AP Gov Final Exam Review

Which of the following constitutional amendments did Congress seek to enforce when it passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

15th Amendment

The president will be elected to four years and as re-eligible as often as the people of the United States think him worthy of their confidence ... we must conclude that the permanency of the President's four-year term is less dangerous than a three-year term for the top official in a single state. The president of the United States can be impeached, tried, and, on conviction of bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors, removed from office. Afterwards he would be liable to prosecution and punishment in the ordinary course of law. Which amendment to the Constitution has made some of the argument in the passage above moot?

22nd Amendment

The Miranda rule stems from rights protected by which of the following amendments?

5th and 6th Amendments

Which of the following statements about interest groups and lobbying is true?

A Capitol Hill lobbyist's most precious asset is access

First, always, is the question whether Congress has directly spoken to the precise question at issue. If the intent of Congress is clear, that is the end of the matter; for the court, as well as the agency, must give effect to the unambiguously expressed intent of Congress. If, however, the court determines Congress has not directly addressed the precise question at issue, the court does not simply impose its own construction on the statute, as would be necessary in the absence of an administrative interpretation. Rather if the statute is silent or ambiguous with respect to the specific issue, the question for the court is whether the agency's answer is based on a permissible construction of the statute. Which of the following statements in relation to the bureaucracy would Stevens most likely support?

A degree of discretion is necessary when bureaucratic agencies must apply laws that are imperfectly written

Which of the following is a chief argument in James Madison's Federalist No. 10?

A large, diverse republic will tame factions

Which of the following demographic voting blocs has the most identifiable partisan voting behavior?

African Americans

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act?

Allows voter registration at state agencies (NVRA) Requires systems for voters to confirm vote (HAVA)

[W]e find that the licensees of the CBS network stations ... aired program material ... during the halftime entertainment show of the National Football League's Super Bowl XXXVIII, that apparently violates the federal restrictions regarding the broadcast of indecent material. Based upon our review of the facts and circumstances of the case, Viacom Inc. ("Viacom"), as the licensee or ultimate parent of the licensees of the Viacom Stations, is apparently liable for a monetary forfeiture in the aggregate amount of $550,000 which represents the statutory maximum of $27,500 for each Viacom station that broadcast the material. If Viacom disagrees with this notice, what is the most likely step it will take?

Appeal the ruling to the appropriate Circuit Court of Appeals

"The Congress has the power... to create all laws that are necessary and proper..." can be found in which part of the Constitution?

Article 1

A photo identification requirement imposes some burdens on voters that other methods of identification do not share. For example, a voter may lose his photo identification, may have his wallet stolen on the way to the polls, or may not resemble the photo in the identification because he recently grew a beard. Burdens of that sort arising from life's vagaries, however, are neither so serious nor so frequent as to raise any question about the constitutionality of SEA 483 [the Indiana law requiring photo IDs]; the availability of the right to cast a provisional ballot provides an adequate remedy for problems of that character. Which of the following constitutional provisions did the Supreme Court follow in letting states implement the policy referred to in the opinion?

Article 1, Section 4

A photo identification requirement imposes some burdens on voters that other methods of identification do not share. For example, a voter may lose his photo identification, may have his wallet stolen on the way to the polls, or may not resemble the photo in the identification because he recently grew a beard. Burdens of that sort arising from life's vagaries, however, are neither so serious nor so frequent as to raise any question about the constitutionality of SEA 483 [the Indiana law requiring photo IDs]; the availability of the right to cast a provisional ballot provides an adequate remedy for problems of that character. Which of the following statements best summaries the Supreme Court's decision?

As long as a citizen can cast a temporary vote to be checked later, the citizen need not prove his or her identity on Election Day

What was the effect of the opinion in Schenck v. United States?

As long as speech does not present a clear and present danger, it is allowed

Under what circumstance can police conduct searches?

As long as they have probable cause of criminal activity

Both state and federal governments are involved in elections and make and enforce election law. Which is a responsibility of the federal government?

Assuring groups are not prevented from voting

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of contemporary conservative and liberal political views?

Believes government should do less (Conservative) Believes in expanding government's role (Liberal)

Which type of primary election provides the greatest choice for voters?

Blanket primary

A federal agency has been accused of not enforcing laws it is charged with enforcing. Which is the most likely action the relevant House committee will first take?

Call for an oversight hearing to understand the problem

[T]he largest empirical study of actual decisions by our government in the history of political science, published last year, related what our government did to the attitudes of the economic elites, organized interest groups, and the average voter. What they found was, what our government actually did was strongly correlated with the views of the economic elites. If zero percent of the elites something, very low chance it's going to pass, if 100% support something, very high chance it's going to pass. Same thing for organized interest groups. But for the average voter, it's a flat line. Which says it doesn't matter whether zero percent of the public believes something or 100% of the average voters believe something-it doesn't affect the probability that that thing will be enacted... There's a whole raft of studies that look at the voting behavior of Senators. And they relate their voting behavior to the average views of voters in their district, to the party view, and to the funders' or donors' view. What they find is: almost no relation to what the average voter wants, some relation to what the party wants, but a very tight relation to what the donor wants. Which of the following legislative initiatives would Lessig be most likely to support?

Campaign finance reform

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the two court cases? (Brown v. BOE and Roe v. Wade)

Concluded that "separate but equal" schools are impossible (BOE) Assured a pregnant woman's right to have an abortion in the first trimester (Roe)

To reduce the deficit, Democrats would most likely recommend increasing which source of revenue?

Corporate Income Tax

On which of the following issues did Federalists and Jeffersonians have most widely differing views?

Creating a national bank

A Senator realizes a Senate vote on an immigration bill is coming up. The senator examines public opinion polls on the issue and carefully reads her inbox for constituents' views on the bill and the issue. This senator is following which model of representation?

Delegate

You believe in expanding gun-control legislation, and you support more affirmative action efforts. You oppose the death penalty. Which party best aligns with your beliefs?

Democratic

Which of the following best describes the sequence of the policy decision-making process?

Development of agenda, cost-benefit analysis, plan for funding

Which of the following statements best describes how the balance of liberties and safety has been interpreted over time?

Different courts in different times have found different balances

Which of the following statements about congressional reapportionment and redistricting is true?

Districts must be drawn so that, within a state, every person's vote is equal to every other person's vote

So-called "push polls" are not polls at all. They are a form of political telemarketing whose intent is not to measure public opinion but to manipulate -push- voters away from one candidate and toward the opposing candidate. Such polls defame selected candidates by spreading false or misleading information about them. The intent is to disseminate campaign propaganda under the guise of conducting a legitimate public opinion poll. Which of the following questions is most likely to appear on a push poll?

Do you approve of the waste of money on failing social service agencies under the current governor?

[W]e find that the licensees of the CBS network stations ... aired program material ... during the halftime entertainment show of the National Football League's Super Bowl XXXVIII, that apparently violates the federal restrictions regarding the broadcast of indecent material. Based upon our review of the facts and circumstances of the case, Viacom Inc. ("Viacom"), as the licensee or ultimate parent of the licensees of the Viacom Stations, is apparently liable for a monetary forfeiture in the aggregate amount of $550,000 which represents the statutory maximum of $27,500 for each Viacom station that broadcast the material. Which bureaucratic authority is illustrated with this allegation?

Enforcement

Which of the following principles is meant to discourage government from conducting unlawful searches and to protect citizens when unlawful searches occur?

Exclusionary rule

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of objective news and commentary?

Factual accounts of events and people (Objective) Opinions of experts or people with political goals (Commentary)

To find how much money a political candidate spent on a campaign for the US House, Senate, or the Presidency, which agency should one consult or contact?

Federal Election Commission

Which of the following statements accurately describes federalism?

Federalism is a sharing of powers between national and regional governments

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of Cabinet-level departments and regulatory agencies?

Fifteen Cabinet departments, each with a secretary or head that serves on the president's Cabinet (Cabinet-Level) Created and empowered by Congress to monitor particular industries and enforce unique laws (Regulatory Agencies)

Which interest group action would most greatly influence rulings in the courts?

Filing an amicus curiae brief

Which of the following constitutional provisions is at issue in Schenck v. United States?

First Amendment free speech and free press rights

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of substantive and procedural due process?

Followed when the ideas or points of the law are fundamentally fair and just (SDP) Focuses on the manner in which government acts towards its citizens (PDP)

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan?

Gave the national legislature only defined and limited powers (NJ) Included a three-branch system and a bicameral legislature (VA)

It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality. Here the marriage laws enforced by the respondents are in essence unequal: same-sex couples are denied all the benefits afforded to opposite-sex couples and are barred from exercising a fundamental right. Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. With which of the following statements would supporters of Kennedy's position above be most likely to agree?

Gays and lesbians are equal to other people under the law

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the US House of Representatives and the US Senate?

Has more rules of procedure to guide its lawmaking process (H) Has authority over the ratification of treaties with other nations (S)

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of challengers and incumbents?

Have generally fewer resources than incumbents (Challengers) Use the tools of their office to help support their candidacy (Incumbents)

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of congressional and presidential campaigns?

Have lower turnouts than presidential elections (Con) Are decided by the Electoral College (Pres)

Which is the most democratic institution of government that represents the framers' commitment to a limited republic?

House of Representatives

[T]he largest empirical study of actual decisions by our government in the history of political science, published last year, related what our government did to the attitudes of the economic elites, organized interest groups, and the average voter. What they found was, what our government actually did was strongly correlated with the views of the economic elites. If zero percent of the elites something, very low chance it's going to pass, if 100% support something, very high chance it's going to pass. Same thing for organized interest groups. But for the average voter, it's a flat line. Which says it doesn't matter whether zero percent of the public believes something or 100% of the average voters believe something-it doesn't affect the probability that that thing will be enacted... There's a whole raft of studies that look at the voting behavior of Senators. And they relate their voting behavior to the average views of voters in their district, to the party view, and to the funders' or donors' view. What they find is: almost no relation to what the average voter wants, some relation to what the party wants, but a very tight relation to what the donor wants. Which of the following best reflects Lessig's argument in this passage?

If people want to influence policy, they should support interest groups whose ideas they share

Must the citizen, ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience, then? It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right ..... Law never made men a whit more just; and, by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice. A common and natural result of an undue respect for law is, that you may see a file of soldiers, colonel, Captain, corporal, privates ... marching and admirable order over hill and dale to the wars, against their wills, ay, against their common sense and consciences, which makes it very steep marching indeed, and produces palpitation of the heart. They have no doubt that it is a damnable business in which they are concerned; they are all peaceably inclined. Which American cultural value does Thoreau highlight In this passage?

Individualism

... Some of those who have entered the United States through our immigration system have proved to be threats to our national security. Since 2001, hundreds of persons born abroad have been convicted of terrorism-related crimes in the United States.... the unrestricted entry into the United States of nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. I therefore direct that the entry into the United States of Nationals of those six countries be suspended for 90 days from the effective date of this order, subject to the limitations, waivers, and exceptions set forth... Which type of power did President Trump exert in issuing this executive order?

Informal

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of judicial activism and judicial restraint?

Is practiced when courts overrule legislative acts or shape policy (Activism) Is exercised when courts refrain from interfering with policies created by elected bodies

In what way did the Seventeenth Amendment broaden democracy?

It gave citizens greater impact on lawmaking in the US Senate

Which of the following is true regarding the Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison

It overturned part of an act of Congress

What is one effect of consumer-driven media?

It replaces content from professionals with content from nonexperts

Shays's Rebellion highlighted which of the following weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

Lack of power to keep a standing army

Must the citizen, ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience, then? It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right ..... Law never made men a whit more just; and, by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice. A common and natural result of an undue respect for law is, that you may see a file of soldiers, colonel, Captain, corporal, privates ... marching and admirable order over hill and dale to the wars, against their wills, ay, against their common sense and consciences, which makes it very steep marching indeed, and produces palpitation of the heart. They have no doubt that it is a damnable business in which they are concerned; they are all peaceably inclined. Which of the following perspectives reflects Thoreau's beliefs based on this passage?

Law is less important than an individual's beliefs

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of federal block grants and categorical grants?

Lead to loss of congressional oversight on spending grant money (BG) Require states or localities to meet certain criteria (CG)

Which argument do supporters of supply-side economics make?

Leaving more money in the citizens' pockets will stimulate the economy and generate government revenues through other taxes

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of winner-take-all voting districts and proportional voting districts?

Limits the promotion of the views of citizens who voted for second and third-place candidates (WTA) Allots seats of government positions relative to a party's success in an election (Prop)

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of Democrats and Republicans?

Lost the Solid South in a regional realignment (Dem) Have shifted the party ideology from a more liberal stance to a more conservative stance over time (Rep)

Most members of Congress believe the legal driving age should be 18, because statistics show that drivers under 18 have many more accidents than those 18 and older. Which of the following is the most practical and lasting action Congress can take to address this issue?

Mandate states to set the driving age at 18 and then withhold highway funds from any state that does not comply

Those who disagree with the views in the majority opinion in Schenck would likely celebrate the shaping of the Constitution in which free-speech ruling

New York Times Co. v. United States

Which of the following comparisons of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act are accurate?

One outlawed discrimination in hiring and the other increased African American voter registration and participation

In what way do the decisions in Engel v. Vitale and Wisconsin v. Yoder differ?

One suggests a public policy creates an establishment of religion, while the other suggests a public policy denies a free exercise of religion

The president will be elected to four years and as re-eligible as often as the people of the United States think him worthy of their confidence ... we must conclude that the permanency of the President's four-year term is less dangerous than a three-year term for the top official in a single state. The president of the United States can be impeached, tried, and, on conviction of bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors, removed from office. Afterwards he would be liable to prosecution and punishment in the ordinary course of law. Which of the following statements best summarizes the author's argument?

People are protected from a dangerous president by elections every four years and a process the legislature can undertake

... Some of those who have entered the United States through our immigration system have proved to be threats to our national security. Since 2001, hundreds of persons born abroad have been convicted of terrorism-related crimes in the United States.... the unrestricted entry into the United States of nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. I therefore direct that the entry into the United States of Nationals of those six countries be suspended for 90 days from the effective date of this order, subject to the limitations, waivers, and exceptions set forth... Which of the following describes President Trump's perspective in the executive order?

People who have already immigrated from the name countries may be untrustworthy

Which statement is accurate regarding the Law & government surveillance of persons in the United States?

Policies have changed over time as people debate the balance between security needs and individual liberties

Which of the following methods is the most certain way to override a Supreme Court decision?

Proposing and ratifying a constitutional amendment that counters the decision

A wage-earner who identifies as a political independent has heard a Senate candidate promise to push for an increase in the national minimum wage while her opponent does not support that. The citizen votes for this candidate primarily for this reason so his own pay might increase. Which of the following models best explains this citizen's voting behavior?

Rational-choice voting

Shortly after Richard Nixon resigned the presidency, Bob and I were asked a long question [which] we answered with a short phrase that we've used many times since to describe our reporting on Watergate and its purpose and methodology. We called it the "best obtainable version of the truth." It's a simple concept for something very difficult to get right because of the enormous amount of effort, thinking, persistence, pushback, removal of ideological baggage and the sheer luck that is required, not to mention some unnatural humility. Underlying everything reporters do in pursuit of the best obtainable version of the truth, whatever our beat or assignment, is the question "what is news?" What is it that we believe is important, relevant, hidden, perhaps, or even in plain sight and ignored by conventional journalistic wisdom or governmental wisdom? I'd say this question of "what is news" becomes even more relevant and essential if we are covering the president of the United States. Richard Nixon tried to make the conduct of the press the issue and Watergate, instead of the conduct of the president and his men. We tried to avoid the noise and let the reporting speak. Which of the following statements best summarizes Bernstein's views?

Reporters use professional judgement about what to cover as they filter out a variety of distractions and follow the facts

Which of these Federal officers are most influenced by public opinion polling?

Representatives in the House

It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality. Here the marriage laws enforced by the respondents are in essence unequal: same-sex couples are denied all the benefits afforded to opposite-sex couples and are barred from exercising a fundamental right. Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. Which statement best summarizes Justice Kennedy's opinion?

Same-sex couples are unfairly harmed by states' denial of their legal marriage

"In this campaign, I've met so many people who motivate me to keep fighting for change. And, with your help, I will carry all of your voices and stories with me to the White House. I will be a president for the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. For the struggling and the successful. For those who vote for me and those who don't. For all Americans." What guidelines of messaging best align with this passage?

Since the general election is months away, she needs to keep her message general and ideological

There are two theories of prosperity and a well-being: The first theory is that if we make the rich richer, somehow they will let a part of their prosperity trickle down to the rest of us. The second theory [is] the theory that if we make the average of [hu]mankind comfortable and secure, and prosperity will rise up with, just as yeast rises up, through the ranks. In Roosevelt's second theory, which agent is making the average [hu]mankind comfortable and secure?

Social safety nets

If there are such things as political axioms, the propriety of the judicial power of a government being coextensive with its legislative, may be ranked among the number. The mere necessity of uniformity in the interpretation of the national laws, besides the question. Thirteen independent courts of final jurisdiction over the same causes, arising upon the same laws, is a hydra in government, from which nothing but contradiction and confusion can proceed. Which of the following principles does Hamilton suggest the new judiciary will establish?

Stability in the law

The objection to the plan of the convention which has met with most success in this State...is... the want of a constitutional provision for the trial by jury in civil cases. The disingenuous form in which this objection is usually stated has been repeatedly [commented on] and exposed, but continues to be pursued... The mere silence of the Constitution in regard to civil causes, is represented as an abolition of the trial by jury [in an effort] to induce a persuasion that this pretended abolition is complete and universal, extending not only to every species of civil, but even in criminal causes... Every man of discernment must at once perceive the wide difference between silence and abolition... The maxims on which [the opponents' argument] rely are of this nature: "A specification of particulars is an exclusion of generals"; or, "The expression of one thing is the exclusion of another." Hence, say they, as the Constitution has established the trial by jury in criminal cases, and is silent in respect to civil, this silence is an implied prohibition of trial by jury in regard to the latter. Which governmental policy does the right to a trial support?

State rights

How have states responded to the reasons offered for non-voting?

States have provided for early voting and no-excuse voting by mail

There are two theories of prosperity and a well-being: The first theory is that if we make the rich richer, somehow they will let a part of their prosperity trickle down to the rest of us. The second theory [is] the theory that if we make the average of [hu]mankind comfortable and secure, and prosperity will rise up with, just as yeast rises up, through the ranks. To which economic theory does Roosevelt refer in his first example?

Supply-sde

So-called "push polls" are not polls at all. They are a form of political telemarketing whose intent is not to measure public opinion but to manipulate -push- voters away from one candidate and toward the opposing candidate. Such polls defame selected candidates by spreading false or misleading information about them. The intent is to disseminate campaign propaganda under the guise of conducting a legitimate public opinion poll. Based on the text, with which of the following statements with the author's most likely agree?

Telemarketing disguised as research has decreased response rates and harmed public opinion polling

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of Millennials and members of the Silent Generation?

Tend to believe the United States should stay out foreign countries (Mil) Tend to see the United States as a world guardian of freedom and democracy (Silent)

Which statement best describes the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment?

The 14th Amendment's due process clause makes most rights contained in the Bill of Rights applicable to the states

What is the key difference between the due process clause in the Fifth Amendment and the due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment?

The 5th amendment protects citizens against the federal government, while the 14th protects citizens against the states

[W]e find that the licensees of the CBS network stations ... aired program material ... during the halftime entertainment show of the National Football League's Super Bowl XXXVIII, that apparently violates the federal restrictions regarding the broadcast of indecent material. Based upon our review of the facts and circumstances of the case, Viacom Inc. ("Viacom"), as the licensee or ultimate parent of the licensees of the Viacom Stations, is apparently liable for a monetary forfeiture in the aggregate amount of $550,000 which represents the statutory maximum of $27,500 for each Viacom station that broadcast the material. Which of the following statements best reflects the role of the Federal Communications Commission in this instance?

The FCC is fining Viacom for the actions of one of its companies that violated broadcast regulations

Which of the following is true regarding the impeachment process?

The House can impeach a president and the Senate can remove a president on conviction of bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors

Which statement about impeachment under the Constitution is true?

The House can impeach officials for "high crimes or misdemeanors"

Which of the following is the most complete summary of the selective incorporation doctrine?

The Supreme Court has required states to apply certain rights in the Bill of Rights through the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause

Which of the following best describes how policy reflects the attitudes and beliefs of citizens who choose to participate at a given time?

The Supreme Court rules on school prayer

We have before us one of the most important duties of the US Senate and of the US Congress, and that is to decide whether or not we will be involved in war. I think it is inexcusable that the debate over whether we involve the country in war, in another country's civil war, that this would be debated as part of a spending bill, and not as part of an independent, free-standing bill.... I think it is a sad day for the US Senate. It goes against our history. It goes against the history of the country. Which of the following statements best summarizes this excerpt from Senator Paul's speech?

The US Senate should decide on war-like action on its merits, not along with other legislation

We have before us one of the most important duties of the US Senate and of the US Congress, and that is to decide whether or not we will be involved in war. I think it is inexcusable that the debate over whether we involve the country in war, in another country's civil war, that this would be debated as part of a spending bill, and not as part of an independent, free-standing bill.... I think it is a sad day for the US Senate. It goes against our history. It goes against the history of the country. Which foreign policy reality might limit what the Senate can do in this scenario?

The War Powers Act gives the president freedom to act with the military for a limited time

The words "I'm Ready for Hillary" appeared on bumper stickers and T-shirts during the 2016 presidential campaign. Which of the following campaign messages do those words convey?

The candidate's name recognition and an argument for progress

Which statement accurately describes the Supreme Court's contemporary interpretation of the death penalty?

The court has interpreted the execution of minors and the mentally handicapped as unconstitutional

It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality. Here the marriage laws enforced by the respondents are in essence unequal: same-sex couples are denied all the benefits afforded to opposite-sex couples and are barred from exercising a fundamental right. Especially against a long history of disapproval of their relationships, this denial to same-sex couples of the right to marry works a grave and continuing harm. The imposition of this disability on gays and lesbians serves to disrespect and subordinate them. Which of the following constitutional provisions would the author cite to support the opinion?

The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

We have before us one of the most important duties of the US Senate and of the US Congress, and that is to decide whether or not we will be involved in war. I think it is inexcusable that the debate over whether we involve the country in war, in another country's civil war, that this would be debated as part of a spending bill, and not as part of an independent, free-standing bill.... I think it is a sad day for the US Senate. It goes against our history. It goes against the history of the country. Which power of Congress is Senator Paul probably most concerned about based on this passage?

The expressed power to declare war

When the Senate Judiciary Committee passes a proposed crime bill by a vote of 11 to 10, which of the following scenarios is most likely to follow?

The full Senate will consider the bill

Millennials' political socialization was colored by the 9-11-2001 attacks by al-Qaeda terrorists, showing most clearly which effect on the formation of political views?

The generational effect

A US district judge in Alabama has a dispute in his court in which an employee is suing her employer over improper termination. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the US District Court of Kansas have both ruled on highly similar cases under the same law and sided with the employee. Which of the following is the likely action this federal judge will take?

The judge must rule in the same way because of binding precedent

The Commerce Clause should be limited to is proper sphere. The current approach under the Commerce Clause requires courts to defer to congressional judgment that a regulated activity has an effect upon interstate commerce, provided that there is any rational basis for that judgment. This standard grants judicial power to the legislative branch and removes an important check on legislative power. Deference to the judgment of a coequal branch of government on a specific issue is only appropriate where the Constitution gives that branch the power to decide that issue. Here, the Constitution grants the Judicial Branch the power to decide whether Congress is acting within its enumerated powers, so no deference is due. Simply put, "The constitution is either a superior paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, and, like other acts, is alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it." Which of the following statements best summarizes the argument in the Texas Justice Foundation's brief?

The judicial branch can determine if Congress is operating within its enumerated powers and thus checks legislative power

The objection to the plan of the convention which has met with most success in this State...is... the want of a constitutional provision for the trial by jury in civil cases. The disingenuous form in which this objection is usually stated has been repeatedly [commented on] and exposed, but continues to be pursued... The mere silence of the Constitution in regard to civil causes, is represented as an abolition of the trial by jury [in an effort] to induce a persuasion that this pretended abolition is complete and universal, extending not only to every species of civil, but even in criminal causes... Every man of discernment must at once perceive the wide difference between silence and abolition... The maxims on which [the opponents' argument] rely are of this nature: "A specification of particulars is an exclusion of generals"; or, "The expression of one thing is the exclusion of another." Hence, say they, as the Constitution has established the trial by jury in criminal cases, and is silent in respect to civil, this silence is an implied prohibition of trial by jury in regard to the latter. Which of the following statements is most consistent with Hamilton's argument in this passage?

The lack of specific reference to something in the Constitution does not mean it is disallowed

First, always, is the question whether Congress has directly spoken to the precise question at issue. If the intent of Congress is clear, that is the end of the matter; for the court, as well as the agency, must give effect to the unambiguously expressed intent of Congress. If, however, the court determines Congress has not directly addressed the precise question at issue, the court does not simply impose its own construction on the statute, as would be necessary in the absence of an administrative interpretation. Rather if the statute is silent or ambiguous with respect to the specific issue, the question for the court is whether the agency's answer is based on a permissible construction of the statute. Those who disagree with the above Supreme Court's opinion would likely point to which facts?

The lawmaking process becomes less democratic when bureaucratic agencies can regulate beyond their defined jurisdiction

In the McCulloch v. Maryland decision, which 2 provisions in the Constitution were upheld and strengthened?

The necessary and proper clause and the supremacy clause

What must a suing party prove to win a libel lawsuit?

The offending party acted maliciously and caused damages

Which of the following is necessary for a public opinion poll to be valid?

The poll must have a low margin of error

Which of the following options represents the majority opinion in United States v. Lopez?

The power of the federal government in relation to state governments is limited in this case

Shortly after Richard Nixon resigned the presidency, Bob and I were asked a long question [which] we answered with a short phrase that we've used many times since to describe our reporting on Watergate and its purpose and methodology. We called it the "best obtainable version of the truth." It's a simple concept for something very difficult to get right because of the enormous amount of effort, thinking, persistence, pushback, removal of ideological baggage and the sheer luck that is required, not to mention some unnatural humility. Underlying everything reporters do in pursuit of the best obtainable version of the truth, whatever our beat or assignment, is the question "what is news?" What is it that we believe is important, relevant, hidden, perhaps, or even in plain sight and ignored by conventional journalistic wisdom or governmental wisdom? I'd say this question of "what is news" becomes even more relevant and essential if we are covering the president of the United States. Richard Nixon tried to make the conduct of the press the issue and Watergate, instead of the conduct of the president and his men. We tried to avoid the noise and let the reporting speak. Which of the following reasons likely explains why Bernstein thinks the question of "what is news" is especially important when covering the president?

The president can get a strong message out to the public asserting his interpretation of events

Which of the following may the president do to limit the power of Congress?

The president can veto a congressional bill that has passed the House and Senate

... Some of those who have entered the United States through our immigration system have proved to be threats to our national security. Since 2001, hundreds of persons born abroad have been convicted of terrorism-related crimes in the United States.... the unrestricted entry into the United States of nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. I therefore direct that the entry into the United States of Nationals of those six countries be suspended for 90 days from the effective date of this order, subject to the limitations, waivers, and exceptions set forth... With which statement would supporters of this executive order most likely agree?

The president should make protecting the nation from foreign terrorism a top priority

During political campaigns before an election, the news media is said to cover the campaigns like a horse race. Which of the following statements best explains the reason for this analogy?

The press relies heavily on measurements like poll numbers as a constant comparison of candidates' relative success in a campaign

If there are such things as political axioms, the propriety of the judicial power of a government being coextensive with its legislative, may be ranked among the number. The mere necessity of uniformity in the interpretation of the national laws, besides the question. Thirteen independent courts of final jurisdiction over the same causes, arising upon the same laws, is a hydra in government, from which nothing but contradiction and confusion can proceed. Which of the following statements best summarizes Hamilton's argument?

The proposed federal courts and the Supreme Court will provide national consistency

The Bill of Rights Guarantees which of the following rights to a person arrested and charged with a crime?

The right to legal representation

With the variety of religious denominations and religions represented at a public high school, the administration has decided to bar students from wearing any religious symbols or garb that reflect a particular religious faith. Which of the following would be the best legal advice for school administrators?

This is an unsound policy based on the Constitution's free exercise clause unless the practice causes disruption

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of changes in the scope of the presidency?

Times of national stability led to a contraction in presidential scope under James Buchanan (Early) Times of crisis such as during the Great Depression led to the expansion of the president's powers under FDR

"In this campaign, I've met so many people who motivate me to keep fighting for change. And, with your help, I will carry all of your voices and stories with me to the White House. I will be a president for the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. For the struggling and the successful. For those who vote for me and those who don't. For all Americans." Why was this passage most likely included in the candidate's message?

To gain voters outside of the Democratic Party

Which of the following statements best summarizes the voter registration process in the United States?

Voter registration helps assure accuracy in the elections process

The Commerce Clause should be limited to is proper sphere. The current approach under the Commerce Clause requires courts to defer to congressional judgment that a regulated activity has an effect upon interstate commerce, provided that there is any rational basis for that judgment. This standard grants judicial power to the legislative branch and removes an important check on legislative power. Deference to the judgment of a coequal branch of government on a specific issue is only appropriate where the Constitution gives that branch the power to decide that issue. Here, the Constitution grants the Judicial Branch the power to decide whether Congress is acting within its enumerated powers, so no deference is due. Simply put, "The constitution is either a superior paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, and, like other acts, is alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it." This passage best aligns with which of the following opinions in United States v. Lopez?

We hold that the [Gun-Free School Zones] Act exceeds the authority of Congress "[t]o regulate Commerce...among the several States...." --Justice Rehnquist

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

raised limits on hard money

Which statement about recent trends in grassroots lobbying is true?

this technique is often used to target particular congressional districts