ap gov midterm review
The Supreme Court is most likely to issue a writ of certiorari in which of the following cases? a. A conflict between two circuit courts that have issued opposite rulings about the constitutionality of a federal law b. A conflict between the president and Congress over the War Powers Act c. A criminal case from a state court in which the defendant proclaims his innocence d. A conflict between a federal agency and a state government
a. A conflict between two circuit courts that have issued opposite rulings about the constitutionality of a federal law
According to the Constitution, which of the following would not be eligible to be president of the United States? a. A former Secretary of State who had been born in another country, but later became a naturalized citizen b. An American citizen who spent 30 years out of the country but had resided in the United States for the last 14 years c. A 36 year-old African-American mayor of a large U.S. city d. A former president who had served one full term than ended four years earlier
a. A former Secretary of State who had been born in another country, but later became a naturalized citizen
In The Federalist 70, Alexander Hamilton states that "energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government." In this statement, Hamilton is arguing in favor of the need for a. A single executive who can respond quickly to crises. b. A president who has a good understanding of public policy. c. An electoral college in the selection of the president. d. A president who is youthful and assertive.
a. A single executive who can respond quickly to crises.
The European Union is an example of a. A type of confederation b. A successful constitutional system c. A federal system d. Unitary government
a. A type of confederation
The United States 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
a. An enumerated power
Who exercises control over the bureaucracy? a. Both Congress and the executive branch have control over the bureaucracy. b. The executive branch controls the bureaucracy by appointing all federal employees. c. Congress controls the bureaucracy because it has the power to fire agency heads after oversight hearings and for cause. d. The judicial branch controls the bureaucracy by reviewing regulations to make sure they are constitutional before they go into effect.
a. Both Congress and the executive branch have control over the bureaucracy.
If the president cannot get his agenda through Congress, then he may use which of the following techniques to appeal DIRECTLY to the people of the United States? a. Bully pulpit b. Executive order c. Signing statement d. Veto threat
a. Bully pulpit
Brown v. Board of Education (1954) was a significant Supreme Court ruling because it a. Held the "separate but equal" concept to be a violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment b. Upheld laws allowing for the interment of ethnic groups during wartime c. Placed limitations on the federal government and affirmed the rights of people and of the states d. Made it illegal for members of the Communist party to be school teachers
a. Held the "separate but equal" concept to be a violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veteran Affairs are concerned about the quality of services at hospitals run by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Which of the following is an action the committee can take to address the problem? a. Holding a hearing and subpoenaing high-level officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs to testify b. Impounding funding for veterans hospitals until problems are solved c. Placing a referendum on the ballot in each state to increase health-care funding for veterans d. Appointing a new secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
a. Holding a hearing and subpoenaing high-level officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs to testify
The power that allows the courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and executive actions is called a. Judicial review b. Amicus curiae c. Writ of certiorari d. Rule of four
a. Judicial review
Which of the following statements MOST accurately characterizes the motives behind the support that different Framers gave to the US Constitution? a. Most Framers acted out of a mixture of motives, with economic interests playing a modest role. b. Those Framers who did not hold government debt but who did own slaves tended to support the Constitution. c. The support that different Framers gave to the US Constitution tended to divide along class lines. d. The Framers acted in a manner that reflected the religious convictions of their respective states.
a. Most Framers acted out of a mixture of motives, with economic interests playing a modest role.
All of the following are independent executive agencies EXCEPT: a. Office of Management and Budget b. Environmental Protection Agency c. National Aeronautics and Space Administration d. Central Intelligence Agency
a. Office of Management and Budget
The main purpose of the Hatch Act is to a. Protect bureaucrats from political pressures from parties and elected officials b. Ensure the merit system operates smoothly c. Ensure that incompetent bureaucrats are removed from their jobs d. Improve communications between members of Congress and bureaucrats
a. Protect bureaucrats from political pressures from parties and elected officials
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 authorized the government to deny income tax deductions for employer health plans that did not offer employees the option of keeping their health insurance after leaving the job. Which enumerated power allowed Congress to make the law? a. Regulating commerce among the states b. Declaring laws unconstitutional c. Borrowing money on the credit of the United States d. Issuing copyrights and patents
a. Regulating commerce among the states
A policy that sets emission standards for emission standards for automobiles is an example of a. Regulatory policy b. Fiscal policy c. Distributive policy d. Judicial policy
a. Regulatory policy
Which of the following is usually NOT considered to be a part of the president's "inner cabinet"? a. Secretary of Commerce b. Attorney General c. Secretary of Defense d. Secretary of State
a. Secretary of Commerce
Nominations to the Supreme Court must be approved by a a. Simple majority vote in the Senate only b. Simple majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate c. ⅔ vote in both the House of Representatives and Senate d. ⅔ vote in the House of Representatives and the Senate and a majority of sitting justices on the Supreme Court
a. Simple majority vote in the Senate only
The House Armed Services Committee is best described as a a. Standing committee. b. Conference committee. c. Select committee. d. Joint committee,
a. Standing committee.
From the standpoint of the ambitions of a newly elected Democratic senator, the most important element in party organization is the a. Steering Committee. b. Party whip. c. President pro tempore. d. Foreign Relations Committee.
a. Steering Committee.
Justice Clarence Thomas believes that the constitution should be interpreted according to its clearly implied language. This judicial philosophy can best be described as a. Strict construction b. Judicial activism c. Conservatism d. Liberalism
a. Strict construction
Which of the following clauses in the Constitution justifies the "implied powers doctrine"? a. The necessary and proper clause b. The privileges and immunities clause c. The contract clause d. The debts and engagements clause
a. The necessary and proper clause
Senator Smith votes her conscience on bills that her constituents care little about, but she votes according to the wishes of the majority of her constituents on other bills. Which model of representation do her actions embody? a. The politico model b. The trustee model c. The majoritarian model d. The delegate model
a. The politico model
The House Rules Committee has all of the following powers EXCEPT a. The power to make revisions to bills. b. The power to set strict time limits for debate. c. The power to govern the procedures under which the bill will be considered by the House. d. The power to forbid amendments to bills.
a. The power to make revisions to bills.
All of the following are advantages of incumbency for members of Congress EXCEPT a. The recognition they receive by sitting on oversight committees b. The use of franking privileges to let members of their districts known what they have been doing c. The ability to bring pork-barrel projects to their states d. Name recognition
a. The recognition they receive by sitting on oversight committees
Which of the following is true of amicus curiae briefs? a. They are used by interest groups to lobby courts. b. They are used exclusively by liberal interest groups. c. They are used exclusively by conservative interest groups. d. They are now unconstitutional.
a. They are used by interest groups to lobby courts.
In which of the following situations would the Supreme Court be most likely to utilize doctrine of selective incorporation? a. When an individual claims that a right protected by the Bill of Rights is infringed upon by a state. b. When there is a conflict among the branches of the national government. c. When a federal policy shifting oversight authority from a national agency to a state agency is challenged. d. When a former employee files a wrongful termination claim against a company headquartered in another state.
a. When an individual claims that a right protected by the Bill of Rights is infringed upon by a state.
In which of the following situations would the Supreme Court be most likely to utilize the doctrine of selective incorporation? a. When an individual claims that a right protected by the Bill of Rights is infringed upon by a state. b. When there is a conflict among the branches of the national government. c. When a federal policy shifting oversight authority from a national agency to a state agency is challenged. d. When a former employee files a wrongful termination claim against a company headquartered in another state.
a. When an individual claims that a right protected by the Bill of Rights is infringed upon by a state.
An individual who thinks government does too much, not too little, would likely support a. a constitutional amendment that requires a balanced budget each year b. a broadening of the authority of federal courts c. the repeal of the president's current line-item veto power d. a more democratic system that calls for frequent elections and greater attention to the special-interest claims of citizens
a. a constitutional amendment that requires a balanced budget each year
Which of the following is NOT addressed in the Bill of Rights? a. ex post facto laws b. trial by jury c. cruel and unusual punishment d. double jeopardy
a. ex post facto laws
Article V of the Constitution illustrates a. federalism b. judicial review c. limited government d. popular sovereignty
a. federalism
Which of the following is the BEST example of a categorical grant? a. money given to states for special education programs b. money given to individuals in the form of tax rebates c. money given directly to private business for economic development d. money given to states to spend at their discretion on transportation
a. money given to states for special education programs
Which of the following is the closest synonym for a republic? a. representative democracy b. oligarchy c. direct democracy d. democratic centralism
a. representative democracy
Allowing the president to dissolve Congress and call special sessions would run contrary to the a. separation of powers b. protection of personal liberties c. principle of judicial review d. 8th amendment
a. separation of powers
Which of the following bills is MOST likely to pass through Congress quickly? a. A bill calling for a major increase in defense spending b. A bill dealing with aid to the handicapped c. A bill affecting our trade policy with the European Union d. A bill involving the cost of health-care
b. A bill dealing with aid to the handicapped
The president is most likely to use an executive order to make important policy when a. Congress is dominated by the president's party. b. A compromise cannot be reached with Congress. c. The Supreme Court is divided along ideological lines. d. A negotiation with foreign heads of state reaches an impasse.
b. A compromise cannot be reached with Congress.
Money given for Medicaid and child-nutrition programs is an example of a. States' ability to fund their own programs b. A formula grant c. A block grant d. A funded mandate
b. A formula grant
Block grants are a. Strictly reserved to individuals who meet a specific federal criteria b. Allocated to states and localities with no strings attached c. Awarded on a competitive basis to support special projects d. Made on the basis of adherence to basic guidelines
b. Allocated to states and localities with no strings attached
Which of the following candidates is most likely to get elected to Congress? a. An incumbent senator b. An incumbent member of the House of Representatives c. A challenger for a seat in the House d. A challenger for a seat in the Senate
b. An incumbent member of the House of Representatives
Why is it more difficult for an American president to get his program enacted in comparison with a prime minister in a parliamentary system? a. Because the president has fewer constitutional powers than a prime minister b. Because of divided government, when one or both of Congress differ from the president's political party c. Because the president has less control over the cabinet than a prime minister d. Because prime ministers can enact their program without the approval of parliament
b. Because of divided government, when one or both of Congress differ from the president's political party
Which of the following characteristics most distinguishes the American federal bureaucracy from most other bureaucracies? a. The merit principle b. Divided supervision c. Task specialization d. Hierarchical organization
b. Divided supervision
To which level of government did the Bill of Rights originally apply? a. State governments only b. Federal government only c. State and federal governments only d. Local and federal governments only
b. Federal government only
Typically presidential candidates implement their campaign strategies by a. Applying their resources evenly among the states, because they must win popular votes in a majority of the states to be elected b. Focusing on larger, competitive states, because they might top the balance of the electoral college c. Focusing on small states, because these states have proportionally more electoral votes than more populous states d. Ignoring the electoral college, because more states are moving away form the winner-take-all system
b. Focusing on larger, competitive states, because they might top the balance of the electoral college
The doctrine of dual federalism receded and cooperative federalism ascended MOST notably under the presidency of a. Calvin Coolidge b. Franklin Roosevelt c. Woodrow Wilson d. Dwight Eisenhower
b. Franklin Roosevelt
The Supreme Court case of Gibbons v. Ogden a. Prevented a war between New York and Pennsylvania b. Gave the national government great control over commerce c. Established the supremacy of the national governments d. Defined the meaning of the "elastic clause"
b. Gave the national government great control over commerce
All of the following are important checks that Congress has on the bureaucracy EXCEPT: a. Rewriting legislation to extend control b. Holding hearings c. Appointing agency heads d. Authorizing expenses and budgets
b. Holding hearings
To which of the following congressional committees would a proposal to reform the national income-tax system initially be sent? a. House Appropriations Committee b. House Ways and Means Committee c. House Budget Committee d. Senate Finance Committee
b. House Ways and Means Committee
Which of the following events helps to show the difference of opinion regarding which part of the government should bear the responsibility for taking care of its citizens? a. Tsunami in Japan b. Hurricane Katrina c. Health care d. President Trump's hairstyle
b. Hurricane Katrina
A writ of certiorari a. Declares a law or action of the government unconstitutional b. Is an order for a lower court to send a case to the Supreme Court c. Is a court order that demands compliance with a court decision d. Is issued to a lower court when six of the justices wish to hear a case
b. Is an order for a lower court to send a case to the Supreme Court
Which of the following describes the president's Cabinet? a. It consists of career civil servants with decades of experience in government service. b. Its members have varying levels of influence on presidential decisions. c. Its members hold office for fixed terms that coincide with the president's. d. Its members are required to approve presidential policy decisions.
b. Its members have varying levels of influence on presidential decisions.
The role Congress plays in ensuring that executive branch agencies are carrying out their legislated responsibilities is known as a. Judicial review. b. Legislative oversight. c. Bicameralism. d. Federalism.
b. Legislative oversight.
Appointments to the federal judiciary are often contentious for which of the following reasons? a. The House of Representatives can undermine presidential authority by overriding judicial appointments. b. Life terms for federal judges mean that presidential appointments will continue to have influence long after the president's term is over. c. The president selects nominees based on political orientation, while the Senate focuses on the academic credentials of nominees. d. Federal judges are given a platform to legislate from the bench, and the Senate is hesitant about relinquishing power to the judiciary.
b. Life terms for federal judges mean that presidential appointments will continue to have influence long after the president's term is over.
Constitutional checks and balances, especially applied to the president, are designed to a. Provide for a balanced budget b. Minimize the threat of tyranny from any one branch of government c. Ensure efficient government d. Ensure that the federal government is militarily strong
b. Minimize the threat of tyranny from any one branch of government
A new president has been elected and has a number of positions to fill within the federal bureaucracy. Which of the following is an example of filling a position based on political patronage? a. Choosing a secretary of state to appease members of the opposite party b. Nominating a high-level campaign fund-raiser to serve as an ambassador for New Zealand c. Reappointing the secretary of defense even though he or she was appointed by the previous president, who is a member of the opposite party d. Asking the chair of a prestigious university's economic department to serve as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers
b. Nominating a high-level campaign fund-raiser to serve as an ambassador for New Zealand
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 would the Senate take in their attempt 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 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 that would limit the impact of the Supreme Court's recent rulings
A major reason why the majority of the Supreme Court justices have had political experience prior to appointment to the Court is that a. Justices are expected to act like politicians in their decision-making b. Presidents seek to place individuals on the Court whose policy views are similar to their own c. The Senate will refuse to confirm any nominee to the Court who is not familiar with the political process d. Appointment to the Supreme Court is a reward for political party loyalty
b. Presidents seek to place individuals on the Court whose policy views are similar to their own
Which of the following may the president do to limit the Supreme Court's power? a. Fire and replace justices b. Refuse to enforce a ruling by the Court c. Adopt new constitutional amendments d. Veto parts of the Court's decisions
b. Refuse to enforce a ruling by the Court
The legislative process at the national level of government reflects the intent of the framers of the Constitution to create a legislature that would be a. Less powerful than the executive. b. Slow and deliberate in the law-making process. c. Able to involve as many citizens as possible in the lawmaking process. d. Able to ensure that all citizens are equally represented.
b. Slow and deliberate in the law-making process.
Of the following, which is the most powerful figure in Congress? a. Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee b. Speaker of the House c. Minority Whip of the Senate d. Majority Whip of the House
b. Speaker of the House
Congressional district boundaries are usually REDRAWN every ten years by the a. Bureau of the Census. b. State legislatures. c. House Rules Committee. d. Federal Election Commission.
b. State legislatures.
Which of the following amendments to the Constitution most likely provides the basis for a driver to challenge the constitutionality of police use of sobriety checkpoints in enforcing drunk driving laws? a. The 1st Amendment right to petition the government for a redress of grievances b. The 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure c. The 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination d. The 8th Amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment
b. The 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure
What is the result of the Great Compromise? a. Large states have more power in the Senate than small states. b. The Senate represents state interests, while the House of Representatives mirrors the population proportionally. c. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate directly represent the population as a whole. d. The House of Representatives represents the interests of the states, while the Senate represents individuals within a district.
b. The Senate represents state interests, while the House of Representatives mirrors the population proportionally.
The application of the death penalty has been limited in recent decades and cannot be applied to minors and people who are found to be mentally incompetent. Which of the following is a reason for this? a. The Supreme Court redefined what constitutes an unreasonable intrusion under the 4th Amendment. b. The Supreme Court changed its interpretation of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment. c. The 5th Amendment's due process clause motivated state legislatures to limit the death penalty. d. The right to an attorney guaranteed by the 6th Amendment led to limited application of the death penalty.
b. The Supreme Court changed its interpretation of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment.
Which of the following statements about writs of certiorari is accurate? a. Cases appealed by the solicitor general are automatically granted certiorari. b. The Supreme Court grants certiorari for less than 5% of the cases appealed to it. c. The Supreme Court has historically granted certiorari to all separation of powers cases. d. The Supreme Court does not grant certiorari to cases involving state laws.
b. The Supreme Court grants certiorari for less than 5% of the cases appealed to it.
What advantage does Congress have by sending bills to the president more than ten days before the end of a congressional session? a. The president will not have much time to write a veto message. b. The bill cannot be pocket vetoed. c. The president cannot use a line-item veto. d. Congress will have the tie to call a special session if necessary.
b. The bill cannot be pocket vetoed.
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 nw concern not previously addressed by the Court d. Supreme Court justices should avoid bias by documenting their original impressions of a case
b. The meaning of the Constitution depends on the intention of the framers
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. President, governors, and local executives can refrain from enforcing court rulings.
b. The voters can oust federal judges in national elections.
What is the best rationale for allowing Supreme Court justices to serve for life terms? a. It takes time for a justice to gain experience in decision making, so they serve for life to make sure the judiciary is experienced. b. They protect the rights of the minority, and the protection of life tenure allows them to make legally correct, but unpopular, decisions. c. Congress should not be able to remove them, Because the average number of Congress does not have a legal background. d. Their salaries are so low that it is difficult to attract good candidates; job security makes their positions more attractive .
b. They protect the rights of the minority, and the protection of life tenure allows them to make legally correct, but unpopular, decisions.
What is the role of the federal courts of appeals? a. To send cases to the Supreme Court when there is a constitutional issue involved b. To hear appeals from the federal district courts c. To hear new testimony in cases being retried d. To hear appeals from State Supreme Court's when there is a constitutional issue involved
b. To hear appeals from the federal district courts
All of the following are features of the electoral college system EXCEPT a. If no one wins a majority of electoral college votes, the election is decided by the House of Representatives b. When the House of Representatives decides an election, each member has one vote c. There is a winner-take-all system in 48 states d. Occasionally an elector will vote for a presidential candidate other the one who carried his/her state
b. When the House of Representatives decides an election, each member has one vote
A major argument in favor of reducing the separation of powers called for in the Constitution is that it would a. disperse credit or blame equally among the three branches of government b. allow prompt, decisive leadership in times of crisis c. apportion responsibility for implementing government programs among members of Congress d. weaken the presidency and give greater protection against executive dictatorship
b. allow prompt, decisive leadership in times of crisis
The terms "fiscal federalism" and "cooperative federalism" refer to situations in which a. states are forbidden any activity that has not been specifically approved by the Supreme Court b. federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding c. the federal judiciary uses its power of judicial review to ensure congressional dominance over state legislatures d. the federal government completely dominates state and local governments
b. federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding
The process of extending the protections of the Bill of Rights by means of the Fourteenth Amendment to apply to the actions of state governments is known as a. judicial review b. incorporation c. federalism d. broad construction
b. incorporation
The Framers of the US Constitution left decisions on voting eligibility to the a. civil rights agencies b. individual states c. House of Representatives d. Senate
b. individual states
Which of the following is the primary goal of American constitutional government? a. guarantee of economic equality b. limitation of definition of the power of government officials c. expansion of the authority of officials d. protection fo the rights of the majority
b. limitation of definition of the power of government officials
The nature of the amendment process has probably kept the amendments added to the U.S. Constitution a. legally complex in nature b. relatively few in nature c. relatively simple in nature d. extremely controversial
b. relatively few in nature
The textbook suggests that the Anti-Federalists are comparable to today's a. socialist activists b. religious conservatives c. legal scholars d. liberal democrats
b. religious conservatives
The original purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was to a. prepare a new constitution b. revise the Articles of Confederation c. adopt a common state constitution d. limit the control of the national government
b. revise the Articles of Confederation
The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about which of the following issues? a. the need to establish a standard currency b. the scope of power of the central government c. the representation of large and small states d. the right of the people to rebel
b. the scope of power of the central government
In the Constitution, the concept of equal protection of the law is referred to in a. the 2nd, 4th, and 6th amendments b. Article IV c. 14th amendment d. the preamble
c. 14th amendment
Most amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been ratified by the vote of a. 2/3 of the members of both houses of Congress b. 2/3 of the representatives to a national convention c. 3/4 of the state legislatures d. a panel fo 3rd and 4th graders from all of the states, excluding Hawaii, Alaska, and Rhode Island (of course)
c. 3/4 of the state legislatures
The Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides protections for the disabled, is an example of a. Horizontal federalism b. State supremacy c. A federal mandate d. Affirmative action
c. A federal mandate
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 scenarios best illustrates a member of Congress supporting pork-barrel legislation? a. A senator from a coal-producing state voting against a job-training program for coal miners b. A member of the House voting for urban renewal in exchange for increased funding for roads c. A senator from an agricultural state amending legislation to establish a potato research institute in his or her state d. A member of the House Armed Services Committee marking up a bill that will increase funding for military bases
c. A senator from an agricultural state amending legislation to establish a potato research institute in his or her state
Which of the following scenarios would be considered an unconstitutional use of state power? a. A state passes a law that increases the pay of state legislators. b. A state enacts a law prohibiting smoking in all public places. c. A state places a tax on furniture made overseas. d. A state raises the drinking age to 25 years of age.
c. A state places a tax on furniture made overseas.
Which of the following presidents expanded presidential power by being the first to actually use the veto to block congressional action? a. Thomas Jefferson b. Franklin Roosevelt c. Andrew Jackson d. Grover Cleveland
c. Andrew Jackson
Which of the following statements describes a difficulty presidents face in the policy implementation process? a. Members of the bureaucracy often lack the expertise to carry out the president's preferred policies. b. Members of the president's Cabinet can be removed at any time by Congress. c. Because of civil service laws, it is not easy for the president to remove professional bureaucrats when they disagree with the president's agenda. d. Congress generally gives specific details about how the laws they pass will be executed by members of the professional bureaucracy.
c. Because of civil service laws, it is not easy for the president to remove professional bureaucrats when they disagree with the president's agenda.
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 filibuster. b. Congressional oversight of the bureaucracy. c. Bureaucratic implementation of law. d. An unfunded mandate.
c. Bureaucratic implementation of law.
Which of the following is a result of the electoral college system? a. Candidates focus on one-party states in which they can win most of the electoral votes. b. The House of Representatives frequently chooses the president from the top three candidates. c. Candidates focus on the states with the largest population. d. The winner of the presidency often lacks a majority of the popular vote.
c. Candidates focus on the states with the largest population.
One of the criticisms of President Carter was that he was so involved with the minor details of policies that he couldn't see the forest for the trees. How did President Carter structure his White House staff? a. Bureaucratic b. Ad hoc c. Circular d. Pyramid
c. Circular
In Birkland and Waterman's article on policy failure in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the authors contend that federalism has drifted from cooperative to a. Progressive and conservative b. Retributive and compulsory c. Coercive and opportunistic d. Apathetic and inattentive
c. Coercive and opportunistic
When the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, where is the language of the bill resolved? a. With the president b. Standing committee c. Conference committee d. Select committee
c. Conference committee
All of the following are ways that the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch EXCEPT: a. Congress may remove the president through its impeachment and conviction powers. b. Congress may override a presidential veto. c. Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional. d. The Senate may refuse to approve a treaty negotiated by the president.
c. Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.
Which of the following cases falls under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? a. Cases involving a state law that is alleged to violate the United States Constitution b. Cases involving a federal law that is alleged to violate the U.S. Constitution c. Controversies between two or more states d. Cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000.
c. Controversies between two or more states
All of the following are independent regulatory agencies EXCEPT: a. Federal Reserve (Fed) b. Federal Communications Commission c. Corporation for Public Broadcasting d. Securities and Exchange Commission
c. Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Which of the following courts has (have) no original jurisdiction over any cases? a. Supreme Court b. District Courts c. Courts of Appeal d. Legislative courts
c. Courts of Appeal
Giving state government greater discretion in deciding how to achieve the specific goals of welfare reform is an example of a. Dual federalism b. Affirmative action c. Devolution d. Implied powers
c. Devolution
The supremacy clause a. Allows the states to enter into agreements with foreign nations if they so desire b. States that powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by the states are reserved to the states c. Establishes the Constitution, laws of the national government, and treaties as the supreme law of the land d. Establishes the Supreme Court as the final arbiter in all civil and criminal disputes
c. Establishes the Constitution, laws of the national government, and treaties as the supreme law of the land
Which of the following statements about the Senate is true? a. Each state is represented in the Senate according to its population. b. The Senate, unlike the House, has a Rules Committee. c. Individual senators can exercise substantial influence over the legislative process. d. The Senate has a strict time limit on debates.
c. Individual senators can exercise substantial influence over the legislative process.
The three points of the iron triangle are a. The President, Secretary of State, and Speaker of the House b. House of Representatives, Senate, and the President c. Interest groups, bureaucrats, and congressional subcommittee members d. Interest groups, agency heads, and the President
c. Interest groups, bureaucrats, and congressional subcommittee members
Which of the following best explains the principle of stare decisis? a. It requires that at least four Supreme Court justices agree to hear a case. b. It encourages presidents to take judicial experience into account when nominating judges. c. It encourages judges to follow precedent when deciding cases. d. It reinforces the philosophy of judicial activism.
c. It encourages judges to follow precedent when deciding cases.
Which of the following has been a criticism of the process for firing a bureaucrat? a. It is too political, and bureaucrats are often terminated for expressing their political beliefs. b. Although bureaucrats must be given written warnings before they are terminated, there is not enough time given for them to improve their performance. c. It is too difficult to fire bureaucrats because the process is elaborate and time-consuming. d. Many good people do not enter the bureaucracy because most federal bureaucrats are fired when a new president takes office.
c. It is too difficult to fire bureaucrats because the process is elaborate and time-consuming.
"We are under a Constitution, but the constitution is what the judges say it is." --former Justice Charles Evans Hughes The above quote most clearly reflects a. Conservatism b. A political question c. Judicial activism d. Judicial restraint
c. Judicial activism
"The Constitution is not an empty bottle . . . it is like a statue, and the meaning doesn't change." --Justice Antonin Scalia The above quote most clearly reflects a. A "litmus" test b. Dual sovereignty c. Judicial restraint d. Judicial activism
c. Judicial restraint
Which of the following is an example of presidential use of informal powers? a. President Reagan nominated Sandra Day O'Connor to the United States Supreme Court b. President Kennedy negotiating the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty with the Soviet Union c. President Clinton advocating for public policy reform on his Health Security Express bus d. President George W. Bush deploying U.S. troops to Iraq
c. President Clinton advocating for public policy reform on his Health Security Express bus
A non-discrimination provision might be included in which type of grant? a. Equal opportunity grant b. Federal Mandate grant c. Project grant d. Block grant
c. Project grant
The Americans with Disabilities Act was widely unpopular with governors and mayors because it a. Required that people with disabilities be given equal access to public facilities b. Required that buildings be retrofitted or remodeled to give equal access to people with disabilities c. Required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling projects d. Applied only to federal facilities and did nothing to accommodate people in municipal buildings
c. Required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling projects
Which of the following actions of the federal government BEST illustrates the concept of unfunded mandates? a. Requiring states and municipalities to privatize many previously funded services b. Requiring all municipalities to impose a minimum property tax on all residential and business properties c. Requiring that states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services d. Requiring that polling booths remain open beyond the hours of the workday
c. Requiring that states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services
The difference between an appellate court and a district court is that an appellate court a. Conducts trial by jury b. Has original jurisdiction c. Reviews previous court decisions d. Hears civil cases but not criminal cases
c. Reviews previous court decisions
Which position comes after the president pro tempore of the Senate in the order of presidential succession? a. Attorney General b. Senate majority leader c. Secretary of State d. Secretary of the House
c. Secretary of State
President Cleveland used federal troops to break up a labor strike, and President Eisenhower sent federal troops to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock. Which clause of the Constitution gave them this power? a. Wield the "executive power" b. Commission officers in the armed forces c. Take care that the laws be faithfully executed d. Convene Congress in special sessions
c. Take care that the laws be faithfully executed
Which of the following statements about political parties and the US Constitution is true? a. According to the Constitution, only two major political may exist at a time. b. The Constitution requires political parties to be restricted by both federal and state law. c. The issue of political parties is not addressed in the Constitution. d. The Constitution specifies that political party leaders must be native-born US citizens.
c. The issue of political parties is not addressed in the Constitution.
The president has all of the following powers under the Constitution EXCEPT a. To commission officers in the armed forces b. To grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses c. To exercise the line-item veto d. To convene Congress in special sessions
c. To exercise the line-item veto
An advantage that bureaucrats in federal governments have over the President in the policymaking process is that bureaucrats a. Control the budgetary process b. Find it easier to marshall public support than does the President c. Usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks d. Have better access to the media than does the President
c. Usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks
A person cannot be imprisoned without first being brought before a judge, who in turn finds sufficient cause for his or her detention. This protection is known as a. judicial review b. ex post facto law c. habeas corpus d. probable cause
c. habeas corpus
The Supreme Court case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) a. recognized that Congress was limited to its enumerated powers b. established the principle of judicial review c. stated the Constitution gave the national government certain implied powers d. established the supremacy of state governments
c. stated the Constitution gave the national government certain implied powers
Federalism is important because it decentralizes politics in the U.S. Which of the following is an example of this decentralization? a. States collecting the federal income tax for the federal government b. The nomination of Supreme Court justices by the President c. State legislatures determining whether a peace-time draft for military service should be held d. A presidential election where each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia conduct their own elections for the office
d. A presidential election where each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia conduct their own elections for the office
Based on previous rulings the Supreme Court i s most likely to view a case concerning which of the following as a right-to-privacy case? a. A university whose admission standards prevent women from attending the institution. b. A person who is licensed to carry a handgun and brings one to a political rally. c. A high school student who leaves class at a specific time during each school day for daily prayer. d. A woman who is prevented from an abortion.
d. A woman who is prevented from an abortion.
All of the following are government corporations EXCEPT: a. Tennessee Valley Authority b. AMTRAK c. U.S. Postal Service d. Bank of America
d. Bank of America
Why could the filibuster be criticized as being undemocratic? a. Because it allows a member of the House to block legislation that has substantial popular support b. Because it can be used in the Senate but not in the House c. Because it can be used by a member of either house to block legislation that has substantial popular support d. Because it allows a senator to block legislation that has substantial popular support
d. Because it allows a senator to block legislation that has substantial popular support
All of the following statements about filibusters are true EXCEPT a. Senators who vote for cloture risk having their own filibusters ended the same way b. Filibusters have been used to block judicial appointments c. Both filibusters and cloture votes are becoming more common d. Cloture votes are rare, because they require 75 votes
d. Cloture votes are rare, because they require 75 votes
As a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was placed under the authority of which cabinet department? a. Department of State b. Department of Justice c. Department of the Interior d. Department of Homeland Security
d. Department of Homeland Security
How does an executive order differ from legislation? a. Executive orders expire after five years. b. Executive orders are submitted by the president to Congress for approval; bills are submitted by the Congress to the president for approval. c. The Supreme court cannot rule on the constitutionality of an executive order. d. Executive orders have the force of law but do not have to be approved by Congress.
d. Executive orders have the force of law but do not have to be approved by Congress.
A member of the House of Representatives has introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage, but it has been in committee for 36 days and is unlikely to make it to the floor. Which of the following is the best course of action for the representative to take to get a vote on the bill? a. Presenting a cloture motion b. Placing a hold on the bill c. Introducing a concurrent resolution d. Filing for a discharge petition
d. Filing for a discharge petition
Which of the following is a difference between the House and the Senate? a. The Senate has stricter rules for floor debate. b. There is no leader in the Senate, except for the vice-president in case of a tie vote. c. Revenue bills must originate in the Senate. d. Floor rules and debate are more casual in the Senate than in the House.
d. Floor rules and debate are more casual in the Senate than in the House.
When a president refuses to spend money that Congress has appropriated, his lack of action is referred to as a. Extradition b. Oversight c. Executive privilege d. Impoundment
d. Impoundment
Which of the following statements is the most accurate description of the Great Compromise? a. It created the electoral college. b. It allowed Congress to ban the importation of slaves after twenty years. c. It gave equal consideration to both the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. d. It accepted many of the provisions of the Virginia Plan but retained an upper house of Congress based on equality among the states.
d. It accepted many of the provisions of the Virginia Plan but retained an upper house of Congress based on equality among the states.
Congress has all of the following checks on the judicial branch EXCEPT a. It can alter the number of judges and courts b. It can impeach justices c. It can propose a constitutional d. It can change the length of judges' terms
d. It can change the length of judges' terms
Which of the following is generally true of the gerrymandering of congressional districts? a. It results in more Democrats being elected to the House b. It results in more Republicans being elected to the House c. It guarantees that all minority parties will be equally represented d. It creates districts that favor one political party over another
d. It creates districts that favor one political party over another
Which statement best describes the Warren Court? a. It made decisions to increase personal liberties, including abortion. b. It made decisions that ended school segregation and restricted defendants' rights. c. It frequently used judicial restraint. d. It made decisions that expanded civil rights and civil liberties.
d. It made decisions that expanded civil rights and civil liberties.
A situation in which one congressional district in a state has twice the population of another district in the state is called a. A gerrymander. b. A marginal district. c. A safe district. d. Malapportionment.
d. Malapportionment.
Which of the following U.S. Supreme Court cases established the principle of judicial review? a. McCulloch v. Maryland b. Gibbons v. Ogden c. Roe v. Wade d. Marbury v. Madison
d. Marbury v. Madison
Which of the following is a member of the White House staff? a. Ambassador to the United Nations b. Secretary of Commerce c. Attorney General d. National security adviser
d. National security adviser
In the process and structure of public policy-making, "iron triangles" refer to the a. Bargaining and negotiating process between the President and Congress about the direction of domestic policy b. Dominance of corporate power and setting the national policy agenda for economic expansion c. Interrelationship among federal, state, and local levels of government in the policy process d. Net worth of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that strongly influence the policy process
d. Net worth of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that strongly influence the policy process
Using the power of judicial review, the Supreme Court can do all of the following EXCEPT a. Declare a law passed by Congress unconstitutional b. Declare a law passed by state unconstitutional c. Declare acts of the executive branch unconstitutional d. Overturn a Constitutional amendment as a violation of civil rights
d. Overturn a Constitutional amendment as a violation of civil rights
Article II of the Constitution states the powers of the presidency, but in reality a president's real power exists in his ability to a. Multi-task b. Compromise c. Speak d. Persuade
d. Persuade
All of the following are paradoxes of the American presidency, according to Cronin an dGenovese, EXCEPT for: a. Americans demand powerful leadership, but are also suspicious of it. b. Americans expect the president to be warm, caring, and compassionate, but also ruthless, clever, and crafty. c. Presidents are admired for rising "above politics", but the office requires a master politician. d. Presidents are elected on personal appearance, but Americans also expect them to appear to be grandfatherly.
d. Presidents are elected on personal appearance, but Americans also expect them to appear to be grandfatherly.
The federal courts have jurisdiction over the following cases EXCEPT a. Civil suits between citizens of different states in which the amount exceeds $50,000 b. Criminal cases involving violations of laws passed by Congress c. State appeals cases in which the defendant alleges his or her constitutional rights were violated d. Prosecutions under state criminal law
d. Prosecutions under state criminal law
During his confirmation hearing, Chief Justice John Roberts stated that Roe v. Wade (1973) "is the settled law of the land." This statement suggests that in the case that challenges the constitutionality of legislation restricting privacy and reproductive rights, which of the following should be a key factor in the court's ruling? a. Briefs submitted by interest parties b. Contemporary societal norms c. The consensus of the other justices d. Reliance on legal precedent
d. Reliance on legal precedent
"Unpredictability is the great asset a leader can have" The above quote can be attributed to which president? a. John F. Kennedy b. Bill Clinton c. Teddy Roosevelt d. Richard Nixon
d. Richard Nixon
When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and decide disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of a. Equal protection of the laws b. Due process of law c. Federal supremacy d. Separation of powers
d. Separation of powers
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review permits the Court to overrule all of the following EXCEPT a. Lower-court decisions b. State legislation c. Acts of Congress d. The Bill of Rights
d. The Bill of Rights
In the following scenario, the Senate has fifty Republicans and fifty Democrats and the president is Republican. What would be the result if one Republican senator changed his affiliation to become an independent? a. No major changes would occur in the conduct of the Senate. b. The Senate would have a Democratic majority, and it would become impossible for the President to enact his program. c. The Republican whip would be used to make sure the independent senator voted with the Republican. d. The Republican committee chairs would be replaced with Democrats.
d. The Republican committee chairs would be replaced with Democrats.
When a lower court decision is appealed to the Supreme Court, which of the following is the most likely to occur? a. The Supreme Court will reconsider the case, and overturn the lower court decision. b. The Supreme Court will reprimand the lower court judge for improperly deciding the case. c. The plaintiffs or defendants will file motions for a change of venue. d. The Supreme Court will not hear the appeal.
d. The Supreme Court will not hear the appeal.
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding the power of the U.S. federal judiciary? a. Federal courts are not as powerful as state courts are. b. U.S. federal courts are more powerful than those in other parts of the world except for those of a few countries in Europe. c. U.S. federal courts are very restricted by the other branches, and have very few constitutional powers. d. The U.S. federal judiciary is more powerful than any other judiciary in the world today.
d. The U.S. federal judiciary is more powerful than any other judiciary in the world today.
The procedure of formally amending the U.S. Constitution BEST illustrates which of the following? a. The dominance of the national government over the state governments b. The dominance of the state governments over the national governments c. The Founding Father' desire to facilitate rapid constitutional regions d. The federal structure of the United States government
d. The federal structure of the United States government
All of the following make it difficult to get a case to the Supreme Court EXCEPT a. The Supreme Court does not take all cases b. Appeals cost money for lawyers and copies c. By the time a case gets to the Supreme Court, the case has already gone through an expensive trial in appeals process d. The government does not supply lawyers for the appeals court process
d. The government does not supply lawyers for the appeals court process
Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution confers on Congress all of the following powers EXCEPT a. The power to collect taxes. b. The power to establish courts. c. The power to coin money. d. The power to interpret laws.
d. The power to interpret laws.
Which of the following is an example of how separation of powers creates friction between the executive and legislative branches in the policy-making process? a. The electoral college vote ends with no candidate receiving a majority of the votes, and the House of Representatives is delegated the task of selecting the next president. b. The Senate votes to impeach a sitting president for high crimes and misdemeanors. c. The secretary of state is dispatched along with a delegation of senators to negotiate a treaty with a foreign government. d. The president threatens to issue an executive order for stricter gun control if Congress continues to refuse to take action.
d. The president threatens to issue an executive order for stricter gun control if Congress continues to refuse to take action.
Which of the following usually has the most influence on the President's selection of federal judges for district courts? a. The Vice President b. The attorney General c. Supreme Court justices d. The senior senator from the President's party in the state where the court is located
d. The senior senator from the President's party in the state where the court is located
In the 1780s, proponents of the new Constitution cited Shays' Rebellion as an example in support of which of the following criticism of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? a. The national government did not provide sufficient protection of individual rights. b. The lack of a centralized judiciary made enforcement of national laws difficult. c. States with larger populations were underrepresented in Congress. d. There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.
d. There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.
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 vote.
d. They are used by senators to end a filibuster and bring a bill to vote.
How do the vast majority of civil servants in the federal bureaucracy get their jobs? a. They are appointed by the President. b. They are automatically promoted from within the ranks of the bureaucracy. c. They are appointed directly by the head of the agency that their position reports to. d. They pass civil service exams, and apply for promotions through the Office of Personnel Management.
d. They pass civil service exams, and apply for promotions through the Office of Personnel Management.
Which of the following is true of most federal judges appointed by the president? a. They serve ten-year terms. b. They serve as long as the appointing president stays in power. c. They serve for life on good behavior unless removed by the president. d. They serve for life on good behavior unless impeached and convicted by Congress.
d. They serve for life on good behavior unless impeached and convicted by Congress.
What does it mean when the Supreme Court issues a "concurring opinion"? a. All justices agree with the written explanations issued by the chief Justice. b. Some justices disagree with the majority decision rendered by the Court. c. The Court cannot agree on a decision and will send the case back to its court of origin. d. While some justices agree with the Courts' decision, they base their agreement on different reasons than are stated in the majority opinion.
d. While some justices agree with the Courts' decision, they base their agreement on different reasons than are stated in the majority opinion.
Slaves were counted as 3/5 of a person for the purpose of a. electing state legislatures b. electing the president c. allotting seats in the Senate d. allotting seats in the House of Representatives
d. allotting seats in the House of Representatives
All of the following are powers given to Congress, EXCEPT for: a. conducting relationships with foreign nations b. declaring war c. coining money d. changing state boundaries if necessary
d. changing state boundaries if necessary
The importance of the Great Compromise adopted by the Constitutional Convention on July 16,1787 was that it a. granted equal power to the three branches of the new central government b. created a judicial branch that would equally limit both the legislative and executive branches c. established a single, one state-one vote formula under which all states would benefit d. ensured support for a strong national government from small as well as large states
d. ensured support for a strong national government from small as well as large states
Sentiment of the various state delegations to the Constitutional Convention toward slavery can BEST be described as a. largely divided according to class, with urban and commercial delegates mostly in favor of slavery b. unified and strongly opposed to slavery c. unified and strongly in favor of slavery d. highly mixed with many states strongly opposed and others strongly in favor of slavery
d. highly mixed with many states strongly opposed and others strongly in favor of slavery
The central issue in the framing of the US Constitution was that of a. how best to divide powers among the branches of government b. how to adopt liberty but still allow slaveholding c. how best to break with Great Britain d. how strong to make the central government
d. how strong to make the central government
The power of the people -- popular majority rule -- was limited by the U.S. Constitution in several ways, including a. establishing a directly elected House of Representatives b. concentrating political power in a single, supreme legislature c. granting law-making powers to the judicial branch of government d. making the amending of the Constitution relatively difficult
d. making the amending of the Constitution relatively difficult
