Ch. 2 Midterm Review Questions, Midterm Review Questions- Chapter 1- AP Government, AP GOV Chapter 3 GR

Suppose the subjects of a totalitarian government have successfully overthrown their leader and are planning a new form of government that will grant them greater personal and economic freedom and prevent future tyranny. Which element should they include in their new government? -Restrictions on journalists -A list of basic rights -Unlimited terms for leaders -A ban on all firearms

-A list of basic rights

Who was it that noted the uniquely American phenomenon of diverse citizens joining like-minded groups in the 1830s? -Alexis de Tocqueville -John Locke -Baron de Montesquieu -David Hume

-Alexis de Tocqueville

In recent elections, the Electoral College has been attacked as undemocratic by many Americans. How might someone rebut this argument about the Electoral College? -America is not a pure democracy, but rather a constitutional republic, and the Electoral College is another system of representation. -There is no viable alternative to the Electoral College that could be implemented in four years, and as such, it must remain in place. -America needs the Electoral College since most Americans who cast votes in elections are generally uninformed about the candidates they vote for. -The Electoral College has been in place for over 200 years, and it would be impossible to eliminate it from the American political system.

-America is not a pure democracy, but rather a constitutional republic, and the Electoral College is another system of representation.

Which of the following arguments would a proponent of the pluralist system of political participation most likely make? -Gridlock results when too many groups seek to influence the policymaking process. -American society should return to a rugged frontier philosophy and reliance on the individual. -Although many groups participate in policymaking, wealthy groups have the most influence. -American democracy is furthered when groups representing all points of view help make public policy.

-American democracy is furthered when groups representing all points of view help make public policy.

Which system of government was America under prior to declaring independence from Great Britain and adopting the Constitution? -Communism -Direct democracy -Authoritarian -Totalitarian

-Authoritarian

How does the Preamble of the United States Constitution establish the notion of popular sovereignty? -By declaring that the people of the United States of America are the ones granting the government its power. -By stating outright that the system of government in America will be based on the concept of popular sovereignty. -By outlining the God-given natural rights of humans, including freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. -By granting all American citizens the right to participate in free and fair elections regardless of race, gender, or property ownership.

-By declaring that the people of the United States of America are the ones granting the government its power.

How did Thomas Jefferson and other signers of the Declaration of Independence believe the King of England was violating the colonists' right to liberty? -By imposing unfair and damaging taxes -By establishing standing armies in the colonies -By threatening to execute religious heretics -By disarming the colonists of their firearms

-By imposing unfair and damaging taxes

Concerns that large companies like the e-commerce giant Amazon are not paying enough in taxes reflects which theory of democracy? -Participatory -Cultural -Elitist -Pluralist

-Elitist

A candidate running for the House of Representatives has promised constituents that she will push for legislation to reform campaign finance laws so that the wealthy elites and business owners do not have greater influence on policies than American citizens. Such legislation is based on which theory? -Elitist theory -Participatory democracy theory -Pluralist theory -Civil rights theory

-Elitist theory

Following Bridget Mergens' struggle to form a Bible study club at her school, which other group also experienced resistance from their school when attempting to form a club? -The Americans for Civil Liberties -Gay-Straight Alliance -Future Business Leaders of America -The Fellowship of Christian Athletes

-Gay-Straight Alliance

Suppose a free speech advocacy group is attempting to stop legislation that would infringe upon American citizens' First Amendment rights, but they lack money to donate to a pro-free speech candidate's campaign. What is another way this group might be able to influence this legislation? -Get supporters to participate in a campaign to contact representatives and voice their opinion. -Host a large fundraiser to raise money to donate to a pro-free speech candidate. -Proactively file a lawsuit against the legislation and appeal to the Supreme Court. -Contact the president of the United States and ask him to veto the legislation if it passes.

-Get supporters to participate in a campaign to contact representatives and voice their opinion.

How does John Locke's concept of a social contract compare to the form of government that existed in Great Britain at the time? -Great Britain's government at the time was based on divine rule, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract was based on rulers who occupied higher socioeconomic classes. -Great Britain's government at the time was based on social hierarchies, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract stated that leaders could only rule by divine right. -Great Britain's government at the time stated that kings were granted the right to rule by God, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract dictated that leaders were granted the right to rule by the people. -The form of government in Great Britain at the time was similar to Locke's concept of a social contract.

-Great Britain's government at the time stated that kings were granted the right to rule by God, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract dictated that leaders were granted the right to rule by the people.

A high school sophomore who belongs to his school's chapter of a Gay-Straight Alliance feels he is being discriminated against in the classroom by a teacher due to his membership in the group. How can this student utilize the political process to make quick and effective change? -He can cast a vote in his next local election. -He can contact his state representative and push for legislation. -He can seek legal assistance and file a lawsuit against the school or teacher. -He can write a letter to the state governor about his experience.

-He can seek legal assistance and file a lawsuit against the school or teacher.

How do the ideas of John Locke and David Hume complement one another? -Locke's idea of natural rights complements Hume's idea that some people have more rights than others. -Locke's idea that some people have more rights than others complements Hume's idea that people are born with natural, God-Given rights. -Hume's idea of limiting government to prevent greed coincides with Locke's belief that people have the right to replace a government that grows too powerful. -Hume's idea that people are born with certain rights fits with Locke's idea that a government should be structured so as to prevent a tyrannical government.

-Hume's idea of limiting government to prevent greed coincides with Locke's belief that people have the right to replace a government that grows too powerful.

Which of the following statements best describes the viewpoint of American culture expressed in the cartoon? -The United States offers equality of opportunity. -Citizens are more interested in playing games than in politics. -Individualism is a core American value, and it's up to each person to take steps to advance. -Inequality makes it difficult for African Americans to achieve the American dream.

-Inequality makes it difficult for African Americans to achieve the American dream.

How does joining a civil society group impact participatory democracy? -It prevents Americans from being exposed to diverse views and discourages political participation. -It decreases the tendency of Americans to vote in elections and contact representatives. -It increases the likelihood that American citizens will participate in political processes. -It connects like-minded people who can organize to vote similarly in elections.

-It increases the likelihood that American citizens will participate in political processes.

How did the structure of the Declaration of Independence justify the American colonies' break from Great Britain? -It outlined in great detail the idea that humans are born with basic, God-given rights. -It listed numerous grievances that clearly violated the human rights that were outlined just before. -It issued a statement of separation after listing several grievances with the King of England. -It made an appeal to the King of England using philosophical concepts from John Locke.

-It listed numerous grievances that clearly violated the human rights that were outlined just before.

A political scientist living in the American colonies during the late 1700s believes it is the duty of the people to hold their government accountable and replace a tyrannical government if necessary. Who would this political scientist likely agree with? -David Hume -Rodgers Smith -John Locke -Baron de Montesquieu

-John Locke

Who proposed the concept that some rights cannot be provided or taken away by governments? -Baron de Montesquieu -John Locke -Rodgers Smith -David Hume

-John Locke

Which ideas form the foundation of American political culture? -Liberty, equality, and rights -Equality, wealth, and property -Rights, property, and speech -Wealth, speech, and liberty

-Liberty, equality, and rights

The cartoon expresses which of the following viewpoints? -Many Americans are not well informed and hold conflicting views about the role of government. -Americans become more conservative as they age. -American political culture consists of shared beliefs and customs. -Political ideology consists of an individual's set of beliefs.

-Many Americans are not well informed and hold conflicting views about the role of government.

We should remember that the Declaration of Independence is not merely a historical document. It is an explicit recognition that our rights derive not from the King of England, not from the judiciary, not from government at all, but from God. —Mark Levin The quotation best represents which concept? -Constitutional democracy -Natural rights -Republicanism -Participatory democracy

-Natural rights

The graph supports which of the following conclusions? -Income in the United States is unduly low, because it consistently falls below 50 percent. -People in the top 1% of American households are wealthier than people in the top 0.1%. -America had more wealth in 1925 and 2005 than in any other year. -Over the past four decades, America's wealthiest individuals have been earning a larger share of America's national income.

-Over the past four decades, America's wealthiest individuals have been earning a larger share of America's national income.

Which theory states that citizens taking part in political processes is essential to a democratic government? -Civil society theory -Elitist theory -Pluralist theory -Participatory democracy theory

-Participatory democracy theory

The following question(s) refer to the following quote from the Resolution of the First Continental Congress, acting on behalf of the American colonists, dated October 14, 1774. [O]ur ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects, within the realm of England. . . . By such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy. . . . The foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot

-People have the right to elect representatives to the legislatures that govern them.

A political activist who supports gun control legislation believes that interest groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) have too much money and influence over lawmakers in Congress. Such a belief is characteristic of which theory? -Elitist theory -Pluralist theory -American cultural theory -Participatory democracy theory

-Pluralist theory

The cartoon expresses which of the following viewpoints? -Politicians tend to be more focused on public opinion than policy. -Sometimes even wealthy and educated individuals don't know the best course of action. -The members of the Continental Congress were old and feeble. -It's hard to define "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness."

-Politicians tend to be more focused on public opinion than policy.

Suppose you want to start an after-school club at your high school for pro-life Christians. Your school administrators say you can meet with fellow classmates after school but cannot use school facilities or be a formal club. Which argument would be the MOST effective to convince the administrators to make your club official? -The application for the formation of the club was submitted properly and has enough student interest that it would be successful. -Denying the club's formation and association with the school is a violation of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. -Prohibiting the club from becoming official goes against the precedent set by Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens. -Not making the group an official extracurricular club violates the school handbook for the formation of a new club.

-Prohibiting the club from becoming official goes against the precedent set by Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens.

A high school is planning on establishing a student government in which the entire student body would elect a president to represent the interests of students as a whole. Which form of student government does the high school want to establish? -Direct democracy -Authoritarian -Representative -Totalitarian

-Representative

Citizens of a small American town have been dissatisfied with their elected representative in the House of Representatives and are planning to vote for a different candidate in the next election. Which form of government allows the citizens to take such an action? -Direct democracy -Monarchy -Representative -Theocracy

-Representative

Which grievance listed in the Declaration of Independence is an example of the King of England infringing upon the inalienable right to life? -Unfair taxes were imposed. -Colonists were not represented in government. -Justice was obstructed. -Standing armies threatened colonists.

-Standing armies threatened colonists.

Why is America's form of representative government preferable to the direct democracy of ancient Greece? -The American system of representative government is far more feasible than the direct democracy of ancient Greece. -The American system of representative government gives women the right to vote, which was not permitted in ancient Greece. -The American system of representative government allows for free and fair elections, which was not typical in ancient Greece. -The American system of representative government gives more power to citizens than the direct democracy of ancient Greece.

-The American system of representative government is far more feasible than the direct democracy of ancient Greece.

What is considered the supreme law of the nation in America? -The Constitution -Legislation passed by Congress -The Bible -Laws made by the President

-The Constitution

Which group represented Bridget Mergens in her fight to form a Christian Bible study club at her high school? -The National Legal Foundation -The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People -The American Civil Liberties Union -The Nebraska Legal Association

-The National Legal Foundation

Which group would be considered a civil society group? -The Sierra Club -The Small Business Association -The National Institute of Health -The United Nations

-The Sierra Club

What is the primary difference between a civil society group like a charitable church organization and an interest group like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)? -The AARP advocates for the interests of the common good, whereas the church organization advocates for religious freedoms and protections. -Civil society groups like the church organization are tax exempt, whereas the AARP has to pay taxes on income made from membership fees. -Civil societies like the church organization are sponsored by local governments, whereas the AARP is sponsored by the national government. -The charitable church organization acts in the interest of the common good, whereas the AARP advocates for its own interests.

-The charitable church organization acts in the interest of the common good, whereas the AARP advocates for its own interests.

The following question(s) refer to the following quote from the Resolution of the First Continental Congress, acting on behalf of the American colonists, dated October 14, 1774. [O]ur ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects, within the realm of England. . . . By such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy. . . . The foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot

-The colonists were entitled to the rights of English subjects.

How does the case of the Boyd County High School Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) demonstrate the tension between the two visions of liberty? -The freedom of the school to force controversial beliefs upon students and teachers infringed upon their freedom from having to join such a club. -The freedom of Christian students to form a club infringed upon the students in the GSA's freedom from religious persecution. -The freedom of the students to form a club infringed upon the teachers' freedom from being subject to beliefs they may not agree with. -The freedom of the students in the GSA to receive special treatment infringed upon the Christian students' freedom from being penalized as a religious group.

-The freedom of the students to form a club infringed upon the teachers' freedom from being subject to beliefs they may not agree with.

Which factor did the Supreme Court consider when making its decision on Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens? -The scope of federal intervention in local education -The issue of funding religious groups with taxpayer money -The maturity of high school students -The concept of separation of church and state

-The maturity of high school students

Which of the following best describes a constitutional democracy? -Citizens have the opportunity to vote directly on policies. -The powers of government are both described and limited by the Constitution. -Representatives are elected to carry out the will of the people. -The power of government is clearly specified in the Constitution.

-The powers of government are both described and limited by the Constitution.

How does Bridget Mergens' experience with forming a Bible study group at her high school compare to the experience of the Boyd County High School students who wanted to form a Gay-Straight Alliance? -Although Mergens' case set precedent at the Supreme Court, it was not recognized until the events at Boyd County High School. -The students at Boyd County High School experienced far more backlash than Mergens but achieved greater change within their school district. -Mergens was unsuccessful in her attempt to form a club, whereas the students at Boyd County High School were able to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance. -The case regarding the Gay-Straight Alliance was decided upon at the Supreme Court, while Mergens' case reached a settlement with her school.

-The students at Boyd County High School experienced far more backlash than Mergens but achieved greater change within their school district.

Why was a letter to Boyd County High School from the American Civil Liberties Union that referenced the Equal Access Act insufficient in addressing the issue of the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance? -The students who formed the Gay-Straight Alliance were harassed, and all groups were shut down. -The administrators at Boyd County High School did not care that they were in violation of the law. -The American Civil Liberties Union had no right to tell the school what to do. -The Equal Access Act did not apply to high school extracurricular groups.

-The students who formed the Gay-Straight Alliance were harassed, and all groups were shut down.

Suppose a group of women's rights activists in America are pushing for the reconsideration and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Under the constitutional republic, how can these activists achieve their goal? -They can petition the President to sign an executive order to establish a new amendment. -They can file a lawsuit against discriminatory laws and pass the amendment at the Supreme Court. -They can organize marches within major metropolitan cities and Washington, D.C. -They can vote for Congressional representatives who can set the amendment process in motion.

-They can vote for Congressional representatives who can set the amendment process in motion.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Nazi Germany ruled its people with unlimited power and is an example of which system of government? -Authoritarian -Democratic -Republican -Totalitarian

-Totalitarian

How does the concept of popular sovereignty compare to other forms of sovereignty? -Under popular sovereignty, God grants the right of the government to rule, which makes it the most effective form of sovereignty. -Under popular sovereignty, each citizen has a say in policy issues, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty. -Under popular sovereignty, the right of the government to rule is given to wealthy elites, which gives the people less power than other forms of sovereignty. -Under popular sovereignty, the people grant the government the right to rule, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty.

-Under popular sovereignty, the people grant the government the right to rule, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty.

Would the students of Boyd County High School have been successful in forming a Gay-Straight Alliance if Bridget Mergens had lost her case at the Supreme Court? -Yes, because the American Civil Liberties Union initially cited the Equal Access Act and was successful. -No, because Mergens' case set the precedent for high school students to confront school administrators and enact change. -Yes, because the students had a plan to boycott the school and stage demonstrations if their request was rejected. -No, because the American Civil Liberties Union used Mergens' case as the basis for their argument to allow the club.

-Yes, because the American Civil Liberties Union initially cited the Equal Access Act and was successful.

A woman who is looking to get involved with her community decides to join a local knitting group that knits hats, mittens, and scarves for the homeless. This knitting group is an example of -a political interest group. -a civil society group. -an elitist group. -a government-sponsored organization.

-a civil society group.

Despite China allowing private businesses to operate within the country, the government has increased its control over the way its citizens communicate and act within society, making it -totalitarian. -a direct democracy. -authoritarian. -a constitutional republic.

-authoritarian.

According to John Locke, it is the government's job to -keep its citizens obedient to the law. -provide citizens with certain rights. -tax citizens to pay for welfare programs. -ensure an orderly and functioning society.

-ensure an orderly and functioning society.

Someone who has an optimistic view of American democracy might believe that -everyday citizens can make effective change by joining civil society groups. -interest groups have too much lobbying power over members of Congress. -the American government cares more about large corporations than the American people. -wealthy elites have a disproportionate influence on the government and policy.

-everyday citizens can make effective change by joining civil society groups.

Democracy can be defined as a system of government -where power rests in a family of high nobility. -in which the people hold the power. -whereby a religious leader holds the power. -that gives all power to the central government.

-in which the people hold the power.

The power of like-minded groups to impact the policymaking process is known as -participatory democracy. -pluralist theory. -elitist theory. -the power of civil societies.

-pluralist theory.

In a debate about the scope of the American government providing social welfare programs, one student argues that such programs are conducive to helping Americans realize the American Dream, while the other argues that such programs run contrary to the inherent right to -exercise social, political, and economic freedoms. -pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set. -freedom from unnecessary government intervention. -equal pay for performing equal work with similar qualifications.

-pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set.

A system in which the government's power comes from the people is known as -republicanism. -anarchism. -authoritarianism. -totalitarianism.

-republicanism.

The students at Boyd County High School who were prevented from forming a Gay-Straight Alliance received legal assistance from -the American Civil Liberties Union. -the National Legal Foundation. -the Young Americans for Freedom. -the National Gay-Straight Alliance.

-the American Civil Liberties Union.

When were the Articles of Confederation formally ratified?

1781

The Federalists and the Antifederalists disagreed upon which major issue?

A bill of rights

Why might states prefer receiving a grant-in-aid as opposed to an unfunded mandate?

A grant-in-aid would provide at least some funding for the policy initiative, whereas an unfunded mandate requires the states to implement national policy with their own state budgets.

Which type of state would have been in favor of the proposed Virginia Plan?

A state with a relatively large population

What is federalism?

A system that divides power between the state and national governments

Why was the federal government under the Articles of Confederation made to be intentionally weak? 1. Many Americans did not want a government at all, and the Articles of Confederation were a compromise. 2. Americans had just experienced tyranny under the rule of Great Britain and did not want to duplicate it with another powerful government. 3. The writers of the Articles of Confederation wanted the law to be updated easily without being too overbearing. 4. Americans were unsure of how long their independence would last and did not want to put too much time into creating a whole new government.

Americans had just experienced tyranny under the rule of Great Britain and did not want to duplicate it with another powerful government

Why was the federal government under the Articles of Confederation made to be intentionally weak?

Americans had just experienced tyranny under the rule of Great Britain and did not want to duplicate it with another powerful government.

Which of the following constitutional provisions gives Congress and the president expressed power over the national defense?

Articles I and II

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of federal block grants and categorical grants?

Block grants: specify how the grant money is to be spent; Categorical grants: have declined in favor of block grants

A group of students is debating about whether or not America would benefit from a different form of government. One group of students believes that the Constitution gives the federal government too much power. Which paper supports that group's argument?

Brutus No. 1.

How does Bill Clinton's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) compare to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)?

Clinton's TANF placed greater restrictions and limitations on social welfare programs and gave more authority to the states than Roosevelt's AFDC.

The following question(s) refer to the following excerpt from James Madison's March 18, 1786, letter to Thomas Jefferson. The States are every day giving proofs that separate regulations are more likely to set them by the ears, than to attain the common object. When Massachusetts set on foot a retaliation of the policy of Great Britain, Connecticut declared her ports free. New Jersey served New York in the same way. And Delaware I am told has lately followed the example in opposition to the commercial plans of Pennsylvania. A miscarriage of this attempt to unite the States in some effectual plan will have another effect of a serious nature. . . . I almost despair of success. Which provision in the Constitution most specifically addresses the problems described in the excerpt?

Commerce clause

After the Revolutionary War, but prior to the adoption of the Constitution, the United States was under which system of government?

Confederal

ohn Locke's concept of natural rights and the social contract emphasizes which pair of concepts and definitions? Key Concept Definition a. Republicanism Representatives chosen by citizens b. Civil society Broad citizen involvement c. Limited government Confiscation of private property d. Popular sovereignty Political Equality among citizens B A C D

D

Which of the following pairs correctly states an enumerated and an implied power of Congress?

Enumerated Power: Regulate interstate commerce Implied Power: Charter a national bank

Which of the following pairs identifies an enumerated power and a power that is created by that enumerated power?

Enumerated power: raise and maintain and army; Associated implied power: draft soldiers

Those who supported the new Constitution and wanted a stronger national government were known as

Federalists

Those who supported the new Constitution and wanted a stronger national government were known as Democrats. Federalists. Antifederalists. Constitutionalists.

Federalists

The provision that anyone born in the United States is an American citizen can be found in the

Fourteenth Amendment

Who was selected as the president of the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington

How does the Supreme Court's decision on Gonzales v. Raich differ from its decision on United States v. Lopez?

In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court upheld the argument that marijuana cultivation and use reasonably fell under the authority of the federal government as part of the commerce clause, whereas it struck down such a claim in United States v. Lopez.

The following question(s) refer to the following excerpt from James Madison's March 18, 1786, letter to Thomas Jefferson. The States are every day giving proofs that separate regulations are more likely to set them by the ears, than to attain the common object. When Massachusetts set on foot a retaliation of the policy of Great Britain, Connecticut declared her ports free. New Jersey served New York in the same way. And Delaware I am told has lately followed the example in opposition to the commercial plans of Pennsylvania. A miscarriage of this attempt to unite the States in some effectual plan will have another effect of a serious nature. . . . I almost despair of success. Which of the following best describes the author's perspective and reasoning?

International and interstate trade must be regulated by the central government.

What was the Antifederalists' most compelling argument against the Constitution? It lacked a bill of rights to protect the rights of individuals. It made the establishment of tyranny easier than ever. It taxed the states and individuals too heavily. It did not give enough power to the federal government.

It lacked a bill of rights to protect the rights of individuals

What was the Antifederalists' most compelling argument against the Constitution?

It lacked a bill of rights to protect the rights of individuals.

How would the proposed Virginia Plan have created a stronger federal government?

It would have expanded the legislature and given states additional representatives.

What would James Madison argue is the best check on the power of the current political parties in the United States?

Its large size and diversity

Having social, political, and economic freedoms is characteristic of which self-evident right? -Happiness -Life -Liberty -Property

Liberty

Suppose Congress has passed legislation that would ban American citizens from purchasing or owning firearms of any kind. The law is brought to the Supreme Court, where it is deemed a violation of the Second Amendment. The ability of the Supreme Court to make such a decision was established in 1. McCulloch v. Maryland 2. Obergefell v. Hodges 3. Roe v. Wade 4. Marbury v. Madison

Manbury v. Madison

What was the most contentious issue surrounding the question of slavery during the Constitutional Convention?

Many did not agree on how enslaved people should be counted in terms of representation.

Suppose Congress has passed legislation that would ban American citizens from purchasing or owning firearms of any kind. The law is brought to the Supreme Court, where it is deemed a violation of the Second Amendment. The ability of the Supreme Court to make such a decision was established in

Marbury v. Madison

Which of the following pairs correctly identifies the correct holding the Court reached in both McCulloch v. Maryland and United States v. Lopez?

McCulloch v. Maryland: Held that Congress can exercise implied powers United States v. Lopez: Held that the commerce clause did not give Congress the right to regulate guns in schools

Which of the following pairs correctly illustrates the most often used path for the proposal AND ratification of an amendment to the Constitution? 1. Most often used proposal method: Two-thirds of a national convention propose an amendment Most often used ratification method: Three-fourths of state conventions ratify a proposed amendment 2. Most often used proposal method: Three-fourths of state legislatures propose an amendment Most often used ratification method: A two-thirds vote by both chambers of Congress to ratify a proposed amendment 3. Most often used proposal method: A two-thirds vote by both chambers of Congress propose an amendment Most often used ratification method: Three-fourths of state legislatures vote to ratify the proposed amendment 4. Most often used proposal method: The president proposes an amendment Most often used ratification method: Three-fourths of state conventions vote to ratify the prop

Most often used proposal method: A two-thirds vote by both chambers of Congress propose an amendment Most often used ratification method: Three-fourths of state legislatures vote to ratify the proposed amendment

In 2008, Congress authorized the Troubled Asset Relief Program to bail out the nation's banks to keep them functioning through the 2008 financial crisis. Although this program was criticized by many as an overreach of the federal government into private institutions, Congress had precedent to do so via

President Roosevelt's New Deal programs.

In 2017, the controversial Bill C-16 was passed in Canada, which compels its citizens to address transgender people by their preferred pronouns or potentially face harassment charges otherwise. Which argument would be a legitimate critique of the bill? -The passage of the bill blurs the lines between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. -Punishing citizens for certain types of speech is a step towards authoritarianism. -Dictating what citizens can and cannot say is outright totalitarian. -Such legislation violates Canada's First Amendment protections of free speech.

Punishing citizens for certain types of speech is a step towards authoritarianism.

Which issue was sent to a Grand Committee to decide upon during the Constitutional Convention?

Representation

Which was a characteristic of the proposed Virginia Plan?

Representation proportional to population

After the Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution to prevent the president from committing the U.S. to a military conflict without the consent of Congress. Which constitutional principle was this law based on?

Separation of powers

The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State. The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security. As the former periods will probably bear a small proportion to the latter, the State governments will here enjoy another advantage over the federal government. The more adequate, indeed, the federal powers may be rendered to the national defense, the less frequent will be those scenes of danger which might favor their ascendancy over the governments of the particular States. — James Madison, Federalist No. 45 Which of the following best summarizes Madison's argument in Federalist No. 45?

State power is protected by a strong national defense.

Why did the economy fail to thrive under the Articles of Confederation?

States hindered commerce by imposing trade restrictions on one another.

Measures included in the Constitution that established the American system of federalism are the

Tenth Amendment and concurrent powers

Many states only agreed to ratify the Constitution on what condition?

That a bill of rights would be added

What was the most significant contradiction within the Constitution?

That slavery was still permitted in a document based on human liberty.

Which piece of legislation is an example of the federal government devolving authority to the state?

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act

Following the Civil War, how was the concept of federalism applied to the rights of African Americans?

The Supreme Court supported the rights of states to take their own action regarding the rights of African Americans but did not provide protection for African Americans at the national level.

Which amendment of the United States Constitution might a Supreme Court Justice reference when deciding on a case that they believe might grant Congress too much authority over the states?

The Tenth Amendment

Some historians assert that the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery. However, there are others who argue that since the Emancipation Proclamation was based on wartime powers that it could be overturned. Which of the following amendments guaranteed that slavery was now illegal?

The Thirteenth Amendment

No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time. — Federalist No. 10 Which of the following principles is reflected in the quote?

The danger of factions

Why was Shays's Rebellion an effective way for James Madison to lure George Washington back into public life?

The events that happened during Shays's Rebellion demonstrated how broken the system under the Articles of Confederation was.

A group of women's rights advocates believes women are not being paid equally to men in the workplace and are concerned that federal anti-discrimination laws are not being effectively carried out. Which branch of government should be blamed for the lack of enforcement of such laws?

The executive branch

How did President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal programs reflect the practice of cooperative federalism?

The federal government worked with state governments to provide financial aid to those in need and give jobs to those who were unemployed.

State Ratification of the U.S. Constitution The table supports which of the following statements?

The first four states that ratified the Constitution did so by wider margins than did the final four.

Given that Switzerland is governed by a direct democracy, which is a critique a Federalist would have of the Swiss government?

The government is susceptible to the dangers of factions.

The system of federal courts is part of which branch of government?

The judicial branch

Which portion of the Constitution creates the potential for the legislative branch to grow too powerful?

The necessary and proper clause

Why did smaller, less-populous states prefer the New Jersey Plan?

The plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation.

How do the powers granted to the federal government compare to the powers granted to the state governments?

The powers granted to the state governments are generally those that regulate morality and behavior, such as drinking laws and driver's licenses.

Suppose Congress has passed a law that makes it illegal to smoke in public spaces and wants to punish those who have smoked in public spaces in the year prior to passing the law. Which constitutional protection prevents Congress from doing so? 1. The writ of habeas corpus. 2. The First Amendment. 3. The prohibition of bills of attainder. 4. The prohibition of ex post facto laws.

The prohibition of ex post facto laws

Suppose Congress has passed a law that makes it illegal to smoke in public spaces and wants to punish those who have smoked in public spaces in the year prior to passing the law. Which constitutional protection prevents Congress from doing so?

The prohibition of ex post facto laws.

Suppose the president has nominated someone for a vacancy on the Supreme Court, but a senator in the opposing party does not approve of the president's choice. What can that senator do to change the situation?

The senator may vote against the president's chosen nominee during the confirmation hearing.

A new amendment has passed a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Where should activists supporting ratification of the amendment focus their lobbying efforts? 1. The president 2. The Electoral College 3. The Supreme Court 4. The state legislatures

The state legislature

A new amendment has passed a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Where should activists supporting ratification of the amendment focus their lobbying efforts?

The state legislatures

Who held most of the power under the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union?

The states

Many legal challenges have been made to the arrest and detainment of suspected terrorists because they often are not told why they are being held. Which constitutional protection are these legal challenges based on?

The writ of habeas corpus

Why were the Federalist Papers so effective in gaining support for the Constitution?

They addressed concerns with the Constitution by pointing out flaws in the Articles of Confederation.

Why did so many Americans want to keep the Articles of Confederation as they were?

They feared what would result if any changes were made.

Why was the Antifederalists' position more difficult than that of the Federalists during the debates over the ratification of the Constitution?

They had to prove that the proposed government was more dangerous than the existing one.

The cartoon demonstrates which viewpoint about the founding fathers?

They trusted Americans to use good judgment in interpreting the Constitution in the future.

Why might small farmers and those from rural areas opposed the Federalist position?

They were generally distrustful of political elites and a distant central government.

What was the main function of the Riot Act?

To absolve sheriffs and officers from prosecution for killing rioters.

What was the primary function of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

To count an enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of calculating a state's representation.

What is the primary function of the president as outlined in the Constitution?

To enforce the laws written by Congress

What was the main function of Article V of the Articles of Confederation?

To establish a unicameral legislature

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

To fix the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger national government.

What was the main purpose of the Equal Access Act of 1984? -To provide accommodations during testing for those students who have physical or mental handicaps. -To ensure that all students have the ability to participate in school sports regardless of race or gender. -To prevent public high schools from excluding religious extracurricular clubs. -To require all public high schools to hire an equal number of male and female teachers.

To prevent public high schools from excluding religious extracurricular clubs.

Why might a group of veterans during Shays's Rebellion have focused their efforts on local courthouses?

To prevent them from operating effectively.

How many votes are required in the House and Senate to propose an amendment to the Constitution?

Two-thirds in both the House and the Senate

What was the main argument made in Federalist No. 51?

Tyranny will be prevented by establishing a system of separation of powers.

A student who is studying important Supreme Court cases that re-established the balance of state and federal government power in America's system of federalism might include which case in their studies?

United States v. Lopez

Which of the following concepts was not included in the original Constitution as drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

How did Congress justify the passage of the Controlled Substances Act?

With the commerce clause of the Constitution

Suppose the Department of Energy has decided to provide funds to state governments for the purpose of researching, establishing, and implementing any number of clean energy sources in any way the state sees fit. This is an example of

a block grant

Assume the federal government has decided to provide funding to each state to build charging stations throughout public parks with the condition that the charging stations do not impede on the environment too severely, have at least five charging ports, and are functional within two years. This is an example of

a categorical grant

Most countries in the world today are unitary. This means

all power and authority is held by the national government

Suppose the federal government has just passed a law that will require all public schools to provide students with enclosed lockers that students can lock with a padlock. The federal government is requiring states to implement this policy with their own funds, making it

an unfunded mandate

According to the cartoon, the founding fathers wrote the Constitution to achieve which goal?

balance liberty with the protection of social order

If Angel Raich and Diane Monson's case were reversed and marijuana use was legal at the federal level but prohibited in their state of California, their use of marijuana would

be permitted based on the supremacy clause within the Constitution.

When a new law is created by the legislative branch, the constitutional legality of the bill can be questioned by the Supreme Court. This scenario is an example of

checks and balances.

The Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson resulted in the

concept of separate but equal

Someone who believes that the authority of Congress should be expanded to fulfill its duties listed in the Constitution would likely

disagree with the decision made in United States v. Lopez.

A state that sets its own testing standards and develops its own curriculum standards for education without any direction or interference from the national government is an example of

dual federalism

Two students are debating the role the federal government should play in education. One student argues that education has traditionally been handled by the states and should continue as such. The student in favor of federal involvement in education respond by saying federal policy

ensures that all students receive an equal education regardless of where they live.

Suppose the president has signed an executive order that bans a certain type of speech and the Supreme Court determines that the president's executive order is unconstitutional. This is an example of the Supreme Court

exercising judicial review.

Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 on the basis that the commerce clause in the Constitution permitted them to regulate the transaction and transport of goods across state lines, including drugs and harmful substances. This is an example of Congress exercising its

expressed powers

The current U.S. Senate is similar to the unicameral legislature under the Articles of Confederation in that both

favor less populous states over more populous ones.

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. — United States Constitution, Article V Which of the following principles is reflected in A

federalism

The ability of an American citizen to enact change by getting either Congress or their state legislature to pass legislation is an example of

federalism

Suppose it is 2019 and a same-sex couple has decided to move to a different state to be closer to family. After they move, they find that the state they have moved to refuses to recognize their marriage. The state is in clear violation of the

full faith and credit clause of the Constitution

President Richard Nixon attempted to reduce the authority of the national government by

funding policies with block grants.

In the late 1700s, a wealthy educated male would have most likely been

in favor of the newly proposed Constitution.

Federal systems of governments prevent one level of government from encroaching on the powers of the other by

instituting constitutional protections

International and interstate trade must be regulated by the central government.

land

Review: Critics of electronic surveillance by the government might argue that it violates which of the following aspects of American political culture?

limited government

The executive, legislative, and judicial branches are examples of - political institutions. -participatory democracy. -totalitarian institutions. -a constitutional republic.

political institutions

Those who participated in Shays's Rebellion were most likely to be

poor farmers

In a debate about the scope of the American government providing social welfare programs, one student argues that such programs are conducive to helping Americans realize the American Dream, while the other argues that such programs run contrary to the inherent right to: 1. equal pay for performing equal work with similar qualifications. 2. pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set. 3. freedom from unnecessary government intervention. 4. exercise social, political, and economic freedoms.

pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set

Suppose a teacher's union has organized a nationwide boycott of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) since they believe it is harmful, not beneficial, to students' education. In an effort to stop the boycotts from happening, representatives in Congress have agreed to make changes to the existing legislation. To make the most effective change, Congress should

remove the requirement for standardized testing.

Which of the following pair of answers accurately identify traits of American political culture? 1. popular sovereignty; economic equality 2. republicanism; natural rights 3. divine right to rule; social contract 4. powerful executive; liberty

republicanism; natural rights

Suppose that in an upcoming presidential election, a state that historically votes Democratic has decided to leave an Independent candidate off the ballot. This is an example of the state exercising its

reserved powers

If the Supreme Court were to hear a case regarding the issue of firearm ownership in California and decided that the legislation in question violated the Second Amendment and that no state may infringe upon the Second Amendment, this would be an example of

selective incorporation

A political scientist who was dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation might attend the Annapolis Convention with the hope that

significant changes would be made to the government.

The case of Angel Raich and Diane Monson using medical marijuana within the state of California, where it is legal, while it is illegal at the federal level is an example of the

tensions and complications that can arise under the American system of federalism.

Which part of the Constitution did Chief Justice John Marshall cite in justification of the Supreme Court decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?

the necessary and proper clause