Question

which of the following is an example of congress expanding the provisions of the constitution by enacting a law rather than seeking a formal amendment?
a creating a federal court system
b allowing the president to make war without formally declaring war
c establishing the power of judicial review
d carrying out the practice of senatorial courtesy

Explanation:

• Option A: The U.S. Constitution establishes a Supreme Court but leaves the rest of the federal court system to Congress to create via legislation, which expands constitutional provisions without a formal amendment.
• Option B: War-making authority is tied to congressional power to declare war; this is an executive practice, not congressional legislation expanding the Constitution.
• Option C: Judicial review was established by the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison, not congressional legislation.
• Option D: Senatorial courtesy is an informal Senate practice, not a congressional law expanding constitutional provisions.

Answer:

A. creating a federal court system