ap gov practice tests
Which of the following is an accurate summary of James Madison's argument in The Federalist 10? A A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other. B A large republic makes it possible to abolish factions and concentrate all power at the national level. C A large republic allows the federal government to dominate the state governments through the necessary and proper clause. D A large republic is a direct democracy where the people have a direct vote in policy matters, which controls factions.
A
In Brutus I, the author is most concerned with the conflict between which of the following political ideas? A Civil rights and national security B Participatory democracy and elite democracy C Political parties and special interest groups D Religious liberty and the separation of church and state
B
Which of the following is a difference between the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution that is a response to a problem expressed in Fed 15? A The Articles of Confederation lacked federal executive and judicial branches, whereas the United States Constitution did not. B The Articles of Confederation allowed for the federal government to request revenues from states but did not permit it to tax citizens directly, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government could tax citizens directly. C Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were paid by the state governments, whereas under the United States Constitution they were paid by the federal government. D Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were not able to regulate currency, whereas under the
B
Which of the following was the ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993) ? A Creating districts where a minority is the majority does not violate the Ninth Amendment. B Racial gerrymandering violates the Fourteenth Amendment. C Districts must be equal in population size because of the Fourteenth Amendment. D Districts drawn in unusual shapes or sizes violate the Ninth Amendment.
b
A person accused of a crime cannot afford an attorney, so the state provides the accused with a public defender. Which of the following amendments in the Bill of Rights best applies in this scenario? A The Third Amendment B The Fifth Amendment C The Sixth Amendment D The Seventh Amendment
c
race can be considered in college admissions, Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell wrote that " . . . Race or ethnic background may be deemed a 'plus' in a particular applicant's file, yet it does not insulate the individual from comparison with all other candidates for the available seats." Which of the following legal concepts is Justice Powell considering in his statement? A The exclusionary rule B Selective incorporation C Time, place, and manner restrictions D Equal protection clause
c
Which of the following cases involves a state law that prevents women who are pregnant from seeking abortions? A Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) B Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) C Schenck v. United States (1919) D Roe v. Wade (1973)
d
Which of the following public policies would Democrats be most likely to support? A Reducing taxes on American businesses and corporations B Increasing the age of eligibility for social security benefits C Reducing the size of the federal government by eliminating an executive department D Increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans
d
The Declaration of Independence cites specific reasons for separating from British rule, including the British imposing taxes and maintaining a standing army without consent. Which of the following principles or ideas would these grievances be most related to? A Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property B The authority to create a centralized military among the colonies C The incorporation of checks and balances among the branches of government D Concurrent powers allowing the colonies to draft their own laws
A
The House and the Senate have some different constitutional responsibilities. Which of the following pairs correctly matches House and Senate constitutional responsibilities? A House of Representatives - Initiates revenue bills. senate - Ratifies treaties. B House of Representatives - Drafts articles of impeachment. Senate - Elects the president if there is not a majority of votes in the electoral college. C House of Representatives - Confirms federal judges. Senate - Has limited debate. D House of Representatives - Can call on the vice president to break ties on votes. Senate - Confirms cabinet appointments.
A
Which of the following excerpts from Article I of the United States Constitution resolves a problem described by the author? (Fed 15) A "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;" B "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time." C "The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States." D "The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it."
A
As a compromise, the framers agreed on a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives elected by popular vote within states and the Senate selected by state legislatures. The direct election method conforms most to which of the following democratic ideals? A The social contract is an agreement between citizens and government. B Government should be based on the consent of the governed. C Policy makers should be the most well-informed elites in society. D State power should be respected in a federal constitution.
B
What statement would the author of Brutus I agree with? A Average citizens cannot be trusted to vote because of low levels of education. B Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government. C The federal government should have greater authority than state legislatures. D A small federal legislature is the best way to represent the will of the people in a large country.
B
Which of the following experiences most likely influenced the perspective conveyed in Fed 15? A The increased centralization of power in the national legislature under the Articles of Confederation B The debt crisis of the 1780s which the national government was unable to address due to lack of authority C The tension between states relying on commerce and those relying on agriculture D Passage of the Stamp Act and other taxes during the revolutionary period
B
Which of the following best characterizes the general argument made in Brutus 1? A A large republic would be preferable to a small one because more people could participate. B A small republic would pose more danger to individual liberty than a large republic. C A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states. D A small republic is more susceptible to corruption than a large republic.
C
Article I, Section 9 of the United States Constitution lists several powers that are denied to the federal government, such as granting titles of nobility and passing ex post facto laws. This best demonstrates which of the following ideals of democracy? A Natural rights B Popular sovereignty C Social contract theory D Limited government
D
In McDonald v. Chicago (2010), the Court ruled that the Second Amendment right to bear arms was applicable to the states. Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution did the Supreme Court use to support its ruling? A Executive Privilege under Article II, holding that the president is "commander-in-chief" B States' rights under the Tenth Amendment, holding that such powers were "not delegated to the United States by the Constitution" and, thus, "reserved to the States respectively" C The equal protection clause under the Fifth Amendment, holding that one cannot "be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law" D The doctrine of selective incorporation through the Fourteenth Amendment, holding that state action limiting gun rights deprived persons of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law"
D
In The Federalist 10, which of the following did James Madison argue would best control the negative effects of factions? A A law that prohibits factions B A small direct democracy C A large unitary government D A large federal republic
D
Which of the following excerpts from Brutus I best describes the author's reason for opposing an expansion of the scope of the federal government? A "In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed." B "This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few." C "If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people..." D "... [I]t is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic
D
Which of the following parts of the United States Constitution is incorporated to the states based on the ruling in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) ? A "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." B "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated." C "No person shall . . . be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself." D "[T]he right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
D
President Theodore Roosevelt took his case directly to the American people to gain public support for his progressive reform initiatives by appearing in a movie newsreel. This type of presidential communication is an example of which of the following? A Using the bully pulpit B Making use of a formal power C Drafting a signing statement D Issuing an executive order
a
Students at a public university hold a peaceful protest to demonstrate against an increase in the cost of college tuition. Which of the following constitutional protections best applies to this scenario? A The First Amendment B The Second Amendment C The Sixth Amendment D The Ninth Amendment
a
The case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) upheld the standard of "separate but equal" in American law. Which of the following explains how this case relates to Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) ? A Plessy established a precedent that was eventually overturned in the Brown case. B The decision in Plessy was used to support the ruling in Brown. C The "separate but equal" principle was established in Plessy and used in Brown. D The "separate but equal" principle was upheld in Brown but not in Plessy.
a
Which of the following best describes the holding in Baker v. Carr (1962) ? A Congressional redistricting is subject to judicial review. B Congressional districts must be compact and contiguous. C Diluting minority representation by confining their majority to one or two districts is unconstitutional. D Racial gerrymandering is allowed in certain circumstances.
a
Which of the following cases addresses the issue of mandatory public school prayer? A Engel v. Vitale (1962) B Schenck v. United States (1919) C Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) D Shaw v. Reno (1993)
a
Which of the following cases arose from a state law that mandates public schools to begin the school day with the reading of a nondenominational prayer by a school official? A Engel v. Vitale (1962) B Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) C Baker v. Carr (1962) D Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
a
Which of the following cases was most likely to derive the basis of its decision from the argument presented in The Federalist No. 78 that states: "that, accordingly, whenever a particular statute [contradicts] the Constitution, it will be the duty of the judicial tribunals to adhere to the latter and disregard the former"? A Marbury v. Madison (1803) B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) C Shaw v. Reno (1993) D United States v. Lopez (1995)
a
Which of the following examples describes the core value of equality of opportunity? A A student gains admittance to a university solely based on academic performance. B A person is hired at a workplace because the hiring manager prefers younger employees. C A business owner receives a loan from a bank as a result of growing up with the bank manager. D A citizen is appointed to the school board through political connections with the mayor.
a
Which of the following is the correct pairing of procedures or rules of each house of the legislative branch? A House of Representatives - Has a Rules Committee that decides how long debate will be on most bills. Senate - Has use of the filibuster and cloture, which can help the minority to defeat a bill. B House of Representatives - Approves all revenue bills Senate - Initiates all revenue bills. C House of Representatives - Can pass articles of impeachment against a president or member of the federal courts Senate - Can remove presidential appointees to the cabinet. D House of Representatives - The Speaker of the House is the most powerful member of the chamber. Senate - The vice president can vote on most bills.
a
A Pentagon contractor named Daniel Ellsberg stole a report, which later became known as the Pentagon Papers. The report had classified information about the conduct of the war in Vietnam. He gave this report to several major media outlets. The government tried to use prior restraint to prevent the outlets from publishing these excerpts. The Court allowed the media outlets to publish the excerpts in which of the following cases? A Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) B New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) C Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) D Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
b
A citizen cast her vote for the candidate in a congressional election based on the candidate's promise to reform the health care system. Which voting behavior model best characterizes the citizen's choice? A Party-line voting B Prospective voting C Rational-choice voting D Retrospective voting
b
A voter has seen his income increase by 3% over the past four years. He is encouraged that unemployment is down and the price of gas has remained relatively low. On Election Day, by voting for the incumbent presidential candidate, he has engaged in which type of voting? A Rational-choice voting B Retrospective voting C Prospective voting D Party-line voting
b
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, delegates from larger states argued that each state's representation in the legislature should be proportional to its population. Smaller states argued that each state should have equal representation, regardless of population. The disagreement over representation threatened to derail the ratification of the United States Constitution. Which statement accurately describes the compromise that led to both sides reaching agreement? A A bicameral legislature with an upper house selected by the lower house and the lower house representation proportional to each state's population B A bicameral legislature with an upper house representing each state equally and a lower house with representation proportional to each state's population C A unicameral legislature with equal representation for every state D A unicameral legislature with representation proportional to each state's population
b
For decades, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has worked closely with members of Congress to successfully curtail the capacity of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to regulate firearms and track gun crimes. Which of the following statements best explains how the NRA maintains its influence in Washington? A Other interest groups do not spend time lobbying federal officeholders and bureaucrats on gun rights issues. B The National Rifle Association outspends its competitors in all elections and stages of policy making. C Bureaucratic agencies serve the needs of competing interest groups equally at the federal level. D The president alone determines spending allocations and favors bureaucratic discretion in all matters.
b
In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), the Supreme Court ruled that corporations and labor unions could spend unlimited amounts of money supporting political candidates under certain circumstances. Which of the following was the basis for the Court's ruling? A The freedom of assembly in the First Amendment B The freedom of speech in the First Amendment C The due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment D The equal protection clause in the Fourteenth Amendment
b
In Roe v. Wade (1973), the United States Supreme Court used what provision of the United States Constitution to extend the right to privacy to women seeking abortions? A The due process clause of the Fifth Amendment B The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment C The equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment D The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment
b
In the case Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964), the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had the power under the commerce clause to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Which of the following explains how this case is similar to Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) ? A Both cases challenged the authority of Congress to pass legislation that addressed local segregation. B Both cases upheld the power of the federal government to ensure equal protection under the law. C Both cases decided that actions taken by the president to end segregation were unconstitutional. D Both cases were about the application of the Thirteenth Amendment to the states.
b
Increases in the amount of money spent on national defense and security contracts, such as those that occurred after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and during the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, would most likely have which of the following consequences? A There would be an increase in the number of ideological social movements that seek to influence the federal budget. B Defense contractors would increase their lobbying efforts in order to improve their chances of winning a contract. C A single-issue group would form to take out political ads opposing increased federal spending. D A political party realignment would occur, shifting more voters into the Democratic Party.
b
Prior to his confirmation, Democrats on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions questioned President Trump's Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price about the ethics of some of his investments. He was eventually confirmed with support of Republicans in the Senate. This check on presidential power illustrates that A the process of selecting Cabinet members is usually negotiated by making concessions to the minority party in the Senate B the process of confirming members of the president's Cabinet can lead to conflict with members of the Senate C presidents rely on the bully pulpit to get members of Congress to act on confirmations D even when an executive order is issued, members of the opposing party in the Senate can work to block them
b
The police searched a suspect's smartphone without getting a warrant and found photo evidence of criminal activity. After a thorough investigation, the suspect was charged and the evidence obtained from the smartphone was used in the trial. Which of the following amendments contains the Bill of Rights protections that were most likely violated in this scenario? A The Third Amendment B The Fourth Amendment C The Seventh Amendment D The Eighth Amendment
b
Which of the following best demonstrates how political parties serve as linkage institutions? A Party leaders organize a legislative agenda and work to gain support from members to pass bills. B Parties may organize activities to identify supporters, increase registration, and get out the vote. C Parties establish interest groups to promote a specific issue. D Parties adapt over time to social changes and sometimes adopt new positions on issues.
b
Which of the following best explains the role of parties in Congress? A Parties form to facilitate elections and have little influence on the structure and function of legislatures. B Parties organize government by selecting chamber leadership and determining committee membership. C Parties raise money to fund spending on important bills in Congress. D Parties determine the presidential primary schedule.
b
Which of the following cases expanded the powers of Congress by defining the necessary and proper clause more broadly? A United States v. Lopez (1995) B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) C Marbury v. Madison (1803) D Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954
b
Which of the following is the best example of a president using technology to communicate and obtain public support for a public policy agenda? A President Ronald Reagan reassuring the nation in a televised address after the Challenger disaster B President John F. Kennedy outlining Cold War challenges and urging Americans to civic action in his inaugural address C President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressing a joint session of Congress to seek a declaration of war after the attack on Pearl Harbor D President Richard Nixon claiming executive privilege to protect the recorded conversations he made in the White House
b
Which of the following parties would be most likely to support requiring voters to show photo identification when going to the voting booth? A The Democratic Party B The Republican Party C The Green Party D The Libertarian Party
b
Which of the following quotes from the Federalist Papers best supports the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) ? A "But the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society." B "Liberty is to faction what air is to fire. . . . But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency." C "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." D "If, then, the courts of justice are to be considered as the bulwarks [defensive walls] of a limited Constitution against legislative encroachments, this consideration will afford a strong argument for the permanent tenure of judicial offices, since nothing will contribute so much as this to that independent spirit in the judges, which must be essential to the faithful performance of so arduous a duty."
b
Which of the following scenarios is an example of a constitutional application of affirmative action? A A high school athletic program adds a women's basketball team in addition to its existing men's basketball team. B A federal contractor actively recruits qualified minorities and women for positions in the company. C A company providing a public service is required to serve all customers regardless of race or religion. D A person who cannot afford an attorney is provided one by the state
b
In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the Supreme Court reached the following conclusion: "[I]n the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the [protections of the Fourteenth Amendment]." What generally does the Fourteenth Amendment provide for? A Free expression and freedom of religion B Limits on unreasonable searches and seizures by governmental actors C Equal protection of the laws and due process D The right to vote for African American males over the age of twenty-one
c
In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the Supreme Court struck down racial segregation in public schools, finding that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." What constitutional clause did the Court rely most heavily on to reach this decision? A The due process clause B The necessary and proper clause C The equal protection clause D The free exercise clause
c
In a press briefing, the White House press secretary issues a statement criticizing members of Congress who refuse to act on the president's judicial nominees to the federal courts. This scenario best illustrates which of the following? A Congress does not consider judicial nominations important enough to act on. B Judicial nominees must pass both chambers of Congress, which slows down the process. C Members of the White House staff are strategically used to help the president pass an agenda. D Cabinet members have a tendency to clash with members of the opposing party.
c
In order to appease competing views regarding how to select the chief executive, it was agreed at the Constitutional Convention that A the president would be chosen directly by the people to ensure that the process adheres to the principles of democracy B the president would be chosen by Congress since Congress has been elected and represents the will of the people C the president would be chosen by a temporary group of electors, a process created as a result of compromise D the president would be chosen by the Supreme Court because the Court is charged with making unbiased decisions
c
The idea of having a constitution, which includes a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances, promotes which of the following core American values? A Civil liberties B Rule of law C Limited government D Federalism
c
Under Roe v. Wade (1973), as originally decided, when may the state largely prohibit women from having abortions? A The state may do so at any time during the pregnancy as it is seeking to foster maternal health and protect fetal life. B The state may never do so during the pregnancy as the woman has an absolute right to privacy and to end her pregnancy whenever she wishes. C The state's interest in prohibiting abortions is greatest during the third trimester of the pregnancy; thus, the state may prohibit women from seeking abortions in some conditions. D Roe did not involve abortion rights. In the Supreme Court's view, it created the implied right to privacy, based on the "penumbra" of protections emanating from the Bill of Rights.
c
Which of the following is an example of affirmative action? A The president submits a report to Congress forty-eight hours after he deployed troops in an overseas conflict. B The United States Department of Education offers low-interest college student loans to all financially qualified students. C Harvard Medical School actively recruits highly qualified minorities and female applicants for its residency program. D The state of Virginia awards an infrastructure contract to the company with the lowest bid.
c
Which of the following is the best example of a president using the bully pulpit? A A wartime president writing a condolence letter to the mother of a son lost in combat B A president convening a cabinet meeting to address an economic crisis C A president making a televised speech to gain public support for a policy initiative D A president responding to questions about a scandal during a press conference
c
Which of the following public policies would Republicans be most likely to support? A Creating a government-run health-care system B Restricting who can carry and purchase guns C Reducing government funding to organizations that provide reproductive services D Increasing the number of undocumented immigrants who may remain the country
c
Which of the following scenarios best represents the model for party-line voting? A A citizen votes for the candidate who has promised to help her business. B A citizen votes for the incumbent candidate because his income has increased over the past two years. C Despite not recognizing the name, a candidate votes for the Democratic Party candidate because he is a Democrat. D A citizen who owns a lot of property bases her vote on the candidate's promise to lower property taxes.
c
A member of Congress is arrested and convicted of failing to pay the proper amount of income tax. Which of the following core American values is most relevant to this case? A Limited government B Equality of opportunity C Free enterprise D The rule of law
d
A popular news website obtains transcripts of confidential discussions in the White House regarding how the National Security Agency should collect private data of citizens. Even though the president urges the website not to publish the story, the website does so anyway because it believes the conversation does not reveal information that poses a risk to national security. Which of the following cases would the news website most likely cite if it had to argue the case that it can publish the story without permission from the president? A Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) B Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) C Schenck v. United States (1919) D New York Times Co. v. United States (1971
d
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1932 after running on the Democratic Party platform that included an expansion of federal programs aimed at pulling the United States out of the Great Depression. The expansion plan, known as the New Deal, substantially increased the voting base of the Democratic Party. As a result, the Democratic Party dominated Congress and many state governments for the next half century. The election of 1932 is considered a critical election because it A caused voters to abandon both political parties B replaced the two-party system with a three-party system C introduced a new method of presidential campaigning D changed the base of support in each party
d
Housing covenants are agreements in the deed of a property that restricts the owner from doing certain things with the property. Some covenants prevented owners from selling to individuals of a specific race or ethnic group. In the case Shelley v. Kraemer (1948), the Supreme Court struck down racially restrictive housing covenants under the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Which of the following cases is most similar to Shelley v. Kraemer (1948) ? A United States v. Lopez (1995) B Engel v. Vitale (1962) C Roe v. Wade (1972) D Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
d
In Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) how did the Supreme Court's decision address state interests and individual rights? A It ruled that the state had an overarching right to compel students of all ages to attend public school through the twelfth grade. B It ruled that the state had no justifiable interest to compel students of all ages to attend public school through the twelfth grade. C It balanced the state's interest in compulsory education with the students' free speech rights. D It balanced the state's interest in compulsory education with the students' free exercise rights.
d
In the 1950s Southern states attempted to prevent integration of their public schools. In return, the National Guard was sent to force states to implement federal regulations. This scenario illustrates which of the following about the relationship between the state and national governments? A Most issues regarding education are settled at the state level. B The Constitution gives state governments the exclusive power to interpret federal laws. C The power of the national government to enforce state policy had been struck down by the Supreme Court. D The debate over the role of the central government and state powers is ongoing.
d
On February 13, 2016, following the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement that the Supreme Court vacancy should be left to the next president of the United States, who would be elected that November. Nonetheless, President Obama nominated circuit judge Merrick Garland to fill the vacancy. The Senate judiciary committee never held a hearing nor was a vote scheduled on the nomination. The scenario demonstrates that A the Senate prefers to pick members of the Supreme Court B there are very few qualified individuals who can serve as Supreme Court justices C because the judicial branch is elected, the Supreme Court must be responsive to public opinion D because federal judges are lifetime appointments, Senate confirm
d
The Gun-Free School Zones Act made it illegal for individuals knowingly to carry a gun in a school zone. The Supreme Court determined this act to be an unconstitutional stretch of the commerce clause in A McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) B Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) C New York Times Company v. United States (1971) D United States v. Lopez (199
d
The United States Supreme Court reviewed state-mandated racial segregation in public schools. The Court stated that the separate schools "involved have been equalized, or are being equalized, with respect to buildings, curricula, qualifications and salaries of teachers, and other 'tangible' factors. Our decision, therefore, cannot turn on merely a comparison of these tangible factors [among the] schools involved in each of the cases. We must look instead to the effect of segregation itself on public education." Which of the following rules or clauses did the Supreme Court use to address the issue of racial segregation in public schools? A The "one person one vote" rule in Baker v. Carr (1962) B The free exercise clause in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) C The First Amendment's establishment clause in Engel v. Vitale (1962) D The Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
d
The decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) led to the creation of super PACs that can legally raise unlimited amounts of money and engage in electioneering with few limits. Madison argued in TheFederalist 10 that factions, like super PACs, would not be detrimental to society because the Constitution A left most of the powers to local governments where factions are unlikely to form B placed financial limits on factions to prevent them from creating problems C created an independent judiciary that would prosecute those forming factions D created a large republic with many factions that would cancel each other out
d
Using social media, individuals are increasingly able to communicate their political views to a wide audience. However, some messages over social media have led to certain individuals being arrested for making credible threats. This issue is most related to which of the following cases? A Engel v. Vitale (1962) B United States v. Lopez (1995) C Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District (1969) D Schenck v. United States (1919)
d
Which of the following best explains how political parties use party platforms? A Parties use their platform as a binding document that dictates how candidates in office will vote on issues. B Platforms are used to inform voters of how individual candidates within the party voted on recent public policy issues. C Parties use platforms as a means to raise large amounts of money from federal matching grants. D The platform is used to define the party's general stance on political issues.
d
Which of the following clauses of the Constitution could the Supreme Court have used when deciding the case Marbury v. Madison (1803) ? "The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during times of good behavior." Answer A: "The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during times of good behavior." A "The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed." Answer B: "The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed." B "In all other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact." Answer C: "In all other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact." C "The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made."
d
Which of the following correctly describes the facts in Shaw v. Reno (1993) ? A A lawsuit was filed by an individual living in an urban area who argued that his vote was less important than that of someone living in a rural area. B The gerrymandered district was challenged because state lawmakers were not involved in the drawing of the district lines. C The redistricting process was challenged after it merged two districts together, causing two incumbents to compete for the seat. D Redistricting in order to confine minority voters to a majority in one district was challenged under the Fourteenth Amendment.
d
Which of the following is a doctrine based on the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution that was used in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) to limit the power of states and protect the right to keep and bear arms? A Symbolic speech B Equal protection C Judicial review D Selective incorporation
d
Which of the following is an accurate pair of descriptions of the two chambers of Congress? A House of Representatives - Formal debate senate- Votes scheduled by vice president B House of Representatives- Initiates revenue bills senate -Representation based on state population C House of Representatives- Led by the House majority leader Senate - Uses committees to organize legislative work D House of Representatives - Serves 2-year terms senate- Serves 6-year terms
d
Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in United States v. Lopez (1995) ? A The necessary and proper clause did not allow Congress to create the Bank of the United States. B Congress may regulate commerce between the states. C State governments can declare federal statutes unconstitutional if they conflict with state law. D Congress may not use the commerce clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime.
d
