Government - Ch. 13 Chapter Summary Article

What is the American legal system based on?

• The Code of Hammurabi, the Ten Commandments, Roman law, and English common law

• The Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights

• The Napoleonic Code and the Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers

What does the judicial branch provide when a law's meaning is unclear?

• A new law

• An interpretation

• A repeal

• A veto

What is the role of courts in promoting the rule of law?

• Ensuring that no person or entity is above the law

• Creating new laws

• Enforcing laws selectively

• Abolishing outdated laws

What is judicial review?

• The power to create laws

• The power to declare laws unconstitutional

• The power to enforce laws

• The power to amend laws

What is the purpose of plea bargains?

• To increase trial duration

• To settle most criminal cases before trial

• To eliminate jury trials

• To increase the number of appeals

What do juries represent in the judicial system?

• The government's authority

• The judge's decision

• The people's opportunity to participate in government

• The lawyer's strategy

When are appeals heard?

• In cases of factual disputes

• In cases having errors of law or procedural violations

• In cases with unanimous jury decisions

• In cases with no legal representation

What is the role of appellate court judges?

• To create new laws

• To issue written statements explaining court decisions

• To conduct trials

• To enforce laws

What is the practice of following precedents called?

• Judicial activism

• Stare decisis

• Legal reform

• Case dismissal

What type of jurisdiction do federal courts have?

• General jurisdiction

• Limited jurisdiction

• Exclusive jurisdiction

• Universal jurisdiction