The US Constitution and federalism: Practice Questions

• a.Three-fifths
• b.A simple majority
• c.Two-thirds
• d.Three-quarters

• a.Enumerated powers
• b.Separation of powers
• c.Checks and balances
• d.Bipartisanship

• a.

  It was interpreted broadly to allow federal regulation of activities with even a tenuous link to interstate commerce, increasing federal authority.

• b.

  It was used to strictly limit federal power to only the physical transport of goods across state lines.

• c.

  It empowered states to set their own international trade tariffs independently of the federal government.

• d.

  It removed the federal government's ability to tax income, shifting that power exclusively to the states.

• a.

  It makes the Constitution difficult to amend, protecting fundamental laws from being changed by a simple legislative majority.

• b.

  It requires the Constitution to be re-ratified by the public every twenty years to remain valid.

• c.

  It allows the Supreme Court to rewrite constitutional articles through executive orders.

• d.

  It ensures that the President has the final authority to determine the meaning of constitutional clauses.

• a.

  The power to coin money and regulate its value.

• b.

  The power to levy taxes and establish court systems.

• c.

  The power to declare war and maintain a standing army.

• d.

  The power to negotiate and sign treaties with foreign nations.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.