AP Gov Unit 1+5 Review- Previous Test Questions
Which best describes a likely reason for the information depicted in the graph? A An increase in concerns over media bias B An increase in the median age of the population C A decrease in the number of media outlets D A decrease in ideological news coverage
A An increase in concerns over media bias
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances? A An unpopular Supreme Court ruling can be overturned by a majority vote of both houses of Congress. B A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. C A filibuster in the Senate can be ended with a cloture motion that has the support of 60 senators. D A treaty negotiated by the president with a foreign government must be approved by a majority vote of the
A An unpopular Supreme Court ruling can be overturned by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.
Members of Congress receive many phone calls, meeting invitations, and e-mails from various competing interest groups asking for support on their preferred public policies. This situation best exemplifies which of the following models of democracy? A Pluralist B Politico C Elitist D Trustee
A Pluralist
Which of the following provides the most accurate explanation of how consumer-driven media increases partisan polarization? A Consumer-driven media tends to avoid discussing controversial political topics. B Consumer-driven media reinforces existing political biases in individuals. C Consumer-driven media relies heavily on corporate advertising. D Consumer-driven media is overwhelmingly conservative.
B Consumer-driven media reinforces existing political biases in individuals.
Which of the following statements about Americans' trust in the mass media is best supported by the data in the graph? A It generally increased over time. B It experienced its largest increase in 2013. C It generally decreased over time. D It experienced its largest decrease in 2016.
C It generally decreased over time.
Throughout most of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, most African Americans were prevented from voting in many Southern states despite the Fifteenth Amendment, which extended the right to vote to African American males. Southern states were able to take this action because A the Fifteenth Amendment did not apply to all states B Congress passed legislation that restricted the application of the Fifteenth Amendment to placate Southerners C the framers allowed the individual states to create voting processes and voter qualifications D the Supreme Court had declared the Fifteenth Amendment unconstitutional
C the framers allowed the individual states to create voting processes and voter qualifications
The process shown in the diagram is outlined in which of the following parts of the United States Constitution? A Article I B Article II C Article V D Article VI
C Article V
Which of the following is a result of the electoral college system? A The winner of the presidency often lacks a majority of the popular vote. B Candidates focus on one-party states in which they can win most of the electoral votes. C The House of Representatives frequently chooses the President from the top three candidates. D Candidates focus on the states with the largest populations. E Campaign spending increases because candidates emphasize television advertising.
D Candidates focus on the states with the largest populations.
Which of the following describes the potential impact on the electorate when daily media coverage of elections focuses primarily on the newest poll results? A The electorate will be increasingly divided along partisan lines. B The electorate will be less likely to turn out to vote on Election Day. C The electorate will be more likely to have expanded knowledge of the electoral process. D The electorate will be less able to accurately compare the policy platforms of candidates running in the election.
D The electorate will be less able to accurately compare the policy platforms of candidates running in the election.
Which of the following best explains why the winner of a presidential election usually claims to have a mandate from voters? A The president's party often wins a majority of seats in Congress by riding the president's coattails. B The allocation of electoral votes in the winner-take-all system exaggerates the margin of victory. C Presidents are allowed to implement their legislative agendas without interference during their first term. D The new president is allowed to replace a significant number of justices on the Supreme Court. E The incoming president automatically gains control of Congress.
riding the president's coattails. B The allocation of electoral votes in the winner-take-all system exaggerates the margin of victory.
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
A believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights
The largest amount of political coverage in newspapers during presidential campaigns is devoted to A day-to-day campaign activities B the platforms of the major parties C candidates' policy stands on domestic issues D candidates' stands on foreign policy issues E candidates' experience and qualifications
A day-to-day campaign activities
All of the following are reasons incumbents in the House of Representatives enjoy an electoral advantage over challengers EXCEPT that incumbents A get substantial financial support from their party's national committee B are better known to voters than are challengers C find it much easier to raise campaign funds than do challengers D can use staff members to do constituent service E often serve on committees that enable them to help the constituency
A get substantial financial support from their part's national committee
Which of the following has the most influence on the outcome of a congressional election? A Local performance of a candidate's party in the presidential race B A candidate's incumbency status C The amount of a candidate's campaign spending relative to that of his or her opponent D The level of support from local party leaders E The level of voter turnout
B A candidate's incumbency status
The decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) reflected new ideas about federalism at the time that can be best characterized by which of the following? A A consolidation of power in the national government based on national supremacy B A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty C A delegation of power from the state governments to the federal government, increasing the power of the United States government D An increase in cooperative federalism, where power and duties are shared between the federal and state governments
B A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty
The case United States v. Lopez (1995) struck down the Gun-Free School Zones Act because A it violated Fourth Amendment protections against unwarranted searches B Congress exceeded its authority in the use of the commerce clause C the Second Amendment is a right incorporated to the states D students retain their First Amendment rights while attending public schools
B Congress exceeded its authority in the use of the commerce clause
According to the chart, in which of the following years (approximately) did the number of federal military personnel fall below that of federal civilian personnel? A 1960 B 1970 C 1990 D 2000
C 1990
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.
A By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate.
Which constitutional principle best explains the differences in poverty rates presented in the map? A Checks and balances B Federalism C Equal protection D Enumerated powers
B Federalism
Which of the following policies would the states most likely prefer according to the political cartoon? A Federal mandates B Regulatory preemption C Block grants D Categorical grants
C Block grants
South Carolina passed a law to increase the state tax on gasoline to help fund repairs on highways and bridges. The state tax is in addition to the federal tax on every gallon of gasoline that is sold. Which of the following constitutional provisions does this scenario illustrate? A Delegated powers B Reserved powers C Concurrent powers D Exclusive powers
C Concurrent powers
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (McCain-Feingold) did which of the following? A It created interest groups known as 527s. B It made it illegal for unions to donate to presidential campaigns. C It banned soft money donations to national parties. D It banned candidates from running negative advertisements. E It banned third-parties from federal funding.
C It banned soft money donations to national parties.
The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC, has raised over $50 million dollars, which it plans to spend on advertising in the next midterm election. It plans to target its spending in competitive districts in the days leading up to Election Day. Which of the following court cases decision is most likely to protect the right of the group in the scenario? A New York Times Company v. United States (1971) B Shaw v. Reno (1993) C McDonald v. Chicago (2010) D Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
D Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
Arizona enacted an immigration law in 2010, claiming the legislation complemented existing federal law. The Obama administration disagreed, claiming the state law conflicted with national law. Which clause of the Constitution did the Supreme Court most likely use to strike down a section of the state law? A Commerce clause B Necessary and proper clause C Full faith and credit clause D Supremacy clause
D Supremacy clause
Which of the following is NOT a way in which the federal government regulates campaigns? A By requirements for disclosure of campaign donations B By establishment of federal agencies to regulate campaign finance activities C By limits on the distribution of soft money D By limits on individual donations to campaigns E By prohibitions on negative advertising
E By prohibitions on negative advertising
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
A Popular sovereignty
Which of the following was a direct outcome of the Three-Fifths Compromise? A The number of senators increased in slaveholding states. B Slavery quickly declined, especially in larger cities in the South. C Slaveholding states were able to count slaves to determine their number of senators. D The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
D The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
Given the information in the graph, in which of the following states would an individual's vote likely have more influence? A Wyoming B West Virginia C Alabama D California
A Wyoming
In response to the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold Act), the United States Supreme Court, in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), ruled that A limits cannot be placed upon candidates' contributions to their own campaigns B independent campaign expenditures by corporations and unions are protected by the First Amendment C limits on issue advertisements 90 days before an election are unconstitutional D limits on campaign contributions by minors are constitutional under the First Amendment E requiring endorsement statements in campaign advertisements is unconstitutional
B independent campaign expenditures by corporations and unions are protected by the First Amendment
Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of the political cartoon? A State governments have used the Tenth Amendment to override the federal government's mandates. B State governments are unwilling to share their budgetary surpluses with other states. C State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent. D The fiscal irresponsibility of state governments has led to increased federal regulation on their budgetary priorities.
C State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent.
Which of the following statements is supported by the data on the map? A Michigan (MI) has a higher rate of uninsured people than Mississippi (MS). B Alaska (AK) has a lower rate of uninsured people than Hawaii (HI). C Wyoming (WY) has a lower rate of uninsured people than Idaho (ID). D Texas (TX) has a higher rate of uninsured people than New Jersey (NJ).
D Texas (TX) has a higher rate of uninsured people than New Jersey (NJ).
Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ? A The federal government exceeded its authority in establishing a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional. B Maryland was within its authority to tax the federal government, but the Bank of the United States exceeded federal authority. C The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, but it had to pay Maryland's tax. D The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.
D The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.
Which of the following is most frequently reported in the media during a presidential election? A Results from public opinion polls that indicate which candidates are most likely to win B The official platforms of each of the major political parties C Financial strategies and management of the campaigns D Comparisons of candidates' positions on foreign and domestic policy issues E Information about the candidates' experience in government and record in office
A Results from public opinion polls that indicate which candidates are most likely to win
I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty. Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. . . . It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. George Washington's Farewell Address, 1796 In what respect does the Constitution address Washington's concern regarding the "spirit of encroachment" expressed in the excerpt? A The Constitution distributes power across national institutions. B The Constitution provides for equal representation of all citizens in Congress. C The Constitution requires a simple majority vote in Congress to overturn a veto. D The Constitution requires the Supreme Court to approve all legislation.
A The Constitution distributes power across national institutions.
In 2002, Congress passed the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in an effort to regulate campaign finance by limiting the ability of corporations and unions to spend their general treasury funds on election communications. In 2010, the Supreme Court invalidated this provision of the act. Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority decision of the case? A The First Amendment allows corporations and unions to make independent expenditures regarding candidates for office. B The Fourth Amendment protects political action committees from excessive searches by protecting their identities during election campaigns. C The First Amendment allows candidates to spend as much as they want on their own campaigns. D The Fourth Amendment grants professional consultants and other campaign staff immunity from disclosing donor information.
A The First Amendment allows corporations and unions to make independent expenditures regarding candidates for office.
Which of the following is commonly identified as a failure of the Articles of Confederation? A The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue. B The executive branch was granted too much power over the legislature. C The federal government had too much control over interstate commerce. D The judicial branch was elected and did not consistently adhere to rule of law.
A The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue.
Which of the following scenarios is most closely related to the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) ? A A member of Congress establishes a political action committee to gain influence within the chamber. B A labor union spends millions of dollars to independently run negative advertisements about a presidential candidate shortly before the election. C A state senator receives a large cash donation from a corporate executive in exchange for specific political favors. D A lobbyist writes the language of a bill that is later introduced into both chambers of Congress.
B A labor union spends millions of dollars to independently run negative advertisements about a presidential candidate shortly before the election.
A 2017 study in The American Economic Review found that watching Fox News during an election cycle increased a Democrat's chances of voting Republican by 28 percent. Conversely, by watching MSNBC Republicans were more inclined to vote Democrat by 8 percent. This scenario best illustrates which of the following about the media? A Increased media choices tend to reinforce existing beliefs when citizens are offered ideological choices in programming. B Cable news programming is oftentimes ideologically driven and effective in persuading citizens to adopt their point of view. C The consumption of news tends to increase voter participation for Republicans but is less effective in increasing participation for Democrats. D Modern political parties have launched air campaigns to persuade voters by purchasing advertisements on 24-hour news networks.
B Cable news programming is oftentimes ideologically driven and effective in persuading citizens to adopt their point of view.
Which of the following is a true statement about the role of the media in providing citizens with information? A Investigative reporting dominates the news because it is less expensive than political commentary. B Demand for instantaneous news reporting has led to the growth of 24-hour news operations and a shift to online media consumption. C The media is increasingly controlled by the major political parties, who determine which stories are covered by the press. D There has been an increase in social media and Internet news consumption by the public, causing the top five media conglomerates to have greater control over public opinion.
B Demand for instantaneous news reporting has led to the growth of 24-hour news operations and a shift to online media consumption.
Which of the following ideals of democracy is reflected in the procedure for apportionment in the House of Representatives? A The federal government represents states equally. B Government is based on the consent of the governed. C Leaders in Congress are among the most well-informed in society. D Political power is distributed between the national government and state governments.
B Government is based on the consent of the governed.
Which of the following factors contributes most to the data in the line graph? A Challengers have easier access to television, magazines, and newspapers. B Incumbents have an advantage over challengers because of name recognition. C Incumbents are often at a disadvantage because they are too busy working on legislation to campaign. D Challengers are often given larger donations from interest groups and can outspend incumbents.
B Incumbents have an advantage over challengers because of name recognition.
All of the following contribute to the success of incumbent members of Congress in election campaigns EXCEPT: A Incumbents usually raise more campaign funds than do their challengers. B Incumbents tend to understand national issues better than do their challengers. C Incumbents are usually better known to voters than are their challengers. D Incumbents can use staff to perform services for constituents. E Incumbents often sit on committees that permit them to serve district interests.
B Incumbents tend to understand national issues better than do their challengers.
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.
B Natural rights of life and liberty include the right to marry whom you choose.
While the central goal of political parties is to win elections, parties can also support democracy. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates this relationship? A A political party changes its stance on environmental policy after its candidates receive large contributions from an energy company. B Political parties use the social media site Instagram to reach out to younger voters to inform them about upcoming elections and encourage them to register to vote. C The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure uses research given to it from the American Society of Civil Engineers when amending an infrastructure bill. D A former member of Congress takes a job as a political consultant to advise current members on their campaigns and raise money for elections.
B Political parties use the social media site Instagram to reach out to younger voters to inform them about upcoming elections and encourage them to register to vote.
An advertisement airs on television attacking a candidate running for office. The advertisement was produced and distributed by a group that was not affiliated with nor funded by any political campaign. Which of the following statements explains why this expenditure is not prohibited by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 ? A The press can freely criticize elected officials in their publications. B Political spending by groups not directly affiliated with a campaign is a form of protected speech. C The press can protect the confidentiality of their sources with regard to campaign funding violations. D Restrictions on individual contributions to political campaigns violate the First Amendment.
B Political spending by groups not directly affiliated with a campaign is a form of protected speech.
There is an ongoing debate over the role of money in elections. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 banned soft money and restricted advertisements in the weeks before an election. Parts of this act were challenged and struck down in the Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010). Which of the following was a consequence of that ruling? A The Federal Election Commission cannot place any restrictions on political advertisements because they are protected by the freedom of speech. B Super PACs may spend unlimited funds on advertisements that are not coordinated with the campaign because they are protected by the freedom of speech. C Advertisements produced in coordination between campaigns and super PACs cannot be restricted because they are protected by the freedom of speech. D The Federal Election Commission can place restrictions on all advertisements because they are not protected by the freedom of speech.
B Super PACs may spend unlimited funds on advertisements that are not coordinated with the campaign because they are protected by the freedom of speech.
Which of the following best describes the influence of social contract theory on the Constitution of the United States? A The framers favored a direct democracy in which citizens voted on all major political decisions. B The framers attempted to legitimize the Constitution through an appeal to popular sovereignty. C The framers intended for the Constitution to limit individual rights and liberties. D The framers believed that a strong central government was necessary to control the chaotic relationships between the individual states.
B The framers attempted to legitimize the Constitution through an appeal to popular sovereignty.
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.
B The framers made the amendment process difficult in order to protect individual rights.
Which of the following best characterizes the influence of the news media on public opinion in the United States? A They alter the public's views on issues. B They affect which issues the public thinks are important. C They determine how citizens will vote. D They are most able to influence people with the highest level of education. E They are most able to influence the urban sectors of society.
B They affect which issues the public thinks are important.
Refer to the passage for the following question. I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty. Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.... It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. George Washington's Farewell Address, 1796 Which of the following newspaper headlines best summarizes the excerpt from Washington's Farewell Address? A Washington Boasts of the Potential of the New Republic B Washington Warns of Dangerous Party Factions C Washington Endorses a Stronger Executive Branch D Washington Takes Negative View of Checks and Balances
B Washington Warns of Dangerous Party Factions
The term "horse-race journalism" refers to the tendency of the media to A cover Congress by focusing on committee chairs rather than on the work of the committees B cover campaigns by emphasizing the relative standings of the candidates in the polls rather than the issues they discuss C cover politics by concentrating on scandal and corruption rather than on instances of integrity and honorable action D compete for access to sources rather than to cooperate in gathering news E compete to be first with major breaking stories rather than trying to present full, accurate accounts of such stories
B cover campaigns by emphasizing the relative standings of the candidates in the polls rather than the issues they discuss
Tom believes that the government should be limited in its regulation of the economy, but he wants to find out more about economic policy. As he researches the topic, he increasingly relies on a well-respected conservative blog as his main source of information. Tom's actions demonstrate the tendency of individuals to seek out information from sources that A integrate social and economic concerns B reinforce existing political beliefs C use empirical data to support conclusions D focus on individual opinions rather than group consensus
B reinforce existing political beliefs
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
C Limited government
The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to [operate their business] would not only load himself with a most unnecessary attention, but assume authority which could safely be trusted, not to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who [was so arrogant to think] himself fit to exercise it. To . . . direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals . . . in almost all cases [is] a useless or hurtful regulation. If the produce of domestic [industry] can be brought there as cheap as that of foreign industry, the regulation is evidently useless. If it cannot, it must generally be hurtful. Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations, 1776 Which of the following ideals of United States government is most relevant to this passage? A Natural rights B Popular sovereignty C Limited government D Social contract
C Limited government
"[A] pure democracy... can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction. . . . [S]uch democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. . . . The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended. . . . [I]t may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose. On the other hand, the effect may be inverted. Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people." James Madison, The Federalist 10 Which of the following statements best reflects James Madison's beliefs about political representation as expressed in the passage? A People would be best served by having a strong leader to make the decisions. B People will not truly have a voice in government until they can vote on laws directly. C People are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues. D People should elect political representatives who are wealthy enough to avoid corruption.
C People are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues.
Which of the following arguments best supports a claim that the electoral college violates democratic principles? A The winner-take-all system encourages candidates to campaign in every state, which limits the attention each state will receive from the candidates. B Electors are chosen by the voters in each state, which gives parties undue influence over candidates' success. C Smaller states are disproportionately advantaged by the two additional electoral votes granted to each state for its senators. D The electoral college lacks transparency because electors frequently switch their vote during the national convention.
C Smaller states are disproportionately advantaged by the two additional electoral votes granted to each state for its senators.
A state has 11 electoral votes. In a presidential election, the Democratic candidate receives 48 percent of that state's popular vote, the Republican candidate receives 40 percent of the vote, and an independent candidate receives 12 percent of the vote. If the state is similar to most other states, how will the electoral votes most likely be allocated? A The Democratic candidate will receive 5 electoral votes, the Republican will receive 4, and the independent will receive 2. B The Democratic candidate will receive 6 electoral votes and the Republican will receive 5. C The Democratic candidate will receive all 11 electoral votes. D The votes will not be allocated until there has been a runoff election between the Democratic and Republican candidates. E The House of Representatives will determine the allocation of the electoral votes.
C The Democratic candidate will receive all 11 electoral votes.
Which of the following is a correct statement about political action committees (PAC's)?*This item is subject to changes in the campaign finance laws A The number of PAC's has remained stable over the past decade. B Most PAC money is distributed to challengers in an effort to unseat hostile incumbents. C The amount of money that PAC's can contribute directly to an individual candidate is limited by law. D PAC's are illegal in most states. E PAC's rarely attempt to influence legislation through lobbying activities.
C The amount of money that PAC's can contribute directly to an individual candidate is limited by law.
The media's effect on public opinion can best be described as A influencing older citizens' opinions of incumbents B affecting the public's views on domestic policy only C influencing which issues the public sees as important D changing well-educated people's views on foreign policy E influencing the public's views on controversial issues only
C influencing which issues the public sees as important
"[A] pure democracy... can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction. . . . [S]uch democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. . . . The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended. . . . [I]t may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose. On the other hand, the effect may be inverted. Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people." James Madison, The Federalist 10 Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution most concerns Madison according to the passage? A Article I, Section 10—"No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws. . . ." B Article II, Section 1—"No Person except a natural born Citizen . . . shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States." C Article III, Section 1—"The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office." D Article I, Section 2—"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature."
D Article I, Section 2—"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature."
Too often, we take our form of government for granted, not fully appreciating its unique and exceptional qualities. The framers of our Constitution, having revolted against tyranny, bequeathed to the nation, and to us as its citizens, a form of government with checks and balances intended to assure that we would never, as a nation, be subject to the abuses we experienced as a colony under a monarchy. . . . We should appreciate that the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution was modeled on the constitutions and declarations of the states, where the separation of powers was equally observed. Mirroring our U.S. Constitution, 40 state constitutions now specify that government is to be divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The separation of powers at the state level, with an independent executive, legislature, and judiciary, is also one of the fundamental tenets of our democracy. What often gets lost in translation is how dynamic the competition among the branches of government has been, and how much stronger we are as a country because of that ongoing debate. It has been said that the Constitution is not just a historic document, but a living participant in who we are as a nation. Out of the continuing effort to assure the separation of powers, we have built a system of government that functions remarkably well. Although the powers ascribed to each of the three branches may sometimes appear to swing like a pendulum, we have continuously reconsidered and recentered our understanding of the authority and limitation of each of these branches. Linda Leali, "Reflecting on the Great Gift of the Separation of Powers," Daily Business Review, 2018 Which of the following best explains how the view of the author of the passage compares with The Federalist 51 regarding separation of powers and checks and balances? A The author of the passage views the structure of government as providing a balance between the branches of government, whereas The Federalist 51 supports the idea of a powerful executive branch. B The author of the passage views separation of powers as a limitation on the authority of government, whereas The Federalist 51 argues in favor of using separation of powers as a means to expand the role of government. C Both the author of the passage and The Federalist 51 argue that elections are a sufficient means to ensure good government. D Both the author of the passage and The Federalist 51 assert that the structure of government helps control ambitions among the branches in such a way as to promote effective government.
D Both the author of the passage and The Federalist 51 assert that the structure of government helps control ambitions among the branches in such a way as to promote effective government.
In 2005, the Utah legislature passed a law that allowed school districts to ignore parts of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), a law passed by Congress in 2001 that supported standards-based education reform. Utah did this despite the fact that it endangered losing $76 million in federal aid to Utah public schools. Which of the following statements best explains why Utah took this action? A Utah argued that because the majority of its citizens are Mormon, the No Child Left Behind Act infringed upon their free exercise rights. B The Supreme Court ruled several parts of the No Child Left Behind Act unconstitutional, so Utah had to create policy to address those areas. C Since education is a policy clearly delegated to the states, the No Child Left Behind Act was a clear violation of the Constitution. D Educational policy is not mentioned in the Constitution, which has created debate about the proper role for the national government in educational policy.
D Educational policy is not mentioned in the Constitution, which has created debate about the proper role for the national government in educational policy.
A chief executive officer (CEO) of a corporation believes that the Republican candidate for president will enact policies that are more beneficial to her business. The CEO donated the maximum amount allowed by law directly to the candidate's campaign fund. To increase the candidate's chances for election, the CEO also directed her corporation to donate funds to an independent political action committee to create ads criticizing the opposing candidate. According to the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which provision of the Constitution protects her actions? A Reserved powers in the Tenth Amendment B Due process clause in the Fifth Amendment C Freedom of association in the First Amendment D Freedom of speech in the First Amendment
D Freedom of speech in the First Amendment
1.E 0/1 MC point An important Senate race takes place in the state of Georgia. Rather than focus on the issue positions taken by the candidates, a 24-hour cable news station instead focuses primarily on poll results and campaign strategies using a "big board" to show the counties where each candidate has the most support. Which of the following is an effect of this type of new coverage? A The electorate will be increasingly divided along partisan lines. B The electorate will be more likely to turn out to vote on Election Day. C The electorate will be more likely to have expanded knowledge of the electoral process. D The electorate will be less able to accurately compare the policy platforms of candidates running in the election.
D The electorate will be less able to accurately compare the policy platforms of candidates running in the election.
Which of the following is true based on information on the map? A The number of people living in poverty is lower in Maine (ME) than in New Jersey (NJ). B Northern states tend to have higher poverty rates than Southern states. C The poverty rate in the United States has increased since the last census was taken. D The poverty rate in the United States varies by state and region.
D The poverty rate in the United States varies by state and region.
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 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 The supremacy clause, which gives the federal government supremacy over states
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.
D There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.
Which of the following most accurately describes media coverage of elections? A Coverage of presidential primaries gives relatively equal power to states regardless of when they hold their primaries. B Coverage tends to focus on issues rather than on which candidate is ahead in public opinion polls. C Reporters who use secret sources in their campaign coverage are shielded by federal law from having to reveal those sources. D Radio and television stations must provide on their news broadcasts equal time for and equal coverage of major party candidates. E Network news coverage is usually dominated by reporters who offer relatively short sound bites from the candidates.
E Network news coverage is usually dominated by reporters who offer relatively short sound bites from the candidates.
How is a president chosen when none of the candidates receives a majority of the electoral college vote? A There is a national runoff election between the two candidates with the greatest number of electoral votes. B The United States Supreme Court directly elects the president. C The election is ruled null and void and Congress appoints a new president. D The Senate chooses a new president by a majority vote of its entire membership. E The House chooses a new president by a majority vote of its state delegations.
E The House chooses a new president by a majority vote of its state delegations.
Which of the following describes a consequence of the growing concentration of ownership of the news media? A Newspaper prices have gone down. B Coverage of political events has gotten more liberal over time. C Prices for televised campaign ads have gone down. D Candidates get more free airtime. E There is increased similarity of network news coverage.
E There is increased similarity of network news coverage.
The agenda-setting function of the media refers to the power to A endorse specific candidates for political office B favor the position of one interest group over another C counter the censorship activities of media watch groups D mobilize economic interests in favor of a particular candidate E decide which issues are important enough to bring to public attention
E decide which issues are important enough to bring to public attention
