AP Gov FINAL - Chapter 1&2
Article I Use the passage to answer the question. " The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general welfare of the United States;... To regulate Commerce with foreign nations.... To coin money... To declare war... And To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States..."--Article I, United States Constitution, 1787. Based on this passage, which of the following powers is outlined in Article I, section 8 of the Constitution? A legislative powers B executive powers C judicial power D states' rights
A
Brutus was an example of an Anti-Federalist because he A believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights B argued that a national military force was needed to deal with insurrections C argued that the laws passed by the national government were supreme over state laws D believed that compromise between the branches of government would ensure a limited government
A
Direct (a.k.a. participatory) democracy is not practiced in large-scale modern societies because A the large size/population of most societies make assembling all citizens impossible. B most modern societies are dominated by oligarchies. C they simply do not work. D citizens of democracies rarely show an interest in politics.
A
In The Federalist 10, James Madison argued that the new constitution would help control faction by doing which of the following? A By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate. B The new constitution had significant limits on the freedom of expression, thereby limiting the ability of factions to organize. C The new constitution gave political parties specific powers in the government which limited their influence. D The use of the electoral college and the indirect election of senators would limit the influence that factions could wield.
A
Members of Congress receive many phone calls, meeting invitations, and e-mails from various competing interest groups asking for support on their preferred public policies. This situation best exemplifies which of the following models of democracy? A Pluralist B Politico C Elitist D Trustee
A
The Declaration of Independence states "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This was a revolutionary change from the system of British monarchy, which was based on the divine right of kings. For which of the ideals of democracy does this quote provide a foundation? A Popular sovereignty B Federalism C Separation of power D Limited government
A
The framers of the Constitution intended to establish A a representative republic B a direct democracy C an authoritarian state D a socialist democracy E a parliamentary republic
A
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the checks held by the legislative and judicial branches? A Legislative checks to the judicial branchJudicial checks to the legislative branchImpeaching and removing federal judgesDeclaring an entire law unconstitutional B Legislative checks to the judicial branchJudicial checks to the legislative branchConfirming federal judgesReviewing laws prior to enactment C Legislative checks to the judicial branchJudicial checks to the legislative branchAppointing federal judgesStriking down a portion of a law D Legislative checks to the judicial branchJudicial checks to the legislative branchEstablishing the number of Supreme Court justicesRemoving the Speaker of the House
A
Which of the following is commonly identified as a failure of the Articles of Confederation? A The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue. B The executive branch was granted too much power over the legislature. C The federal government had too much control over interstate commerce. D The judicial branch was elected and did not consistently adhere to rule of law.
A
ederalist 15 Comparison Use the passage to answer the question. "While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option." Alexander Hamilton, Federalist 15. Which of the following excerpts from Article I of the United States Constitution resolves a problem described by the author? Which of the following excerpts from Article I of the United States Constitution resolves a problem described by the author? A "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;" B "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time." C "The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States." D "The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it."
A
If a state's drinking laws allowed eighteen-year-olds to drink alcoholic beverages in violation of the federal government's age requirement of twenty-one, the federal government's age restriction would supersede the state's law based upon the A Elastic Clause B Supremacy Clause C Establishment Clause D Free Exercise Clause
B
Article I Use the passage to answer the question. " The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general welfare of the United States;... To regulate Commerce with foreign nations.... To coin money... To declare war... And To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States..."--Article I, United States Constitution, 1787. Use the passage to answer the question. Which of the Framer's concerns did the provisions in Article I, Section 8 address? A Individual Rights B Strength of the federal government C slavery D the state of America's finances
B
Brutus Analysis "In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...."Brutus 1 Which of the following statements would the author of the passage most likely agree with? A Average citizens cannot be trusted to vote because of low levels of education. B Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government. C The federal government should have greater authority than state legislatures. D A small federal legislature is the best way to represent the will of the people in a large country.
B
Brutus No. 1 Use the passage to answer this question. "In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...."Brutus 1 In the passage, Brutus is most concerned with the conflict between which of the following political ideas? A Civil rights and national security B Participatory democracy and elite democracy C Political parties and special interest groups D Religious liberty and the separation of church and state
B
Constitutional checks and balances, especially applied to the president, are designed to A provide for a balanced budget B minimize the threat of tyranny from any one branch of government C ensure that the states do not become too powerful D ensure efficient government E ensure that the federal government is militarily strong
B
Federalist No. 15 Use the passage to answer the question. "While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option." Alexander Hamilton, Federalist 15. Which of the following is a difference between the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution that is a response to a problem expressed in the passage? A The Articles of Confederation lacked federal executive and judicial branches, whereas the United States Constitution did not. B The Articles of Confederation allowed for the federal government to request revenues from states but did not permit it to tax citizens directly, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government could tax citizens directly. C Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were paid by the state governments, whereas under the United States Constitution they were paid by the federal government. D Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were not able to regulate currency, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government regulates currency.
B
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court decided the case Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which ruled that states must recognize same sex couples' right to marry. Which of the following ideals of democracy would the attorneys for the same sex couple most likely put forth as their argument? A Limited government would more likely defer to state laws on same sex marriage rather than a blanket directive from the Supreme Court. B Natural rights of life and liberty include the right to marry whom you choose. C Popular sovereignty requires that elected representatives in the state should decide right-to-marry issues. D Social contract theory guarantees that the right to marry is enshrined in a constitutional framework.
B
Opponents of the Constitution demanded inclusion of the Bill of Rights because they feared abuse of power by A Government at all levels B the national government C state government D England
B
The framers of the Constitution all believed that one of the primary functions of government is A educating citizens B protecting individual property rights C protecting new immigrants from persecution D expanding the borders of the nation E ensuring that anyone accused of a crime has the right to legal representation
B
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government . . ." ". . . Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled. The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise. He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice. He has withheld from her rights which are given to the most ignorant and degraded men. . . . Having deprived her of this first right of a citizen, the elective franchise, thereby leaving her without representation in the halls of legislation, he has oppressed her on all sides. He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead. He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns." Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Seneca Falls Convention, 1848 The language in the first paragraph of the selection most closely parallels that of which of the following documents? A The Preamble to the United States Constitution B The Declaration of Independence C The Federalist 10 D Brutus 1
B
Which of the following accurately characterizes the main difference between elite theories and pluralist theories of politics in the United States? A Elite theories concentrate on the role of interest groups; pluralist theories emphasize the role of individuals. B Elite theories argue that a single minority dominates politics in all policy areas; pluralist theories argue that many minorities compete for power in different policy areas. C Elite theories argue that social status is the major source of political power; pluralist theories argue that wealth is the major source. D Elite theories emphasize the multiple access points that interest groups have to public officials; pluralist theories stress the limits in the number and effectiveness of such access points. E Elite theories view government as efficient; pluralist theories view it as slow and wasteful.
B
Which of the following best describes the influence of social contract theory on the Constitution of the United States? A The framers favored a direct democracy in which citizens voted on all major political decisions. B The framers attempted to legitimize the Constitution through an appeal to popular sovereignty. C The framers intended for the Constitution to limit individual rights and liberties. D The framers believed that a strong central government was necessary to control the chaotic relationships between the individual states.
B
Which of the following ideals of democracy is reflected in the procedure for apportionment in the House of Representatives? A The federal government represents states equally. B Government is based on the consent of the governed. C Leaders in Congress are among the most well-informed in society. D Political power is distributed between the national government and state governments.
B
The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about which of the following issues? A The right of the people to rebel B The existence of slavery C The scope of power of the central government D The need to establish a standard currency E The representation of large and small states
C
According to James Madison, which of the following best controls the effects of faction? A Direct democracy B The popular election of state judges C A large republic D Property requirements for eligibility to work E The creation of a merit-based civil service
C
All of the following are ways that the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch EXCEPT: A Congress may remove the president through its impeachment and conviction powers. B Congress may override a presidential veto. C Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional. D The Senate may refuse to approve a presidential appointment. E The Senate may refuse to approve a treaty negotiated by the president.
C
In 1974, the House of Representatives approved a resolution granting the Judiciary Committee authority to investigate impeachment of President Nixon for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. Which constitutional ideal of democracy is demonstrated in this scenario? A Popular sovereignty B Judicial review C Limited government D Federalism
C
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) required states to implement standards-based education reform in order to receive federal funds. Which of the following criticisms of NCLB is being expressed in the cartoon? A Education standards for sports achievements are set unrealistically high, and equipment is poorly managed. B Education standards for boys are more difficult than for girls, even though educational resources are the same. C Education resources are being systematically reduced, while education standards are becoming more unreachable. D Education resources for elementary school students are being trimmed, while education standards for high school students are being raised.
C
The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to [operate their business] would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume authority which could safely be trusted, not to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who [was so arrogant to think] himself fit to exercise it. To . . . direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals . . . in almost all cases [is] a useless or hurtful regulation. If the produce of domestic [industry] can be brought there as cheap as that of foreign industry, the regulation is evidently useless. If it cannot, it must generally be hurtful. Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations, 1776 Which of the following ideals of United States government is most relevant to this passage? A Natural rights B Popular sovereignty C Limited government D Social contract
C
The theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in government, resulting in healthy democratic compromise and balance, is called A elite power politics B socialism C pluralism D rational choice E institutionalism
C
Which of the following describes the social contract theory as advanced by John Locke? A It is an agreement between political actors to maintain their grip on power. B It is an agreement in which the government promises to provide a minimum standard of living to citizens. C It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people. D It is an agreement between economic elites to maintain a stable economy. E It is an agreement in which the government outlines socially acceptable norms of political behavior.
C
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in action in the United States government? A The House and Senate cannot agree on the same version of a bill to send to the president. B The president issues an executive order that freezes federal government hiring. C The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress. D The voters reject the status quo and elect all new members of Congress. E The voters at the state level elect a governor from a party other than the president's.
C
Which of the following is the correct pairing of powers found in the Articles of Confederation and powers found in the Constitution? A Articles of Confederation United States Constitution Protection of individual liberties No protection of specific individual rights B Articles of Confederation United States Constitution Powerful executive branch Federal government supreme over states C Articles of ConfederationUnited States ConstitutionUnicameral legislatureBicameral legislature D Articles of ConfederationUnited States ConstitutionAmendment requires unanimity of all statesAmendment requires the president's approval
C
After a constitutional amendment has been proposed by both houses of Congress, its adoption requires A official filing with the secretary of state B support by a majority vote of the people C signature by the president D ratification by three-fourths of the states E publication in the Federal Register
D
Brutus No. 1 Use the passage to answer this question. "In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...."Brutus 1 Which of the following excerpts from the passage best describes the author's reason for opposing an expansion of the scope of the federal government? A "In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed." B "This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few." C "If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people..." D "... [I]t is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government."
D
In the 1780s, proponents of the new Constitution cited Shays' Rebellion as an example in support of which of the following criticisms of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? A The national government did not provide sufficient protection of individual rights. B The lack of a centralized judiciary made enforcement of national laws difficult. C States with larger populations were underrepresented in Congress. D There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.
D
Which of the following is NOT a trait of a liberal democracy? A Holding regular, frequent, and competitive elections B Protecting minority rights C Having a lively and free press D Achieving income equality E Guaranteeing equality in voting
D
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances, as established by the Constitution? A A requirement that states lower their legal drinking age to eighteen as a condition of receiving funds through federal highway grant programs B Media criticism of public officials during an election campaign period C The Supreme Court's ability to overturn a lower court decision D The requirement that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court be approved by the Senate E The election of the President by the electoral college rather than by direct election
D
Which of the following was a direct outcome of the Three-Fifths Compromise? A The number of senators increased in slaveholding states. B Slavery quickly declined, especially in larger cities in the South. C Slaveholding states were able to count slaves to determine their number of senators. D The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
D
Of the following, the most significant difference between the Constitution of 1787 and the Articles of Confederation was that the Constitution A made states sovereign over the national government, while the Articles were based on national sovereignty B was difficult to amend, while the Articles included an easier process requiring approval by a simple majority of states C provided for a presidential system of government, while the Articles provided for a parliamentary system of government D created a dominant national executive, while the Articles established a dominant national legislature E provided for a strong national government with many powers, while the Articles created a weak central
E
The Connecticut (Great) Compromise provided for A all revenue bills to originate in the Senate B all judicial appointments to be nominated by the president C the elimination of the importation of slaves D an electoral college and rules for the removal of the president E a bicameral legislature with one house's composition based upon state population and another's on equal state representation
E
Which of the following is a fundamental element of the United States Constitution? A Recognition of the centrality of political parties in government B Direct election of members of the executive branch C An executive branch that is more powerful than the legislature D Emphasis on a unitary system of government E Division of government authority across political institutions
E
In the early part of the twenty-first century, public opinion polls showed that a majority of Americans believed it should be illegal to burn the American flag. As a result, many members of Congress introduced amendments to make it illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Which of the following statements best explains why these efforts have been unsuccessful? A Congress and the states have agreed to add this amendment; however, recent presidents have refused to sign it. B The framers made the amendment process difficult in order to protect individual rights. C The Supreme Court has stated such an amendment is unconstitutional, thus blocking its ratification. D The framers specifically wrote the amendment process to prevent using it to limit freedom of expression.
b
