US Constitution Review FLASH CARDS (HIGH SCHOOL)

Front

Congress may pass laws, and they go into effect if the President signs them. However, the Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional. This is an example of:

Back

Checks and balances

Answer explanation

This scenario illustrates checks and balances, where the legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, the executive branch (President) can sign them, and the judicial branch (Supreme Court) can declare them unconstitutional.

Front

Which BEST illustrates the principle of checks and balances?

Back

Senate confirmation of presidential appointments

Answer explanation

C) Senate confirmation of presidential appointments best illustrates checks and balances, as it requires the Senate to approve the president's choices, ensuring no single branch has unchecked power.

Front

What role do the federal courts play in checking the power of the legislative branch?

Back

They review the laws of Congress for compliance with the Constitution.

Answer explanation

The federal courts check the legislative branch by reviewing laws passed by Congress to ensure they comply with the Constitution, making option C the correct choice.

Front

Which action is an example of the system of checks and balances?

Back

The Senate approves a president’s nominee to the Supreme Court.

Answer explanation

The Senate's approval of a president’s nominee to the Supreme Court exemplifies checks and balances, as it requires cooperation between the executive and legislative branches to ensure no single branch has unchecked power.

Front

How does our government decide whether changes brought about by federal laws are constitutional?

Back

Judicial review

Answer explanation

The government determines the constitutionality of changes from Federal laws through judicial review, where courts assess whether laws align with the Constitution, making option B the correct choice.

Front

Best title for the chart: A) Judicial Branch Checks on the Executive Branch, B) Judicial Branch Checks on the Legislative Branch, C) Legislative Branch Checks on the Judicial Branch, D) Legislative Branch Checks on the Executive Branch

Back

Legislative Branch Checks on the Executive Branch

Answer explanation

The chart illustrates how the Legislative Branch can check the powers of the Executive Branch, making option D the best title. Options A and B incorrectly focus on the Judicial Branch, while C misrepresents the checks involved.

Front

Separation of powers means that

Back

The legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government are held by separate people and groups.

Answer explanation

Separation of powers ensures that the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government are held by separate entities, preventing any one group from gaining too much power, making D the correct choice.

Front

This branch of government is responsible for carrying out the laws.

Back

Executive

Answer explanation

The Executive branch is responsible for enforcing and carrying out laws, making it the correct answer. The Judicial branch interprets laws, while the Legislative branch creates them. The Police are part of the Executive but not a separate branch.

Front

What is the name of the group of executive department heads who advise the president?

Back

Cabinet

Answer explanation

The group of executive department heads who advise the president is called the Cabinet. They play a crucial role in shaping policy and decision-making within the executive branch.

Front

The highest court in the United States is:

Back

Supreme Court

Answer explanation

The highest court in the United States is the Supreme Court, which has the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution and federal law. Other courts, like District Courts and State Courts, operate at lower levels.