Law Chapter 1 - Exam 1

What is the primary function of the United States Constitution in American government?

• • To establish the educational guidelines for public schools

• • To provide a detailed law enforcement protocol

• • To designate official state languages

• To regulate interstate commerce exclusively

• To outline the basic structure of the federal government and define civil rights

Answer explanation

The United States Constitution outlines the basic structure of the federal government and defines the civil rights of citizens, making it the supreme law of the land. It is foundational in organizing how the government operates and the rights it protects.

Match the descriptions of parts of the U.S. Constitution to their descriptions

• Articles

• Establishes how the government is structured and how the constitution can be changed.

• Amendments

• Describes the purpose of the document and government

• Preamble

• Changes to the constitution and incorporates the bill of rights

Which of the following provides the basis for the exercise of judicial power in the U.S. federal system?

• First amendment

• Second article of the constiution

• Sixth amendment

• Third article of the constitution

• Third amendment

Answer explanation

The third article gives judical power of the US shall be vested in the supreme court

Which of the following indicates the executive power shall be vested in the president of the united states of america

• First amendment

• Second article of the constiution

• Sixth amendment

• Third article of the constitution

• Third amendment

Answer explanation

The second article of the US constitution gives the executive power to the US president

Dr. Smith, a pharmacist, is faced with a state law that mandates counseling on every prescription, which contrasts with a less strict federal law. The federal law only requires an offer to counsel. How should Dr. Smith proceed based on the hierarchy of laws?

• Follow the state law since it is stricter and does not conflict with the federal law.

• Ignore the state law and follow the federal law only.

• Counsel only when patients accept the offer as per federal law.

• • Check if the federal law preempts the state law.

• Consult the FDA for guidance.

Answer explanation

When the state law is stricter then federal; law you would follow the state law. In this case your following both federal and state

When the state law is less strict then the federal law you always follow the federal law due to the Supremacy clause which mandates the federal law will trump state law and will be the supreme law of the land when theirs conflict

Match the different branches of government to their proper descriptions

• Administrative agencies

• Provides leadership and enforces laws

• Executive branch

• Explains and interprets laws

• Judicial

• Sometimes called "The fourth branch of goveremnet" to administer state and enforce state laws

• Legislative branch

• Makes the laws for the nation

What does the Tenth Amendment specify about the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution?

• They are reserved to the President.

• They are reserved to the Judicial branch.

• They are reserved to the States or the people.

• They are void and unenforceable.

• They are delegated to foreign governments.

Answer explanation

The Tenth Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights and clarifies that powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the States, are reserved to the States or the people, emphasizing the federal structure of governmental power.

Which amendment assures that no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law?

• First amendment

• Fourteenth Amendment

• Seventh Amendemnt

• Eighth Amendment

• Twentieth Amendment

Answer explanation

The Fourteenth Amendment is crucial for protecting civil rights, including the due process and equal protection clauses. It prevents states from infringing on individuals' federal rights and guarantees all citizens equal protection under the law.

If a state law conflicts with a federal law, what hierarchy principle dictates the federal law will generally prevail?

• Federalism

• The Supremacy Clause

• • Judicial Review

• State Sovereignty

• Parliamentary democracy

Answer explanation

The Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution asserts that federal law is the "supreme law of the land," meaning that when state laws conflict with federal laws, federal laws generally prevail. This principle is fundamental in resolving disputes between different levels of government.

Which of the following is a role of Federal administrative agencies?

• Passing Constitutional amendments

• • Enacting major federal laws

• Interpreting federal laws and issuing regulations

• Overseeing state legislation

• Conducting state elections

Answer explanation

Federal administrative agencies play a key role in the government by interpreting federal laws and issuing regulations based on those interpretations. These agencies do not pass laws but have the authority to create detailed rules that have the force of law, impacting various aspects of public and private actions.