AP US Government and Politics Midterm

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

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

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? Responses A Popular sovereignty B Federalism C Separation of power D Limited government

A

The expansion of the executive branch since 1939 has affected the separation of powers by A increasing presidential control over the legislative process B increasing the power of the media as a result of more frequent presidential press conferences C reducing the power of the Supreme Court through the use of executive orders D giving more power to interest groups than to parties E making senatorial approval of presidential appointees ceremonialv

A

In which year did Congress pass all stand-alone appropriations (spending) bills on time? A. 1977 B. 1980 C. 1993 D. 2012

A. 1977

Of the following, which has been used most to expand the power of the national government? A. The commerce clause of the Constitution B. The habeas corpus clause of the Constitution C. The bill of attainder clause of the Constitution D. The First Amendment E. The Fifth Amendment

A. The commerce clause of the Constitution

According to the United States Constitution, all revenue bills must Responses A be passed by a conference committee B originate in the House of Representatives C be passed by two-thirds of the Senate D be reviewed by the Supreme Court

B

As a compromise, the framers agreed on a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives directly elected by popular vote within states and the Senate selected by state legislatures. The method chosen for electing members of the House of Representatives conforms most to which of the following democratic ideals? Responses A The social contract is an agreement between citizens and government. B Government should be based on the consent of the governed. C Policy makers should be the most well-informed and wealthy members of society. D State power should be respected in a federal constitution.

B

In McDonald v. Chicago (2010), the United States Supreme Court held that the Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defense and that the Second Amendment applied to the states through which of the following constitutional clauses? Responses A The due process clause of the Fifth Amendment B The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment C The equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment D The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

B

The framers of the United States Constitution left decisions on voting eligibility to the A civil rights agencies B individual states C United States Supreme Court D House of Representatives E Senate

B

Which of the following best explains why the winner of a presidential election usually claims to have a mandate from voters? Responses A The president's party often wins a majority of seats in Congress by riding the president's coattails. B The allocation of electoral votes in the winner-take-all system exaggerates the margin of victory. C Presidents are allowed to implement their legislative agendas without interference during their first term. D The new president is allowed to replace a significant number of justices on the Supreme Court. E The incoming president automatically gains control of Congre

B

Which of the following has the most influence on the outcome of a congressional election? Responses A Local performance of a candidate's party in the presidential race B A candidate's incumbency status C The amount of a candidate's campaign spending relative to that of his or her opponent D The level of support from local party leaders E The level of voter turnout

B

Which of the following scenarios illustrates how social media has changed the way presidents relate to the public? A A president appearing on a late-night comedy talk show to make jokes about the news B A president announcing a major policy initiative via the Internet rather than calling a press conference C A president allowing film crews to cover a visit to a natural disaster area to highlight federal aid distribution D A president hosting a rally in a swing state to increase support for policies helping the working class

B

Which of the following scenarios illustrates how social media has changed the way presidents relate to the public? A. A president appearing on a late-night comedy talk show to make jokes about the news B. A president announcing a major policy initiative via the Internet rather than calling a press conference C. A president allowing film crews to cover a visit to a natural disaster area to highlight federal aid distribution D. A president hosting a rally in a swing state to increase support for policies helping the working class

B. A president announcing a major policy initiative via the Internet rather than calling a press conference Presidents can directly address citizens through Internet-based social media platforms. This allows the president to exert greater control over how people receive the news and to respond directly to individuals. A press conference is a more traditional way of creating news and is less controlled by the president.

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances? A. An unpopular Supreme Court ruling can be overturned by a majority vote of both houses of Congress. B. A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. C. A filibuster in the Senate can be ended with a cloture motion that has the support of 60 senators. D. A treaty negotiated by the president with a foreign government must be approved by a majority vote of the House.

B. A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

The decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) reflected new ideas about federalism at the time that can be best characterized by which of the following? A. A consolidation of power in the national government based on national supremacy B. Acknowledgement of the limitations of national power and a recognition of the reserved power of the states. C. A delegation of power from the state governments to the federal government, increasing the power of the United States government D. An increase in cooperative federalism, where power and duties are shared between the federal and state governments

B. Acknowledgement of the limitations of national power and a recognition of the reserved power of the states.

The House of Representatives impeaches the president. Which of the following scenarios represents how bicameralism is used as a check on the vote to impeach? A. If the president is removed, the vice president will take office to finish the president's current term. B. The Senate deliberates the case and votes to determine the president's guilt or innocence. C. The chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial. D. After the impeachment, House managers will prepare a case to convict and remove the president from office.

B. The Senate deliberates the case and votes to determine the president's guilt or innocence.

Which of the following clauses serves as the constitutional basis for the federal Real ID Act of 2005, a law that established uniform standards for state-issued identification cards and provided regulation of a state function? Responses A The due process clause B The establishment clause C The necessary and proper clause D The commerce clause

C

Which of the following describes the ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993) ? Responses A The Voting Rights Act was ruled unconstitutional. B The poll tax was eliminated. C Racial gerrymandering was ruled unconstitutional. D It was decided that congressional districts needed to be equal in size.

C

Which of the following explains why any attempt to reduce Social Security benefits is difficult? Responses A The Supreme Court has ruled that benefits are constitutionally required. B Interest groups concerned with Social Security are ineffective. C The global economy makes government insurance programs necessary. D There are many voters who support Social Security. E Government cannot predict the number of new retirees each year.

C

Which of the following is an example of Congress using its implied powers? Responses A Congress changing the tax code so that individuals making more than $350,000 per year have to pay higher taxes B Congress requesting that the Supreme Court review the constitutionality of a state gun-control law C Congress passing occupational safety regulations for the private sector D Congress ratifying a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada

C

Which of the following is the primary reason for the tensions that exist between the legislative and executive branches of the federal government? Responses A Each branch sets and approves the other's budget. B The branches are staffed with many of the same people. C The branches have different constituencies with different interests. D The branches are responsible for the selection of Cabinet-level officials. E. Each branch has the constitutional power to levy taxes.

C

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a member of Congress supporting pork-barrel legislation? Responses A A senator from a coal-producing state voting against a job-training program for coal miners B A member of the House voting for urban renewal in exchange for increased funding for roads C A senator from an agricultural state amending legislation to establish a potato research institute in his or her state D A member of the House Armed Services Committee marking up a bill that will increase funding for military bases

C

Which of the following statements is true regarding the right to privacy? A The right to privacy has not been the topic of Supreme Court cases. B The right to privacy is explicitly named in the Bill of Rights. C The right to privacy is not explicitly named in the Constitution. D The right to privacy has been acknowledged as a core American value.

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. Limited government

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. The scope of power of the central government

Which of the following is the correct pairing of powers found in the Articles of Confederation and powers found in the Constitution? A. Protection of individual liberties - No protection of specific individual rights B. Powerful executive branch - Federal government supreme over states C. Unicameral legislature - Bicameral legislature D. Amendment requires unanimity of all states - Amendment requires the president's approval

C. Unicameral legislature - Bicameral legislature

A group unhappy with local law enforcement distributes a memo to members encouraging physical confrontations with police officers. The leaders of the group are promptly arrested. Which of the following Supreme Court cases best justifies the actions taken by law enforcement in this scenario? Responses A Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) B Engel v. Vitale (1962) C New York Times v. United States (1971) D Schenck v. United States (1919)

D

A person claiming that the House can pass legislation with a simple majority, but the Senate is unlikely to pass legislation unless a bill has the support of a 60-vote supermajority is most likely to cite which of the following institutional differences as the cause of this trend? Responses A The House has fewer legislative committees than the Senate does. B Members of the House often represent a much narrower constituency than senators do. C Party leadership in the House is highly formalized, while leadership in the Senate is much more informal. D The House has strict limits on debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate.

D

Congress is most likely to exert oversight of the executive bureaucracy in which of the following ways? A Directly selecting the head of an executive agency B Impeaching the head of an executive agency C Using the Court to block implementation of proposed regulations D Controlling an executive agency's annual budget E Changing the term length of heads of independent regulatory commissions

D

Which of the following is true according to the diagram? A. The Senate minority leader is as powerful as the Senate majority whip. B. The Speaker of the House, in coordination with the House majority leader, appoints the House minority leader. C. Unlike the House of Representatives, the Senate does not recognize political parties. D. Both chambers make use of a system of majority and minority whips.

D. Both chambers make use of a system of majority and minority whips.

Which of the following describes the Twenty-Fourth Amendment? A. It desegregated places of public accommodation. B. It required elections for the United States Senate. C. It reduced barriers to political participation on the basis of gender. D. It eliminated poll taxes.

D. It eliminated poll taxes.

Shortly after the 2008 election, President Obama appointed outspoken and controversial House member Rahm Emanuel to lead his White House as chief of staff, the head of the Executive Office of the President. The selection drew criticism from Republican leaders, including House minority leader John Boehner, who remarked that the selection "is an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center." Which of the following explains how Congress could legitimately respond to the appointment? A. The Senate could refuse to confirm the appointment. B. The House of Representatives could filibuster the nomination. C. The Rules Committee could refuse to release the bill that made the appointment. D. Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it.

D. Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it.

Which of the following situations is an example of the president using the bully pulpit as a tool for agenda setting? A. President Clinton invoking executive privilege in resisting a subpoena by the United States Senate during the Whitewater investigation B. President Bush issuing a signing statement in the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 that considerably weakened its provisions C. President Obama issuing an executive order delaying the deportation of at least five million undocumented immigrants D. President Reagan delivering a televised address urging a reduction in federal taxes

D. President Reagan delivering a televised address urging a reduction in federal taxes

In November 2014, President Obama announced an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program through an executive order. The policy would protect over 700,000 more children of undocumented immigrants from deportation. Republican members of Congress denounced the order as an abuse of executive power. Previously, members of the House of Representatives had voted to defund the program. This scenario best illustrates which of the following? A. A reluctant bureaucracy can hinder a president's agenda. B. Public opinion can influence how Congress responds to a president. C. Iron triangles form between members of the president's party and opponents in Congress. D. Presidents exert informal powers when their policy agenda conflicts with that of Congress.

D. Presidents exert informal powers when their policy agenda conflicts with that of Congress.

The term "pork barrel" refers to legislation specifically designed to A. encourage a balanced federal budget B. ensure the careful inspection of farm goods and other foodstuffs C. distribute excess produce to the poor D. provide funding for local projects that are intended to benefit constituents E. equalize representation between farming and non-farming states

D. provide funding for local projects that are intended to benefit constituents

A major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is that Responses A filibusters are possible only in the House B revenue bills must originate in the Senate C judicial nominations originate in a House committee D each state has equal representation in the House but not in the Senate E there is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House

E

American political culture is characterized by strong popular support for all of the following EXCEPT Responses A the rule of law B limited government C individual liberty D equality of opportunity E economic equality

E

Which of the following is true of the seniority system of Congress in relation to committee leadership and committee staffing? A. Members of Congress with the longest continuous service are assured the chairmanship of major congressional committees. B. Members of Congress must be elected from safe seats to accrue committee seniority. C. Members of congressional committees are the most senior members of the body's majority party. D. The oldest members of Congress have the most seniority. E. The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.

E. The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides protections for the disabled, is an example of A. state supremacy B. horizontal federalism C. affirmative action D. dual federalism E. a federal mandate

E. a federal mandate

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 best describes the reasoning in Baker v. Carr (1961)? Responses A Unequal representation of citizens in legislative districts is unconstitutional and may be reviewed by the courts. B Political issues such as reapportionment, redistricting, and gerrymandering are to be resolved by the legislative branch. C Racial gerrymandering is a violation of the Fourth Amendment's exclusionary clause. D Gerrymandering that favors a single party is not subject to legal action because there is no standard to determine how a state legislative district map should be drawn.

A

Which of the following is argued by James Madison in The Federalist paper number 10? Responses A A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism. B Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics. C The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities. D Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny. E The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.

A

Which of the following represents a consequence of candidate-centered electoral campaigns? A A decrease in the role of political parties in campaign management B A decrease in the number of third-party candidates on the ballot C A decrease in the amount of money spent on political campaigns D A decrease in voter outreach and mobilization efforts

A

Which of the following stages comes first in the policy-making process? A Agenda setting B Legitimation C Program evaluation D Policy formulation E Implementation

A

Which of the following is argued by James Madison in The Federalist paper number 10? A. A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism. B. Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics. C. The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities. D. Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny. E. The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.

A. A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism.

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the checks held by the legislative and judicial branches? A. Impeaching and removing federal judges - Declaring an entire law unconstitutional B. Confirming federal judges - Reviewing laws prior to enactment C. Appointing federal judges - Striking down a portion of a law D. Establishing the number of Supreme Court justices - Removing the Speaker of the House

A. Impeaching and removing federal judges - Declaring an entire law unconstitutional

The House of Representatives impeaches the president. Which of the following scenarios represents how bicameralism is used as a check on the vote to impeach? Responses A If the president is removed, the vice president will take office to finish the president's current term. B The Senate deliberates the case and votes to determine the president's guilt or innocence. C The chief justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial. D After the impeachment, House managers will prepare a case to convict and remove the president from office.

B

The concept of realignment refers to changes in A the United States system of international alliances B the social bases of the parties' voting support C the media's criticism of the president and Congress D spending priorities in the federal budget E the rate of voter participation

B

To get an important bill passed in the House, a provision is added that allocates $500 million to study the impact of global climate change on manatees in Florida. This is an example of Responses A the free rider problem B pork barrel legislation C an issue network D gerrymandering

B

A "cloture motion" passed in the Senate does which of the following? A. Returns a bill to committee. B. Cuts off debate on a bill. C. Criticizes a senator guilty of improprieties. D. Removes a President who has been impeached by the House. E. Brings a bill directly to a vote without formal committee approval.

B. Cuts off debate on a bill.

Under the Articles of Confederation, which of the following were true?I. Congress could not tax the states directly.II. The executive branch of government exercised more power than Congress.III. Congress was a unicameral body.IV. States were represented in Congress proportionally according to population. A. I and II B. I and III C. I and IV D. II and III E. II and IV

B. I and III

Despite concerns raised by her constituents, a member of the House of Representatives votes in favor of a bill, believing that in the long term it is in the best interest of her constituents. This is an example of which of the following models of representation? Responses A Delegate B Politico C Trustee D Virtual

C

The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to A. expand presidential power B. restrict the application of judicial review C. make most rights contained in the Bill of Rights applicable to the states D. prevent states from taxing agencies of the federal government E. limit the use of the legislative veto

C. make most rights contained in the Bill of Rights applicable to the states

The power of the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives rests on its authority to A. choose the chairs of other standing committees and issue rules for the selection of subcommittee chairs B. initiate all spending legislation and hold budget hearings C. place a bill on the legislative calendar, limit time for debate and determine the type of amendments allowed D. determine the procedures by white nominations by the President will be approved by the House E. choose the President if no candidate wins a majority in the electoral college

C. place a bill on the legislative calendar, limit time for debate and determine the type of amendments allowed

Congressional standing committees are best described as Responses A specially appointed investigative bodies B joint committees of the two houses of Congress C committees created for each session D permanent subject-matter committees E advisory staff agencies

D

In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the Supreme Court stated that the plaintiffs "seek the aid of the courts in obtaining admission to the public schools of their community on a non-segregated basis. In each instance, they had been denied admission to schools attended by white children under laws requiring or permitting segregation according to race." The Supreme Court ruled "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." Which of the following provisions of the United States Constitution did the Supreme Court use to strike down racial segregation in state public schools? Responses A The due process clause of the Fifth Amendment B The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment C The equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment D The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

D

Which of the following features of the United States Constitution would most concern the author of Brutus 1? A The Bill of Rights, which protects individual liberties and states' rights B The reservation of any power not given to the federal government to the states C The two-year term for members of the House of Representatives D The supremacy clause, which gives the federal government supremacy over states

D

A person claiming that the House can pass legislation with a simple majority, but the Senate is unlikely to pass legislation unless a bill has the support of a 60-vote supermajority is most likely to cite which of the following institutional differences as the cause of this trend? A. The House has fewer legislative committees than the Senate does. B. Members of the House often represent a much narrower constituency than senators do. C. Party leadership in the House is highly formalized, while leadership in the Senate is much more informal. D. The House has strict limits on debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate.

D. The House has strict limits on debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate

The Constitution states that all revenue bills must originate in A. a White House budget resolution B. the Congressional Budget Office C. the United States Senate D. the United States House of Representatives E. the Office of Management and Budget

D. the United States House of Representatives

Which of the following pairs accurately identifies the methods used by Congress and the president to hold the bureaucracy accountable to the other branches? A. Holding a committee hearing - Appointing a Cabinet B. Using the power of the purse to control spending - Negotiating a treaty C. Firing civil servants - Exercising power as commander in chief D. Meeting in a congressional caucus - Attaching a signing statement to legislation

A. Holding a committee hearing - Appointing a Cabinet

On September 29, 2020, after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Donald Trump, a Republican, nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Many Democrats in the Senate feared that the appointment of Barrett would swing the Court in a more ideologically conservative direction and attempted to block her nomination. After a heated Senate confirmation hearing, Barrett was eventually confirmed by a 52 to 48 vote in the Senate. The scenario best highlights which of the following statements about court appointees? A. Life tenure for appointed justices alongside the power of judicial review increases the stakes in the confirmation process for nominees to the Supreme Court B. Judicial appointees tend to make controversial statements on important policy issues during their confirmation hearings to get confirmed C. The merit system for hiring members of the bureaucracy extends to the vetting process for no

A. Life tenure for appointed justices alongside the power of judicial review increases the stakes in the confirmation process for nominees to the Supreme Court.

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. Popular sovereignty

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of checks on the legislative branch and checks on the executive branch? A. The president may veto bills passed by Congress - The Senate must confirm judicial nominees B. The president has the power to fund wars - The House of Representatives can pass articles of impeachment C. The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review - Congress can remove members of the president's cabinet D. States may nullify federal laws that violate state constitutions - The Supreme Court can declare presidential actions unconstitutional if a case arises.

A. The president may veto bills passed by Congress - The Senate must confirm judicial nominees

Which statement best explains the information in the graphic? A. The secretary was confirmed by a partisan vote. B. Confirmation was blocked by one party. C. Independents swayed the vote for the majority. D. Attempts at compromise were unsuccessful.

A. The secretary was confirmed by a partisan vote.

Which of the following is an action a president can take to rally public support for the administration's legislative agenda? A. Use the State of the Union Address to pressure Congress to pass a bill lowering income taxes. B. Hold private meetings with key members of Congress to promote a compromise on the budget. C. Forge an executive agreement with another country regulating the safety of consumer products. D. Sign a bill into law that would provide increased aid to college students.

A. Use the State of the Union Address to pressure Congress to pass a bill lowering income taxes. The State of the Union Address is a nationally televised event that allows the president to speak to the American public and set a legislative agenda for Congress.

In The Federalist 70, Alexander Hamilton states that "energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government." In this statement, Hamilton is arguing in favor of the need for A. a single executive who can respond quickly to crises B. a president who has a good understanding of public policy C. an electoral college in the selection of the president D. a president who is youthful and assertive

A. a single executive who can respond quickly to crises Hamilton argues in favor of a single executive that can respond quickly to crises.

The term "bicameralism" refers to the A. establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules B. members of the House of Representatives having two-year terms C. president having veto power over both chambers of Congress D. members of the House and Senate having to appease their mutual constituencies E. checks that Congress has over the federal bureaucracy

A. establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules

The expansion of the executive branch since 1939 has affected the separation of powers by A. increasing presidential control over the legislative process B. increasing the power of the media as a result of more frequent presidential press conferences C. reducing the power of the Supreme Court through the use of executive orders D. giving more power to interest groups than to parties E. making senatorial approval of presidential appointees ceremonial

A. increasing presidential control over the legislative process

Executive agreements have been cited as evidence that A. modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority B. the executive branch has become too large and bureaucratic C. presidents have less power in handling foreign policy than in handling domestic policy D. interest groups have too much power in the contemporary governmental system E. the courts have few means of limiting presidential power

A. modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority

Under the Articles of Confederation, which of the following were true?I. Congress could not tax the states directly.II. The executive branch of government exercised more power than Congress.III. Congress was a unicameral body.IV. States were represented in Congress proportionally according to population. Responses A I and II B I and III C I and IV D II and III

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? Responses 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 best explains why cabinet secretaries might not aggressively pursue the president's policy agenda? Responses A Cabinet secretaries are unlikely to be members of the president's party. B Cabinet secretaries may develop strong loyalty to their departments. C Cabinet secretaries are likely to compete with the president in a subsequent election. D Under the Hatch Act, cabinet secretaries are prohibited from campaigning on behalf of the president. E The Freedom of Information Act compels cabinet secretaries to divulge confidential information to the media.

B

A newly elected president faces a Senate controlled by the opposition party. Which of the following presidential appointments is the most likely to encounter difficulty with confirmation by the Senate? A. Secretary of defense B. Supreme Court justice C. Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors D. Ambassador to Germany

B. Supreme Court justice

A newly elected president faces a Senate controlled by the opposition party. Which of the following presidential appointments is the most likely to encounter difficulty with confirmation by the Senate? A. Secretary of defense B. Supreme Court justice C. Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors D Ambassador to Germany

B. Supreme Court justice Supreme Court justices are lifetime appointments, and these nominations are usually contentious. An opposing party with a majority would have the power to prevent a nominee from being confirmed.

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate? A. The majority and minority parties control legislative scheduling and rules equally - Minority party members can threaten to filibuster a bill the majority party wants to pass B. The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people - The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states C. Most legislative work takes place in the standing committees - Based on its size, it tends to have stricter rules affecting the legislative process D. Members serve two-year terms with a term limit of up to twelve years - Members serve six-year terms with no term limits.

B. The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people - The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states

In 2012, after negotiations on a bill in Congress failed, President Obama issued an executive order that protected from deportation individuals illegally brought to the United States as children by their parents. The president took this action because A. the executive order would require Congress to bring a bill regarding illegal immigration to the floor for a vote B. disagreement between congressional leaders and the president on the issue meant that a compromise on a bill was not likely C. the president was reacting to a Supreme Court decision that required him to do something to protect these individuals D. the Constitution clearly gives the president control over the legal status of immigrants in the United States

B. disagreement between congressional leaders and the president on the issue meant that a compromise on a bill was not likely

An investigative reporter uncovers illegal and unethical behavior on the part of a state government official. When the local newspaper announces that it will publish the story, the state government issues an injunction to stop the story from being released before being reviewed by government lawyers. Which of the following best represents how the court will most likely respond to the case? Responses A The newspaper will be required to delay publication until after the lawyers review the materials. B The newspaper will publish the story but face a libel lawsuit if the information contained is embarrassing to the government. C The newspapers will be permitted to publish the story without a review by the government's lawyers. D The newspapers will not be permitted to publish the story if the government objects.

C

Since the 1970's, Presidents have made use of executive orders at an increasing rate because executive orders A are noncontroversial measures that can be easily implemented B are rarely defeated in Congress C do not need to be passed by Congress D avoid judicial review E must be ratified by the Senate rather than by the House

C

South Carolina passed a law to increase the state tax on gasoline to help fund repairs on highways and bridges. The state tax is in addition to the federal tax on every gallon of gasoline that is sold. Which of the following constitutional provisions does this scenario illustrate? Responses A Delegated powers B Reserved powers C Concurrent powers D Exclusive powers

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 accurately describes the composition of congressional committees? Responses A Committees are organized by the executive branch to ensure that both branches can communicate and negotiate policy goals. B The United States Constitution requires that Congress organize itself into committees, with each party having equal access to committee seats. C Committees are organized by the majority party to maintain control of the policy-making process. D Committees are organized by state delegations so that each state has some role in deciding which bills get passed.

C

Which of the following best describes the difference between an open and closed primary? A Voters must pay a poll tax to vote in a closed primary, but not in an open primary. B Voters are allowed to split their ticket in a closed primary but not in an open primary. C Only voters who register as members of a political party may vote in that party's closed primary, while independents and others may be eligible to vote in open primaries. D Open primaries require a run-off system, while closed primaries do not. E Candidates must seek the approval of the party organization to run in a closed primary, but anyone may be a candidate in an open primary.

C

In Marburv v. Madison (1803), the Supreme Court assumed the power to A decide whether internal congressional procedures are constitutional B advise Congress on the constitutionality of a proposed law C regulate slavery D decide on the constitutionality of a law or an executive action E approve executive agreements

D

The Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) relates to foundational documents in which of the following ways? B. The Declaration of Independence describes circumstances in which people may demand a redress of grievances, and Marbury v. Madison is about whether courts can resolve these crises. C. The Federalist 10 describes how the expanded scope of the national government can alleviate the problems of factions, and Marbury v. Madison uses the national government to negotiate a compromise between two rival factions. D. The Federalist 78 is about the power and role of the federal courts, and in Marbury v. Madison, Madison expands that role by giving the courts the power to determine whether laws or executive actions conflict with the Constitution

D

The voting patterns of members of Congress correlate most strongly with Responses A the population density of their districts B their economic background C their educational level D their political party affiliation E the location of their districts

D

Which of the following congressional plans to create new district maps would most likely face a challenge in the Supreme Court based on precedent? Responses A A state legislature hires a private consulting group to fairly balance districts according to political ideology with the unintended consequence of having no districts that are majority Hispanic. B A district is drawn by a panel of judges to ensure more competitive elections but inadvertently creates more districts that are majority White than majority African American. C A square-shaped contiguous district in which the majority of voters are African American is drawn in a state, using similarity in geographic size as the predominant factor in its creation. D A district that has a majority of African American residents is drawn in a state, using race as the predominant factor in its creation.

D

Which of the following features of the United States Constitution would most concern the author of Brutus 1? Responses A The Bill of Rights, which protects individual liberties and states' rights B The reservation of any power not given to the federal government to the states C The two-year term for members of the House of Representatives D The supremacy clause, which gives the federal government supremacy over states

D

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies Madison's argument in The Federalist 46 ? A An individual who is paying income taxes to both state and federal government B States enforcing certain laws along interstate highways, such as laws banning the use of mobile phones while driving C Congress increasing spending on national defense so that each state does not have to spend money on defense programs D States creating universal health care for their state even though the federal government does not endorse such a policy.

D

Which of the following types of committee deals with broad areas of public policy and can be found in both houses of Congress? Responses A Rules B Select C Joint D Standing E Conference

D

Shortly after the 2008 election, President Obama appointed outspoken and controversial House member Rahm Emanuel to lead his White House as chief of staff, the head of the Executive Office of the President. The selection drew criticism from Republican leaders, including House minority leader John Boehner, who remarked that the selection "is an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center." Which of the following explains how Congress could legitimately respond to the appointment? A. The Senate could refuse to confirm the appointment. B. The House of Representatives could filibuster the nomination. C. The Rules Committee could refuse to release the bill that made the appointment. D. Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it.

D. Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it. Unlike cabinet members, appointments to the Executive Office of the President, including the White House chief of staff, do not require Senate confirmation. However, as the scenario illustrates, members of Congress can express their disapproval in statements to the media.

In November 2014, President Obama announced an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program through an executive order. The policy would protect over 700,000 more children of undocumented immigrants from deportation. Republican members of Congress denounced the order as an abuse of executive power. Previously, members of the House of Representatives had voted to defund the program. This scenario best illustrates which of the following? A. A reluctant bureaucracy can hinder a president's agenda. B. Public opinion can influence how Congress responds to a president. C. Iron triangles form between members of the president's party and opponents in Congress. D. Presidents exert informal powers when their policy agenda conflicts with that of Congress.

D. Presidents exert informal powers when their policy agenda conflicts with that of Congress. In this scenario, the president issued an executive order when it was clear that he was not going to be able to work with Congress.

Which of the following is an example of how the innovation of social media can influence presidential behavior? A. The president holds a press conference to discuss midterm election results. B. The president outlines the administration's legislative agenda in the State of the Union Address. C. The president hosts a White House dinner with a foreign head of state. D. The president announces the nomination of a cabinet secretary on the Internet.

D. The president announces the nomination of a cabinet secretary on the Internet. In this example, the president has chosen to use the internet, a social media platform, to share a major announcement they have crafted because the president believes social media is the best way to reach the right audience in the population.

The committee system is more important in the House than in the Senate because A. the seniority system plays no role in the House and therefore committees must play a larger role B. the Constitution mandates the type of committee structure in the House C. committee members are appointed by the President D. the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor E. the majority party in the House prefers to give priority to the work of the committees

D. the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor

The usefulness to the President of having cabinet members as political advisers is undermined by the fact that A. the President has little latitude in choosing cabinet members B. cabinet members have no political support independent of the President C. cabinet members are usually drawn from Congress and retain loyalties to Congress D. the loyalties of cabinet members are often divided between loyalty to the President and loyalty to their own executive departments E. the cabinet operates as a collective unit and individual members have no access to the President

D. the loyalties of cabinet members are often divided between loyalty to the President and loyalty to their own executive departments

If legislation passes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate but each version is slightly different, the conflicting bills are sent to A. a standing committee of each house for a vote B. an ad hoc committee for judicial review C. the Rules Committee of each house for reconciliation and compromise D. the majority and minority leaders of both houses for compromise E. a conference committee for review and compromise

E. a conference committee for review and compromise

Congress adopted the War Powers Resolution to A. give the president additional powers in case of military emergencies B. delineate a clear chain of command in the event of nuclear war C. criticize the president for declaring war without authorization from Congress D. enable the president to commit troops to United Nations peacekeeping forces E. limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas

E. limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas