USG 3.1

Some people believe the organization of the Senate is undemocratic because

• the senators often do not work to represent the majority view in their States.

• the President's ability to call special sessions gives him too much control over the Senate.

• the States' equal representation in the Senate does not reflect the country's population distribution.

• the legislature's bicameral structure gives more power to the Senate than to the House of Representatives.

In 2006, the Supreme Court struck down President Bush's plan to use military tribunals to prosecute persons captured in the war against terrorism, deciding that only Congress has the power to provide for the creation of such court-like bodies. On which constitutional principle is this decision based?

• separation of powers

• federalism

• popular sovereignty

• limited government

The constitutional principle of judicial review provides

• the House of Representatives with the power to override decisions made in federal courts.

• the courts with the power to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action.

• the President with the power to veto a bill that was passed by both houses.

• the House and Senate with the power to intercede and settle disputes between the executive and judicial branches.

Which of the following provides an example of how the principle of checks and balances works?

• The President selects a federal judge; the Senate has to approve the nomination.

• The national court system spans the country; each of the 50 states has its own court system.

• A Democrat occupies the White House; Republicans control the House and Senate.

• The government is not all-powerful; it can only do what the people give it the power to do.

The Framers chose federalism in order to

• unite citizens under one centralized federal government.

• create a national government while still preserving the rights of the States to govern themselves.

• leave all power to make laws with each State.

• create a workable compromise among the States to share power.

Match the following

• Established the legislative branch; has the most words of any of the 7 Articles

• Article II

• Established the executive branch (presidency)

• Article III

• Established the judicial branch; only creates the Supreme Court

• Article I

Why is the Preamble included in the Constitution?

• to organize the Constitution into the seven articles

• to explain that the government is split between three branches

• to tell how government leaders are to be chosen

• to state the purpose of the Constitution

Which of the following reasons influenced why the Framers chose bicameralism as their legislative form?

• The Framers recognized that the large and small states could not agree on the size of Congress.

• The Framers and Congress members argued for this form of government over other legislative forms.

• The Framers listened to citizens who voted for this legislative form of government.

• The Framers did not know of a different legislative form of government.

In what way has the Executive Article fueled debate on presidential power?

• It has often been interpreted incorrectly.

• It contains vague wording, leaving much room for interpretation.

• It was written long ago in our nation's history, and many consider it out of date.

• Its formation did not have all citizens' input.

How do constitutional courts and special courts function differently?

• Constitutional courts focus on issues that special courts cannot solve themselves.

• Special courts focus on issues that constitutional courts cannot solve themselves.

• Constitutional courts focus on broader issues; special courts focus on narrower issues.

• Constitutional courts decide issues for the States; special courts decide issues for the nation.