5.1 Mastery Check

Mr. Marke lost his case in US district Court. He and his lawyer believe the ruling was not fair. Which court would is lawyer have to take him to in order to rehear case?

• US District Court

• US Court of Appeals

• US Supreme Court

Mr. Balboa has been convicted of treason. His case has not been heard yet. Which court would hear his case?

• US District Court

• US Court of Appeals

• US Supreme Court

Answer explanation

Mr. Balboa's treason case would be initially heard in the US District Court, as it has original jurisdiction over federal cases. The US Court of Appeals and US Supreme Court handle appeals, not initial trials.

Reorder the following from lowest to highest court (3 lowest and 1 highest)

• Federal DC court of appeals

• US Southern District of New York

• US Supreme Court

The Legislative Branch ​ (a)   the laws, the Executive branch ​ (b)   the laws into effect, and the Judicial Branch ​ (c)   the laws

• writes

• interpret

• carries out

Answer explanation

The Legislative Branch writes the laws, the Executive Branch carries out the laws, and the Judicial Branch interprets the laws. This division of responsibilities ensures a system of checks and balances in government.

Ms. Lowey has appealed her case to the US Court of Appeals about her rights as a woman. She is still unhappy with the verdict. Who can she appeal to now in order to change the verdict?

Answer explanation

Ms. Lowey can appeal to the US Supreme Court to seek a change in the verdict. The correct choice is 'US Supreme Court', as it is the highest court in the United States.

Mrs. Stephens civil rights has been violated by her state. She has appealed her case in order to regain her civil rights. When she entered the court room she noticed the nine justices that were to hear her case and that there was no jury. Which court did she attend?

Answer explanation

Mrs. Stephens attended the Supreme Court, which is composed of nine justices and does not use a jury. This court hears cases involving civil rights violations at the highest level.

What is the best definition of judicial review?

• The power of the president to make laws

• The ability of Congress to approve judges

• The power of the courts to decide if laws follow the Constitution

• The ability of state governments to create new courts

Answer explanation

The best definition of judicial review is the power of the courts to decide if laws follow the Constitution. This process ensures that legislative and executive actions comply with constitutional standards.

Mrs. Baldwin committed a federal crime. Her lawyer and she are to attend the court that has original jurisdiction and she may or may not have a jury to hear her case. Which court is she attending?

Answer explanation

Mrs. Baldwin is attending the US district court, which has original jurisdiction over federal crimes. The mention of a jury indicates it could be a trial court, confirming the choice of US district court.

Constitutionality means laws and government actions are consistent with the rules of Congress.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Constitutionality refers to whether laws and government actions align with the Constitution, not just the rules of Congress. Therefore, the statement is false.

The Supreme Court case known as Marbury v. Madison gave the court the power of _____ _ which allows the court to declare laws 'unconstitutional'

• judicial review

• line item veto

• popular sovereignty

• federalism