Government Topic 13 Test

What are the basic principles upon which all State constitutions are based?

• fundamental laws, statutory laws, and protections of civil rights
• popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, and checks and balances
• the balance of power between the three branches of government
• the sharing of power between the federal and State government

A need for State constitution reform can arise

• when the preamble is too brief and does not properly outline the document.
• when there are not enough fundamental laws, making the constitution short and powerless.
• when there are not enough protections of civil rights.
• when a constitution has become cluttered with too many provisions that could be considered statutory.

The initiative process is a reflection of the principle of representative government because it provides a process for the

• legislature to refer a measure directly to the voters for consideration and approval.
• people to ask in writing that a measure be placed directly on the ballot.
• voters to have constitutional amendments, statutes, and laws brought to popular vote.
• citizens to suggest possible measures that must receive final approval from the legislature.

The nonlegislative powers of State legislatures serve as checks on the executive and judicial branches of the State government through their authority to

• interview and mandate selection of all executive and judicial candidates.
• control the salaries and payments made to all executive and judicial appointees.
• approve executive branch appointments and remove executive officers or judges through impeachment.
• issue opinions and suggestions about executive and judicial decisions and actions.

How is power divided between the governor and lieutenant governor in most State legislatures?

• The governor calls special sessions and the lieutenant governor oversees these sessions.
• The governor proposes legislation and the lieutenant governor presides over the senate.
• The governor proposes legislation and the lieutenant governor vetoes bills.
• The governor vetoes bills and the lieutenant governor may override the veto.

Which is the most direct way that a governor can affect whether legislation is passed?

• message power
• power to appoint
• power to call a special session
• veto power

Which of the following statements regarding a governor's power to appoint and remove subordinates is correct?

• The governor's appointees do not require legislative approval.
• The governor cannot remove elected State executive officers from office.
• The legislature does not have the power to place additional requirements on the governor's appointees.
• The majority of the governor's appointees must be from the opposing party.

A decision made in American courts becomes a(n) _____, or a guide to be followed in later, similar cases.

• information
• precedent
• statutory law
• administrative law

What is one major difference between a grand jury and a petit jury?

• a grand jury must base its decision on precedent; a petit jury must base its on statutory law
• a grand jury must base its decision on statutory law; a petit jury must base its on precedent
• a grand jury considers a case before the trial; a petit jury does so during the trial
• a grand jury considers a case during the trial; a petit jury does so before the trial

Which of the following is an argument against the popular election of judges?

• Popular election is the most democratic method of judicial selection.
• Selection by the governor undermines the separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches.
• The fact that a person is good at winning votes does not mean he or she has the qualities needed to be a good judge.
• Judges must interpret and apply the law, so they should be chosen by and answerable to the people.