GED Social Studies : Powers of the Federal Courts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Social Studies

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Example Questions

Example Question #62 : Content Areas

The Supreme Court Case Marbury v. Madison __________

Possible Answers:

overturned Plessy v. Ferguson.

established the power of Judicial Review.

established the Presidential line of succession.

gave Congress undisputed power to regulate interstate commerce.

legalized abortion in the United States.

Correct answer:

established the power of Judicial Review.

Explanation:

The Supreme Court case, Marbury v. Madison (1803) is the most important of the early Supreme Court cases. It established the power of Judicial Review, which states that the Supreme Court has the right to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional. It greatly expanded the power of the infant Judicial Branch and further entrenched the doctrine of checks and balances that is at the heart of the American political system.

Example Question #1 : Powers Of The Federal Courts

The idea that the Supreme Court should play a prominent role in determining the direction of national policy is called __________.

Possible Answers:

judicial restraint

judicial activism

judicial aggression

judicial review

judicial nonchalance

Correct answer:

judicial activism

Explanation:

The term Judicial Activism, or Judicial Intervention, is used to describe the belief that the Supreme Court should take an active and promiment role in shaping American national policies. It is the antonym of judicial restraint, which suggests that the Supreme Court should limit its attempts to intervene in shaping national policies.

Example Question #2 : Powers Of The Federal Courts

Judicial Review allows the Supreme Court to _________________.

Possible Answers:

overrule a precedent established by a previous Court

declare an act of Congress as unconstitutional

oversee elections and campaigns

approve appointments to the President’s cabinet

authorize the impeachment of a President

Correct answer:

declare an act of Congress as unconstitutional

Explanation:

Judicial Review is one of the more important powers of the Supreme Court and the Judicial Branch of the United States government. It was established in the Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison, in 1803. It allows the Supreme Court to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional, giving the Judicial Branch the ability to check the power of the Legislative Branch.

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