Constitutional law worksheet with answers

Free printable Constitutional law worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

In the UK, after a bill passes both Houses of Parliament, it becomes an Act when it receives:

  1. ACabinet confirmation
  2. BRoyal Assent
  3. CJudicial approval
  4. DA referendum vote
2.Easy

The rule of law means, at its core, that:

  1. AJudges make all laws
  2. BEveryone, including the government, is subject to the law
  3. CThe government can change any law at any time without limits
  4. DOnly citizens must follow the law
3.Easy

Judicial independence means that:

  1. AJudges decide cases free from pressure from government or other parties
  2. BJudges may set aside any statute they consider unjust or contrary to good policy
  3. CJudges are elected by the public
  4. DJudges cannot be bound by statute
4.Medium

Under AG v De Keyser's Royal Hotel, when a statute covers the same ground as a prerogative power:

  1. AThe government can choose freely between the two
  2. BThe prerogative is put in abeyance and the government must act under the statute
  3. CThe prerogative overrides the statute
  4. DThe government may still choose the prerogative if it offers more flexible powers
5.Medium

The Dutch Constitution (Article 120) forbids courts from:

  1. AApplying international treaties
  2. BReviewing decisions of municipalities and provinces against national statutes
  3. CHearing criminal cases
  4. DReviewing Acts of Parliament for compatibility with the Constitution
6.Medium

After Burmah Oil v Lord Advocate held that compensation was due for property destroyed during the war, Parliament passed the War Damage Act 1965, which:

  1. ARemoved the right to compensation retrospectively
  2. BIncreased the compensation payable
  3. CRequired the courts to hear the case again
  4. DWas struck down by the courts
7.Hard

In R v Home Secretary, ex p Simms, Lord Hoffmann explained the "principle of legality" as meaning that:

  1. AGeneral words in a statute are presumed not to override fundamental rights
  2. BCourts may strike down Acts that breach fundamental rights
  3. CMinisters may limit fundamental rights whenever it is in the public interest
  4. DParliament cannot legislate against fundamental rights
8.Hard

In the Dutch system, the Council of State (Raad van State) mainly:

  1. AAdvises on legislation and acts as the highest administrative court in many areas
  2. BElects the members of parliament
  3. CHears criminal appeals
  4. DAppoints the prime minister and supervises the formation of a new coalition government

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Royal Assent
  2. 2. B · Everyone, including the government, is subject to the law
  3. 3. A · Judges decide cases free from pressure from government or other parties
  4. 4. B · The prerogative is put in abeyance and the government must act under the statute
  5. 5. D · Reviewing Acts of Parliament for compatibility with the Constitution
  6. 6. A · Removed the right to compensation retrospectively
  7. 7. A · General words in a statute are presumed not to override fundamental rights
  8. 8. A · Advises on legislation and acts as the highest administrative court in many areas

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.