AP Gov Practice Questions 1-10

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

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

A Money given to states for special education programs

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 to states unconditionally D Money given to states to spend at their discretion on transportation E Money given directly to private business for economic development

B The Senate must ratify treaties negotiated by the President before they become law.

Which of the following is true under the system of checks and balances? A The Supreme Court can overrule the President's policy proposals. B The Senate must ratify treaties negotiated by the President before they become law. C A bill becomes law when the House and the Senate pass it, and the Supreme Court declares it constitutional. D The Supreme Court can remove members of Congress, and Congress can impeach the President. E The House of Representatives appoints justices to the Supreme Court and the Senate approves the appointments.

C Education

Which of the following policies involves more state spending than federal spending? A Military policy B Social security C Education D Medicare E Veterans affairs

B The House votes for impeachment, and the Senate conducts a trial and reaches a guilty verdict.

Which of the following procedures results in the removal of the President from office? A The House and Senate vote for impeachment, and the Supreme Court reaches a guilty verdict. B The House votes for impeachment, and the Senate conducts a trial and reaches a guilty verdict. C The House and Senate both vote for a bill of impeachment. D Only the House votes for a bill of impeachment. E A criminal court finds the President guilty of "high crimes and misdemeanors."

C Public policies emerge from compromises reached among competing groups

Which of the following statements reflects a pluralist theory of American politics? A American politics is dominated by a small elite. B Public policies emerge from cooperation among elites in business labor, and government. C Public policies emerge from compromises reached among competing groups D American politics is dominated by cities at the expense of rural areas E The American political arena is made up of isolated individuals who have few group affiliations outside the family.

d) The creation of a strong national government

Which of the following was the most important effect of replacing the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution of 1787? A The protection of free speech B The guarantee of states' rights C The establishment of direct democracy D The creation of a strong national government E The establishment of judicial review

E shifting the responsibilities and costs for many programs to state governments

The most significant trend in federal-state relations during the 1980s was A giving the federal government control over social welfare programs B bringing about greater equality in the provision of social services in different states C limiting state governments' ability to assess income taxes D expanding the authority of county and municipal governments at the expense of state governments E shifting the responsibilities and costs for many programs to state governments

E The federal structure of the United States government

The procedure for formally amending the United States 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 government C The Founding Fathers' desire to facilitate rapid constitutional revisions D The Supreme Court's power to review constitutional amendments E The federal structure of the United States government

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

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

E federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding

The terms "fiscal federalism" and "cooperative federalism" refer to situations in which A the federal government completely dominates state and local governments B states are forbidden any activity that has not been specifically approved by the Supreme Court C the federal judiciary uses its power of judicial review to ensure congressional dominance over state legislatures D state, municipal, and local income taxes are pooled by special agreement and redistributed in accordance with individual need E federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding

C pluralism

The theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in government, resulting in healthy democratic compromise and balance, is called A elite power politics B socialism C pluralism D rational choice E institutionalism

b) I and III

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

e) Emphasizes both national sovereignty and federalism.

Unlike the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution does which of the following? A Restricts the ability of Congress to tax. B Restricts the ability of Congress to establish an army or navy. C Establishes a unitary form of government. D Emphasizes state sovereignty over national sovereignty. E Emphasizes both national sovereignty and federalism.

D separation of powers

When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate 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 E federalism

b) Elite theories argue that a single minority dominates politics in all policy areas; pluralist theories argue that many minorities compete for power in different policy areas.

Which of the following accurately characterizes the main difference between elite theories and pluralist theories of politics in the United States? A Elite theories concentrate on the role of interest groups; pluralist theories emphasize the role of individuals. B Elite theories argue that a single minority dominates politics in all policy areas; pluralist theories argue that many minorities compete for power in different policy areas. C Elite theories argue that social status is the major source of political power; pluralist theories argue that wealth is the major source. D Elite theories emphasize the multiple access points that interest groups have to public officials; pluralist theories stress the limits in the number and effectiveness of such access points. E Elite theories view government as efficient; pluralist theories view it as slow and wasteful.

B Requiring states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services

Which of the following actions by the federal government best illustrates the concept of unfunded mandates? A Requiring that polling booths remain open beyond the hours of the workday B Requiring states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services C Requiring state governments to guarantee short-term bonds issued by large municipalities in their states D Requiring all municipalities to impose a minimum property tax on all residential and business properties E Requiring states and municipalities to privatize many previously publicly funded services

C The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails.

Which of the following best defines the constitutional interpretation of federalism? A The federal government and the states each have separate and mutually exclusive roles and responsibilities; neither controls the other. B The states have some powers reserved to them which they may exercise if the Supreme Court permits. C The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails. D The states may only exercise those powers delegated to them by Congress. E The federal government may exercise only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

C welfare reform

A prominent example of the process of returning more of the responsibilities of governing from the national level to the state level is A immigration reform B trade reform C welfare reform D campaign finance reform E national security reform

C A large republic

According to James Madison, which of the following best controls the effects of faction? A Direct democracy B The popular election of state judges C A large republic D Property requirements for eligibility to work E The creation of a merit-based civil service

D ratification by three-fourths of the states

After a constitutional amendment has been proposed by both houses of Congress, its adoption requires A official filing with the secretary of state B support by a majority vote of the people C signature by the president D ratification by three-fourths of the states E publication in the Federal Register

C Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.

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 presidential appointment. E The Senate may refuse to approve a treaty negotiated by the president

A dissatisfaction over safeguards of individual rights and liberties

All of the following were concerns about the Articles of Confederation that led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 EXCEPT A dissatisfaction over safeguards of individual rights and liberties B fear for the stability of the central government C desire to promote trade among the states D the need to give the central government the power to levy taxes E dissatisfaction with the central government's ability to provide for national defense

C increase the economic powers of the central government

As originally ratified, the United States Constitution included provisions designed to A limit the importation of foreign manufactured goods B increase the economic importance of the agrarian sector relative to that of the manufacturing sector C increase the economic powers of the central government D expand the states' powers to regulate their own commerce with foreign countries E guarantee the states a greater role in economic policy-making

A believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights

Brutus was an example of an Anti-Federalist because he A believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights B argued that a national military force was needed to deal with insurrections C argued that the laws passed by the national government were supreme over state laws D believed that compromise between the branches of government would ensure a limited government

D They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.

Concurrent powers have which of the following effects on the United States political system? A They reinforce the expansion of the power of the national government and the supremacy of the national law. B They eliminate disputes between the states and the national government by creating completely separate spheres of influence. C They foster cooperation between the states and the national government by requiring that the two levels of government work together. D They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.

B minimize the threat of tyranny from any one branch of government

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 that the states do not become too powerful D ensure efficient government E ensure that the federal government is militarily strong

D regulate intrastate commerce

Enumerated powers of the federal government include all of the following EXCEPT the power to A coin money B declare war C regulate interstate commerce D regulate intrastate commerce E tax

D devolution

Giving state governments greater discretion in deciding how to achieve the specific goals of welfare reform is an example of A an unfunded mandate B implied powers C dual federalism D devolution E affirmative action

c) limited government

In 1974, the House of Representatives approved a resolution granting the Judiciary Committee authority to investigate impeachment of President Nixon for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. Which constitutional ideal of democracy is demonstrated in this scenario? a) Popular sovereignty b) Judicial review c) Limited government d) Federalism

b) Natural rights of life and liberty include the right to marry whom you choose.

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court decided the case Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which ruled that states must recognize same sex couples' right to marry. Which of the following ideals of democracy would the attorneys for the same sex couple most likely put forth as their argument? a) Limited government would more likely defer to state laws on same sex marriage rather than a blanket directive from the Supreme Court. b) Natural rights of life and liberty include the right to marry whom you choose. c) Popular sovereignty requires that elected representatives in the state should decide right-to-marry issues. d) Social contract theory guarantees that the right to marry is enshrined in a constitutional framework.

A By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate.

In The Federalist 10, James Madison argued that the new constitution would help control faction by doing which of the following? A By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate. B The new constitution had significant limits on the freedom of expression, thereby limiting the ability of factions to organize. C The new constitution gave political parties specific powers in the government which limited their influence. D The use of the electoral college and the indirect election of senators would limit the influence that factions could wield.

B natural but controllable by institutions

In The Federalist No. 10, James Madison argued that factions in a republic are A a more serious threat if the republic is large B natural but controllable by institutions C not likely to occur if people are honest D prevented by majority rule E prevented by free elections

E the fragmentation of political power in a large republic

In The Federalist papers, James Madison argues that political liberty is best protected by A a written constitution B a small republic with a parliamentary system C a small democracy with a unitary government D well-regulated militias controlled by state governments E the fragmentation of political power in a large republic

D are undesirable but inevitable in a free nation

In The Federalist papers, James Madison expressed the view that political factions A should be nurtured by a free nation B should play a minor role in any free nation C are central to the creation of a free nation D are undesirable but inevitable in a free nation E are necessary to control the masses in a free nation

D divided between the central government and regional governments

In a federal system of government, political power is primarily A vested in local governments B vested in the regional governments C vested in the central government D divided between the central government and regional governments E divided between regional governments and local governments

E funds to administer programs clearly specified by the federal government

In contrast to revenue sharing, categorical grants-in-aid provide state and local governments with A substantial discretion in deciding how to use the grants to solve their problems B aid that reflects tax base and population C the power to impose regressive taxes D funds sufficient to support a high level of local service E funds to administer programs clearly specified by the federal government

D There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.

In the 1780s, proponents of the new Constitution cited Shays' Rebellion as an example in support of which of the following criticisms 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.

A Election of members of the House of Representatives

In the Constitution as originally ratified in 1788, the provisions regarding which of the following most closely approximate popular, majoritarian democracy? A Election of members of the House of Representatives B Election of members of the Senate C Election of the President D Ratification of treaties E Confirmation of presidential appointments

C the division of powers between the levels of government

In the United States political system, the term Federalism refers to A limits on the powers of the state governments B limits on the powers of the national government C the division of powers between the levels of government D the fundamental basis of law E legal authority of the courts to hear cases

B The framers made the amendment process difficult in order to protect individual rights.

In the early part of the twenty-first century, public opinion polls showed that a majority of Americans believed it should be illegal to burn the American flag. As a result, many members of Congress introduced amendments to make it illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Which of the following statements best explains why these efforts have been unsuccessful? A Congress and the states have agreed to add this amendment; however, recent presidents have refused to sign it. B The framers made the amendment process difficult in order to protect individual rights. C The Supreme Court has stated such an amendment is unconstitutional, thus blocking its ratification. D The framers specifically wrote the amendment process to prevent using it to limit freedom of expression.

E Weaken the power of state governors and legislators

Many scholars argue that categorical grants-in-aid do which of the following? A Give states far too much power over national monies B Broaden state power beyond that outlined in the Constitution C Strengthen the impact of the Tenth Amendment D Give new life to the idea of dual federalism E Weaken the power of state governors and legislators

E provided for a strong national government with many powers, while the Articles created a weak central government with few independent powers

Of the following, the most significant difference between the Constitution of 1787 and the Articles of Confederation was that the Constitution A made states sovereign over the national government, while the Articles were based on national sovereignty B was difficult to amend, while the Articles included an easier process requiring approval by a simple majority of states C provided for a presidential system of government, while the Articles provided for a parliamentary system of government D created a dominant national executive, while the Articles established a dominant national legislature E provided for a strong national government with many powers, while the Articles created a weak central government with few independent powers

C the House can impeach federal judges and the president, and the Senate holds the impeachment trial

One example of constitutional checks and balances is A the president declares war, but Congress appropriates military funds B the president nominates cabinet members, and the House holds confirmation hearings C the House can impeach federal judges and the president, and the Senate holds the impeachment trial D Congress can override United States Supreme Court decisions on the constitutionality of laws E presidential vetoes of laws can be overridden by a simple majority vote in both the House and the Senate

E Federalism

Which of the following constitutional principles most directly addresses the relationship between the national and state governments? A Checks and balances B The Bill of Rights C Separation of powers D Representation E Federalism

C block grants

States and localities have the most discretion in establishing policy when federal funding is derived from A categorical grants B matching grants C block grants D project grants E grants-in-aid

E required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling

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 did not go far enough to establish equal access to public facilities D applied only to federal facilities and did nothing to accommodate people in municipal buildings E required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling

E a federal mandate

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

e) state sovereignty

The Articles of Confederation implemented the principle of A a strong national government B a unified system of taxes C universal suffrage D an independent judiciary E state sovereignty

D It proposed a Senate with equal representation for each state and a House of Representatives with membership established according to the population of each state.

The Connecticut (Great) Compromise drafted at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 is significant for which of the following reasons? A It established the presidential system and gave the United States Supreme Court power to serve as the ultimate arbiter of constitutional disputes. B It allowed southern states to count each slave as three-fifths of one person for determining representation in the House of Representatives. C It provided equality of representation among the states in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. D It proposed a Senate with equal representation for each state and a House of Representatives with membership established according to the population of each state. E It denied Congress the power to establish tariffs on exported merchandise.

E a bicameral legislature with one house's composition based upon state population and another's on equal state representation

The Connecticut (Great) Compromise provided for A all revenue bills to originate in the Senate B all judicial appointments to be nominated by the president C the elimination of the importation of slaves D an electoral college and rules for the removal of the president E a bicameral legislature with one house's composition based upon state population and another's on equal state representation

a) Popular sovereignty

The Declaration of Independence states "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This was a revolutionary change from the system of British monarchy, which was based on the divine right of kings. For which of the ideals of democracy does this quote provide a foundation? a) Popular sovereignty b) Federalism c) Separation of power d) Limited government

B supremacy clause

The clause in the United States Constitution that states that federal law will prevail in the event of a conflict between federal and state law is known as the A necessary and proper clause B supremacy clause C presentment clause D confrontation clause E equal protection clause

C The scope of power of the central government

The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about which of the following issues? A The right of the people to rebel B The existence of slavery C The scope of power of the central government D The need to establish a standard currency E The representation of large and small states

b) protecting individual property rights

The framers of the Constitution all believed that one of the primary functions of government is a) educating citizens b) protecting individual property rights c) protecting new immigrants from persecution d) expanding the borders of the nation e) ensuring that anyone accused of a crime has the right to legal representation

A a representative republic

The framers of the Constitution intended to establish A a representative republic B a direct democracy C an authoritarian state D a socialist democracy E a parliamentary republic

B individual states

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

c) indicated that a strong, constitutionally designed national government was needed to protect property and maintain order

The importance of Shays' Rebellion to the development of the United States Constitution was that it A revealed the necessity of both adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution and creating a new system of checks and balances B demonstrated the intensity of antiratification sentiment within the thirteen states C indicated that a strong, constitutionally designed national government was needed to protect property and maintain order D convinced the delegates attending the Constitutional Convention to accept the Connecticut Plan E reinforced the idea that slavery should be outlawed in the new Constitution

D ensure that all groups be equally represented

The legislative process at the national level reflects the intent of the framers of the Constitution to create a legislature that would A be less powerful than the executive B be cautious and deliberate C involve as many citizens as possible D ensure that all groups be equally represented E allow majorities virtually unlimited control over policy

c) It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people.

Which of the following describes the social contract theory as advanced by John Locke? a) It is an agreement between political actors to maintain their grip on power. b) It is an agreement in which the government promises to provide a minimum standard of living to citizens. c) It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people. d) It is an agreement between economic elites to maintain a stable economy. e) It is an agreement in which the government outlines socially acceptable norms of political behavior.

D The supremacy clause, which gives the federal government supremacy over states

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

D Block grants

Which of the following forms of financial aid from the national government gives the states the broadest discretion in the spending of money? A Categorical grants-in-aid B Foreign aid C Unfunded mandates D Block grants E Military funding

E Division of government authority across political institutions

Which of the following is a fundamental element of the United States Constitution? A Recognition of the centrality of political parties in government B Direct election of members of the executive branch C An executive branch that is more powerful than the legislature D Emphasis on a unitary system of government E Division of government authority across political institutions

C The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress.

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in action in the United States government? A The House and Senate cannot agree on the same version of a bill to send to the president. B The president issues an executive order that freezes federal government hiring. C The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress. D The voters reject the status quo and elect all new members of Congress. E The voters at the state level elect a governor from a party other than the president's.

D The requirement that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court be approved by the Senate

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances, as established by the Constitution? A A requirement that states lower their legal drinking age to eighteen as a condition of receiving funds through federal highway grant programs B Media criticism of public officials during an election campaign period C The Supreme Court's ability to overturn a lower court decision D The requirement that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court be approved by the Senate E The election of the President by the electoral college rather than by direct election

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 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.

C The Senate rejects a president's nomination for secretary of state.

Which of the following is an example of the constitutional design of checks and balances? A The federal government requires state governments to provide unemployment insurance. B The Supreme Court overturns a lower court's ruling on the application of the Fourth Amendment. C The Senate rejects a president's nomination for secretary of state. D The Federal Communications Commission revokes the license of a radio station for hate speech. E The Office of Management and Budget rejects a proposed regulation of air quality standards.