American Government Ch11,14, 12, 13
What is the minimum number of Supreme Court justices that have served at any one time? six nine four three
six
According to a 2007 poll, Americans MOST favored cutting which of the following programs? welfare farm subsidies Medicaid space
space
The use of paperwork in a bureaucracy lends itself to which of the following? specialization education secrecy standardization
standardization
How many entities make up the Executive Office of the President? 15 12 13 10
13
What was Bill Clinton's approval rating upon leaving office? 51 percent 22 percent 66 percent 38 percent
66 percent
According to presidential historians, which president ranked first in terms of leadership characteristics? Ronald Reagan Franklin D. Roosevelt Abraham Lincoln Dwight D. Eisenhower
Abraham Lincoln
What does the term "adverse selection" mean, and how is it related to premium costs under the ACA? (See issue 2 on pages 18-20.) Adverse selection refers to the possibility that healthy people will sign up for the ACA at greater rates than sick ones, thus lowering premium costs for everyone. Adverse selection refers to the possibility that sick people will sign up for the ACA at greater rates than healthy ones, thus increasing premium costs for everyone. Adverse selection refers to the dissatisfaction expressed by Republican governors who refuse to expand Medicaid or set up insurance exchanges in their states. Adverse selection refers to the likelihood that insurance companies will reject applicants with preexisting conditions and only offer coverage to those who are young and healthy.
Adverse selection refers to the possibility that sick people will sign up for the ACA at greater rates than healthy ones, thus increasing premium costs for everyone.
The USDA is considered a clientele agency, meaning that its programs are intended to benefit a certain group while that group also works to support the agency. Which of the following BEST describes the clientele that the Department of Agriculture primarily serves? food retailers and restaurants American agricultural producers and rural farm communities low-income women and children rural businesses that employ 50 or fewer people
American agricultural producers and rural farm communities
What distinguishes an iron triangle from an issue network? The clientele are not represented in an iron triangle. An iron triangle tends to be more powerful than an issue network. An iron triangle is less effective than an issue network. Members of Congress have less say in an iron triangle.
An iron triangle tends to be more powerful than an issue network.
The president's veto power is derived from which of the following? the Executive Power Clause the Supremacy Clause Article I of the Constitution Article II of the Constitution
Article I of the Constitution
Which of the following BEST describes what has happened to the EPA's budget and workforce over the past 40 years? Both the budget and workforce remained relatively stable until the 1990s, and then increased dramatically under President Clinton. Both the budget and workforce have remained stable since 1970. Both the budget and workforce have remained relatively stable since 1980. The budget has gradually increased over time while the workforce has gradually decreased.
Both the budget and workforce have remained relatively stable since 1980.
Which of the following is the primary source of the power of discretion given to bureaucrats? Congress Supreme Court decisions the president the Tenth Amendment
Congress
Page 17 lists eight issues that are described as fundamental to determining if the implementation of the ACA is a success. Which of the following BEST summarizes the central question at the heart of these issues? Does the average American know what the ACA law is? Do all employers begin to offer health care to all workers? Did all 50 states choose to participate in the ACA exchanges? Do more people have access to health care as a result of the ACA?
Do more people have access to health care as a result of the ACA?
Which of the following accurately describes the program termination efforts of the Republican-controlled 104th Congress? Efforts focused on two fairly small agencies. Efforts focused on two very large agencies. The Department of Defense budget was significantly reduced, but most of its programs remained intact. Numerous cuts were made, effectively reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy.
Efforts focused on two fairly small agencies.
Which of the following would represent an accurate statement regarding executive orders? The Supreme Court does not have the power to rule on the constitutionality of executive orders. The power to issue executive orders is expressed in the Constitution. Executive orders require the approval of Congress. Executive orders are derived from the presidential oath of office and the Executive Power Clause.
Executive orders are derived from the presidential oath of office and the Executive Power Clause.
The campaign promises of which of the following resulted in a major expansion of the federal bureaucracy? Abraham Lincoln Harry Truman Herbert Hoover Franklin Roosevelt
Franklin Roosevelt
According to Table 2, which of the following presidents is characterized as having a passive negative personality? George Washington Ronald Reagan Woodrow Wilson Bill Clinton
George Washington
According to Figure 7, which executive department has the largest budget? Defense Transportation Veterans Affairs Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
What are the requirements for a product to be labeled as organic? It must be produced using preferred methods to avoid chemical contamination and without GMO exposure, and approved by a licensing agent from the local board of health. It must be produced using GMOs that have been deemed safe by the USDA, and approved by a certifying agent from the EPA. It must be produced using allowed substances and without excluded methods, and approved by a USDA NOP-authorized certifying agent. It must be produced using all-natural fertilizers and no pesticides, and approved by the head of the USDA.
It must be produced using allowed substances and without excluded methods, and approved by a USDA NOP-authorized certifying agent.
A bureaucracy has which of the following characteristics? It reflects a division of labor. It's managed by a hierarchy similar to a hub-and-spoke design. It's generally used to create legislation and policy. It's made up of employees who are generalists.
It reflects a division of labor.
Which of the following is a common suggestion as to how the federal bureaucracy should be reformed? It should become more efficient. It should be reduced to a single government agency. It should become much larger. It should be under tighter presidential control.
It should become more efficient.
Considering the rulemaking process, how might controversy affect the approval of a new organic standard? It would probably cause the regulation to be approved. It would probably delay the rulemaking process. It would probably cause the regulation to be dropped. It would probably expedite the rulemaking process.
It would probably delay the rulemaking process.
According to Subpart C of the National Organic Program regulations, what are the origin requirements for raising organic pigs? (See section 205.236.) Livestock must be born from breeder stock that has been under continuous organic management. Livestock must be under continuous organic management from at least the second day of life. Livestock must be under continuous organic management from at least the last third of gestation. Livestock must be under continuous organic management from birth.
Livestock must be under continuous organic management from at least the last third of gestation.
What two states served as policy "pioneers" experimenting with health care reform initiatives that ultimately became critical parts of the ACA? (See the "State Experiences" section of the document.) Massachusetts and Utah Texas and Wisconsin New York and Vermont California and Oregon
Massachusetts and Utah
What was a reform that one state in particular had already tested out before passage and implementation of the ACA? Utah had already raised the age limit for children to remain on their parents' insurance. Massachusetts had already enacted an individual mandate requiring health insurance. New York had already required insurance companies to cover all individuals with preexisting conditions. Oregon had already pioneered the inclusion of holistic health care to be covered by traditional health insurance.
Massachusetts had already enacted an individual mandate requiring health insurance.
After World War II ended, what happened to the federal bureaucracy? President Truman made efforts to streamline it. It rapidly expanded. It became generally less efficient. President Truman reduced it to its pre-New Deal size.
President Truman made efforts to streamline it.
James David Barber, a noted presidential scholar, achieved renown when he foresaw problems based on the character of which president? George W. Bush John F. Kennedy Bill Clinton Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon
Which of the following is a check on the president's power to appoint department heads? Senate confirmation bureaucratic approval budgetary support judicial veto
Senate confirmation
According to the Conclusion on page 25, how is a policy's internal architecture and external environment related to successful implementation? Successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act largely depends on insurance companies being willing to comply with the new regulations on their industry. Successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act largely depends on many players complying with the law and working together across partisan lines. Successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act largely depends on the president reaching across partisan lines to encourage states to comply. Successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act largely depends on the federal government being able to cover the costs of insurance exchanges and the Medicaid expansion.
Successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act largely depends on many players complying with the law and working together across partisan lines.
How has partisanship been closely tied to implementation of the ACA? Republicans overwhelmingly support the ACA. The ACA has a record of almost no Democratic support. The ACA has a record of almost no Republican support. Both Democrats and Republicans overwhelmingly support the ACA.
The ACA has a record of almost no Republican support.
Burke and Kamarck note that two previous major healthcare reforms, the establishment of Medicare in 1965 and the development of Medicare Part D in 2003, might help us know what to expect in terms of the implementation of the ACA. However, they note some critical differences between the implementation of those reforms and the implementation of the ACA. How is the ACA different from the Medicare developments? The implementation of the ACA is more complex because it effectively replaces both Medicare and Medicaid. The implementation of the ACA is more complex because it involves all 50 states and the federal government working together. The implementation of the ACA is less complex because it only involves the federal government implementing the law. The implementation of the ACA is less complex because it doesn't require major changes to the health care industry.
The implementation of the ACA is more complex because it involves all 50 states and the federal government working together.
The organic certification process includes which of the following steps? The certifying agent reviews the producer's application and the inspector's report to determine if the applicant complies with the USDA organic regulations. The local health inspector tours the producer's farm to provide advice on how to comply with USDA organic regulations. The producer meets with an inspector at the local USDA offices to review the application and discuss the producer's agricultural practices. The head of the USDA ratifies the organic certificate issued to the producer by the certifying agent.
The certifying agent reviews the producer's application and the inspector's report to determine if the applicant complies with the USDA organic regulations.
Which of the following occurred during the Great Depression and its aftermath? The Supreme Court's interpretation of the Commerce Clause remained consistent with its historical treatment of this clause. The executive branch created a number of new bureaucratic offices. Government programs were implemented to deal with events like Shays' Rebellion. The federal government contracted in size due to the severity of the recession.
The executive branch created a number of new bureaucratic offices.
Globalization and technological progress have had which of the following effects on the U.S. presidency? They have generally decreased presidential power. They have generally increased presidential power. They have not had any effect on presidential power. They have made it easier for the president to make decisions.
They have generally increased presidential power.
Why might the Founders have limited the powers of the executive branch? They intended for the judicial branch to be the most powerful. They preferred the idea of a direct democracy. They sought continuity with the executive powers outlined in the Articles of Confederation. They wanted to avoid the tyrannical power of a king.
They wanted to avoid the tyrannical power of a king.
When was the last time Congress declared war on another nation? World War II (1941) World War I (1917) the Vietnam War (1955) the Spanish-American War (1898)
World War II (1941)
Hide Study Questions Reset President Ronald Reagan's management style resembled which of the following? a general hands-on a CEO wheel-like
a CEO
A worker at the upper end of a bureaucratic hierarchy would probably be which of the following? a person who handles complaints a senator a person of greater authority a generalist
a person of greater authority
In entering into conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, President George W. Bush did which of the following? waited until the War Powers Resolution had passed Congress mobilized troops after Congress had declared war on these nations concluded an executive agreement acted in his capacity as commander in chief
acted in his capacity as commander in chief
According to Barber's typology, which of the following personality types potentially makes the best type of president? passive negative passive positive active positive active negative
active positive
Which of the following could be considered a substitute for a treaty ratified by the Senate? an executive agreement an executive order ambassadorial appointment judicial approval
an executive agreement
The Federal Reserve System is which of the following? a government corporation an independent regulatory commission a part of the EOP an executive department
an independent regulatory commission
What is an independent agency? a regulatory commission a component of an executive department an organization set up by Congress a part of the cabinet
an organization set up by Congress
The executive branch includes which of the following? state lawmakers and congressional committees corporate managers and boards of directors federal judges and courts of appeals cabinet departments and federal agencies
cabinet departments and federal agencies
Which of the following would represent an instance of the president "going public"? circumventing Congress to petition the people directly revealing classified information opening campaign donations to the people delivering a State of the Union address
circumventing Congress to petition the people directly
The Department of Agriculture may be considered which of the following? an independent agency clientele-oriented tied to the Committee on Natural Resources serving the interests of the general population
clientele-oriented
Which of the following was a primary focus of government policies and programs between the 1780s and 1930s? social initiatives such as welfare and pension programs commerce between states and with other nations federal bureaucratic expansion economic stimulus
commerce between states and with other nations
Executive departments generally correspond to which of the following? congressional committees state-level administrative offices federal court jurisdictions presidential policy priorities
congressional committees
What are the three components of an iron triangle? congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups government officials, party leaders, and influential journalists executive departments, state legislatures, and local court systems presidential aides, congressional staffers, and federal law clerks
congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups
Which of the following provides the National Organic Program with its regulatory authority? an executive decree a Health and Human Services initiative the Supreme Court congressional legislation
congressional legislation
Which of the following policy priorities was a part of the Progressive movement? suppression of unions deregulation of industry preservation of the status quo conservation of land
conservation of land
In which of the following areas is presidential power limited? declaring war trying to set the legislative agenda choosing nominees for Supreme Court justices pressuring Congress to act on his or her policy recommendations
declaring war
Devolution entails which of the following? Choose the BEST answer. a shift from the public to the private sector delegating power to state and local governments cutting government personnel a larger degree of federal implementation of programs
delegating power to state and local governments
What is the primary responsibility of the NOP? establishing national farms that produce organic agricultural products developing the consistent standards that govern how organic agricultural products can be produced promoting the use of organic practices in the management of public lands developing educational outreach programs to encourage consumers to embrace organic foods
developing the consistent standards that govern how organic agricultural products can be produced
Devolution efforts in the area of welfare reform have resulted in which of the following? stronger federal control differences in the quality of services provided by different states a standardized level of services across all states weaker state authority
differences in the quality of services provided by different states
Who runs the insurance exchanges? either the federal government, a state government, or both insurance providers only either a state government, insurance providers, or both the federal government only
either the federal government, a state government, or both
Which of the following reflects the most important expansion of the federal bureaucracy since the Great Society era? establishment of the Department of Homeland Security Medicare expansion Postal Service reform increased Department of Defense activity
establishment of the Department of Homeland Security
The move to privatization has engendered which of the following concerns? government accountability contractor competence contractor availability outsourcing
government accountability
Which of the following powers would a president most likely utilize toward the end of his or her term? granting a pardon to a convicted criminal giving a State of the Union address appointing a secretary of state nominating a Supreme Court justice
granting a pardon to a convicted criminal
Which of the following represents a presidential check on judicial power? Choose the BEST answer. convening Congress vetoing legislation presiding over an impeachment hearing granting amnesty to a group of people
granting amnesty to a group of people
Which of the following is an expressed presidential power? exercising executive privilege entering into executive agreements serving as head of state in diplomatic relations granting pardons and reprieves
granting pardons and reprieves
Which of the following BEST describes President Reagan's efforts to shrink the government? a complete failure hindered by a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives highly successful and permanently effective just a campaign promise
hindered by a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives
The Reagan Revolution may be seen as a reaction to which of the following? ineffective Great Society programs expanding economic activity declining government responsibility outdated New Deal programs
ineffective Great Society programs
Which of the following is a duty the president assumes as a public opinion leader? shape the party agenda implement party priorities shape the national agenda serve as head of state
shape the national agenda
What are the four steps of the National Organic Program's rulemaking process? initial planning, proposed rule, public comments, and final rule observation, hypothesis formulation, testing, and drawing conclusions agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, and evaluation application processing, site inspection, internal review, and final authorization
initial planning, proposed rule, public comments, and final rule
Which of the following is an implied presidential power? making policy recommendations vetoing legislation appointing department heads issuing executive orders
issuing executive orders
Presidents depend on their party in which of the following capacities? mobilizing voters funding the campaign supporting judicial nominees setting the agenda
mobilizing voters
How large is the federal civilian workforce in the executive branch? nearly 500,000 employees nearly 100,000 employees nearly 2.8 million employees nearly 1.5 million employees
nearly 2.8 million employees
What are the health insurance exchanges? online marketplaces for individuals to purchase insurance coverage that will comply with the Affordable Care Act local conferences where individuals can meet with both insurance representatives and government officials to voice concerns about their policies online forums for individuals to read and discuss provisions of the Affordable Care Act that might affect them local conferences where insurance representatives meet to ensure that their policies will comply with the Affordable Care Act
online marketplaces for individuals to purchase insurance coverage that will comply with the Affordable Care Act
Which of the following is a strategic goal of the USDA? (See the Strategic Plan Framework on pages 3-4 of the PDF.) preserving natural resources and protecting them from climate change ensuring access to efficient transportation for those in rural areas maintaining seed banks to protect biodiversity in the event of a natural disaster providing fresh produce and whole grains to low-income children
preserving natural resources and protecting them from climate change
A desire to reform the federal bureaucracy is often expressed by which of the following? presidential candidates members of the military federal bureaucrats residents of Washington, DC
presidential candidates
The use of security contractors in Iraq represents an example of which of the following? privatization reengineering budget cuts devolution
privatization
In the name of defending the Constitution, President Franklin Roosevelt set which of the following precedents? Choose the BEST answer. suspending the right of habeas corpus in times of war recommending presidential programs and budgets to Congress assuming authority over the judicial branch using the line-item veto to modify legislation
recommending presidential programs and budgets to Congress
The Pendleton Act did which of the following? established minimum wages ensured the preservation of Yellowstone National Park created regulations designed to prevent monopolistic behavior required federal employees to be hired based on merit
required federal employees to be hired based on merit
Hide Study Questions Reset The United States' role as a world leader has which of the following consequences? decreased presidential power increased isolationism ripple effects from domestic economic activity a transition away from importing and exporting
ripple effects from domestic economic activity
The relationship between a president and his party may be described as which of the following? parasitic generally negative symbiotic intense
symbiotic
What is the largest division within HHS according to actual spending in 2010? the Administration for Children & Families the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services the National Institutes of Health the FDA
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Which piece of Great Society legislation provided federal protection against discrimination in voting, employment, education, and access to public facilities? the Voting Rights Act of 1965 the Civil Rights Act of 1964 the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1963 the Trade Expansion Act of 1962
the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Which of the following serves narrow rather than general interests? the Department of Agriculture the Department of Education the Internal Revenue Service the State Department
the Department of Agriculture
The Progressive Era can be regarded as a reaction to which of the following? Choose the BEST answer. the election of President Andrew Jackson Prohibition the overwhelming degree of governmental regulation of the late 1800s the Industrial Revolution and its effects
the Industrial Revolution and its effects
The goals of the Great Society initiative most closely resembled those of which of the following? the Federalists the suffragettes the New Deal the patronage system
the New Deal
Which of the following situations represents a check on presidential power? the president promoting an aide to become his new chief of staff the governor of a state deciding to challenge the president for reelection the Senate holding a vote on a Supreme Court nomination the Supreme Court declining to hear a challenge to an executive order
the Senate holding a vote on a Supreme Court nomination
Which of the following is a program administered by the Food and Nutrition Service agency? the Food Quality Assurance Program the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) the National Organic Program the Farm Bill Broadband Program
the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
On which of the following did Congress override the president's veto? the Emancipation Proclamation the Equal Rights Act the Voting Rights Act of 1965 the War Powers Resolution
the War Powers Resolution
Executive privilege was invoked in which of the following cases? the Watergate scandal school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives
the Watergate scandal
At which point in time did the federal bureaucracy first significantly increase in size? the election of President Andrew Jackson the creation of the Department of War the drafting of the Constitution the election of President George Washington
the election of President Andrew Jackson
Which of the following is responsible for administering laws? the police the executive branch the military the legislative branch
the executive branch
The spoils system had which of the following effects? the election of President John Adams the expansion of the federal bureaucracy the outbreak of the Civil War an amendment to the Constitution
the expansion of the federal bureaucracy
According to the text, what has come to be viewed as the moment when the federal bureaucracy became a crucial provider of social services? the outbreak of World War II the Stock Market Crash of 1929 the election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt the passage of the Social Security Act of 1935
the passage of the Social Security Act of 1935
What is the primary means by which the president checks the power of the bureaucracy? Choose the BEST answer. the power of appointments department employment levels the patronage system department funding
the power of appointments
According to Richard Neustadt, a president's performance is directly related to which of the following? management style the ability to maintain good relations with the media general appearance the power to persuade
the power to persuade
The fact that Bill Clinton left office with a much higher approval rating than that of George W. Bush can be explained by which of the following factors (among others)? Clinton's scandal-free tenure in office Bush's charismatic personality the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan initiated by the Bush administration the thriving economy at the end of the Bush administration
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan initiated by the Bush administration
How many executive departments existed during the time that George Washington served as president? six three one none
three
According to the certification FAQ page, for an existing farm to become certified organic, how much time must have elapsed, at minimum, since prohibited substances were used on the farm? 36 weeks five years one year three years
three years
Which of the following is a key provision of the Affordable Care Act? to establish a nonprofit health care system to provide federally run health care coverage to phase out Medicare and Medicaid to expand access to insurance coverage
to expand access to insurance coverage
The largest part of the USDA budget is allocated to the Food and Nutrition Service agency. What is its mission? to promote healthful diets among all Americans to provide those with limited means access to nutritious food in a way that supports American agriculture to provide subsidies to low-income farmers who grow nutrient-dense crops to provide job training to low-income Americans who want to become nutritionists
to provide subsidies to low-income farmers who grow nutrient-dense crops
Under what circumstances might the president use the power to receive foreign dignitaries and appoint U.S. ambassadors? Choose the BEST answer. to strengthen party loyalty to provide a check on the judicial system to criticize proposed legislation to recognize the legitimacy of other nations
to recognize the legitimacy of other nations
Which of the following reflects a duty of the vice president? to replace the Speaker of the House in his or her absence to oversee troop deployments to vote in the Senate if there is a tie to remain a constant presence in Congress
to vote in the Senate if there is a tie
For a bureaucrat, which of the following would allow for a maximal amount of discretion in interpretation? a law that contains clear instructions for implementation vaguely worded legislation a divided government a law that includes specific definitions of terms
vaguely worded legislation
When might we expect to see a large number of vetoes? when Congress is out of session when the U.S. is involved in a war when there is a Republican Congress and a Democratic president when there is a Democratic Congress and a Democratic President
when there is a Republican Congress and a Democratic president
