, WGU C963 American Politics and the
US Constitution – Western Governors
University – Academic Year 2026/2027
– Objective Assessment
Comprehensive Examination with 60
Verified Questions and Correct Answer
Rationales | with complete solutions.
SECTION 1: CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS
(Questions 1-15)
Question 1: The principle of federalism in the U.S. Constitution is best
illustrated by which of the following?
A. The Supremacy Clause making federal law supreme
B. The Tenth Amendment reserving powers to the states
C. The Full Faith and Credit Clause
D. The Commerce Clause granting Congress trade authority
Correct Answer: B. The Tenth Amendment reserving powers to the
states
Rationale: Federalism divides power between national and state
governments. The Tenth Amendment explicitly reserves unspecified powers
to the states or the people, embodying the concept of dual sovereignty. The
Supremacy Clause (A) favors federal power, the Full Faith and Credit Clause
(C) involves interstate recognition, and the Commerce Clause (D) grants
federal economic authority .
Source: WGU C963 Exam Bundle (2025/2026) – Stuvia
, Question 2: Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial
review?
A. Gibbons v. Ogden
B. McCulloch v. Maryland
C. Marbury v. Madison
D. Dred Scott v. Sandford
Correct Answer: C. Marbury v. Madison
Rationale: Marbury v. Madison (1803) asserted the Supreme Court's power
to declare laws unconstitutional, establishing the foundation for judicial
review. Gibbons v. Ogden (A) involved commerce clause interpretation,
McCulloch v. Maryland (B) addressed implied powers, and Dred Scott v.
Sandford (D) addressed citizenship .
Source: WGU C963 Exam Bundle (2025/2026) – Stuvia
Question 3: The Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) is found in
which Article of the Constitution?
A. Article I
B. Article II
C. Article III
D. Article IV
Correct Answer: A. Article I
Rationale: Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make laws
necessary and proper for executing enumerated powers, enabling implied
powers. Article II addresses the executive branch, Article III addresses the
judicial branch, and Article IV addresses states' relations .
Source: WGU C963 Exam Bundle (2025/2026) – Stuvia
US Constitution – Western Governors
University – Academic Year 2026/2027
– Objective Assessment
Comprehensive Examination with 60
Verified Questions and Correct Answer
Rationales | with complete solutions.
SECTION 1: CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS
(Questions 1-15)
Question 1: The principle of federalism in the U.S. Constitution is best
illustrated by which of the following?
A. The Supremacy Clause making federal law supreme
B. The Tenth Amendment reserving powers to the states
C. The Full Faith and Credit Clause
D. The Commerce Clause granting Congress trade authority
Correct Answer: B. The Tenth Amendment reserving powers to the
states
Rationale: Federalism divides power between national and state
governments. The Tenth Amendment explicitly reserves unspecified powers
to the states or the people, embodying the concept of dual sovereignty. The
Supremacy Clause (A) favors federal power, the Full Faith and Credit Clause
(C) involves interstate recognition, and the Commerce Clause (D) grants
federal economic authority .
Source: WGU C963 Exam Bundle (2025/2026) – Stuvia
, Question 2: Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial
review?
A. Gibbons v. Ogden
B. McCulloch v. Maryland
C. Marbury v. Madison
D. Dred Scott v. Sandford
Correct Answer: C. Marbury v. Madison
Rationale: Marbury v. Madison (1803) asserted the Supreme Court's power
to declare laws unconstitutional, establishing the foundation for judicial
review. Gibbons v. Ogden (A) involved commerce clause interpretation,
McCulloch v. Maryland (B) addressed implied powers, and Dred Scott v.
Sandford (D) addressed citizenship .
Source: WGU C963 Exam Bundle (2025/2026) – Stuvia
Question 3: The Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) is found in
which Article of the Constitution?
A. Article I
B. Article II
C. Article III
D. Article IV
Correct Answer: A. Article I
Rationale: Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make laws
necessary and proper for executing enumerated powers, enabling implied
powers. Article II addresses the executive branch, Article III addresses the
judicial branch, and Article IV addresses states' relations .
Source: WGU C963 Exam Bundle (2025/2026) – Stuvia
