Political Science 1010 - American National Government » Spring 2021 » Module XIV Assessment

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Question #1
The Supreme Court most typically functions as __________.
A.   an appeals court
B.   a trial court
C.   a district court
D.   a court of original jurisdiction
Question #2
In Federalist No. 78, Alexander Hamilton characterized the judiciary as the __________ branch of government.
A.   most political
B.   least dangerous
C.   most unnecessary
D.   strongest
Question #3
Of all the court cases in the United States, the majority are handled __________.
A.   at the state level
B.   by the United States district courts
C.   by the United States Supreme Court
D.   by the circuit courts
Question #4
Both state and federal courts hear matters that involve __________.
A.   criminal law only
B.   both civil and criminal law
C.   civil law only
D.   neither civil nor criminal law
Question #5
A state case is more likely to be heard by the federal courts when __________.
A.   it involves a federal question
B.   it involves a criminal matter
C.   the state courts are unable to come up with a decision
D.   a governor requests a federal court hearing
Question #6
Besides the Supreme Court, there are lower courts in the national system called __________.
A.   civil and common courts
B.   state and federal courts
C.   state and local courts
D.   district and circuit courts
Question #7
In standing by precedent, a judge relies on the principle of __________.
A.   laissez-faire
B.   stare decisis
C.   judicial activism
D.   amicus curiae
Question #8
The justices of the Supreme Court are __________.
A.   confirmed by the president
B.   nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate
C.   chosen by Congress
D.   elected by citizens
Question #9
The Supreme Court consists of __________.
A.   nine associate justices
B.   thirteen justices
C.   one chief justice and eight associate justices
D.   one chief justice and five associate justices
Question #10
A case will be placed on the court's docket when __________ justices agree to do so.
A.   five
B.   four
C.   six
D.   all
Question #11
One of the main ways interest groups participate in Supreme Court cases is by __________.
A.   lobbying the justices
B.   filing amicus curiae briefs
C.   giving monetary contributions to the justices
D.   protesting in front of the Supreme Court building
Question #12
When using judicial restraint, a judge will usually __________.
A.   refuse to rule on a case
B.   defer to the decisions of the elected branches of government
C.   overrule any act of Congress he or she doesn't like
D.   make mostly liberal rulings
Question #13
When a Supreme Court ruling is made, justices may write a __________ to show they agree with the majority but for different reasons.
A.   concurring opinion
B.   majority opinion
C.   brief
D.   dissenting opinion
Question #14
Which of the following is a check that the legislative branch has over the courts?
A.   Congress may rewrite a law the courts have declared unconstitutional.
B.   Senate approval is needed for the appointment of justices and federal judges, congress may rewrite a law the courts have declared unconstitutional, and congress may withhold funding needed to implement court decisions.
C.   Senate approval is needed for the appointment of justices and federal judges and congress may withhold funding needed to implement court decisions. 
D.   Congress may withhold funding needed to implement court decisions. 

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