March 13th Judicial Branch Review

The Senate requires a (a)   vote to confirm the President's nominee for a federal judge.

• A unanimous vote

• A majority vote

• A two-thirds vote

• A three-fourths vote

Answer explanation

The Senate requires a majority vote to confirm the President's nominee for a federal judge. This means more than half of the Senators present must vote in favor for the nomination to be approved.

The court with original jurisdiction in disputes between states is (a)  

• Federal Courts
• State Courts
• Supreme Court
• District Courts

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in disputes between states, as outlined in Article III of the U.S. Constitution. This means it is the first court to hear such cases, unlike federal or state courts.

What type of cases do federal courts handle?

• State law cases

• International law cases

• Cases involving the U.S. Constitution

• Local ordinance cases

Answer explanation

Federal courts handle cases involving the U.S. Constitution, as they have jurisdiction over federal law. State law cases, local ordinance cases, and international law cases are typically handled by state courts or other specialized courts.

Who established the principle of judicial review?

• Chief Justice Earl Warren

• Chief Justice John Marshall

• Chief Justice William Rehnquist

• Chief Justice Warren Burger

Answer explanation

The principle of judicial review was established by Chief Justice John Marshall in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803), allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.

Match the number of justices with the action required by the Supreme Court.

• Number of justices needed to grant certiorari

• Four

• Number of justices needed to decide a case

• Five

• Number of justices needed to issue a stay

• Six

• Number of justices needed to overturn a precedent

• Three

Answer explanation

To grant certiorari and hear a case, at least four justices of the Supreme Court must agree. This is known as the "Rule of Four," ensuring that a significant minority of justices believes the case has merit.

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time is called (a)  

• Appellate Jurisdiction

• Original Jurisdiction

• Judicial Review

• Certiorari

Answer explanation

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time is known as Original Jurisdiction. This distinguishes it from Appellate Jurisdiction, which involves reviewing decisions made by lower courts.

What is the principle of limiting the power of judges to overturn laws unless they clearly violate the Constitution?

• Judicial Review

• Judicial Activism

• Judicial Restraint

• Original Jurisdiction

Answer explanation

The principle of limiting judges' power to overturn laws unless they clearly violate the Constitution is known as Judicial Restraint. This approach emphasizes deference to legislative decisions and a cautious interpretation of constitutional violations.

Match the following legal protections with their corresponding amendments.

• 14th Amendment

• Self-incrimination and double jeopardy

• 4th Amendment

• Equal protection under the law

• 6th Amendment

• Speedy trial

• 5th Amendment

• Unreasonable searches

Answer explanation

The 5th Amendment protects against self-incrimination, meaning individuals cannot be forced to testify against themselves, and it also prohibits double jeopardy, which prevents being tried twice for the same crime.

Match the following amendments with their guarantees.

• Right to a speedy, public trial

• 5th Amendment

• Protection against self-incrimination

• 6th Amendment

• Equal protection under the law

• 14th Amendment

• Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

• 4th Amendment

Which of the following is considered a minor offense?

• Felony

• Misdemeanor

• Infraction

• Parole

Answer explanation

An infraction is considered a minor offense, typically punishable by a fine, unlike felonies and misdemeanors which are more serious crimes. Parole is not an offense but a supervised release from prison.