Quiz On California’s Constitution And Government
Questions and Answers
- 1.
A state’s constitution is legally _____ to the state’s statutes and legally _____ to the U.S. Constitution and to federal statutes.
- A.
Comparable; inferior
- B.
Superior; comparable
- C.
Superior; inferior
- D.
Inferior; comparable
Correct Answer
C. Superior; inferiorExplanation
A state's constitution is legally superior to the state's statutes because it is the highest law within the state. It is also legally inferior to the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes because federal law takes precedence over state law.Rate this question:
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- 2.
California’s Constitution today is an amended version of one that was ratified in
- A.
1849
- B.
1850
- C.
1879
- D.
1889
Correct Answer
C. 1879Explanation
The correct answer is 1879 because California's Constitution was indeed ratified in that year. The original constitution of California was adopted in 1849, just before it became a state, but it was revised and replaced by a new constitution in 1879. This new constitution was a result of the growing population and changing needs of the state. It introduced several important reforms, including the creation of a strong executive branch and the establishment of a comprehensive system of public education. Since then, the 1879 Constitution has been amended numerous times to reflect the evolving needs and values of the state.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The influence of the Progressive movement can be seen in the California Constitution’s provision for
- A.
A plural executive.
- B.
Direct democracy.
- C.
A 2/3 vote requirement for raising taxes.
- D.
Term limits.
Correct Answer
B. Direct democracy.Explanation
The influence of the Progressive movement can be seen in the California Constitution's provision for direct democracy. The Progressive movement, which gained prominence in the early 20th century, aimed to increase citizen participation in government and reduce the influence of special interests. Direct democracy, such as the use of initiatives and referendums, allows citizens to directly participate in the lawmaking process by proposing and voting on legislation. This aligns with the Progressive movement's goals of empowering the people and promoting democratic decision-making.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A California Assembly member serves a term of ___ years and a California state senator serves a term of ___ years.
- A.
2; 4
- B.
2; 6
- C.
4; 6
- D.
4; 8
Correct Answer
A. 2; 4Explanation
A California Assembly member serves a term of 2 years and a California state senator serves a term of 4 years.Rate this question:
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- 5.
California Assembly members are limited to ___ terms in office and California state senators are limited to ___ terms in office.
- A.
2; 3
- B.
3; 4
- C.
3; 2
- D.
3; 3
Correct Answer
C. 3; 2Explanation
California Assembly members are limited to three terms in office, while California state senators are limited to two terms in office. This means that assembly members can serve a maximum of six years, while state senators can serve a maximum of eight years. This term limit is in place to ensure turnover and prevent individuals from holding onto power for too long, promoting fresh perspectives and opportunities for new leaders to emerge.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Under Proposition 11 (2008), redistricting of California’s state legislative districts is to be carried out by
- A.
The state legislature.
- B.
An independent commission.
- C.
The Governor.
- D.
The state supreme court.
Correct Answer
B. An independent commission.Explanation
Under Proposition 11 (2008), the redistricting of California's state legislative districts is mandated to be carried out by an independent commission. This means that the responsibility of redrawing the district boundaries is given to a nonpartisan group of individuals who are not affiliated with any political party or elected officials. This is done to ensure a fair and impartial process that is not influenced by political biases or self-interest. The purpose of this proposition is to promote transparency and accountability in the redistricting process and to prevent gerrymandering.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In California, state executive officials like the Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer are
- A.
Appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
- B.
Elected by voters to four-year terms.
- C.
Appointed by the Governor with no confirmation needed.
- D.
Elected by voters to two-year terms.
Correct Answer
B. Elected by voters to four-year terms.Explanation
In California, state executive officials such as the Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer are elected by voters to four-year terms. This means that the citizens of California have the power to choose these officials through the democratic process. The Governor does not have the authority to appoint these officials, and they do not serve for a two-year term. The confirmation by the state Senate is also not required for their appointment.Rate this question:
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- 8.
California state judges are given lifetime appointments to ensure their judicial independence.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
California state judges are not given lifetime appointments to ensure their judicial independence. In fact, California state judges are elected by the public and serve fixed terms. This system allows for regular accountability and the opportunity for voters to choose their judges based on their performance and qualifications. Lifetime appointments are more commonly seen in federal judgeships, where the intention is to insulate judges from political pressures and ensure their independence in interpreting the law.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A(n) _____ is a form of direct democracy that asks voters to judge an action previously taken by the state legislature.
- A.
Referendum
- B.
Proposition
- C.
Initiative
- D.
Recall
Correct Answer
A. ReferendumExplanation
A referendum is a form of direct democracy that asks voters to judge an action previously taken by the state legislature. In a referendum, voters are presented with a specific question or proposition and are asked to vote "yes" or "no" to indicate their approval or disapproval of the action. This allows citizens to directly participate in the decision-making process and have a say in important legislative matters. Referendums are often used to settle controversial issues or to seek public input on major policy decisions.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A California county is governed by
- A.
An elected Board of Supervisors.
- B.
Appointed County Commissioners.
- C.
A mayor and a country council.
- D.
An elected sheriff.
Correct Answer
A. An elected Board of Supervisors.Explanation
The correct answer is an elected Board of Supervisors. In California, the county government is typically governed by a Board of Supervisors, which is composed of elected officials who represent different districts within the county. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for making policy decisions, managing county resources, and providing services to the residents of the county. This form of governance ensures that the county's leadership is elected by the people, allowing for accountability and representation at the local level.Rate this question:
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Mar 14, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 17, 2011Quiz Created by
Co350515
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