Unit 2 Multiple Choice 2023

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

A. 1977

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the reasoning for the decision in Baker v. Carr (1962) ? A. Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law. B. To ensure equal protection under the law, there should be an equal number of rural and urban districts in a state. C. There should be redistricting every ten years at the federal level, but the state can choose not to redistrict at the state and local levels. D. Congressional redistricting must involve traditionally excluded groups in the process or it violates the equal protection clause.

A. Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law.

When a bill passes the House and the Senate in different versions, the bill is resolved by which of the following types of committee? A. Conference B. Select C. Reconciliation D. Rules E. Standing

A. Conference

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. Congress = Holding a committee hearing. President = Appointing a Cabinet B. Congress = Using the power of the purse to control spending. President = Negotiating a treaty C. Congress = Firing civil servants. President = Exercising power as commander in chief D. Congress = Meeting in a congressional caucus. President = Attaching a signing statement to legislation

A. Congress = Holding a committee hearing. President = Appointing a Cabinet

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates delegated discretionary authority? A. Congress giving the Environmental Protection Agency the power to establish national pollution standards B. The chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce appointing the chair of the Environment subcommittee C. The House of Representatives establishing the jurisdiction for the Committee on Energy and Commerce D. The president nominating the attorney general of Ohio to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

A. Congress giving the Environmental Protection Agency the power to establish national pollution standards

Which of the following is an example of congressional oversight? A. Holding hearings for review of an executive agency's activities B. Assisting constituents with particular problems C. Reporting campaign contributions to the Federal Election Commission D. Signing trade agreements with other countries without input from the president E. Conducting ethics investigations of congressional leadership

A. Holding hearings for review of an executive agency's activities

Which of the following is true of an executive agreement made between a US President and another head of state? A. It does not require Senate approval, but may require congressional allocation of funds for implementation. B. It does not require congressional funding because the President can use the power of the purse to raise implementation funds. C. It has more legal force than a treaty. D. It is binding on all succeeding Presidents and Congresses. E. It has been used extensively to end armed conflicts.

A. It does not require Senate approval, but may require congressional allocation of funds for implementation.

After the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Democrats in the Senate feared Barrett would swing the Court in a conservative direction & attempted to block her nomination. 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 nominations to the Supreme Court. D. Presidents usually request that the Senate be slow and deliberate with judicial appointments to check the power of the judicial branch.

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.

Which of the following categories accounted for the majority of spending in 2017, according to the chart? A. Mandatory B. Net interest C. Discretionary D. Pork-barrel

A. Mandatory

In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the US Supreme Court ruled that a Georgia law violated the US Constitution. In response to Chief Justice John Marshall's majority opinion, President Andrew Jackson said, "John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it." Which of the following ideas regarding government does President Jackson's statement exhibit? A. Since the Supreme Court has no enforcement mechanism, the executive and legislative branches can restrict its decisions by delaying their implementation. B. When the Supreme Court takes an activist approach to decision making, it can influence policy. C. Constitutional amendments have granted the Supreme Court greater power to enforce its decisions. D. Unpopular Supreme Court Justices can be removed by a two-thirds vote in Congress and a presidential signature.

A. Since the Supreme Court has no enforcement mechanism, the executive and legislative branches can restrict its decisions by delaying their implementation.

Which of the following is an example of the executive branch implementing a public policy passed by Congress? A. The Department of Health and Human Services determines eligibility requirements for government assistance. B. As chief diplomat, the president negotiates a treaty that is then ratified by the Senate. C. A Federal Trade Commission official is asked to testify before Congress about the agency's activities. D. Congress passes a law reorganizing the structure of the federal bureaucracy.

A. The Department of Health and Human Services determines eligibility requirements for government assistance.

Which of the following explains how the bureaucracy can address a problem shown in the infographic? (The cost of congestion) A. The Department of Transportation can write stronger regulations on freight volume. B. The president can negotiate a treaty that would allow for increased imports of oil. C. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce can hold a hearing on the cost of fuel. D. The Supreme Court can overturn laws that regulate fuel economy.

A. The Department of Transportation can write stronger regulations on freight volume.

Which of the following factors most likely led to shifts in Supreme Court decision making over time? (Chart, "Percentage of Liberal Decisions of the United States Supreme Court in Civil Liberties-Civil Rights Cases, 1888-1996," recent overall decline of liberal decisions*) A. The ideological composition of the justices on the Supreme Court shifted to become less liberal over time. B. Rather than pass new legislation, Congress was inclined to refer civil rights legislation to the Supreme Court. C. After 1960, the Supreme Court deferred to the wishes of state and local governments rather than voting to expand the authority of the federal government. D. Constitutional amendments enabled the Supreme Court to issue more liberal decisions.

A. The ideological composition of the justices on the Supreme Court shifted to become less liberal over time.

Members of Congress who have adopted the delegate role of representation normally cast their votes based on which of the following? A. The preferences of the majority of their constituents B. Their judgment of what is best for their constituency C. The instructions of their political party's leadership D. Their political party's most recent policy platform E. The advice of congressional staffers and political consultants

A. The preferences of the majority of their constituents

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of checks on the legislative branch and checks on the executive branch? (Check on Legislative Branch - Check on 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 of the following best describes how a president can influence the data in the graphs? ("Federal Civilian Employee Salaries") A. Through the role of chief executive officer of the executive branch, the president can determine salary grades of federal employees. B. The president has the power to formally introduce appropriations bills in the House of Representatives which can determine salary grades of federal employees. C. The president as commander in chief can issue executive orders to modify the salary grades of federal employees. D. The president has the authority to issue signing statements to determine the salary grades of federal employees.

A. Through the role of chief executive officer of the executive branch, the president can determine salary grades of federal employees.

Which of the following best describes the reasoning in Baker v. Carr (1961)? 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. Unequal representation of citizens in legislative districts is unconstitutional and may be reviewed by the courts.

The US Constitution says that Congress has the power to coin money. This is an example of A. an enumerated power B. an implied power C. an inherent power D. a reserved power E. a concurrent power

A. an enumerated power

In general, Congress is most likely to defer to the President A. in the area of foreign policy B. in the area of fiscal policy C. in the area of social policy D. late in the President's term E. When the economy is strong

A. in the area of foreign policy

Much of the steady increase in federal government expenditures since 1960 has been caused by A. increases in entitlement programs B. higher interest rates caused by an increase in the discount rate C. the provisions of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act D. increased purchases of United States government securities by foreign investors E. the growth of the United States trade imbalance

A. increases in entitlement programs

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

Which of the following best explains why cabinet secretaries might not aggressively pursue the president's policy agenda? 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. Cabinet secretaries may develop strong loyalty to their departments.

Which of the following is empowered to create new federal courts and specify the number of judges who will sit on them? A. The Supreme Court B. Congress C. The President D. The Department of Justice E. The attorney general

B. Congress

Which of the following explains an action Congress can take that would have the most influence on the data on the graphs? ("Federal Civilian Employee Salaries") A. Members of Congress can increase congressional salaries, but only for the next Congress. B. Congress can pass legislation that influences the federal salary structure. C. Congress can cut funding for federal programs, which would lead to a decrease in salaries. D. Congress can enforce a regulation that addresses wage increases.

B. Congress can pass legislation that influences the federal salary structure.

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.

The largest portion of "uncontrollable spending" in the federal budget is designated for which of the following? A. Interest on the national debt B. Entitlement spending C. Defense spending D. Environmental programs E. Salaries of federal bureaucrats

B. Entitlement spending

Which of the following statements is true based on the bar graph? A. In 1981, 25 percent of stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time. B. From 2011 to 2016, no stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time. C. From 1989 to 1991, 100 percent of stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time. D. In 2017, 50 percent of stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time.

B. From 2011 to 2016, no stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time.

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

B. House of Representatives = The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people. Senate = The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states.

The majority party in the Senate is concerned that the Supreme Court has made a number of ideologically dangerous and controversial rulings. Which of the following actions could be taken by the Senate to limit the Supreme Court's power? A. Replace the chief justice of the Supreme Court with someone with whom they agree with ideologically B. Pass legislation already passed by the House that would limit the impact of the Supreme Court's recent rulings C. Ratify a constitutional amendment limiting the Supreme Court's power D. Enforce term limits for justices on the Supreme Court

B. Pass legislation already passed by the House that would limit the impact of the Supreme Court's recent rulings

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the process of bureaucratic? A. The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs considers the credentials of a person nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits. B. The Department of Veterans Affairs rewrites its regulations regarding compensation and pensions into plain language that is easier for beneficiaries to understand. C. The president signs Executive Order 13777 intended to "lower regulatory burdens on the American people by implementing and enforcing regulatory reform." D. The Supreme Court denies a writ of certiorari in Freddie H. Mathis v David J. Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, which focused on veterans' disability claims.

B. The Department of Veterans Affairs rewrites its regulations regarding compensation and pensions into plain language that is easier for beneficiaries to understand.

Which of the following is an example of bureaucratic rulemaking? A. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collecting back taxes with interest from citizens B. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) writing a regulation to support a clean water bill C. Congress passing legislation to establish the Department of Homeland Security D. The federal government listing a business opportunity on its clearinghouse Web site for government contracts

B. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) writing a regulation to support a clean water bill

Cabinet departments differ from independent regulatory agencies in which of the following ways? A. The President can use an executive order to create a cabinet department but not to create an independent regulatory agency. B. The President can dismiss cabinet officers, but not commissioners of independent regulatory agencies. C. The President seeks appointees who reflect administration views in making cabinet appointments but not in making appointments to independent regulatory agencies. D. Through the appropriations process, Congress can exert control over the cabinet departments but not over independent regulatory agencies. E. The courts can overrule regulations issued by cabinet departments, but not those issued by independent regulatory agencies.

B. The President can dismiss cabinet officers, but not commissioners of independent regulatory agencies.

The framers of the Constitution designed which of the following to be LEAST responsive to public opinion? A. The office of the president B. The courts C. Congress D. The electoral college E. Political parties

B. The courts

Based on the data in the chart, which of the following is true? (Chart, "Percentage of Liberal Decisions of the United States Supreme Court in Civil Liberties-Civil Rights Cases, 1888-1996," recent overall decline of liberal decisions*) A. The percentage of liberal decisions made by the federal district courts on civil rights and civil liberties cases increased between 1900 and 1928. B. The percentage of liberal decisions made by the Supreme Court on civil rights and civil liberties cases decreased between 1964 and 1996. C. The number of civil rights and civil liberties cases heard by the Supreme Court declined between 1944 and 1952. D. The number of civil rights and civil liberties cases heard by the federal district courts decreased between 1972 and 1992.

B. The percentage of liberal decisions made by the Supreme Court on civil rights and civil liberties cases decreased between 1964 and 1996.

All of the following serve as checks on the power of the federal courts EXCEPT: A. Federal judges can be impeached. B. The voters can oust federal judges in national elections. C. Congress can pass a law clarifying "legislative intent." D. Presidents, governors, and local executives can refrain from enforcing court rulings. E. Congress and the state legislatures can amend the Constitution.

B. The voters can oust federal judges in national elections.

In selecting members of the White House staff, Presidents primarily seek people who A. give the White House ideological balance B. are personally loyal to the President C. have extensive governmental experience D. will help the President develop a good working relationship with Congress E. can bring a nonpartisan perspective to policy deliberations

B. are personally loyal to the President

One of the formal tools used by Congress for oversight of the bureaucracy is A. the line-item veto B. authorization of spending C. impoundment bills D. private bills E. senatorial courtesy

B. authorization of spending

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 US 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

The National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are examples of A. cabinet departments B. independent agencies C. Executive Office bureaus D. congressional committees E. White House staff agencies

B. independent agencies

Federal benefits that must be funded by Congress and must be paid to all citizens who meet eligibility criteria are called A. discretionary appropriations B. individual entitlements C. tax expenditures D. distributive benefits E. continuing appropriations

B. individual entitlements

(Conservatives think Supreme Court should base rulings on what the Constitution means as originally written; liberals say they should focus on a current interpretation) The data illustrate that most conservatives believe that the United States Constitution A. is a living document and the Supreme Court should consider public opinion and contemporary values when interpreting constitutional provisions B. outlines a framework for government that the Supreme Court should apply strictly regardless of the political or personal preferences of judges C. establishes a shared set of political values flexible enough to empower the Supreme Court to apply its own personal judgment to their interpretation D. gives judges the power to overrule the other two branches of government in times when those other branches fail to be responsive to changing public opinion on issues

B. outlines a framework for government that the Supreme Court should apply strictly regardless of the political or personal preferences of judges

An example of a discretionary item in the federal budget is A. interest on the public debt B. spending on national parks C. Social Security payments D. veterans' pensions E. liquidation of prior obligations

B. spending on national parks

The doctrine of original intent holds that A. Supreme Court justices must emphasize independent and original thinking in considering constitutional matters B. the meaning of the Constitution depends on the intention of the framers C. cases selected for review by the Supreme Court must address an original and new concern not previously addressed by the Court D. Supreme Court justices should avoid bias by documenting their original impressions of a case E. the Supreme Court should review all treaties that alter previously established foreign policy

B. the meaning of the Constitution depends on the intention of the framers

Which of the following is most likely an effect of the trend in the line graph? (Graph showing decline of total congressional public hearing days) A. An increase in accountability of the bureaucracy B. A decrease in the length of regulatory bills passed by Congress C. A decrease in congressional oversight as a mechanism to control the bureaucracy D. An increase in the authority of the House of Representatives over the bureaucracy

C. A decrease in congressional oversight as a mechanism to control the bureaucracy

Which of the following scenarios is an example of the trustee model of representation? A. The NAACP leadership sends representatives to Washington to lobby for changes to the Voting Rights Act. B. Congress passes a bill allocating money to clean up nuclear waste sites after a wave of large-scale peaceful protests. C. A member of Congress votes to close a popular tax loophole based on the belief that the money would be better spent paying down the national debt. D. A presidential candidate advocates using an executive order to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors.

C. A member of Congress votes to close a popular tax loophole based on the belief that the money would be better spent paying down the national debt.

Which of the following accurately compares the formal and informal powers of the president? (Formal Power - Informal Power) A. Vetoing legislation to prevent a bill from becoming law - Using a pocket veto to prevent a bill from becoming law B. Using the bully pulpit to influence public opinion - Appointing ambassadors and receiving diplomats from other nations C. Acting as commander in chief of the military - Signing executive agreements with foreign nations D. Using the power of the purse to support government programs - Using signing statements to shape legislation

C. Acting as commander in chief of the military - Signing executive agreements with foreign nations

Based on the data, which of the following is the most likely consequence for the legislative process in Congress? A. More competitive races for House seats in the general election B. A decrease in party-line voting on important legislation introduced in the House C. An increase in gridlock and failure to compromise on legislation D. Greater cooperation between Congress and the president on nominations

C. An increase in gridlock and failure to compromise on legislation

Which of the following accurately describes the composition of congressional committees? 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. Committees are organized by the majority party to maintain control of the policy-making process.

Which of the following is an example of a power exclusively granted to the Senate in Article II of the Constitution? A. Declaring war B. Overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority veto C. Confirming ambassadors D. Creating spending bills

C. Confirming ambassadors

Which of the following most accurately explains the interaction between the president and the Congress regarding the defense budget? (R Congress wanted more for defense budget than Obama) A. The Congress has the enumerated power to raise revenue, but it is forced to work with the president because the president has the power to determine spending for each department in the upcoming fiscal year. B. The president can create a budget for defense spending, but Congress has the power to execute laws and operate the government, which can affect how much money is actually spent. C. Congress passes a budget for the entire federal government, including defense, but it must consider the president's proposal because the president may veto the bill. D. The president introduces a specific budget bill for defense spending, but Congress uses its power of legislative oversight to set up a negotiation process with the president.

C. Congress passes a budget for the entire federal government, including defense, but it must consider the president's proposal because the president may veto the bill.

Which of the following is an example of Congress using its implied powers? 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. Congress passing occupational safety regulations for the private sector

The mission of the Department of Transportation is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. The Department of Transportation has accepted public comments regarding the safety of automated vehicles in the United States in order to establish standards and guidelines for this new technology. Which of the following concepts is most related to the scenario? A. Exclusive powers B. Reserved powers C. Delegated discretionary authority D. Enumerated legislative authority

C. Delegated discretionary authority

Which of the following depicts a Congress member adhering to delegate representation vs trustee representation? (Delegate Model - Trustee Model) A. House member votes to impeach an unpopular president. - A senator chooses to join the Senate majority in confirming a president's judicial nominee even though the nominee is not the Senator's favorite choice. B. Senator from a landlocked state votes against a bill to increase funding for beaches. - House member sponsors a bill because they receive influential letters from voters. C. House member votes for a bill based on positive polling results about the bill in their district. - House member votes against a bill that is popular in their district because they believe it violates their morals. D. Senator consistently consults national opinion polls before deciding how to vote. - Senator believes they will be reelected no matter how they vote on a controversial bill.

C. House member votes for a bill based on positive polling results about the bill in their district. - House member votes against a bill that is popular in their district because they believe it violates their morals.

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the rules for debate used by the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate? A. House of Representatives = Debate is unlimited. Senate = Debate is unlimited. B. House of Representatives = Members can filibuster. Senate = Members cannot filibuster. C. House of Representatives = Debate is limited. Senate = Members can filibuster. D. House of Representatives = Members cannot filibuster. Senate = Only the majority leader can filibuster.

C. House of Representatives = Debate is limited. Senate = Members can filibuster.

Advocates of shifting the task of drawing US House districts from state legislatures to independent commissions are likely to claim which of the following as an advantage of independent commissions? A. House districts drawn by independent commissions are immune from challenges by the United States Department of Justice. B. Independent commissions are more likely to create majority-minority districts where they are appropriate. C. Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of partisan gerrymandering in the redistricting process. D. Independent commissions are more likely to create districts where minor parties can be victorious. E. Independent commissions are more able to draw legislative districts that comply with the one person, one vote standard.

C. Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of partisan gerrymandering in the redistricting process.

Which of the following is a way Congress can influence the federal judiciary? A. It can prohibit judicial activism. B. It can filibuster decisions made by courts. C. It can change appellate jurisdiction of federal courts. D. It can review federal judges for reappointment every ten years. E. It can exercise oversight authority over rulings of individual justices.

C. It can change appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.

Which of the following is true about the pocket veto? A. It is used to strike down a provision of a bill that the President finds disagreeable. B. It may be overridden by a two-thirds vote in Congress. C. It occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned. D. It is used when the President expects to reach a compromise with Congress about how a bill should be modified. E. It is used when both houses of Congress pass separate versions of the same bill.

C. It occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned.

Which of the following best reflects the holding in the case Baker v. Carr (1962) ? A. Declared that racial gerrymandering was a violation of the due process clause. B. Stated that the Tenth Amendment exclusively reserves the power to review congressional districts to the states. C. Opened the door to Equal Protection Clause challenges to redistricting by deciding that such cases could be reviewed by federal courts. D. Stated that the Seventeenth Amendment requires regular review of the constitutionality of congressional districts.

C. Opened the door to Equal Protection Clause challenges to redistricting by deciding that such cases could be reviewed by federal courts.

Which of the following best illustrates the point being made in the cartoon above? (Supreme court, "Forty years!...Forty more years!") A. The influence of presidents on the Supreme Court is limited because the Senate often rejects their nominees. B. The terms of Supreme Court justices should be reduced from their current forty years. C. Presidents can have an influence on public policy far beyond their terms of office. D. The opinions of Supreme Court justices remain very similar over long periods of time. E. Supreme Court justices seldom issue dissenting opinions.

C. Presidents can have an influence on public policy far beyond their terms of office.

Congress has exerted the greats influence on the operation of a federal agency by doing which of the following? A. Requiring the agency to participate in interagency task forces B. Dismissing an agency head who disagrees with congressional priorities C. Reviewing the annual budget appropriations for the agency D. Passing "sunset" legislation that terminates programs after a certain period E. Asking the Supreme Court for advisory opinions on agency regulations

C. Reviewing the annual budget appropriations for the agency

Which of the following is likely to occur as a result of new legislation regarding automobile safety? A. The Supreme Court will be asked to review the legislation annually. B. States will be empowered to begin automobile manufacturing. C. The Department of Transportation will be given discretionary authority to create auto regulations. D. Mandatory spending will be required in all future federal budgeting for the program.

C. The Department of Transportation will be given discretionary authority to create auto regulations.

All of the following help to explain the President's difficulty in controlling cabinet-level agencies EXCEPT. A. Agencies often have political support from interest groups B. Agency staff often have information and technical expertise that the President and presidential advisers lack C. The President can only fire appointees before they have been confirmed by the Senate D. Civil servants who remain in their jobs through changes of administration develop loyalties to their agencies E. Congress is a competitor for influence over the bureaucracy

C. The President can only fire appointees before they have been confirmed by the Senate

Wickard v. Filburn (1942), the Ag Adjustment Act of 1938 penalized Filburn for growing extra wheat. Supreme Court ruled commerce clause allowed it despite indirect relation to interstate commerce. Which was a result of Wickard v. Filburn that contributed to US v. Lopez (1995) ? A. Supreme Court is not elected, so unpopular decisions such as in the Wickard case cannot be overturned unless Congress acts upon it. B. Laws passed by Congress are required to undergone judicial review by the Supreme Court to ensure that the commerce clause & other parts of the Constitution are interpreted correctly. C. The expansive interpretation of the commerce clause by the Supreme Court which greatly extended the power of Congress drew criticism that eventually led to a narrower interpretation. D. Rather than be regulated by Congress, many citizens and corporations opt instead to find loopholes so that the law does not apply to them.

C. The expansive interpretation of the commerce clause by the Supreme Court which greatly extended the power of Congress drew criticism that eventually led to a narrower interpretation.

Which of the following statements is an accurate interpretation of the data on the bar chart? (Conservatives think Supreme Court should base rulings on what the Constitution means as originally written; liberals say they should focus on a current interpretation) A. Most Independents believe that the Supreme Court should base its rulings on what the Constitution meant as originally written. B. Most Democrats believe that the Supreme Court should base its rulings on what the Constitution meant as originally written. C. The more consistently liberal a person is, the more that person is likely to believe that the Supreme Court should base its rulings on what the Constitution means in current times. D. The more consistently conservative a person is, the more that person is likely to believe that the Supreme Court should base its rulings on what the Constitution means in current times.

C. The more consistently liberal a person is, the more that person is likely to believe that the Supreme Court should base its rulings on what the Constitution means in current times.

Which of the following enumerated powers would permit Congress to stimulate the economy by hiring unemployed citizens? A. The power to create immigration policies B. The power to regulate interstate commerce C. The power to pass a federal budget D. The power of legislative oversight

C. The power to pass a federal budget

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will spend money appropriated by Congress to maintain wildlife refuges. This action is an example of A. the power of the filibuster B. congressional oversight of the bureaucracy C. bureaucratic implementation of law D. an unfunded mandate E. an independent expenditure

C. bureaucratic implementation of law

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. do not need to be passed by Congress

Congressional oversight refers to the power of Congress to A. override presidential vetoes B. hold public hearings before confirming judicial appointees C. exercise some control over executive agencies D. allow nongovernmental agencies to defend or refute pending legislation publicly E. seek judicial opinion on the constitutionality of pending legislation

C. exercise some control over executive agencies

The difference between an appellate court and a district court is that an appellate court A. conducts trials by jury B. has original jurisdiction C. reviews previous court decisions D. hears civil cases but not criminal cases E. does not follow the principle of stare decisis

C. reviews previous court decisions

All of the following statements pertaining to the presidential veto are true EXCEPT: A. Congress overrides fewer than ten percent of presidential vetoes. B. A vetoed bill is often revised and passed in another form. C. Presidents often threaten to veto bills to increase their leverage with Congress. D. A President may veto part of a bill. E. Congress often places provisions the President wants into a bill the President dislikes to make a veto less likely.

D. A President may veto part of a bill.

Which of the following is true according to the diagram? (Compares the House and the Senate) 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.

In 1998, Goodyear employee Lilly Ledbetter filed suit against her employer for pay discrimination based on her gender. Though Ledbetter was initially successful, Goodyear appealed the decision and the case went to the Supreme Court. In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (2007), the Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that sex discrimination complaints must be made within 180 days "after the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred," which Ledbetter had failed to do. Which of the following actions could be taken to reverse the impact of the decision? A. Ledbetter could renew her appeal by seeking additional Supreme Court review. B. The president could sign an executive order to alter the Civil Rights Act. C. Ledbetter could pursue her case using the same arguments in state courts. D. Congress could enact legislation to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

D. Congress could enact legislation to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Which of the following possible actions illustrates a way Congress interacts with the bureaucracy to address the problem shown in the infographic? (The cost of congestion) A. Congress could raise money through gasoline taxes to address the issues shown in the infographic. B. Congress could request that an iron triangle be formed to ensure that all bureaucratic solutions are heard prior to taking action. C. Congress could remove the members of the cabinet who work on issues related to transportation. D. Congress could have members of the Department of Transportation testify before a committee to discuss the issue and potential solutions.

D. Congress could have members of the Department of Transportation testify before a committee to discuss the issue and potential solutions.

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. Controlling an executive agency's annual budget

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate? A. House of Representatives = presents the states equally. Senate = Designed to represent the people B. House of Representatives = Initiates revenue bills. Senate = Nominates cabinet members C. House of Representatives = Must approve Supreme Court nominees. Senate = Must approve treaties D. House of Representatives = Debate on bills is limited. Senate = Debate on bills can be unlimited

D. House of Representatives = Debate on bills is limited. Senate = Debate on bills can be unlimited

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

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.

Which of the following statements about motions for cloture is true? A. They force a bill out of committee so that the full House can vote on it. B. They are applied to bills that failed in the previous session of Congress. C. They are applied only to appropriation bills. D. They are used by senators to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote. E. They occur whenever a bill is reported out of committee.

D. They are used by senators to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

Which of the following best reflects a function of the Supreme Court in Article III of the Constitution? A. To interpret the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress B. To adjudicate disputes between the president and Congress C. To overturn legislation passed by the state legislatures D. To serve as the highest court of appeals

D. To serve as the highest court of appeals

A committee chair in the House of Representatives is always A. the member with the longest service on the committee B. the member with the longest service in the House C. a representative of the Speaker D. a member of the majority party in the chamber E. a trusted ally of the President

D. a member of the majority party in the chamber

The committee that resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill is called a A. joint committee B. select committee C. special committee D. conference committee E. standing committee

D. conference committee

Cabinet members often do not have a dominant influence on presidential decision-making because A. cabinet members generally maintain close independent ties to Congress B. cabinet members generally view their position only as a stepping-stone to further their own political ambitions C. cabinet members are not permitted to disagree publicly with the President D. presidential goals often conflict with the institutional goals of individual cabinet-level agencies E. only half of all cabinet members can be members of the President's party

D. presidential goals often conflict with the institutional goals of individual cabinet-level agencies

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 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

An advantage that bureaucrats in federal government have over the President in the policymaking process is that bureaucrats... A. control the budgetary process B. have an independence from the President that is guaranteed by the Constitution C. find it easier to marshall public support than does the President D. usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks E. have better access to the media than does the President

D. usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks

The details of legislation are usually worked out in which of the following settings? A. a party caucus B. The majority leader's office C. The floor of the House D. Legislative hearings E. A subcommittee

E. A subcommittee

If Congress adjourns during the 10 days the president has to consider a bill passed by both houses of Congress, but which the president has not yet signed, what is the result? A. Line-item veto B. Legislative veto C. Executive veto D. Judicial review E. Pocket veto

E. Pocket veto

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.

Which of the following is the best predictor of the Department of Education's annual budget? A. The preferences of the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee B. The budget recommendations of the National Education Association C. The rate of increase of teachers' salaries D. The number of children entering kindergarten E. The size of the previous year's budget

E. The size of the previous year's budget

Which of the following is true of nominees for federal judgeships? A. They are recruited from the current pool of United States attorneys. B. They are nominated by the Senate and approved by the House of Representatives. C. They are elected in popular elections in individual states. D. They must receive the approval of the American Bar Association upon nomination. E. They are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

E. They are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Which of the following is true of independent regulatory agencies? A. They tend to have larger budgets than cabinet departments. B. They are directly supervised by cabinet departments. C. They provide a product or service directly to the public. D. They are insulated from contact with interest groups. E. They tend to be freer from presidential control than are cabinet departments.

E. They tend to be freer from presidential control than are cabinet departments.

In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld? A. The President has the support of the Supreme Court. B. The President is in a second term, removed from partisan politics. C. The proposed legislation enjoys widespread bipartisan support. D. The proposed legislation was originally adopted by a large majority in both houses of Congress. E. Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.

E. Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.

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

A fundamental source of power for the federal bureaucracy lies in its A. role in moving legislation out of subcommittees B. role in mediating interstate conflicts C. ability to convince Congress to fund most projects it supports D. ability to mobilize public opinion in support of legislative initiatives E. ability to set specific guidelines after receiving a general mandate from Congress

E. ability to set specific guidelines after receiving a general mandate from Congress

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

Congressional legislative powers include all of the following EXCEPT A. legislating federal appropriations B. approval of treaties C. establishing a lower-court system D. passing federal laws E. pardoning felons

E. pardoning felons

The role of a conference committee in Congress is to A. hold hearings on proposed legislation B. oversee the actions of the executive branch of the government C. decide which bills should be considered by the full Senate D. conduct hearings that make information available to the public E. reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate

E. reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate

The boundary lines of congressional districts are drawn by A. the United States House of Representatives B. The United States Senate C. United States district courts D. state governors E. state legislatures

E. state legislatures