American Government EOC Practice

Which feature of ancient Rome made it a republic? A.Absence of a king or emperor B.Rule by elected representatives C.Right to speak in civic gatherings D.Equality for all adult male citizens

B.Rule by elected representatives

Identify, which phrase best describes the Great Compromise. A. A bicameral congress, the House based on state population, the Senate, representation would be equal for each state B. A bicameral congress, whereby representation would be based on the state's population C. The will of the majority within each state determines the number of representatives and senators. D. A bicameral congress, whereby representation within the House and Senate is determined by population

A. A bicameral congress, the House based on state population, the Senate, representation would be equal for each state

Which statement best describes limited government? A. A constitutional government governed by the rule of law B. A government with a written constitution C. A monarchy that allows for rule of law D. A government that suggests the Supreme Court use rule of law

A. A constitutional government governed by the rule of law

The expansion of suffrage in the United States best illustrates society's changing views of A.Civil rights B.Limited government C.Popular sovereignty D.Due process of law

A.Civil rights

Which part of the Connecticut (or Great) Compromise benefits states with smaller populations? A.Each state has two representatives in the Senate. B.The Senate ratifies all treaties with foreign nations. C.All bills for spending money must originate in the House of Representatives. D.A state's population determines how many members it has in the House of Representatives.

A.Each state has two representatives in the Senate.

Which is a result of having a political system dominated by two political parties? A.It is easier to obtain a majority of votes. B.There is less confusion in the primaries. C.There are fewer legal challenges to elections. D.It increases voter turnout.

A.It is easier to obtain a majority of votes.

"Inalienable rights are inherent to each individual, regardless of wealth, social status, or birth." Analyze the above statement in the chart and predict how it would impact government. A. Wealth and social status would determine your rights B. All citizens would be treated equally C. Citizens from foreign countries would not receive equal rights D. All individuals are entitled to pursue wealth

B. All citizens would be treated equally

At the federal level, the courts are organized into which of the following: A. municipal, appeals, supreme B. district, appeals, supreme C. circuit, appeals, supreme

B. district, appeals, supreme

Which of these circumstances illustrates a danger of majority rule? A.A law is ruled unconstitutional by a judge. B.A law is used to oppress a group of people. C.A petition is signed by many people. D.A prisoner is wrongly let out of prison.

B.A law is used to oppress a group of people.

Which person is a member of the legislative branch? A.President B.Speaker of the House C.Secretary of education D.Ambassador to the United Nations

B.Speaker of the House

Which phrase best summarizes the New Jersey Plan? A. A unicameral legislature based upon each state's population B. A bicameral legislature having veto power C. A bicameral legislature with each state having equal representation D. A unicameral legislature having judicial review

C. A bicameral legislature with each state having equal representation

Identify the best description of lobbying. A group or individual attempting to impact legislation by influencing legislators B. A group of individuals hired by a legislator to research a bill C. A group or individual hired by an organization to promote the common good D. Individuals, located in the halls of congress, who are hired to help congressmen

A. A group or individual attempting to impact legislation by influencing legislators

Federal Judges are determined by A. Presidential appointment B. election C. chosen by the bar associate D. chosen by the supreme court

A. Presidential appointment

Which phrase best illustrates the philosophy of civic responsibility? A. The drive to take part in formal and informal activities within the community, state, and federal arenas B. To donate all of your land to the community, state, or federal government if it will benefit society C. Voting for a member of your political party even if you disagree with his/her position D. Voting party lines to ensure that the other party never wins

A. The drive to take part in formal and informal activities within the community, state, and federal arenas

Which statement best summarizes the concept of jurisdiction? A. The power or authority to hear cases and make decisions B. Courts may choose if they want to hear a federal or state case. C. The type of case a court will hear is based on where the court is located. D. Federal courts will always have original jurisdiction over state law.

A. The power or authority to hear cases and make decisions

Which of these received increased authority under the reserved powers clause of the Constitution? A.States B.Congress C.Businesses D.Supreme Court

A.States

In order for a bill to become law, what happens after both houses of Congress pass it? A.The president signs it. B.The Supreme Court reviews it. C.The president vetoes it. D.The Supreme Court interprets it.

A.The president signs it.

Which of these is the main function of the legislative branch? A.To make laws B.To enforce laws C.To define laws D.To interpret laws

A.To make laws

"Proportional representation is a democratic system which aims to represent the will of the population in the legislature by proportional support. The goal of proportional representation is to more accurately reflect the political inclinations of the population." Wisegeek.com Based on the above definition, what is the purpose of proportional representation? A. To ensure the political will of one district is implemented B. To better represent the political, social, and economic views in the legislature C. To reflect the political views, and ensure passage of laws to benefit a state D. To ensure the smaller states equal representation

B. To better represent the political, social, and economic views in the legislature

Which example best demonstrates a change in government involvement in the economy? A.Involvement in the United Nations B.Creation of the Social Security Administration C.Deployment of military troops to Iraq D.Implementation of the Voting Rights Act

B.Creation of the Social Security Administration

Chris challenged the law in his home state that allowed the chief of police to identify him as "a dangerous driver" based on observation. This classification denied him the right to renew his driver's license. Chris successfully argued that he was entitled to a hearing before the state could post his name on the dangerous driver list. Which constitutional principle does the scenario represent? A.Judicial review B.Due process of law C.Popular sovereignty D.Checks and balances

B.Due process of law

The Articles of Confederation represented the A.Rejection of weaknesses in the Bill of Rights B.First attempt at self-government in the United States C.Acceptance of British rule in the colonies D.Early effort to improve United States ties to other nations

B.First attempt at self-government in the United States

Since the 1960s, which political party in the United States most closely represents the views of conservative voters? A.Democratic Party B.Republican Party C.Socialist Party D.Green Party

B.Republican Party

"No freeman shall be taken, or imprisoned, . . . or in any way harmed . . . save by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. . . . To none will we sell, to none deny or delay, right or justice." —Magna Carta, 1215 According to the statement in the chart, which constitutional guarantee is most related to the Magna Carta? A.Rights to bear arms B.Rights of the accused C.Rights of former slaves D.Rights of the convicted

B.Rights of the accused

Which of these is an example of popular sovereignty? A.Federal courts overrule laws passed by Congress. B.Some states decided to prohibit slavery by a vote of residents. C.Political parties choose presidential candidates at national conventions. D.Former colonial governments declared independence from British control.

B.Some states decided to prohibit slavery by a vote of residents.

"The most powerful, and perhaps the only, means of interesting men in the welfare of their country which we still possess is to make them partakers in the government." —Alexis de Tocqueville Which statement best reflects Tocqueville's point of view? A.Becoming involved in society will make businesses prosper. B.Taking an active role in society will help promote contributions to a nation. C.Encouraging people to become involved in communities will improve schools. D.Participating in the creation of legislation is particularly important for young citizens.

B.Taking an active role in society will help promote contributions to a nation.

The most important role of the Electoral College is to A.Nominate candidates to local offices and Congress B.Vote for the president and vice president C.Settle national elections in case of a tie D.Educate voters prior to an election

B.Vote for the president and vice president

"If you make the citizens of this country agree to become the subjects of one great consolidated empire of America, your government will not have sufficient energy to keep them together." Select the political philosophy, which best fits the above quote by Patrick Henry. A. Federalists B. Natural rights C. Anti-Federalists D. Strict Constructionists

C. Anti-Federalists

"To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers and all other powers vested by this constitution'. What constitutional power did this clause establish. A. Implied Powers B. Judicial Power C. Executive Powers

C. Executive Powers

Which example best demonstrates a constitutional government? A. The rule of law is present but changing B. The rule of law is determined by congress C. Places limits on the power of elected officials D. The constitution must be in written form

C. Places limits on the power of elected officials

What statement best describes original jurisdiction? A. The first court to hear a case from a lower court. B. The individual or group who first submits a case for litigation C. The authority of a court to initially hear a case D. The authority of a court to hold a trial

C. The authority of a court to initially hear a case

Which sentence best identifies the Federalists philosophy? A. Urged ratification of the U.S. Constitution and a weak central government B. Urged ratification of the U.S. Constitution because it allowed the states to keep their power C. Urged ratification of the U.S. Constitution and a strong central government D. Were opposed to ratification of the U.S. Constitution because it allowed for a strong central government

C. Urged ratification of the U.S. Constitution and a strong central government

"An organization whose aim is to gain control of the government apparatus, usually through the election of its candidates to public office." . What term best summarizes the above Columbia Encyclopedia quote? A. party platform B. patriots C. political party D. equality of opportunity

C. political party

Which headline best illustrates an example of checks and balances? A."President to Seek Second Term" B."House Passes Tax Legislation" C."Senate Confirms New Chief Justice" D."Supreme Court Rejects Case"

C."Senate Confirms New Chief Justice"

Which best explains why groups may hold meetings to discuss unpopular ideas in the United States? A.State laws allow their actions. B.Executive orders protect their actions. C.Constitutional rights protect their actions. D.Municipal ordinances permit their actions.

C.Constitutional rights protect their actions.

Enlightenment-era political philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu A.Rejected governmental policies that allowed the expansion of property rights B.Adhered to traditional social customs in the creation of governmental offices C.Emphasized governmental structures based on reason and social progress D.Pursued strict obedience to religious scripture in governmental affairs

C.Emphasized governmental structures based on reason and social progress

Mexico has a governmental system in which the power is divided between the national government and each state. Based on the information above, what type of government system does Mexico have? A.Capitalism B.Communism C.Federalism D.Totalitarianism

C.Federalism

"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." —President Abraham Lincoln, 1863. Which is the best conclusion about President Lincoln's quotation? A.He believed all men are created equal. B.He intended to be reelected. C.He supported a republic. D.He was against slavery.

C.He supported a republic.

2000 Presidential Election Percentage of Eligible Voters Who Cast a Ballot 18-24 Years Old 29% All Voters 55% Which of these can best be concluded from the information in the chart? A.Many Americans did not know their political rights. B.Many college students volunteered in their communities. C.Many young people neglected their civic responsibilities. D.Many American citizens actively participated in civic life.

C.Many young people neglected their civic responsibilities.

Which executive action best demonstrates a check on legislative branch power? A.The Senate rejects a Supreme Court nominee. B.The Supreme Court overturns a presidential pardon. C.The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress. D.The Speaker of the House consults with the vice president.

C.The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress.

Which statement best describes a function of interest groups? A.They nominate candidates to run for elected office. B.They attempt to override presidential actions by protesting. C.They advocate for citizens who have similar ideas about issues. D.They organize public education forums to raise money for a cause.

C.They advocate for citizens who have similar ideas about issues.

What statement best describes the impact of the supremacy clause? A. Allows the Supreme Court to rule that state laws may take precedent over federal laws B. Allows Congress the authority to create state laws C. Allows the president and Congress to create state laws D. Places federal law above individual state laws

D. Places federal law above individual state laws

"It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others...Were the executive magistrate, or the judges, not independent of the legislature in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal." -Federalist No. 51 Which constitutional principle is described in the quotation? A. Federalism B. Due process C. Judicial review D. Separation of powers

D. Separation of powers

Which of these is the main function of due process of law? A. To increase the political rights of all citizens B. To create laws that focus on criminal rights C. The right to "ban" all evidence not obtained with a warrant D. The right to be treated fairly by government, law enforcement, and the courts

D. The right to be treated fairly by government, law enforcement, and the courts

What statement best describes the Mayflower Compact? A. This document created a comprehensive government B. This document was the first to guarantee equal rights for women C. Was a covenant created in England before the Mayflower sailed D. Was an early example of social contract theory

D. Was an early example of social contract theory

"Administration of a government chiefly through bureaus or departments staffed with nonelected officials." -American Heritage Identify the term which best describes the American Heritage definition. A. executive branch B. legislative branch C. federalism D. bureaucracy

D. bureaucracy

Which interest group would most likely oppose eliminating the social security system? A.National Rifl e Association (NRA) B.American Federation of Labor (AFL) C.Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) D.American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

D.American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

Mason thinks he has a great idea for a law. What is the best action for Mason to take to get the law passed? A.Post his opinions on a website B.Talk with his best friend about his idea C.Write a letter to the editor of the local paper D.Contact his representative in Congress about his idea

D.Contact his representative in Congress about his idea

Which issue is exclusively the responsibility of federal law? A.Driver's licenses B.Gun control C.Teaching certifications D.Counterfeit money

D.Counterfeit money

In a presidential form of government, the head of the executive branch is A.Selected from the legislative branch and serves an indefinite term B.Elected to become the ruling member of the legislature and serves a fixed term C.Selected by the legislature to rule independently and serves an indefinite term D.Elected independently from the legislative branch and serves a fixed term

D.Elected independently from the legislative branch and serves a fixed term

• Under the Articles of Confederation, taxes were applied by Congress and collected by the states. • Under the Constitution, taxes are both applied and collected by Congress. Which of these best describes the change in government reflected in the chart? A.Reducing duties of the executive branch B.Reducing duties of the legislative branch C.Expanding political power of state governments D.Expanding political power of the national government

D.Expanding political power of the national government

• 1980: Candy Lightner establishes Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to advocate for strong drunk driving laws • 1988: Minimum drinking age set at twenty-one in all fifty states • 1992: Alcohol-related driving deaths drop 26 percent since 1984 The best title for the chart is A.The Critical Need for Federal Speed Limit Reform B.The Growing Problem of Drunk Driving in the United States C.Why Alcohol Advertising Needs to Be Banned D.How an Individual Citizen Helped Improve Community Safety

D.How an Individual Citizen Helped Improve Community Safety

Which activity of an interest group for teachers would have the most significant political impact? A.Providing legal advice for members who feel their rights have been violated B.Ensuring that continuing education is provided for experienced educators C.Providing instructors with lesson plans that align with curriculum D.Lobbying elected officials to enact new education laws

D.Lobbying elected officials to enact new education laws

Which of these situations illustrates citizens responsibly practicing the freedoms of a democratic society? A.Melissa loudly argues with the grocery store manager about high food prices. B.Lindsay falsely accuses Jim of reckless driving in the local newspaper. C.Billy celebrates homecoming by honking his car horn in a residential neighborhood at midnight. D.Miko and some friends picket the local shoe factory because of recent layoffs.

D.Miko and some friends picket the local shoe factory because of recent layoffs.

Mr. Leonard was not required to testify at his own trial for armed robbery. This is known as A.Right to legal counsel B.Right against false testimony C.Right to legal privacy D.Right against self-incrimination

D.Right against self-incrimination

"It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others . . . . Were the executive magistrate, or the judges, not independent of the legislature in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal." —Federalist No. 51 Which constitutional principle is described in the quotation? A.Federalism B.Due process C.Judicial review D.Separation of powers

D.Separation of powers

Some people believe that the Supreme Court has too much power because justices A.Accumulate great sums of campaign contributions B.Can ignore the outcome of confirmation hearings C.Issue decisions in cases brought to them D.Serve until they die or choose to retire

D.Serve until they die or choose to retire

Which view of presidential power led to the Twenty-Second Amendment? A.The office of the president had too much power in the nineteenth century. B.Original checks and balances in the Constitution sufficiently limit the president's power. C.Congress should have more power to check the president's power. D.Term limits are needed to keep any one president from growing too powerful.

D.Term limits are needed to keep any one president from growing too powerful.

State Populations Texas: 23,507,783 Florida: 18,089,880 Michigan: 10,095,643 Missouri: 5,842,713 According to the chart, which state has the largest delegation in the United States House of Representatives? A.Missouri B.Florida C.Michigan D.Texas

D.Texas

What happens when a state law conflicts with a federal law? A.The federal government can penalize the state. B.The federal government must change its law. C.The state government can enforce its own law. D.The state must yield to the federal government.

D.The state must yield to the federal government.