rights or target suspect classifications
ExplanationStrict scrutiny assesses laws affecting fundamental rights or suspect classes with heightened scrutiny.
#13
Which test is used by courts to determine the constitutionality of laws that discriminate based on race?
Strict scrutiny test
ExplanationCourts employ strict scrutiny to assess laws discriminating based on race.
#14
Which case established the 'clear and convincing evidence' standard for civil cases involving constitutional rights?
Santosky v. Kramer
ExplanationSantosky v. Kramer introduced the 'clear and convincing evidence' standard for civil cases related to constitutional rights.
#15
Which standard of review is applied to laws that discriminate based on a suspect classification?
Strict scrutiny
ExplanationLaws discriminating based on suspect classifications are evaluated under strict scrutiny.
#16
Which case established the 'exclusionary rule' as a remedy for Fourth Amendment violations?
Mapp v. Ohio
ExplanationMapp v. Ohio instituted the 'exclusionary rule' to address Fourth Amendment violations.