Question

question 1 (multiple choice worth 3 points)
(02.06 mc)

how does the decision-making process differ between federal judges and congress?

• congress makes its decisions slowly, while judges take less than a day to decide on a case.
• congress makes its decisions quickly, while judges take over a year or more to decide on a case.
• judges base their decisions on the law and the constitution, while congress bases its decisions on the peoples wants.
• judges base their decisions on what the people want, while congress bases its decisions on what the president wants.

Explanation:

Analyze the role of federal judges

Federal judges are appointed to interpret and apply the law. They must base their decisions on the Constitution, statutes, and legal precedents, remaining insulated from public opinion and political pressure.

Analyze the role of Congress

Congress is the legislative branch, consisting of elected representatives. Because they are elected by the citizens, members of Congress base their decisions heavily on the wants, needs, and opinions of their constituents (the people).

Compare the decision-making processes

Comparing the options:

• Option 1 and Option 2 focus on the speed of decisions, which is not a defining constitutional difference.
• Option 3 correctly states that judges base decisions on the law and the Constitution, while Congress bases decisions on the people's wants.
• Option 4 incorrectly states that judges base decisions on what the people want.

Therefore, Option 3 is the correct choice.

Answer:

• (A) Congress makes its decisions slowly, while judges take less than a day to decide on a case.
• (B) Congress makes its decisions quickly, while judges take over a year or more to decide on a case.
• (C) Judges base their decisions on the law and the Constitution, while Congress bases its decisions on the people's wants. (Correct answer)
• (D) Judges base their decisions on what the people want, while Congress bases its decisions on what the president wants.