American Government Exam
39. The form of federal assistance called ______ provides money to state governments with no strings attached. A. New Federalism B. general revenue sharing C. block grants D. unfunded mandates E. categorical grants
general revenue sharing
38. Block grants are designed to A. fund a large number of similar projects. B. fund urban improvements on a specific city block. C. give the states considerable say in how the money should be spent. D. fund capital improvements in a specific block of schools. E. impose strict limits on how state governments can spend money from the federal government
give the states considerable say in how the money should be spent
Colonial protesters of the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act rallied around what famous political slogan? A. "No taxation without representation" B. "Give me liberty or give me death" C. "Remember the Alamo" D. "A house divided against itself cannot stand" E. "Don't tread on me"
"No taxation without representation"
According to political philosopher Thomas Hobbes, life without government is A. "impossible to achieve" B. "the unstated goal of all mankind" C. "solitary, nasty, brutish, and short" D. "one of continual bliss free from the tides of tyranny" E. Awesome
"solitary, nasty, brutish, and short"
The first written constitution for the United States was called A. the Magna Carta. B. the Bill of Rights. C. the Articles of Confederation. D. the Constitution. E. the Declaration of Independence.
the Articles of Confederation
43. The Office of Management and Budget and the Council of Economic Advisers are both parts of A. the Cabinet. B. the White House staff. C. the Office of the Vice President. D. the Executive Office of the President. E. the Department of the Interior.
the Executive Office of the President.
What led the British to raise taxes on the American colonists during the 1760s? A. the French and Indian Wars B. the cost of war against Napoleon in Europe C. the expenses incurred in colonizing South Africa D. the extensive roads and canals built by the British in North America E. to penalize the colonists for their actions during the Boston Tea Party
the French and Indian Wars
29. Which event was most influential in the rise of a more active national government? A. the War of 1812 B. the Civil War C. World War I D. the Great Depression E. the Cold War
the Great Depression
50. A significant initiative set forth by Lyndon Johnson was A. the New Deal. B. the War on Terrorism. C. Prohibition. D. the Great Society. E. the Great Leap Forward.
the Great Society.
Which of the following possesses the sole power to create revenue bills? A. the House of Representatives B. the Senate C. the president D. the Office of Management and Budget E. the Treasury Department
the House of Representatives
3. Who decides which committee assignments members of House of Representatives receive? A. the Speaker of the House (this is the correct answer) B. each party's own Committee on Committees (technically, also true) C. the president selects for members of his own party, and either the House majority or minority leader selects for opposition members D. each party's National Committee E. each party's whip
the Speaker of the House
68. The last time Congress exercised its constitutional power to declare war was in A. 1941. B. 1950. C. 1964. D. 2001. E. 2003.
1941.
19. In recent years, approximately what percentage of House members seeking re-election won their race? A. 50 percent B. 60 percent C. 75 percent D. 80 percent E. 95 percent
95 percent
22. Which of the following is the best definition of a congressional caucus? A. a formal substructure of congressional parties, oriented toward fund-raising B. unofficial groups of representatives or senators sharing similar interests or opinions C. informal lobbying groups, organized around similar interests such as agriculture or maritime affairs D. a formal committee that has the power to propose and write legislation. E. a vote by members of the House in order to determine who the Speaker of the House will be.
???
49. ______ is the claim the electorate has given the winner of a presidential election a special authority to carry out her or his plans. A. An inauguration B. Patronage C. A mandate D. An anointment E. An executive order
A mandate
21. Which statement best describes American federalism since the 1930s? A. There has been no change in the strength of the federal government since the 1930s. B. Although the federal government has grown significantly more powerful since the 1930s, some power has been returned to states in recent years. C. Although the state governments have grown significantly more powerful since the 1930s, some power has been returned to the federal government in recent years. D. Both the federal government and state governments have become significantly less powerful since the 1930s. E. Both the federal government and state governments have become significantly more powerful since the 1930s.
Although the federal government has grown significantly more powerful since the 1930s, some power has been returned to states in recent years
24. The power of Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes is found in ______ of the Constitution. A. Article I B. the Preamble C. the Tenth Amendment D. the Second Amendment E. the First Amendment
Article I
1. The office of the presidency was established by of the Constitution. A. Article I B. Article II C. Article III D. Article IV E. Article V
Article II
36. The ______ is the informal designation for the heads of the major federal government departments. A. White House staff B. Committee of Staff C. presidential advisory committee D. Cabinet E. Executive Office of the President
Cabinet
12. The president must share foreign policy powers with A. the Joint Chiefs of Staff. B. Congress. C. the states. D. the vice president. E. the Department of Defense.
Congress
34. The president's delegated powers come from A. the Constitution. B. Congress. C. the states. D. the president's party. E. the Supreme Court.
Congress.
7. ______ powers are the most common form of constitutional powers possessed by the president. A. Expressed B. Delegated C. Implied D. Suspected E. Inherent
Delegated
28. ______ describes the strategy of delegating a policy program to a lower level of government. A. Home rule B. Redistribution C. Devolution D. Preemption E. Incorporation
Devolution
54. Why was it considered shocking when, after the Civil War, Andrew Johnson made a series of speeches seeking public support for his Reconstruction policies? A. Johnson traveled with his own press secretary, the first time a president had used public relations officials. B. During the nineteenth century, it was seen as undignified for a president to campaign on his own behalf. C. Johnson did not speak to the general public, but instead spoke only to handpicked audiences where he knew he would be favorably received. D. Johnson's speeches were delivered only in the former Confederate states and ignored the North, where he most needed support. E. Johnson's speeches were the first to encourage women and African Americans to become active in politics.
During the nineteenth century, it was seen as undignified for a president to campaign on his own behalf.
41. As a means of managing the gigantic executive branch, presidents have increasingly come to rely upon the A. Cabinet. B. Executive Office of the President. C. Kitchen Cabinet. D. White House staff. E. the Speaker of the House.
Executive Office of the President.
31. Which president presided over the New Deal? A. Herbert Hoover B. Franklin Roosevelt C. Dwight Eisenhower D. Woodrow Wilson E. Lyndon Johnson
Franklin Roosevelt
6. The turning point in American politics toward a president-centered government came about during the administration of A. Andrew Jackson. B. Abraham Lincoln. C. Franklin Roosevelt. D. Richard Nixon. E. Ronald Reagan.
Franklin Roosevelt
70. Which president began the era of greater presidential control over the budgeting process? A. Woodrow Wilson B. Franklin Roosevelt C. Lyndon Johnson D. Richard Nixon E. Ronald Reagan
Franklin Roosevelt
53. The technique of popular mobilization dates back to the presidency of A. Thomas Jefferson. B. Ulysses Grant. C. Theodore Roosevelt. D. Franklin Roosevelt. E. Andrew Johnson.
Franklin Roosevelt.
17. Which of the following statements about how different presidents have used the power of amnesty or pardon is false? A. George Washington declared amnesty to all Americans who fought for the British during the War for Independence. B. Andrew Johnson declared amnesty to all Confederate soldiers. C. Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon for crimes he may have committed. D. Jimmy Carter declared amnesty for all draft evaders during the Vietnam War. E. George W. Bush rarely issued pardons.
George Washington declared amnesty to all Americans who fought for the British during the War for Independence.
47. Which first lady was the first to seek and win public office on her own? A. Dolly Madison B. Eleanor Roosevelt C. Betty Ford D. Hillary Clinton E. Laura Bush
Hillary Clinton
65. According to political scientist Terry Moe, why does Congress suffer from a collective-action problem in the face of presidential power? A. Individual members of Congress are more concerned with the substantive impact of presidential action on their constituents, rather than the general implications of presidential powers. B. The House and the Senate must work in tandem, but constantly find any unity impossible. C. The Constitution gives the president the ability to resist any congressional oversight not supported by two-thirds of members. D. Members of Congress are often uninformed about the actions of the president. E. The size and diversity of Congress make cooperation difficult.
Individual members of Congress are more concerned with the substantive impact of presidential action on their constituents, rather than the general implications of presidential powers.
33. Which executive agency has the least discretion, as a result of very detailed Congressional legislation? A. Occupational Safety and Health Administration B. Environmental Protection Agency C. Internal Revenue Service D. Department of Homeland Security E. the White House staff
Internal Revenue Service
57. Which statement concerning the White House Communication Office is incorrect? A. It was an innovation by Bill Clinton. B. It has become an important institution within the Executive Office of the President. C. It allows the president to avoid giving information to the public. D. It is designed to deflect criticism of the president. E. It develops and implements a coordinated communications strategy.
It develops and implements a coordinated communications strategy.
66. The decline of voting and political participation by Americans has which of the following effects? A. It increases the powers of both the Congress and the president. B. It weakens the power of both the president and Congress. C. It enhances the power of the president while weakening Congress. D. It increases the powers of Congress while weakening the president. E. It increases the powers of state governments and weakens the federal government.
It enhances the power of the president while weakening Congress.
30. Which of the following is the best definition of a constituent? A. It is another name for a voter. B. It is the name for a member of Congress running for re-election. C. It is someone who donates money to a campaign. D. It is a person who lives in the district represented by a member of the legislature. E. It is the name for a person who has sued the federal government in court for violating the Constitution.
It is a person who lives in the district represented by a member of the legislature
24. Why is the president's State of the Union address important? A. It is often the only time that members of Congress get to question the president directly. B. It is an opportunity for the president to set the legislative agenda by initiating proposals and directing public attention to the executive's goals. C. It is an opportunity for the president to highlight the positive actions of the previous year. D. It is the only time the president is constitutionally allowed to address Congress. E. It determines the exact budget for the upcoming year.
It is an opportunity for the president to set the legislative agenda by initiating proposals and directing public attention to the executive's goals.
14. What is the main purpose behind the privileges and immunities clause of Article IV? A. It prevents states from discriminating against nonresidents. B. It compels each state to recognize the laws of other states. C. It requires all states to provide a uniform standard of benefits and entitlement. D. It states that the Bill of Rights applies to the actions of state governments as well as the national government. E. It prevents states from coining their own money.
It prevents states from discriminating against nonresidents
18. Why was George Washington's reception of Edmond Genet as ambassador of France during the French Revolution so significant? A. It demonstrated that the United States could use diplomacy to stay out of European conflicts. B. It reflected the authority of the president to officially recognize specific regimes as the sovereign power of a nation when there is doubt as to who rules. C. It was the first time any nation had recognized the United States as independent. D. It prevented the economic embargo of American goods by the king of France. E. It ensured that France would be America's ally in any foreign conflict.
It reflected the authority of the president to officially recognize specific regimes as the sovereign power of a nation when there is doubt as to who rules.
Who were the writers of the Federalist Papers? A. James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton B. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson C. George Washington, Samuel Adams, and William Paterson D. Charles Beard, Daniel Shays, and Paul Revere E. James Madison, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson
James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton
5. In the early 1800s, the system of nominating presidential candidates that left the candidates beholden to their party's leaders in Congress was called A. King Caucus. B. party primaries. C. congressional nominations. D. presidential gerrymandering. E. the spoils system.
King Caucus
38. An informal group of advisers to the president is often called the A. Kitchen Cabinet. B. plumbers. C. round table. D. colloquium. E. good ole boys (despite the fact that many women have entered these ranks).
Kitchen Cabinet.
16. Which of the following statements best describes the discussion of local government found in the Constitution? A. Local government has no status in the Constitution. B. Local governments are constitutionally required to turn over all of the local taxes collected from residents to state governments. C. Local governments are given the authority to ignore federal laws that their citizens do not agree with. D. Local governments have the power to establish local banks. E. Local governments have the power to raise and maintain militias.
Local government has no status in the Constitution
39. The formal group of presidential foreign policy advisers, established in 1947, is called the A. State Department. B. National Security Council. C. Joint Chiefs of Staff. D. Council on Foreign Relations. E. War Council.
National Security Council.
What defines "liberalism"? A. The belief supremacy of the state B. The belief in social order and discipline C. The pursuit of individual rights D. The pursuit of economic equality E. None of the above
The pursuit of individual rights
The 1787 convention to draft a new constitution was held in A. Boston. B. New York City. C. Philadelphia. D. Washington, D.C. E. Chartlottesville, Virgnia.
Philadelphia
22. Which statement concerning secret agreements between the president and foreign nations is incorrect? A. During the 1960s, Congress discovered that several presidents had made secret agreements with foreign nations without informing Congress. B. The Supreme Court upheld the practice of secret agreements as part of the inherent authority of the president. C. Congress passed a law requiring the White House to provide a list of every executive agreement signed by the president. D. Presidents have always fully complied with Congress's reporting requirement. E. One way for presidents to avoid complying with Congress's reporting requirement is to call secret executive agreements alternative names, such as "national security memorandum."
Presidents have always fully complied with Congress's reporting requirement.
58. What is the general tendency of a president's popularity? A. Presidents usually begin with moderate ratings which move drastically up or down, depending on their success. B. Presidents usually start out popular and decline over the next four years. C. Presidents usually maintain the public approval ratings they had when entering office, unless there is an economic recession or international crisis. D. Presidents usually begin very unpopular and increase their popularity significantly as their term in office continues. E. No pattern has been discerned in presidential approval ratings.
Presidents usually start out popular and decline over the next four years.
63. Which of the following statements about signing statements is false? A. Presidents have made signing statements throughout American history. B. Ronald Reagan's attorney general, Edwin Meese, is credited with transforming the signing statement into a routine tool of presidential direct action. C. George W. Bush issued hundreds of signing statements during his time in office. D. Ever since Thomas Jefferson's presidency, all presidential signing statements have been recorded and added to the official legislative record. E. Recent presidents have used signing statements in an attempt to negate congressional actions to which they objected.
Recent presidents have used signing statements in an attempt to negate congressional actions to which they objected.
What did the New Jersey Plan propose for Congress? A. Representation would be equal for each state. B. Representation would be appointed according to population. C. Representation would be proportionate to the share of taxes paid by each state to the federal government. D. The powers of Congress would check those of state legislatures. E. Representatives to Congress would be appointed by the state legislatures.
Representation would be equal for each state
46. After the president and vice president, which office is next in the line of succession? A. Speaker of the House B. Senate majority leader C. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court D. secretary of state E. attorney general
Speaker of the House
40. The National Security Council is composed of all of the following except the A. vice president. B. Speaker of the House. C. secretary of defense. D. attorney general. E. secretary of state.
Speaker of the House.
27. Which constitutional amendment has been used to restrict the scope of authority by the federal government over the states? A. First B. Fifth C. Eighth D. Tenth E. Fourteenth
Tenth
The events that led to the Revolutionary War were triggered by which of the following? A. The British raised revenue by increasing the tax rate of the colonies. B. The British had established suspicious alliances with Indian tribes during the French and Indian Wars. C. American separatists assassinated King George II. D. Protestant fundamentalists in New England were attempting to establish a theocracy. E. The British were attempting to end slavery in the colonies.
The British raised revenue by increasing the tax rate of the colonies.
42. Which statement about the Cabinet is incorrect? A. The Cabinet has no legal status under the Constitution. B. The Cabinet does not make decisions collectively. C. The Cabinet does not meet as a group, except during the State of the Union address. D. The Senate must approve the president's choice of cabinet secretaries. E. Cabinet members are not responsible to the Senate or Congress at large.
The Cabinet does not meet as a group, except during the State of the Union address.
23. What was the overall importance of the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland? A. The Court interpreted the delegated powers of Congress broadly, creating the potential for increased national powers. B. The Court gave a very restricted definition of Congress's delegated powers, in keeping with the era of dual federalism. C. The Court announced that dual federalism did not conform to the framers' design. D. The Supreme Court declared that all national banks were unconstitutional. E. The Court forced all states to open at least one branch of the national bank.
The Court interpreted the delegated powers of Congress broadly, creating the potential for increased national powers
11. The power to declare war is given to whom under the Constitution? A. the president B. the Senate C. both houses of Congress D. the Senate, with the approval of the president E. the Department of Defense
both houses of Congress
61. What happened when Harry Truman seized control of the nation's steel mills during the Korean War? A. His action was upheld by the Supreme Court as a constitutional exercise of war powers. B. Congress passed a bill shortly afterward that retroactively approved the steel mill seizures. C. The Supreme Court declared his actions without basis in law or the Constitution. D. The steel mills quickly capitulated to Truman's wartime demands, and the issue passed without further resolution. E. Congress immediately passed a bill that legally prohibited the president from seizing the mills and Truman quickly rescinded his executive order.
The Supreme Court declared his actions without basis in law or the Constitution.
29. The president's power to set the debate concerning public policy in Congress is called A. an executive mandate. B. an executive privilege. C. a legislative initiative. D. an executive order. E. a presidential prerogative.
a legislative initiative.
What is the primary argument in David Hume's defense of the role of government? A. Human beings are inherently flawed creatures needing discipline. B. The delivery of public goods requires a mechanism for sharing costs. C. The state is the exclusive guarantor of property. D. The state provides the only basis for facilitating human development. E. All of the above
The delivery of public goods requires a mechanism for sharing costs
28. Who is the Speaker of the House? A. The vice president is also the Speaker of the House. B. The representative with the longest tenure in the House is the Speaker of the House. C. The elected leader of the majority party in the House is the Speaker. D. An employee of Congress who formally brings the House into session each day is the Speaker. E. The president selects the Speaker of the House from the majority party in the House.
The elected leader of the majority party in the House is the Speaker
15. When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, A. Congress declared war before President Truman could formally request it. B. Truman asked for a declaration of war and received one. C. Truman asked for a declaration of war and was rebuffed. D. Truman sent American troops to Korea without asking for a declaration of war. E. Truman did not immediately send American troops to Korea because the Supreme Court ruled that it would be an unconstitutional use of presidential power.
Truman sent American troops to Korea without asking for a declaration of war
At the Constitutional Convention, the plan to create a Congress where representation was distributed according to population was called the A. Virginia Plan. B. Adams Proposal. C. New Hampshire Suggestion. D. Washington Doctrine. E. New Jersey Plan.
Virginia Plan
13. The ______ asserted that the president could send American troops into action abroad only in the event of a declaration of war or other statutory authorization by Congress, or if American troops were attacked or directly endangered. A. War Powers Resolution of 1973 B. National Security Act of 1947 C. Neutrality Act of 1937 D. Boland Amendment of 1982 E. Arms Control Export Act of 1976
War Powers Resolution of 1973
37. The groups of advisers and analysts to the president are collectively called the A. Cabinet. B. Kitchen Cabinet. C. White House staff. D. Executive Council of Advisers. E. Department of State.
White House staff
1. Which idea of representation says that a legislator should be viewed as someone whom voters hire to represent their interests? A. agency representation B. sociological representation C. mirroring representation D. trustee representation E. contract representation
agency representation
8. When both state and national governments possess a certain level of authority, it is called A. an implied power. B. a reserved power. C. an expressed power. D. a concurrent power. E. a police power.
a concurrent power
30. When the national government appropriates money to the states but simultaneously demands the authority to dictate its distribution, this money is identified as A. a grant-in-aid. B. an unfunded mandate. C. interstate commerce. D. a devolution. E. revenue sharing.
a grant-in-aid
30. An executive order is A. a rule or regulation issued unilaterally by the president, with the status of a law. B. an emergency decree that is law only for the duration of a crisis or pending congressional approval. C. a demand to Congress that it vote on a particular piece of legislation. D. any act of the executive branch that does not have to be made public. E. a decree issued by the president that requires the federal courts to hear a particular case regarding the Constitution.
a rule or regulation issued unilaterally by the president, with the status of a law.
3. The federal system can be best defined as A. a system of government where member nations meet in a multinational conference. B. a system of government in which power is divided between a national government and lower levels of government. C. a system in which the power of the central government is funded through taxation of the local government. D. the sharing of legislative powers between an upper and lower house. E. a system where governmental authority is divided into separate branches and each branch is given some power over the other branches.
a system of government in which power is divided between a national government and lower levels of government
23. In general, members of the House seek committee assignments that will A. bring them the largest number of campaign donations. B. give them greater media exposure. C. allow them to influence decisions which are of special importance to voters in their districts. D. allow them more personal contact with the president. E. allow them to avoid issues that are important and controversial to voters in their districts.
allow them to influence decisions which are of special importance to voters in their districts
64. A signing statement is A. an announcement the president makes about his interpretation of a congressional enactment he is signing into law. B. an announcement made by a presidential candidate when formally accepting his or her party's nomination. C. an announcement made by the president and the leader of a foreign country immediately following an executive agreement. D. an announcement the president is required to make any time he issues an executive order. E. a decree issued by Congress that demands the president sign a congressional enactment into law immediately.
an announcement the president makes about his interpretation of a congressional enactment he is signing into law.
35. The Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 by A. an executive order. B. congressional legislation. C. a treaty with Canada and Mexico. D. executive privilege. E. a Supreme Court decision.
an executive order.
The supremacy clause A. states that Congress is the most powerful branch of the government. B. establishes that no branch of the government is supreme over others. C. announces that the Constitution and all laws made under it are superior to any state laws. D. announces that state laws are superior to any federal laws. E. declares that no European powers shall interfere in North America.
announces that the Constitution and all laws made under it are superior to any state laws
14. The process of allocating congressional seats among the fifty states is called A. redistricting. B. gerrymandering. C. redlining. D. apportionment. E. filibustering.
apportionment
What is the term length of a federal judge? A. two years B. four years C. six years D. ten years E. barring impeachment, life
barring impeachment, life
25. Congress is a ______ legislature with ______ members. A. unicameral; 342 B. bicameral; 535 C. bicameral; 100 D. unicameral; 630 E. unicameral; 750
bicameral; 535
7. A proposed piece of legislation is called a A. bill. B. referendum. C. proposal. D. cloture. E. filibuster.
bill
45. The main political value of the vice president is to A. bring the president votes in the election from a group or region that would not otherwise be a likely source of support. B. draw negative attention away from the president during times of crisis. C. give the president an institutional link to Congress. D. act as the political party's chief fundraiser. E. promote bipartisanship with members of the opposing political party.
bring the president votes in the election from a group or region that would not otherwise be a likely source of support.
23. The president has the power to appoint which of the following positions? A. all members of the State Department B. all state Supreme Court justices C. cabinet secretaries D. members of the House of Representatives who resign before their term has expired E. the Speaker of the House
cabinet secretaries
32. A federal grant for states to afford increasing health care facilities would be an example of a(n) A. categorical grant. B. formula grant. C. block grant. D. unfunded mandate. E. general revenue grant.
categorical grant
The ability of the president to veto a bill passed by Congress is a good example of what principle of limited government? A. separation of powers B. federalism C. checks and balances D. civil liberties E. majority rule, minority rights
checks and balances
55. A president who claims to possess a mandate from the American electorate could arguably A. claim the authority to increase taxes without the approval of Congress. B. ignore all legislative mandates by Congress. C. claim that voters have approved the agenda he campaigned on, and that Congress ought to approve it. D. claim that voters have approved the president's agenda and that the state legislatures should unhesitatingly support it. E. amend the Constitution without approval from Congress.
claim that voters have approved the agenda he campaigned on, and that Congress ought to approve it.
11. Chartering a bank is a ______ power, because both federal and state governments have the authority to do it. A. necessary B. police C. concurrent D. reserve E. sovereign
concurrent
A ______ is a system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for powers expressly delegated to a national government. A. republic B. confederacy C. democracy D. bicameral state E. unitary state
confederacy
A government that is formally limited by laws and rules is called A. democratic. B. constitutional. C. oligarchic. D. authoritarian. E. totalitarian.
constitutional
Shay's Rebellion was significant because it A. convinced many observers that the government of the Confederation had become dangerously inefficient and indecisive. B. led to the admission of Vermont into the Union. C. led to the abolition of slavery. D. convinced Congress to approve the Louisiana Purchase. E. led to the start of the Civil War.
convinced many observers that the government of the Confederation had become dangerously inefficient and indecisive
34. When the national government funds a project that is actually implemented by the states, it is an example of A. dual federalism. B. national supremacy. C. cooperative federalism. D. home rule.
cooperative federalism
The Great Compromise led to the A. legalization of slavery. B. creation of a bicameral Congress. C. creation of the Supreme Court. D. peaceful conclusion of Shay's Rebellion. E. abolition of the slave trade.
creation of a bicameral Congress
Political philosopher John Locke argues that a purpose of government is to protect property, i.e., whatever we have removed from nature and mixed with our labor, because property A. provides a sense of identity to the individual B. drives social development C. allows for control of citizens D. creates the conditions necessary for enacting penalties upon members E. None of the above
drives social development
4. Pork-barrel legislation A. deals with specific projects and their location within a particular congressional district. B. deals with specific agricultural subsidies. C. funds efforts to increase the levels of America's meat exports. D. grants a special privilege to a person named in the bill. E. orders state governments to implement a program without providing funding for doing so.
deals with specific projects and their location within a particular congressional district
The electoral college is A. an expression of direct democracy. B. designed to select the president. C. established in the Bill of Rights. D. a school attended by all members of Congress. E. the federal organization that oversees the operation of all elections held in the United States.
designed to select the president
The Three-Fifths Compromise A. determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation. B. determined the ratio between free states and slave states. C. created a bicameral legislature. D. declared that the states would pay three-fifths of the Revolutionary War debt and the federal government would pay the rest. E. determined that all American citizens would pay three-fifths of their income to the federal government in taxes every year.
determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation
Bicameralism is a constitutional principle that means the A. division of national government into two branches. B. division of the powers of the Executive Branch between two individuals: the president and the vice president. C. division of the powers of the Executive Branch between two individuals: the Head of State and the Head of Government. D. division of Congress into two chambers. E. division of the federal court system into two levels: the Supreme Court and the appellate courts.
division of Congress into two chambers
21. Executive agreements differ from formal treaties in that they A. have been ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. B. must be approved by the U.S. Supreme Court but not by Congress. C. do not have to be approved by the Senate. D. do not have to be approved by the House. E. are generally formulated at meetings of the United Nations.
do not have to be approved by the Senate.
How was the power in Congress divided under the Articles of Confederation? A. Each state had an equal vote. B. Each state's votes were proportionate to its population. C. The states were not formally represented in Congress. D. Each state's power depended on its geographic size. E. Each state's power depended on its economic wealth.
each state had an equal vote
2. Which of the following attributes did the framers intend for the office of the president to possess? A. popularity B. energy C. extensive flexibility D. unrestrained power E. integrity
energy
20. In order to get around the need for Senate approval of treaties, many contemporary presidents have made us of ______ in foreign affairs. A. diplomacy B. international protocols C. executive immunity D. executive agreements E. bypass agreements
executive agreements
26. Richard Nixon claimed ______ when he refused to turn over secret White House tapes to congressional investigators. A. presidential immunity B. expressed powers C. executive privilege D. delegated authority E. the Fifth Amendment
executive privilege
The three branches of government created by the Constitution are A. constitutional, elected, and appointed. B. executive, legislative, and judicial. C. federal, state, and local. D. military, courts, and bureaucracy. E. economic, political, and social.
executive, legislative, and judicial
4. The specific powers granted to the national government in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution are called the A. implied powers. B. expressed powers. C. sovereign powers. D. executive powers. E. absolute powers.
expressed powers
The system of shared powers, divided between a central government and the states, is called A. the electoral college. B. federalism. C. statism. D. checks and balances. E. the separation of powers.
federalism
2. "Closed rule" and "open rule" refer to congressional provisions regarding A. whether deliberations are closed or open to the general public. B. assignment to powerful committees. C. whether lobbyists are allowed inside Congress. D. floor debate on a bill. E. whether all members of the House vote on passing a bill or just members of a particular committee.
floor debate on a bill
19. According to the text, when was the era of dual federalism? A. from the ratification of the Constitution until the end of the Civil War B. from the ratification of the Constitution until the New Deal C. from the Civil War until World War II D. from the New Deal until the 1960s E. from the 1970s until 1992
from the ratification of the Constitution until the New Deal
48. The first lady is an important resource for the president in his capacity as A. head of government. B. head of state. C. commander in chief. D. legislative initiator. E. chief diplomat.
head of state.
15. If a state grants a city the ability to govern its own local affairs, this delegation of power is known as A. home rule. B. dual federalism. C. ostracism. D. separation of powers. E. city governance.
home rule
52. When are the president's partisan ties most important? A. in winning support from public opinion B. in raising campaign funds C. in dealing with Congress on legislative matters D. in making executive appointments E. in negotiating treaties and executive agreements
in dealing with Congress on legislative matters
24. A senator or representative running for re-election is called the A. constituent. B. incumbent. C. elector. D. trustee. E. delegate.
incumbent
The most important political value for the framers of the Constitution was A. democracy. B. political equality. C. economic equality. D. individual liberty. E. civic virtue.
individual liberty
8. When the president infers powers from the "rights, duties, and obligations" of the presidency, these are called A. delegated powers. B. necessary and proper powers. C. inherent powers. D. war powers. E. expressed powers.
inherent powers
32. Federal executive agencies do each of the following in implementing legislation except A. follow specific guidelines and standards established by Congress. B. interpret the intent of Congress. C. promulgate rules based on the legislation. D. seek advisory opinions from the federal courts as to the constitutionality of the rules. E. issues order to groups and individuals designed to impel conformity with the law.
interpret the intent of Congress.
27. The jurisdiction of standing committees A. is related to a specific geographic region. B. is defined by the subject matter of legislation, which often parallels the major cabinet departments or agencies. C. is determined by the different political parties. D. is determined by the U.S. Supreme Court. E. often overlaps with the jurisdiction of select committees.
is defined by the subject matter of legislation, which often parallels the major cabinet departments or agencies
18. In the House of Representatives, the majority leader A. is subordinate to the Speaker of the House. B. is the same office as the Speaker of the House. C. is superior in formal powers to the Speaker of the House. D. has the same powers as the Speaker of the House but is a different office. E. There is no majority leader in the House of Representatives.
is subordinate to the Speaker of the House
25. Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) was important because A. it fully developed the concept of judicial review. B. it fully developed the concept of dual citizenship C. it established the supremacy of the national government in all matters affecting interstate commerce. D. it determined that the forced relocation of the Five Civilized Tribes to Oklahoma was unconstitutional. E. it determined the Bill of Rights applied to state governments as well as to the federal government.
it fully developed the concept of dual citizenship
19. Through the act of delegating powers, the national structure of government in the 1930s went from ______ to ______. A. constitutional; imperial B. legislatively centered; president centered C. president centered; legislatively centered D. legally oriented; command oriented E. regulated federalism; dual federalism
legislatively centered; president centered
14. The goal of the War Powers Resolution was to A. compel a congressional declaration of war for every large-scale military operation. B. limit the ability of Congress to cut off funding for troops when the president sends them overseas without congressional approval. C. limit the power of the president to commit American troops to military action without authorization from Congress. D. end the Vietnam War. E. give the president more freedom in determining when and where to deploy American military forces.
limit the power of the president to commit American troops to military action without authorization from Congress
As a constitution, the Articles of Confederation were concerned primarily with A. creating a national government that had significant power and authority. B. creating a federal form of government. C. creating a form of government in which the states were largely subservient to the national government. D. limiting the powers of the central government. E. creating a strong and unified national armed forces.
limiting the powers of the central government
11. When two members of Congress who share no common interests agree to support each other's bills, the practice is called A. filibustering. B. delegating. C. logrolling. D. bargaining. E. pork barreling
logrolling
28. The State of the Union address is A. required by a law passed by Congress in 1802 and renewed ever since. B. requested by the president, and comity demands that his request is always accepted. C. based on tradition, but was discontinued during the Great Depression and World War II. D. mandated by the Constitution. E. requested by the media and nearly always agreed to by the president and Congress.
mandated by the Constitution.
"Pluralism" is the belief in the value of A. privileging of elite voices B. maximizing the articulation of diverse opinions and interests C. privileging of the voice of the "common man" D. maximizing economic opportunity for all E. All of the above
maximizing the articulation of diverse opinions and interests
5. The frequency with which they must seek re-election makes members of the House A. more responsive to the needs of the elites in the states they represent. B. less responsive to the needs of elites in the states they represent. C. less responsive to the needs of local interest groups in the districts they represent. D. more responsive to the needs of local interest groups in the districts they represent. E. less responsive to the needs of both elites and interest groups in the districts they represent
more responsive to the needs of local interest groups in the districts they represent
67. According to separation of powers expert Louis Fisher, the powers of Congress have declined dramatically in which of the following areas? A. national defense and the federal budget B. the federal budget and intelligence management C. law enforcement and oversight D. national defense and environmental protection E. health care and education
national defense and the federal budget
5. The source of an implied power under the Constitution is the ______ clause. A. full faith and credit B. comity C. necessary and proper D. commerce E. supremacy
necessary and proper
29. Which of the following is not a service often provided by representatives to their constituents? A. attempting to influence the decision of a regulatory commission on behalf of a constituent B. presenting a private bill for constituents C. offering constituents legal advice regarding new administrative laws D. writing and mailing out newsletters E. talking to constituents
offering constituents legal advice regarding new administrative laws
Autocracy can best be defined as rule by A. all B. one C. few D. many E. Everyone
one
9. The president's position as head of state is defined in the Constitution by all of the following powers except A. military. B. partisan. C. judicial. D. diplomatic. E. executive.
partisan
51. According to the text, what are the three most common ways for a president to expand his base of power? A. party support, popular mobilization, and administrative control B. congressional mandate, judicial appointments, and constitutional amendments C. referendums, initiatives, and litigation D. fund-raising, advertising, and logrolling E. gerrymandering, appropriations, and oversight of state governments
party support, popular mobilization, and administrative control
9. The powers and resources available to government officials that are used to favor supporters are called A. trusteeships. B. expenditures. C. patronage. D. clotures. E. filibusters.
patronage
16. Congress adjourns during a ten-day period after presenting the president with a bill, and the president takes no action. This is known as a A. procrastination veto. B. pocket veto. C. line-item veto. D. silent veto. E. expiration veto.
pocket veto
10. A state government's authority to regulate the safety, health, and morals of its citizens is called ______ power. A. police B. reserved C. concurrent D. supremacy E. implied
police
The belief that you can influence how your government acts is called A. political efficacy. B. saliency. C. popular sovereignty. D. autocracy. E. oligarchy.
political efficacy
69. The Constitution's framers believed that Congress's greatest prerogative would be its A. war powers. B. power of the purse. C. oversight of the other two branches. D. impeachment powers. E. power of advice and consent.
power of the purse.
35. The principle of ______ grants the federal government the power to override any state or local law in one particular area of policy. A. cooperative federalism B. grant-in-aid C. preemption D. dual federalism E. home rule
preemption
Which of the following was designed by the framers to be an office directly elected by the people? A. member of the House of Representatives B. senator C. president D. federal court judge E. vice president
president
17. A filibuster allows members of the Senate to A. refer a bill to multiple committees. B. avoid a conference committee. C. prevent a vote on a bill by speaking continuously on the floor. D. call into question any action of the executive branch. E. add amendments to any bill at any time.
prevent a vote on a bill by speaking continuously on the floor
17. When Alaska passed a law in the 1970s that gave state residents preference over nonresidents in obtaining work on oil pipelines, this law violated the A. interstate commerce clause. B. full faith and credit clause. C. privileges and immunities clause. D. takings clause. E. necessary and proper clause.
privileges and immunities clause
33. A ______ grant requires state and local governments to submit proposals to the federal government and compete for funding. A. Pell B. formula C. project D. federal E. contest
project
60. When the White House directs administrative agencies to promulgate specific rules and regulations, this is called A. regulatory review. B. administrative oversight. C. delegation. D. an executive agreement. E. a mandate.
regulatory review.
27. In United States v. Nixon, the Supreme Court A. impeached Nixon. B. allowed Nixon to withhold secret tapes from Congress. C. required Nixon to turn over secret tapes to Congress. D. reinstated the independent prosecutor fired by Nixon. E. ruled that Nixon must resign from office in order to avoid criminal charges.
required Nixon to turn over secret tapes to Congress.
13. The full faith and credit clause of the Constitution A. requires the national government to accept a state's outstanding debt at the time of ratification. B. requires the national government to accept the outstanding federal debt accumulated under the Articles of Confederation. C. requires states to normally honor each other's public acts and legal decisions. D. requires states, but not the federal government, to run a balanced budget. E. requires the federal government, but not states, to run a balanced budget.
requires states to normally honor each other's public acts and legal decisions
12. The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution addresses A. civil rights. B. reserved powers. C. implied powers. D. concurrent powers. E. home rule.
reserved powers
56. Which of the following tactics did Franklin Roosevelt not use to forge a link between the executive office and the public? A. speaking trips around the nation B. radio-broadcast fireside chats C. biweekly press conferences with reporters D. designating the first White House press secretary E. running extensive national television advertising campaigns
running extensive national television advertising campaigns
1. In a federal system a majority of governmental responsibilities are A. the sole responsibility of the federal government. B. under the complete authority of state governments. C. shared by both state and federal authorities. D. provided by local government agencies. E. carried out by private corporations and religious organizations.
shared by both state and federal authorities
10. How long is the term of office for a U.S. Senator? A. two years B. four years C. six years D. eight years E. ten years
six years
10. In undertaking the campaign against the Taliban in 2001, George W. Bush A. sought and received a declaration of war from Congress. B. sought but failed to receive a declaration of war from Congress. C. sought and received congressional authorization for the bombing but not a declaration of war. D. took action without approval from Congress. E. launched military operations only after Congress passed a formal declaration of war that legally required the president to attack Afghanistan.
sought and received congressional authorization for the bombing but not a declaration of war
12. Agencies in Congress designed to oversee administrative agencies and evaluate presidential proposals are called A. committee agencies. B. oversight committees. C. staff agencies. D. review offices. E. iron triangles.
staff agencies
Under the Articles of Confederation, it was left to the ______ to execute the laws passed by Congress. A. states B. chief executive C. courts D. bureaucracy E. president
states
In the national debate over ratification of the new Constitution, the Federalists A. supported a return to the Articles of Confederation. B. opposed the Constitution and preferred decentralized government. C. supported the Constitution and preferred a strong national government. D. supported a return to British rule. E. refused to support the Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was added.
supported the Constitution and preferred a strong national government
8. The House Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over which of the following areas? A. taxes, trade, and entitlement programs B. foreign relations and national security C. rules governing debate on the floor and committee assignments D. highways and waterways E. agricultural and food issues
taxes, trade, and entitlement programs
26. Conference committees are A. permanent and involve members from both the House and the Senate, but they do not have the power to report legislation. B. temporary and are created to take up an issue that falls between the jurisdiction of existing committees, to highlight an issue, or to investigate particular problem. C. permanent and have the power to write and propose legislation. D. temporary, involve members from both houses of Congress, and are charged with reaching a compromise on legislation once it has been passed by both the House and the Senate. E. informal committees composed of members from both political parties and both houses of Congress that are designed to promote bipartisanship.
temporary, involve members from both houses of Congress, and are charged with reaching a compromise on legislation once it has been passed by both the House and the Senate
22. Which clause of the Constitution has been critical in allowing the growth of national power? A. the commerce clause B. the full faith and credit clause C. the comity clause D. the Tenth Amendment E. the establishment clause
the commerce clause
Judicial review is the power of A. the courts to decide on the constitutionality of actions taken by the other branches of government. B. Congress to review the decisions of the federal courts. C. the president to appoint judges to the federal courts. D. the states to review the constitutionality of federal actions and laws. E. the courts to review and edit pieces of legislation before they are voted on in Congress.
the courts to decide on the constitutionality of actions taken by the other branches of government
6. Oversight can best be described as A. the efforts of Congress to supervise the manner in which its laws are implemented by the executive branch. B. the organizational control exercised by party whips over members of Congress. C. the authority of committee chairs over the hearings and investigations conducted by the subcommittees. D. the informal power of the president to set the legislative agenda for Congress. E. the approval that the Senate must give to all presidential appointments to the federal judiciary.
the efforts of Congress to supervise the manner in which its laws are implemented by the executive branch
62. Which of the following actions was not the result of an executive order? A. the Louisiana Purchase B. the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II C. the entrance into the United Nations D. the annexation of Texas E. the desegregation of the military
the entrance into the United Nations
31. Which of the following has caused an increase in the president's delegated powers? A. recent constitutional amendments broadening the president's powers B. the increasing scope and complexity of legislation C. the War Powers Resolution D. the shift toward a more bipartisan political environment in Congress E. a series of Supreme Court decisions that have reinterpreted Article II of the Constitution
the increasing scope and complexity of legislation
13. Who has the most real power in the Senate? A. the Speaker of the Senate B. the majority and minority leaders C. the Senate president pro tempore D. the chair of the Rules Committee. E. Unlike the House, all Senators are equal in power.
the majority and minority leaders
What is the principle difference between an autocracy and an oligarchy? A. the responsiveness to popular opinion B. the number of people in charge C. the level of wealth of the rulers D. international diplomatic recognition E. the strength of the military
the number of people in charge
9. Which is the best example of a concurrent power under the federal constitution? A. the power to declare war B. the power to coin money C. the power to regulate commercial activity D. the power to impeach federal officials E. the power to tax imports and exports
the power to regulate commercial activity
16. When Dwight Eisenhower sent federal troops into Little Rock High School in 1957, it demonstrated that A. the president may make unilateral use of the emergency powers to protect states against domestic disorder. B. the president requires the federal court's approval before using troops in domestic disturbances. C. the use of the president's emergency powers against domestic disorder necessitates a request by the governor to the affected state. D. the president needs congressional authorization to use troops in both domestic and international situations. E. the president can only use troops in domestic situations when the health and safety of children under the age of 18 is threatened.
the president may make unilateral use of the emergency powers to protect states against domestic disorder.
21. Cloture is A. the ability of a senator to speak for as long as he or she wishes to prevent action being taken on legislation that he or she opposes. B. the process by which three-fifths of the Senate can end a filibuster. C. the rule which allows one house of Congress to circumvent the other during the legislative process. D. the process by which the president can end a filibuster. E. a lawsuit filed by a member of the Senate against a member of the House or vice versa.
the process by which three-fifths of the Senate can end a filibuster
20. Which level of government writes the majority of criminal laws? A. the national government B. the state governments C. the local governments D. the special districts E. the county boards of supervisors
the state governments
40. What have many political scientists called "laboratories of democracy"? A. the executive agencies of the federal government B. the states C. local governments D. special districts E. congressional committees
the states
2. What constitutional clause affirms that national laws and treaties, made under the authority of the Constitution, are the supreme law of the land? A. the full faith and credit clause B. the necessary and proper clause C. the republican government clause D. the supremacy clause E. the establishment clause
the supremacy clause
4. The rise of national conventions to nominate the president led to the empowerment of what group? A. Congress B. state party leaders C. the voters D. the candidates E. interest groups
the voters
26. The constitutional idea of states' rights was strongest during which historical period? A. the years immediately preceding the Civil War B. Reconstruction C. the 1910s D. the Great Depression E. the 1960s
the years immediately preceding the Civil War
Under the United States' first constitution A. there was no president. B. the president was more powerful than Congress. C. the Senate was the most powerful political institution. D. the president was directly appointed by the state legislatures. E. the Supreme Court was the most powerful political institution.
there was no president
During the ratification debates, who were the Antifederalists? A. those who opposed the new Constitution because they wanted a weaker central government B. those who opposed the Constitution because it did not create a strong enough central government C. those who opposed the Constitution because it did not provide women with the right to vote D. those who supported the Constitution E. those who believed that the United States should enter into a confederation with Britain and Canada
those who opposed the new Constitution because they wanted a weaker central government
18. During the era of dual federalism, what was the primary goal of the federal government's domestic policies? A. to promote competition between the states B. to assist the development of commercial activity within and between the states C. to protect citizens from the abuses of state governments D. to keep the states from going to war with each other E. to provide educational opportunities to all citizens
to assist the development of commercial activity within and between the states
44. What is the primary constitutional task of the vice president, besides succeeding the president in case of death, resignation, or incapacitation? A. to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives B. to cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate C. to act as a chief admiral of the U.S. Navy D. to represent the president overseas E. to run the day-to-day operations of the Executive Office of the President
to cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate
6. Which of the following powers do state governments not have? A. to define private property B. to develop and enforce criminal codes C. to license doctors, lawyers, barbers, and plumbers D. to create marriage and divorce laws E. to coin their own money
to coin their own money
What was the primary goal of the Constitution's framers? A. to create an effective government B. to develop political virtue among citizens C. to create a constitutional system that would last for centuries D. to create a document that made state constitutions unnecessary E. to create a political system that would guarantee economic equality among all citizens
to create an effective government
What was the purpose of the Annapolis Convention? A. to discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation B. to plot the revolt known as Shay's Rebellion C. to write the Declaration of Independence D. to draft a new Bill of Rights E. to vote on ratifying the Articles of Confederation
to discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
7. What is the purpose of the Tenth Amendment? A. to offer each state constitution the same level of protection provided by the federal constitution B. to limit the powers of the central government by establishing reserved powers for states and individuals C. to grant citizens of each state access to the federal court system D. to protect freedom of speech E. to establish the electoral college
to limit the powers of the central government by establishing reserved powers for states and individuals
3. What did the framers mean to accomplish by indirect election of the president? A. to make a more independent and powerful chief executive B. to bind the president to the will of the people C. to make the president responsible to state and national legislatures D. to create an imperial presidency to counter the power of Congress E. to increase the strength and influence of political parties
to make the president responsible to state and national legislatures
37. Disapproval of unfunded mandates is most common among those who want A. to reduce the power of the federal government. B. to increase the scope of federal regulations. C. to exercise a strong principle of preemption. D. a return to the days of national supremacy. E. to eliminate the principle of home rule.
to reduce the power of the federal government
20. A bicameral legislature is one that has A. laws forbidding private hearings or conferences. B. two chambers or houses. C. authority to overrule state governments. D. a prime minister. E. equal representation for each state.
two chambers or houses
25. What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto? A. a majority of both houses of Congress B. two-thirds of both houses of Congress C. three-fourths of both houses of Congress D. a unanimous vote of both houses of Congress E. A president's veto cannot be overridden unless it concerns the budget, in which case it requires a three-fourths of both houses.
two-thirds of both houses of Congress
59. The Executive Office of the President (EOP) was established A. under George Washington in 1790. B. under Andrew Jackson in 1829. C. under Franklin Roosevelt in 1939. D. under Lyndon Johnson in 1965. E. under Bill Clinton in 1993.
under Franklin Roosevelt in 1939.
36. If the federal government compels state governments to obey costly regulations but does not reimburse those costs, it is called a(n) A. grant-in-aid. B. preemption. C. unfunded mandate. D. block grant. E. general revenue sharing.
unfunded mandate
15. Under the original Constitution, senators A. served four-year terms. B. had the authority to choose the president's cabinet ministers. C. were appointed by state legislatures. D. were selected by the federal judiciary. E. could serve only two terms.
were appointed by state legislatures