ap gov test judiciary

What does it mean to overturn a constitutional amendment?

It is considered a violation of civil rights.

Judicial Restraint

A principle where judges limit their power and defer to the decisions of the elected branches of government.

What is the term for a political ideology that is open to preserving traditional values and institutions?

Conservative.

In a judicial context, what does 'II only' suggest?

It implies that only the second statement or point is correct.

What constitutes a violation of state criminal law?

An action that goes against the established laws of a state.

Why is judicial nomination described as reversing constitutional powers?

A senator nominates a candidate, and the president consents, effectively reversing the power structure.

Why do courts lack enforcement powers?

Because they have no police force or army to carry out their decisions.

How can Congress affect the justices' compensation?

It can decrease the justices' pay.

What does the plaintiff claim in a civil case?

That the defendant has violated common law.

What term is used for the person bringing a civil case?

Plaintiff.

What is the role of the Supreme Court?

It is the highest court and has ultimate appellate jurisdiction.

What are the legal issues involved in a case that allegedly violated due process?

They are the legal grounds or matters at stake in the case.

What responsibility does the Senate have regarding Supreme Court Justices?

Approving or rejecting the president's nomination.

What are precedents?

Judicial decisions that provide a rule for future cases.

What is the 11th Amendment?

It restricts the ability of individuals to bring suit against states in federal court.

How do interest groups influence courts?

They use legal briefs to lobby for specific outcomes.

What landmark case established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison.

What is a concurring opinion?

An opinion that agrees with the majority decision but for different reasons.

What is a judge's interpretation of the Constitution to address modern social norms called?

Activist approach.

What is the significance of '4' in legal cases?

It usually refers to the number of justices required for a case to be granted certiorari.

What is the role of the Solicitor General?

The Solicitor General represents the government before the Supreme Court.

Which branch of government primarily creates laws that the courts must interpret?

Congress.

What is an ex-post facto law?

A law that makes illegal an act that was legal when committed.

What happens when a petition for writ of certiorari is not granted?

The lower court's decision remains in effect.

What is slander?

The action of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.

How can the Attorney General influence the types of cases the Court hears?

By deciding the legal priorities and cases to pursue.

What does it mean to remand a decision?

To send a case back to a lower court for further action.

How is the Court held accountable by other branches?

The President and Congress oversee its decisions and can influence judicial appointments.

Why do Presidents prefer candidates with similar policy views for the Supreme Court?

To ensure judicial decisions align with their political agenda.

What is the role of amicus curiae in legal cases?

They offer information and opinions to assist the court, but are not parties to the case.

What is procedural due process?

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

What is the right to confront witnesses?

The legal right of a defendant to see and challenge all evidence presented against them.

What does 'II & III' refer to in a legal context?

It indicates that both the second and third options or statements are considered correct.

What does it mean that federal justices serve for 'time of good behavior'?

They can serve indefinitely as long as they do not commit impeachable offenses.

What would the Supreme Court have to do before ruling on any legal issues?

Wait for someone to test the law in a case.

What is eminent domain?

The right of a government to take private property for public use, with compensation.

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court.

What does libel mean?

A false written statement that is damaging to a person's reputation.

What is a liberal ideology in a judicial context?

An approach that supports progressive changes and the protection of individual rights.

What is a political question?

Issues that are deemed to be more appropriate for resolution by the executive or legislative branches rather than the judiciary.

What is a writ of mandamus?

An order from a court to an inferior government official to fulfill their official duties.

What is a litmus test in judicial nominations?

A test of a nominee's ideological purity on certain key issues.

Who is John Roberts?

The current Chief Justice of the United States.

What does the 17th Amendment address?

It established the direct election of U.S. Senators.

What does the 26th Amendment state?

It lowers the voting age to 18 years.

What significant case established the principle of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison.