8th Grade Bar Exam Questions and Answers with Verified Solutions

8th Grade Bar Exam Questions and Answers with Verified Solutions What is the main job of the Legislative Branch? to make laws What does bicameral mean? two law making parts what are proposals for new laws called? Bills What does the term checks and balances mean? Checks and balances are a way to keep the power of all branches equal. Why did framers feel the need to include checks and balances in the Constitution? So no one branch becomes too powerful. Why did the framers make it possible to change the Constitution? The framers made it possible to change the constitution because over time, opinions will change. What are two pieces of evidence that prove that amending the constitution is "difficult"? If the president veto's the law, then 2/3 of Congress from both houses have to vote for the bill in order for it to become a new law. Why did the framers create a federal system of government in which the power is shared between the national and the state governments? The government knew that the states were different, but a strong central government would keep them together. What is federalism, and why do you think it has caused controversy during our nation's history? Federalism is the sharing of government between two or more governments (in this case, the US government and the state government). Federalism caused controversy between our nation because the states power was different from the U.S government. What is the main job performed by the judicial branch? Protecting the Constitution What different types of courts make up the judicial branch? Supreme Court, Federal Court What is meant by the term judicial review? The supreme court established the right to judge whether the law is constitutional or not. What is the main job performed by the executive branch? To execute laws. What does the president promise to defend when he takes the oath of office? Constitution What is the length of a term of office for members of the U.S. House of Representatives? 2 years How old must a person be to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives? To the Senate? 25 30 Who has the power to propose a law to raise revenue (a tax law)? H.O.R What is the length of a term of office for members of the United States Senate? 6 years Who has the power to declare war? President How many members of the Senate and House are there? How many members of Congress? 435 What is the length of a term of office for the president of the United States? 4 years How old must one be to hold the office of president of the United States? 35 years old Who has the power to make treaties with foreign countries? President Who has the power to nominate ambassadors, public ministers, or other officers of the United States, such as members of the cabinet? President Who is commander and chief of the military forces? President Who has the right to impeach the president? Senate What is the length of the term of office for justices of the United States Supreme Court? Lifetime, or until they retire Who has the power to resolve issues involving national laws or laws of the United States? Federal Courts Who has the power to settle disputes between different states? Federal Courts How many members of the Supreme Court are there? nine What can the legislative branch do if the president vetoes a bill? If 2/3 of a vote from congress passes the bill, it becomes a law. Who has the power to review all laws and treaties of the United States? Federal Courts Who must approve all judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors that the president appoints to government positions? Senate Who must approve any treaties that are made with foreign countries? Senate Who has the power to veto laws? President What branch of government can check the power of the judiciary by exercising the power of impeachment? Senate Who has the power to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States? Congress proposes the amendments, but have to have approval from the other states. Who approves amendments to the Constitution? The states and the legislatures both can approve the new amendments How many amendments have been made to the Constitution? 27 Which amendment gave women the right to vote? Amendment 19 Who has the power to print and coin money? Congress What is the "supreme law of the land" and how does it affect what states can do? Constitution Why do states need to be concerned about laws passed in other states? Each state must accept the laws, acts, and legal decisions made by the other states. Who decides when the Electoral College casts its vote for president? Congress