Constitutional Law 101: What is Constitutional Law?

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

It is immutable and cannot be changed.

Answer

It establishes the structure and powers of government.

Answer

It protects individual rights and freedoms.

Answer

It is the supreme law of the land.

Question 2

What is the primary source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Custom and conventions

Answer

A codified constitution

Answer

Statutory enactments

Answer

Judicial precedents

Question 3

The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law. Which constitutional law principle is best reflected by this Act?

Accepted Answer

Incorporation

Answer

Separation of Powers

Answer

Supremacy of Parliament

Answer

Judicial Review

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

It is exclusively written down in a single document.

Answer

It is the supreme law of the land.

Answer

It protects individual rights.

Answer

It allocates powers and responsibilities within government.

Question 5

The fundamental principle that power should be divided among different branches of government to prevent tyranny is known as:

Accepted Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

The rule of law

Answer

Checks and balances

Answer

Federalism

Question 6

The historical roots of constitutional law in the UK can be traced back to which foundational document?

Accepted Answer

The Magna Carta

Answer

The Glorious Revolution

Answer

The American Revolution

Answer

The French Revolution

Question 7

What is a key distinction between written and unwritten constitutions?

Accepted Answer

Form

Answer

Scope

Answer

Rigidity

Answer

Content

Question 8

The concept that the law applies equally to all citizens, regardless of their status or power, is known as:

Accepted Answer

The rule of law

Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Due process

Answer

The separation of powers

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of a constitution?

Accepted Answer

To adjudicate disputes between private citizens

Answer

To establish the structure and framework of government

Answer

To protect individual rights and freedoms

Answer

To define the relationship between the government and its citizens

Question 10

The principle that limits government power through constitutional law is known as:

Accepted Answer

Constitutionalism

Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Separation of powers

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a constitutional system?

Accepted Answer

Arbitrary government power

Answer

Supremacy of the constitution

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Protection of individual rights

Question 12

The Magna Carta is considered a foundational document in constitutional law because it:

Accepted Answer

Protected individual rights from arbitrary government actions

Answer

Established the principle of separation of powers

Answer

Established a constitutional monarchy

Answer

Introduced the concept of parliamentary sovereignty

Question 13

The separation of powers doctrine divides governmental authority into:

Accepted Answer

Legislative, executive, and judicial branches

Answer

Monarchy, parliament, and judiciary

Answer

Government, opposition, and civil society

Answer

Central, regional, and local governments

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a constitutional law system?

Accepted Answer

Limited exercise of authority

Answer

Limited government powers

Answer

Protection of individual rights

Answer

Separation of powers

Question 15

What is the principle that divides government power among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful?

Accepted Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Judicial review

Question 16

Which of the following is a foundational document that codifies the principles and structures of a constitutional system?

Accepted Answer

Constitution

Answer

Common law

Answer

Statute

Answer

Treaty

Question 17

What is the function of judicial review in a constitutional system?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and apply the constitution

Answer

To make laws

Answer

To enforce the constitution

Answer

To prosecute crimes

Question 18

Which historical event significantly influenced the development of constitutional law in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Glorious Revolution

Answer

American Revolution

Answer

French Revolution

Answer

World War II

Question 19

What is the principle that ensures that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law and no one is above it?

Accepted Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Due process

Answer

Equal protection

Answer

Separation of powers

Question 20

What is the purpose of a constitutional convention?

Accepted Answer

To establish principles of government

Answer

To make laws

Answer

To interpret the constitution

Answer

To prosecute crimes

Question 21

Which of the following most accurately describes the relationship between constitutional law and other areas of law?

Accepted Answer

Constitutional law provides the foundation and framework for other areas of law.

Answer

Constitutional law is subordinate to all other areas of law.

Answer

Constitutional law is completely separate from other areas of law.

Answer

Constitutional law is only relevant to constitutional issues.

Question 22

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

Flexibility

Answer

Supremacy

Answer

Rigidity

Question 23

The rule of law, a core principle in constitutional law, ensures that:

Accepted Answer

The government operates within the boundaries of the law.

Answer

Only government entities can create laws.

Answer

All individuals are treated equally under the law.

Answer

The law is superior to all other forms of authority.

Question 24

The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty primarily implies that:

Accepted Answer

Parliament holds the exclusive power to create and repeal laws.

Answer

Parliament is bound by the principles of the rule of law.

Answer

Parliament is subject to judicial authority.

Answer

Parliamentary decisions must uphold fundamental human rights.

Question 25

Which of the following is not a defining characteristic of constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

Being readily amendable

Answer

Defining the structure and powers of government

Answer

Protecting individual rights

Answer

Holding supremacy over all other laws

Question 26

Constitutional conventions can be described as:

Accepted Answer

Unwritten customs with constitutional significance

Answer

Legally binding rules

Answer

Court rulings interpreting constitutional law

Answer

Acts of Parliament establishing fundamental rights

Question 27

What is the essential principle that disperses government authority, preventing its concentration in a single entity or branch?

Accepted Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

Sovereignty of Parliament

Answer

Limited government

Answer

Judicial review

Question 28

What is the doctrine emphasizing that all individuals, including those in positions of authority, must adhere to the same laws and legal processes?

Accepted Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

Constitutional supremacy

Answer

Judicial independence

Question 29

What is the function of judicial review in the realm of constitutional law?

Accepted Answer

To scrutinize the actions of government against constitutional standards

Answer

To establish new laws

Answer

To amend the constitution

Answer

To interpret statutory laws

Question 30

What is the purpose of amending a constitution?

Accepted Answer

To alter the content and provisions of the constitution

Answer

To provide interpretations of the constitution

Answer

To implement the constitution

Answer

To create new laws

Question 31

Which feature is characteristic of a codified constitution?

Accepted Answer

Presented in a consolidated written document

Answer

Generally more inflexible and harder to change

Answer

Relatively easier to amend

Answer

Primarily interpreted by the judiciary

Question 32

What is the principle that ensures the precise delineation and restriction of governmental powers?

Accepted Answer

Limited government

Answer

Constitutional supremacy

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Separation of powers

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT considered a primary source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

A codified constitution

Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Judicial decisions

Answer

Constitutional conventions

Question 34

The principle of separation of powers in constitutional law aims primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent the concentration of excessive power within a single branch of government

Answer

Ensure efficient and accountable governance

Answer

Protect individual rights from government overreach

Answer

Foster cooperation and consensus among government institutions

Question 35

Judicial review in constitutional law refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Authority of courts to scrutinize the legality of government actions

Answer

Process of creating new constitutional laws

Answer

Mechanism for amending the constitution

Answer

Role of judges in interpreting constitutional provisions

Question 36

The term 'constitutional convention' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Unwritten rules that govern the operation of constitutional institutions and practices

Answer

Legally enforceable agreements between different branches of government

Answer

Formal rules explicitly stated in the constitution

Answer

Customs and traditions that lack legal force

Question 37

Identify the primary source of constitutional law in the United Kingdom:

Accepted Answer

Acts of Parliament

Answer

Treaties and international agreements

Answer

Common law principles

Answer

Royal prerogative

Question 38

Which principle ensures equal treatment and subjection to the same laws for all citizens by the government?

Accepted Answer

Rule of law

Answer

Parliamentary sovereignty

Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

Fundamental rights

Question 39

Indicate the key characteristic of a codified constitution:

Accepted Answer

Exists in a written document

Answer

Relies on common law principles

Answer

Unwritten and dispersed

Answer

Frequently subject to amendments

Question 40

Define the separation of powers:

Accepted Answer

Distribution of governmental functions among distinct branches

Answer

Mutual veto power among branches

Answer

Concentration of power in one entity

Question 41

In a constitutional monarchy like the United Kingdom, who are the head of state and head of government?

Accepted Answer

King/Queen and Prime Minister

Answer

Chancellor and Speaker of the House

Answer

President and Parliament

Answer

Lord Chief Justice and Attorney General

Question 42

Which of the following is a characteristic of judicial review?

Accepted Answer

Courts have the authority to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional

Answer

Courts have the authority to impose penalties on individuals

Answer

Courts have the authority to create new laws

Question 43

What is the doctrine of constitutional supremacy?

Accepted Answer

The constitution is the supreme law of the land

Answer

The constitution can be amended by a simple majority vote

Answer

The constitution is subordinate to international law