Lesson 2.12

What is the definition of Federalism?

• A system of government in which power is divided among the people

• A system of government in which power is concentrated in a central authority

• A system of government in which power is divided between the central government and the state governments

• A system of government in which power is held by a single political party

Answer explanation

Federalism is defined as a system of government where power is divided between the central government and state governments, allowing for shared authority and local governance, making the correct choice the one that describes this division.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

• The Supremacy Clause establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

• The Supremacy Clause grants states the power to nullify federal laws.

• The Supremacy Clause establishes the power of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution.

• The Supremacy Clause gives the President the power to veto any law passed by Congress.

Answer explanation

The Supremacy Clause establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, meaning they take precedence over state laws.

What is an ex post facto law?

• A law enacted before the actions it regulates.

• A law that applies only to criminal offenses.

• A law that retroactively changes legal consequences of past actions.

• A law that applies only to future actions.

Answer explanation

An ex post facto law retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions committed before the law was enacted, making the correct choice the one that defines it as such.

Is an ex post facto law legal in the United States?

• No

• Sometimes

• Yes

• Only in certain states

Answer explanation

An ex post facto law, which retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions, is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is 'No'.

What is a bill of attainder?

• A bill of attainder is a legislative act that declares a person or group innocent of a crime and rewards them without a trial.

• A bill of attainder is a legal document that grants a person or group immunity from prosecution.

• A bill of attainder is a legislative act that declares a person or group guilty of a crime and offers them a reduced punishment without a trial.

• A bill of attainder is a legislative act that declares a person or group guilty of a crime and punishes them without a trial.

Answer explanation

A bill of attainder is a legislative act that punishes a person or group without a trial, effectively declaring them guilty of a crime. This distinguishes it from other legal documents that may grant immunity or declare innocence.

Is a bill of attainder legal in the United States?

• Yes

• No

• Sometimes

• Only in certain circumstances

Answer explanation

A bill of attainder is illegal in the United States as it violates the Constitution. Article I, Section 9 prohibits Congress from passing such laws, ensuring that individuals cannot be punished without a fair trial.

What is the primary purpose of the Ex Post Facto Clause in the U.S. Constitution?

• To allow retroactive application of laws

• To prevent laws from being applied retroactively

• To enable states to create their own ex post facto laws

• To ensure all laws are applied equally to all citizens

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of the Ex Post Facto Clause is to prevent laws from being applied retroactively, ensuring that individuals are not punished for actions that were not illegal at the time they were committed.

Which is an example of a bill of attainder?

• A law that increases taxes on imported goods

• A law that punishes a specific individual without a trial

• A law that provides funding for public schools

• A law that regulates environmental standards

Answer explanation

A bill of attainder is a law that punishes a specific individual without a trial, which violates the principle of due process. The correct choice clearly illustrates this definition.

How does the Supremacy Clause affect state laws?

• It allows state laws to override federal laws

• It nullifies state laws that conflict with federal laws

• It gives states the power to interpret federal laws

• It requires states to seek approval from Congress for new laws

Answer explanation

The Supremacy Clause establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws. Therefore, it nullifies state laws that conflict with federal laws, ensuring a uniform legal framework across the country.