Supreme Court and Labor Law: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

According to the principle of preemption, which of the following is true regarding federal labor law?

Accepted Answer

It overrides state laws that afford workers lesser protections.

Answer

It permits state laws to supplement federal labor regulations in distinct areas.

Answer

It applies solely to employers engaged in interstate commerce.

Answer

It can be renounced by unions through collective bargaining agreements.

Question 2

Which Supreme Court ruling markedly diminished the influence of labor unions in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees

Answer

National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation

Answer

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America v. Edward G. Budd Manufacturing Company

Answer

Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the Norris-LaGuardia Act?

Accepted Answer

To restrict the use of injunctions in labor disputes.

Answer

To impede employers from obstructing union organizing efforts.

Answer

To establish a minimum wage for workers.

Answer

To offer unemployment benefits to laid-off workers.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a key distinction between craft unions and industrial unions?

Accepted Answer

Craft unions represent workers within specific trades, while industrial unions represent workers across all trades within an industry.

Answer

Craft unions prioritize closed shops, whereas industrial unions do not.

Answer

Industrial unions are generally larger and more influential than craft unions.

Answer

Craft unions are more prevalent in the private sector, while industrial unions dominate the public sector.

Question 5

In the context of labor law, what is the significance of a "closed shop"?

Accepted Answer

It mandates that all employees join a union prior to employment.

Answer

It prohibits employers from hiring non-union workers during labor disputes.

Answer

It grants unions exclusive bargaining rights for all employees in a bargaining unit.

Answer

It permits unions to collect dues from non-union workers.

Question 6

What is the primary responsibility of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing the NLRA and conducting union representation elections.

Answer

Setting wage and hour standards for workers.

Answer

Mediating labor disputes.

Answer

Providing unemployment benefits to laid-off workers.

Question 7

In the landmark case of NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp., the Supreme Court ruled that:

Accepted Answer

The NLRA was constitutional and applicable to interstate commerce

Answer

Labor strikes were inherently illegal and could be banned

Answer

Unions were not protected by the First Amendment

Answer

Collective bargaining agreements were invalid if they did not include a no-strike clause

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a form of protected concerted activity under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Harassing a supervisor

Answer

Striking for higher wages

Answer

Filing a grievance against an employer

Answer

Refusing to work overtime

Question 9

The Supreme Court's decision in Janus v. AFSCME held that:

Accepted Answer

Government employees cannot be required to pay union dues or fees

Answer

Unions have an absolute right to organize government employees

Answer

Collective bargaining is illegal in the public sector

Answer

Strikes by government employees are always unconstitutional

Question 10

What is the purpose of a collective bargaining agreement?

Accepted Answer

To establish the terms and conditions of employment

Answer

To resolve disputes between unions and employers

Answer

To protect the rights of individual workers

Answer

To promote cooperation between unions and employers

Question 11

What is the purpose of the National Labor Relations Board?

Accepted Answer

To enforce labor laws and conduct union elections

Answer

To mediate disputes between unions and employers

Answer

To license labor unions

Answer

To provide training for labor leaders

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a prohibited labor practice under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Hiring employees without a union referral

Answer

Interfering with employee rights to organize

Answer

Discriminating against employees for union activity

Answer

Refusing to bargain in good faith

Question 13

What is the concept of "at-will" employment?

Accepted Answer

Employees can be fired for any reason or no reason at all

Answer

Employees can only be fired for cause

Answer

Employees have a right to due process before being fired

Answer

Employees cannot be fired for exercising their First Amendment rights

Question 14

Under the National Labor Relations Act, which of the following is NOT considered a protected labor activity?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to work overtime

Answer

Organizing a union

Answer

Striking for improved working conditions

Answer

Engaging in collective bargaining

Question 15

Which landmark Supreme Court case established the right of unions to engage in collective bargaining?

Accepted Answer

National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act)

Answer

Norris-LaGuardia Act

Answer

Taft-Hartley Act

Answer

Labor Management Relations Act

Question 16

In which Supreme Court case was the constitutionality of mandatory anti-union contracts upheld?

Accepted Answer

J.I. Case Co. v. NLRB

Answer

Lochner v. New York

Answer

Plessy v. Ferguson

Answer

Brown v. Board of Education

Question 17

Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial deference to NLRB decisions?

Accepted Answer

NLRB v. J. Wiegand & Sons Co.

Answer

Marbury v. Madison

Answer

Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. NRDC

Answer

Auer v. Robbins

Question 18

Which Supreme Court case upheld the constitutionality of mandatory drug testing for railroad employees?

Accepted Answer

Skinner v. Railway Labor Executives' Assn.

Answer

Connick v. Myers

Answer

United States v. Chater

Answer

City of Los Angeles v. Davis

Question 19

In the Supreme Court cases West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc. v. Casey and Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis, the Court ruled that employers can:

Accepted Answer

Classify employees as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime

Answer

Exclude certain employees from overtime pay

Answer

Pay employees less than the minimum wage for certain jobs

Answer

Require employees to work more than 40 hours per week without paying overtime

Question 20

Which Supreme Court case established the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain under the National Labor Relations Act?

Accepted Answer

NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation

Answer

Lochner v. New York

Answer

Wickard v. Filburn

Answer

United States v. Darby

Question 21

In which Supreme Court case was the constitutionality of minimum wage laws upheld?

Accepted Answer

West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish

Answer

Adkins v. Children's Hospital

Answer

United States v. Carolene Products Co.

Answer

Wickard v. Filburn

Question 22

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Administering and enforcing the National Labor Relations Act.

Answer

Regulating wages and hours of work.

Answer

Providing unemployment benefits to workers.

Answer

Resolving labor disputes through mediation and arbitration.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT considered a protected concerted activity under the National Labor Relations Act?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in political speech on company property

Answer

Striking for higher wages

Answer

Filing a grievance

Answer

Refusing to work overtime

Question 24

The Taft-Hartley Act:

Accepted Answer

Amended the Wagner Act and placed certain restrictions on union activities

Answer

Established a national health insurance program

Answer

Set the minimum wage

Answer

Regulated child labor

Question 25

Which of the following best describes the significance of "right-to-work" laws in the United States?

Accepted Answer

They allow individual states to prohibit mandatory union membership as a condition of employment

Answer

They guarantee all workers the right to join a union

Answer

They require employers to bargain with unions representing their employees

Answer

They protect employees from being fired for union activity

Question 26

The central issue addressed by the Supreme Court in Janus v. AFSCME was:

Accepted Answer

Whether public employees could be compelled to pay agency fees to unions

Answer

Whether private sector employees had the right to strike

Answer

Whether employers could engage in retaliation against employees for union activity

Answer

Whether unions could be held legally liable for unfair labor practices

Question 27

What is the fundamental distinction between a closed shop and an open shop in the context of union security?

Accepted Answer

In a closed shop, union membership is required for employment; in an open shop, it is not

Answer

In an open shop, union dues are mandatory; in a closed shop, they are not

Answer

In a closed shop, employers can only hire union members; in an open shop, they can hire non-union members

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between a closed shop and an open shop

Question 28

What was the primary purpose of the Norris-LaGuardia Act?

Accepted Answer

To prevent federal courts from issuing injunctions in labor disputes without a showing of irreparable harm

Answer

To prohibit yellow-dog contracts

Answer

To establish the National Labor Relations Board

Answer

To protect the right to strike

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a protected concerted activity under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Distributing political leaflets

Answer

Organizing a union

Answer

Collective bargaining

Answer

Striking for recognition

Question 30

What is the purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?

Accepted Answer

To enforce federal anti-discrimination laws in employment

Answer

To regulate labor unions

Answer

To negotiate collective bargaining agreements

Answer

To mediate labor disputes

Question 31

What is the primary difference between an economic strike and an unfair labor practice strike?

Accepted Answer

An economic strike is a strike over wages, hours, or working conditions, while an unfair labor practice strike is a strike over an employer's unfair labor practices.

Answer

An economic strike is supported by the union, while an unfair labor practice strike is not.

Answer

An unfair labor practice strike is legal, while an economic strike is illegal.

Answer

An unfair labor practice strike is a strike against the government, while an economic strike is a strike against a private employer.

Question 32

What is the primary function of the National Mediation Board?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate collective bargaining in the transportation industry

Answer

To mediate labor disputes in the healthcare industry

Answer

To regulate the election of union representatives

Answer

To enforce labor laws

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a prohibited unfair labor practice by employers under the NLRA?

Accepted Answer

Providing benefits to employees who refrain from supporting the union

Answer

Interfering with employee attempts to organize

Answer

Discriminating against employees for union activity

Answer

Refusing to bargain in good faith

Question 34

Which of the following is a key factor in determining whether a worker is considered an employee or an independent contractor under the FLSA?

Accepted Answer

The level of control the employer has over the worker's work

Answer

The worker's level of skill and expertise

Answer

The worker's method of payment

Answer

The duration of the work relationship

Question 35

How has the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Equal Pay Act helped reduce gender discrimination in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

By prohibiting unequal pay based on gender.

Answer

By permitting employers to pay women less than men for similar work.

Answer

By requiring employers to hire more women in male-dominated fields.

Answer

By giving women preferential treatment in job applications.

Question 36

Which Supreme Court ruling declared the National Labor Relations Act unconstitutional due to its regulation of labor practices affecting interstate commerce?

Accepted Answer

Adair v. United States

Answer

Loewe v. Lawlor

Answer

Corbin v. Hill

Answer

National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation

Question 37

What is a 'Yellow Dog' contract?

Accepted Answer

A provision in a labor contract that prohibits employees from joining a union.

Answer

An agreement between a union and an employer that limits the number of union members in the workforce.

Answer

A contract that prohibits the employer from interfering with the employees' right to organize a union.

Answer

A contract that requires all employees to be members of a union.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act?

Accepted Answer

Committing acts of violence against an employer or their property

Answer

Organizing a union

Answer

Engaging in collective bargaining

Answer

Striking to improve wages and working conditions

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of the Norris-LaGuardia Act?

Accepted Answer

To restrict the use of injunctions in labor disputes to prevent irreparable harm.

Answer

To prohibit employers from interfering with union organizing efforts.

Answer

To establish a minimum wage for workers.

Answer

To provide unemployment benefits to workers.

Question 40

Which Supreme Court ruling upheld the constitutionality of the Fair Labor Standards Act, allowing the federal government to regulate wages and hours of workers?

Accepted Answer

United States v. Darby Lumber Co.

Answer

Corbin v. Hill

Answer

Loewe v. Lawlor

Answer

National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a type of labor union?

Accepted Answer

Yellow union (a union controlled or dominated by an employer)

Answer

Craft union (representing workers with a specific skill or trade)

Answer

Industrial union (representing workers from different occupations within an industry)

Answer

Professional union (representing workers in professional or technical fields)

Question 42

What is the primary responsibility of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

Accepted Answer

Enforce labor laws, settle disputes between unions and employers, and conduct union representation elections.

Answer

Represent workers in collective bargaining negotiations.

Answer

Provide unemployment benefits to workers.

Answer

Regulate wages and hours for workers.

Question 43

How has the emergence of the gig economy impacted traditional labor law frameworks?

Accepted Answer

The gig economy has blurred the lines between traditional employment relationships and independent contracting, complicating the application of labor laws.

Answer

The gig economy has led to a clear expansion of labor law protections for gig workers.

Answer

The gig economy has no bearing on traditional labor law frameworks.

Question 44

**The Norris-LaGuardia Act of 1932 limited the power of federal courts to do what in labor disputes?**

Accepted Answer

Issue injunctions to prevent strikes and other labor activities.

Answer

Order employers to recognize and bargain with unions.

Answer

Set minimum wage and overtime pay.

Question 45

**Which Supreme Court case upheld the constitutionality of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, establishing minimum wage and overtime pay?**

Accepted Answer

United States v. Darby Lumber Company

Answer

Griswold v. Connecticut

Answer

Korematsu v. United States

Answer

Wickard v. Filburn

Question 46

**The Supreme Court's decision in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education (1977) addressed the issue of?**

Accepted Answer

The constitutionality of agency fees paid by non-union members to cover collective bargaining costs.

Answer

The definition of unfair labor practices.

Answer

The right to strike.

Question 47

**The Supreme Court's ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (2018) overturned the precedent set in:**

Accepted Answer

Abood v. Detroit Board of Education

Answer

Norris-LaGuardia Act

Answer

National Labor Relations Act

Answer

Fair Labor Standards Act

Question 48

Which landmark Supreme Court ruling established the right of employees to organize unions and engage in collective bargaining?

Accepted Answer

National Labor Relations Act (1935)

Answer

Federal Trade Commission Act (1914)

Answer

Clayton Antitrust Act (1914)

Answer

Sherman Antitrust Act (1890)

Question 49

In the 'Loewe v. Lawlor' case, the Supreme Court ruled that:

Accepted Answer

Labor unions could be held liable for damages caused by their actions during labor disputes.

Answer

Employers had an absolute right to fire union organizers.

Answer

Labor unions were protected from antitrust laws.

Question 50

The Supreme Court's 'Norris-LaGuardia Act' of 1932:

Accepted Answer

Limited the authority of federal courts to issue injunctions against labor unions during labor disputes.

Answer

Prohibited employers from engaging in unfair labor practices.

Answer

Established the right of employees to strike.

Question 51

Which of the following Supreme Court cases involved a dispute over the right of employees to wear religious head coverings?

Accepted Answer

Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014)

Answer

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Answer

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018)

Answer

Gonzales v. Carhart (2007)

Question 52

The Supreme Court's ruling in 'Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes' (2011) demonstrated the Court's increasing reluctance to:

Accepted Answer

Certify class actions in employment discrimination cases.

Answer

Grant summary judgment in favor of employers.

Answer

Uphold affirmative action programs.

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a key consideration for the Supreme Court in evaluating labor law cases?

Accepted Answer

Political ideology of the justices.

Answer

Precedent set by previous rulings.

Answer

Economic impact of the ruling.

Answer

Social impact of the ruling.