The Supreme Law of the Land - WHAT IS CONSTITUTIONAL LAW?

21 important questions on The Supreme Law of the Land - WHAT IS CONSTITUTIONAL LAW?

What does constitutional law encompass?

It involves the interpretation and application of:
  • the U.S. Constitution
  • each state’s constitution
  • it defines government structure and individual relations
  • protects liberties
  • addresses government powers

What is the significance of the U.S. Constitution's length and amendments?

The U.S. Constitution:
  • has under 4,400 words
  • is divided into seven articles
  • the Bill of Rights contains the first ten amendments
  • has seventeen additional amendments

How does constitutional law differ from other law bodies?

It is unique because:
  1. It addresses government structure not individual relations.
  2. It relies on a single text: the Constitution.
  3. It often raises controversial political issues.
  4. Judicial power and interpretation are more contested.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What challenges arise from interpreting the Constitution?

Challenges include:
  • the vagueness of the text
  • various interpretations required
  • divergence from apparent meanings
  • specific issues demanding extensive interpretation

How do the processes of law-making vary in constitutional law?

Differences manifest through:
  • clear decision processes
  • contested appropriateness of judicial power
  • non-transparent decision-making in contrast to legislative processes.
  • questions about judicial authority

What are the primary focuses of constitutional law discussed in the chapter?

Key focuses include:
  • structure of federal government
  • organization into three branches
  • limits on government powers
  • principles of federalism

How do state constitutions compare to the U.S. Constitution?

Differences include:
  • state constitutions are longer and more detailed
  • they can be amended more frequently
  • include unique provisions reflecting specific state concerns
  • bills of rights may be more comprehensive

What factors contribute to the length of state constitutions?

Contributing factors are:
  1. State general authority to govern.
  2. Detailed limitations on power.
  3. Inclusion of non-fundamental issues.
  4. More frequent amendments than the federal Constitution.

What do state bills of rights contribute to individual rights?

Contributions of state bills of rights include:
  • detailed provisions extending federal rights
  • articulation of additional rights not found federally
  • enable state court interpretations to expand rights.

How has judicial focus shifted with state constitutions?

The shift includes:
  • increased use of state constitutional law
  • engagement in issues like search and seizure rights
  • states defining rights independently from federal courts.

What example illustrates the difference between state and federal interpretations of rights?

An example is:
  • in California v. Greenwood, no privacy in trash.
  • in State v. Hempele, affirmed privacy rights in New Jersey.
  • highlights independent state court responsibility.

What does constitutional law primarily involve?

  • Interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution
  • State constitutions also play a role
  • Contains fewer than 4,400 words in the U.S. Constitution
  • Seven short parts called articles

When was the U.S. Constitution drafted and amended?

  • Drafted in 1787
  • Bill of Rights added in 1791
  • Seventeen amendments added since then
  • Few Americans read the whole Constitution

Why is constitutional law considered unique?

  • It doesn't address individual relations like other laws
  • Defines government structure and individual relations
  • Superior to other bodies of law
  • Proclaims itself as the "supreme Law of the Land"

How does constitutional law differ from other bodies of law?

  • Based on a single source: the Constitution
  • Refers to a narrow text
  • Addresses a broad range of situations
  • Text can be vague and require interpretation

What fundamental issues does constitutional law raise?

  • Raises important political issues
  • More controversial value choices
  • Explicitly political compared to other law areas
  • Noncontroversial issues are rare

What is unique about the judicial processes in constitutional law?

  • Courts interpret constitutional text
  • Decisions made by appointed justices
  • Supreme Court justices serve for life
  • Power of courts is contested unlike other law areas

How do state constitutions compare to the federal Constitution?

  • Typically longer and more detailed
  • Alabama's constitution is over 600 pages
  • State constitutions limit rather than grant power
  • Often amended more frequently

Why do state constitutions often include detailed provisions?

  • Have general governance authority
  • Limitations stated specifically
  • Address particular state concerns
  • Include non-fundamental issues as well

What role do state bills of rights play?

  • More detailed and significant than federal counterpart
  • Often precede the main body of the constitution
  • Include protections similar to those in the federal Bill
  • Some rights not guaranteed by the federal Constitution

What is meant by “the new judicial federalism”?

  • Increased focus on state constitutional law
  • Lawyers and public seeking rights protection from state courts
  • States applying constitutions independently
  • Expanded rights beyond federal definitions

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo