Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)
2026/2027 Comprehensive Exam Prep,
Practice Questions, Test Bank Review, and
Study Guide
Question 1:
What creates an agency relationship?
A. A written contract between two parties
B. A court order establishing authority
C. Voluntary consent between parties with control by the principal
D. Payment of wages to an employee
Correct Answer: C. Voluntary consent between parties with control by the
principal
Rationale: An agency relationship forms when both parties consent and the agent is
under the principal’s control. A written contract is not required (A), courts do not
create agency relationships directly (B), and payment alone (D) is insufficient.
Question 2:
How can an agency relationship be terminated by the parties?
A. Only by court order
B. By mutual agreement, expiration, or fulfillment of purpose
C. Only when the agent resigns
D. Only when the principal dies
Correct Answer: B. By mutual agreement, expiration, or fulfillment of purpose
Rationale: Agency ends when parties choose to terminate, when time expires, or when
the purpose is fulfilled. It is not limited to court action (A), resignation (C), or death
(D).
Question 3:
When does termination of agency occur by operation of law?
A. When profits decrease
B. When the agent changes jobs
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C. When death, incapacity, or breach of duty occurs
D. When the principal relocates
Correct Answer: C. When death, incapacity, or breach of duty occurs
Rationale: Termination by law happens automatically in cases like death, incapacity,
or serious breach. Business changes (A, D) or job changes (B) do not automatically
end the relationship.
Question 4:
When can an agent bind a principal to a contract?
A. Only when written permission exists
B. When acting within actual or apparent authority
C. Only when the principal is present
D. Only when the agent benefits
Correct Answer: B. When acting within actual or apparent authority
Rationale: An agent binds the principal when acting within actual or apparent
authority. Written permission (A) is not always required, presence (C) is unnecessary,
and personal benefit (D) is irrelevant.
Question 5:
What is actual express authority?
A. Authority assumed by the agent
B. Authority implied by circumstances
C. Authority clearly given by the principal
D. Authority created by third parties
Correct Answer: C. Authority clearly given by the principal
Rationale: Express authority is directly communicated by the principal. It differs from
implied authority (B) and is not created by third parties (D) or assumptions (A).
Question 6:
What is actual implied authority?
A. Authority written in a contract
B. Authority based on reasonable interpretation of the principal’s conduct
C. Authority created by courts
D. Authority granted by third parties
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Correct Answer: B. Authority based on reasonable interpretation of the
principal’s conduct
Rationale: Implied authority comes from what a reasonable agent believes the
principal intends. It is not necessarily written (A) and not created by courts (C) or
third parties (D).
Question 7:
What constitutes apparent authority?
A. Authority stated in a contract
B. Authority assumed by the agent alone
C. Authority created by the principal’s conduct leading third parties to rely
D. Authority granted by law
Correct Answer: C. Authority created by the principal’s conduct leading third
parties to rely
Rationale: Apparent authority exists when the principal’s actions make third parties
believe the agent has authority. It is not based on the agent’s belief alone (B) or just
written terms (A).
Question 8:
What is inherent agency power?
A. Power granted by written agreement
B. Power to bind only with express authority
C. Court-imposed liability on a principal even without authority
D. Authority created by statute
Correct Answer: C. Court-imposed liability on a principal even without authority
Rationale: Inherent authority protects third parties by allowing courts to hold
principals liable even without actual authority. It is not limited to contracts (A) or
express authority (B).
Question 9:
When is an employer liable for torts committed by an employee?
A. Always
B. Only when the employee is off duty
C. When the employee acts within the scope of employment
D. Only when the employer approves the act