US AP Government Unit 3 -- Chapter 1 to 3

Which of the following statements best explains how the Fourteenth Amendment has been interpreted to enhance federal power?

The Fourteenth Amendment gave Congress the right to regulate discrimination in states

Which of the following is a consequence of federalism in the United States?

National policymaking is held in check

Why have there been relatively few constitutional amendments?

A Constitution Amendment Bill requires more than a simple majority to be ratified

A senator wants to incentivize higher education for students from low-income families and wants to provide clear guidelines on how states must implement those incentives. Which type of grant should she propose?

A categorical grant

Which of the following is one example of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Amending the Articles required a unanimous vote of the states, which was nearly impossible

In 1974, Congress created a program that grants money to state and local governments to help revitalize low-income communities. State and local governments can decide how best to use their money and used it to rebuild streets, fund libraries, and fix drinking water systems. This is an example of which of the following types of federal aid?

Block grants

Which of the following describes an exclusive power of the federal government?

Coining money

Which of the following statements best summarizes the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Congress has implied powers not listed in the Constitution in order to implement its enumerated powers

Which of the following scenarios is an example of a present-day constitutional issue about democracy and governmental power?

FBI agents being able to obtain phone records without a judge's approval

Which of the following was a way in which Shays's Rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

It could not raise money to pay a militia to put down the rebellion

Members of the National Organization for Women (NOW) protest a congressional bill that eliminates protections for pregnant workers. After the bill passes, they form a letter-writing campaign hoping to influence the president to veto the bill. This is an example of which of the following principles of American government?

Multiple access points for stakeholders to influence policymaking

An informal group advocating for a $15 minimum wage collects 590,000 signatures from registered voters in their state. In the next election, this initiative appears on the ballot for voters to decide whether it becomes a state constitutional amendment. This is an example of which of the following models of democracy?

Participatory democracy

Anthony is concerned by his state government's efforts to decrease regulations on pesticides that could hurt the bee population. He decides to join the League of Conservation Voters to help them lobby against deregulating pesticides. This is an example of which of the following models of democracy?

Pluralist democracy

In the 1960s, the federal government passed the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, which compelled state and local governments to desegregate public schools and public places. This is an example of which of the following aspects of federalism in the United States?

Pressure at the national level can force state and local policy changes

The commerce clause of the Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Which of the following might be an implied power that Congress would have to complete this task?

Setting a federal minimum wage

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of "separation of powers" in the US Constitution?

The president commands the nation's armed forces, while Congress has the power to ratify treaties

In 1972, both houses of Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a Constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex. However, the amendment failed, as three-quarters of the states did not ratify it before the deadline expired. This is an example of which of the following aspects of federalism in the United States?

The sharing of power between states and the federal government constrains national policymaking

Several oil companies donate to a pro-fracking interest group after hearing that the federal government plans to pass a law banning fracking in the United States . The interest group then appeals to members of Congress in attempt to get them to vote against the bill. Which of the following democratic ideals does this scenario best exemplify?

republicanism

Which of the following is the most immediate consequence of impeaching a president?

The president is tried in the Senate

Which of the following aspects of the US Constitution best illustrates the concept of participatory democracy?

The process for choosing members of the House of Representatives