American Government Final Review
Which statement best explains the principle of majority rule and minority rights? a the majority determines the rights, while the minority makes the rules. b the majority is less important than the minority c the majority determines the rights for the minority d the majority rules while respecting the rights of the minority
D
A "lobbyist" is BEST described as one who a puts pressure on lawmakers, attempting to affect public policy b uses the media to give the public information on a specific topic c Uses the media to craft a good public image for an interest group d attempts to influence the policies of labor unions and professional associations
a
A government in which powers are divided between a national government and state governments with the national government being supreme is called a a federal government b a republican government c a confederate government d a unitary government
a
A nation must ________ to be considered a democracy a Allow a portion of its population to vote b Elect separate branches of government c Allow all citizens to vote d Elect a president
a
A person acting for a special-interest group, who tries to impact the voting on legislation or the decisions of government administrators, is known as a a Lobbyist b political activist c influence peddler d political action committee liaison
a
An example of an "expressed power" given to the national government in the Constitution is (PS 5) a coinage of money b regulation of divorce c regulation of marriage d control of public education
a
Dictatorship, Totalitarianism, and Absolute Monarchy best describe what leadership style? a Authoritarian b Democratic c Laissez-faire d Socialist
a
Differences among political parties are most clearly seen in their a all the above b appeals to the middle class c stated policy platforms d electoral strategies
a
If every citizen votes on every law, they have a ______ form of government a democracy b theocracy c autocracy d monarchy
a
In a country, only a small number of people make decisions about the laws. These people were chosen by their home state to make decisions in the best interest of the state. The decision-makers are very diverse in their religion, wealth, and military experience. Which type of governmental system is described? a representative democracy b oligarchy c autocracy d direct democracy
a
In both a parliamentary system and a presidential system of government, a The people elect their own representatives b The leader is selected by the majority party c The people elect their prime minister d The leader is selected by the legislature
a
McCulloch vs. Maryland dealt with what constitutional principle? a Federalism b Judicial Review c Checks and balances d Separation of powers
a
Multiple political parties, free and open elections, and majority rule, are describing which type of government? a democracy b autocracy c theocracy d oligarchy
a
The Fifth Amendment guarantees rights to (PS 1c) a due process of law b free expression c checks and balances d popular sovereignty
a
The Mayflower Compact was significant because it a was the first written agreement of self-government in the colonies b recognized the rights of common citizens that the British King was bound to observe c freed Africian slaves living in southern states d established friendly relations between Pilgrims and Native Americans
a
The Populist, Bull Moose, and Green Party are examples of what? a Third parties b Presidential parties c Socialist parties d Tea parties
a
The federal government has tried to pressure states into accepting national speed limits and national drinking ages by a withholding highway funding b closing National Guard bases c changing fair housing regulations d overturning Supreme Court rulings
a
The government structure can be found in which section of the Constitution? (PS 2a) a Articles b Preamble c Bill of Rights d Amendments
a
The role of a lobbyist is to a Try to influence government policy b work in an agency of the executive branch c Serve on the staff of a member of Congress d represent defendants who cannot afford lawyers
a
The student council is considering having a dance. Several students suggest dates. A vote is taken and date is chosen. After the vote, several members of the council are unhappy with the decision. They cannot go to the dance on that night because of a scheduled soccer game. A second vote is taken to choose a new date so all can attend. Which principle of government is illustrated in the scenario? a minority rights b federalism c veto d judicial review
a
What is the most significant role a political party plays in the process of electing the president? a Choosing a candidate b Organizing election rallies c Providing an issues platform d Funding campaign advertisements
a
Which description has been the main outcome of amendments to the Constitution? (PS 2a) a The rights of individuals have expanded b The purposes of government have changed c The goals of the founders have transformed d The powers of the presidency have increased
a
Which principle of government was violated by poll taxes and grandfather clauses that prevented people from voting? a minority rights b limited government c legislative oversight d executive privilege
a
Which scenario illustrates a violation of rights guaranteed by the Eighth Amendment? (PS 1c) a A woman charged with shoplifting is sentenced to life in prison. b A woman arrested for theft is denied an attorney because she is old enough to defend herself. c A man arrested for a crime is interrogated by the police until he admits he is guilty. d A man charged with property damage is denied a jury trial because the amount of the claim is so small.
a
Which statement about interest groups is most accurate? a they often influence public opinion b they prevent lawmakers from passing legislation c they are usually ignored by political candidates d none of the above
a
Which statement best explains why presidential candidates often avoid campaigning to certain states? a Their political parties are weak in those states b Feceral law prevents them from visiting each state c Many states limit political contributions d Those states removed their names from the ballot
a
Who received increased authority under the reserved powers clause of the Constitution? a states b Congress c businesses d Supreme Court
a
Why did the founders make the Constitution reflect their view of political parties? a because they considered parties objectionable, they ignored their role in the new political system b because they hoped parties would help protect individual liberty, the deal with the topics in the Bill of Rights c because they thought parties were a threat to democracy, they wrote specific limits to keep partisanship under control d because they believed parties would have a geographical basis, they balanced representation between large and small states
a
Why does the Constitution put limits on majority rule? a To protect minority rights b To link power to wealth c To let the wise men govern d To preserve rural traditions
a
Why is it important for the public to know who is paying professional lobbyists? a to learn whose money might be influencing their legislators b to determine whom to ask for campaign contributions c to evaluate which groups deserve financial aid d to use the information against political opponents
a
"A wise frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government." - Thomas Jefferson Based on the quotation, which type of government would Thomas Jefferson most likely advocate? a Unlimited b Limited c Aristocracy d Monarchy
b
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension [disagreement], which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities is itself a frightful despotism [tyranny]. -George Washington, 1796 Based on the quotation, Washington believed that a peace treaties were typically helpful b a political parties were potentially damaging c foreign alliances were critically important d trade agreements were usually harmful
b
A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest group is called a a Judge b Lobbyist c Staffer d Whip
b
Checks and balances are best reflected in which example? a The president has the duty to enforce all federal laws b The president has the power to veto bills passed by Congress c The president is the supreme commander in chief of the armed forces d The president is able to issue an executive order that everyone must follow
b
How do interest groups try to influence public policy? a passing laws with advice from Congrass b making financial contributions to political candidates c defending political candidates in court d attending Cabinet meetings with the president
b
How does the supremacy clause of the United States Constitution relate to government laws? (PS 5) a States are free to make laws b Federal laws are superior to state laws c State and federal laws should be identical d Executive orders can overrule federal laws
b
President Bush's Approval Ratings, 2002 Issue Approval Health Care 36% Social Security 35% Terrorism 70% Political Scandals 40% Even though approval ratings for President Bush were low in many areas, why might you infer he was reelected in 2004? a Voters only care about local issues and not global issues b People were concerned with terrorism more than any other issue c Public opinion of issues does not matter when it comes to elections d People were concerned with social security more than any other issue
b
Speaker: "Government powers should avoid hindering our personal liberties and equality under the law." Which principle of government does the speaker's quotation illustrate? a federalism b limited government c separation of powers d minority rights
b
The Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-Sixth Amendments to the Constitution a defined the rights of the accused in criminal trials b expanded the voting rights of citizens c limited the terms of elected officials d related to the prohibition of alcohol
b
The Magna Carta, Articles of Confederation, and Bill of Rights are similar because a They reduces the authority of the Supreme Court b They limited the power of the government c They increased the power of the president d Enlarged the authority of Congress
b
The United States Constitution has influenced the political systems in other nations mainly through its emphasis on a elimination of tax collection authority b separation of governmental powers c preservation of ruling monarchies d belief in equality of all people
b
The best example of a direct democracy in the United States is a electing a president b voting on an initiative petition c adding an amendment d passing a resolution
b
The main principle of limited government is to a extend the right to vote b protect individual liberties c permit international treaties d balance the three branches
b
The most common form of political participation in the United States a working on a political campaign b voting in Presidential elections c writing letters to public officials d belonging to a political party
b
What is legally required of every adult citizen? a Community service b Obey the law c Military Service d Voting
b
Which best describes these characteristics? (PS 2a) - Freedom of speech - Two-term limit for the presidency - Right to a speedy trial - Voting age eligibility set to eighteen a Guaranteed liberties in the Bill of Rights b Key changes from Constitutional Amendments c Provided protections for the accused d Expressed powers of the Executive Branch
b
Which example best reflects the principle of social contract theory? a King George III's view that the monarch and the state are one. b John Locke's suggestion that people create authority to serve their interests c . Thomas Jefferson's observation that all people are created equal. d Charles de Montesquieu's statement that lost liberty is never recovered.
b
Which example best reflects the principle of social contract theory? (PS 3b) a King George III's view that the monarch and the state are one. b John Locke's suggestion that people create authority to serve their interests. c Thomas Jefferson's observation that all people are created equal. d Charles de Montesquieu's statement that lost liberty is never recovered.
b
Which of these is a feature of both representative democracy and direct democracy? a State government collect taxes b Citizens have political powers c Presidents choose judges d Elected officials make laws
b
Which of these would be a violation of the US Constitution if it was written into a state constitution? (PS 2a) a people must be over age eighteen to obtain driver's licenses b people of specific races are not allowed to have driver's licenses c people must prove they have adequate eye sight to obtain a driver's license d people who are convicted of drunk driving may have their driver's licenses revoked
b
Which principle is most closely associated with the Mayflower Compact? a checks and balances b consent of the governed c due process of law d Three branches of government
b
Which statement best summarizes the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v Maryland? a Federal courts can declare laws and presidential acts unconstitutional b Establishing a national bank is an implied power of the federal government c Congress has the sole authority to regulate interstate commerce and trade d The federal government has no authority to abolish slavery in new territories
b
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."- Abraham Lincoln a A believed all men were created equal b He intended to be reelected c He supported a republic d he was against slavery
c
"Let our Government be like that of the solar system--let the General Government be the Sun and States the Planets, repelled yet attracted, and the whole moving harmoniously in their several orbits"-John Dickinson, Delaware delegate, 1787 Based on this quotation, John Dickinson most likely would have agreed that a judicial review is necessary in maintaining the separation of powers b a person's individual rights outweigh promoting the common good c federalism is necessary to the goals of the United States government d due process of law is a fundamental principal in the United States
c
"We may define a republic to be. . . a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure, for a limited period, or during good behavior. It is ESSENTIAL to such a government that it be derived from the great body of society, not from an inconsiderable proportion or a favored class of it; otherwise a handful of tyrannical nobles, exercising their oppressions by a delegation of their powers, might aspire to the rank of republicans, and claim for their government the honorable title of republic." -James Madison, Federalist No. 39 According to the quotation, James Madison believed that republics should \ a be ruled by leaders who come from a wide diversity of backgrounds b gain their power from individuals who can lead in times of crisis c represent a large segment of the population to prevent autocracy d be conducted by a small group of the most educated individuals
c
A direct democracy means that citizens a elects representatives to make laws b elect judges to decide court cases c gathered to debate and decides laws d gathered while their king passed laws
c
A national political party convention is most significant because a it raises money for campaigns b it creates legislation for special interest groups c it nominates a candidate for the presidential elections d it organizes day-to-day operations of the executive branch
c
Before 1970, interest groups devoted most of their efforts to three categories: business, labor and agriculture. Which statement best describes interest group activity since 1970? a Business groups have gained influence due to the decline of international trade. b Labor groups have gained influence because of rapid growth in industrial manufacturing. c The diversity of interest groups had broadly expanded over the past few decades. d Agriculture groups have gained influence in Congress because of advances in farm technology.
c
Enlightenment-era political philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu (PS 3b) 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
How is a civic action such as voting different from serving on a jury? a Voting is more important to democracy than jury duty b All citizens can vote, but only some are qualified for jury duty c Jury service is considered a civic duty while voting is a responsibility d U.S. democracy cannot function without voters, but can exist without juries
c
How were the rights of smaller states addressed at the Constitutional Convention? a A state's geographical size determines its representation. b Each state has one governor. c Each state has two senators. d A state's population determines its representation.
c
I am the State" - King Louis XIV of France This quote best describes which form of government? a Oligarchic b Democratic c Authoritarian d Republican
c
In a parliamentary System of government, the people a vote for their leader, and the leader appoints the representatives b support a political party, but the leader is chosen by the legislature c elect their representatives, but the majority party selects the leader d participate in a general election to select the leader and an electoral college
c
Mexico's system of government divides power between the national government and each state. This best describes which system of government? a capitalism b Communism c federalism d totalitarianism
c
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 This quote best reflects what constitutional guarantee. a rights of the convicted b Right to bear arms c rights of the accused d rights of the former slaves
c
Percentage of Eligible Voters Who Cast a Ballot in the 2000 Presidential Election 18-24 year old - 29% All voters- 55% What can be concluded from the information given above? a Many Americans did not know their political rights b Many college students volunteered in their community c Many young people neglected their civic responsibilities d Many American citizens actively participate in civic life
c
Stacy is very upset about the way the street in front of her school is always full of litter. Which would be the best, most civically responsible way to address the issue? a Write a letter to a congressman b Write a letter to the town mayor c Organize a weekend group to clean up the stretch of road d Form a debate team to uncover the reasons for the littering
c
The Eight Amendment states, "excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." Based on this excerpt, the Eight Amendment places limits on the power of (PS 1c) a police officers b the legislative branch c federal courts d the executive branch
c
The MAIN reason citizens have rights and responsibilities is to a Allow the government to share power b Punish those who do not follow the rules c Keep the power of the country with its citizens d to make the country the most powerful in the World
c
The Thirteenth Amendment is best described as (PS 2a) a women's suffrage b federal income tax laws c prohibited slavery d right to bear arms
c
The constitutional principle of checks and balances was mainly the result of a arguments over the scope of powers included in the Bill of Rights b difficulties determining how to allocate representative in Congress c abuses of powers by the British king during colonial times d taxes imposed on citizens under the Articles of Confederation
c
The main principle of limited government is to a balance the three branches b permit international treaties c protect individual liberties d extended the right to vote
c
The passage of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment reflected the growing role in government played by (PS 2a) a New citizens b Freed slaves c Young people d Educated women
c
This issue is mainly addressed by state laws. a postal service b import taxes c marriage licenses d counterfeit money
c
Thomas Jefferson believed that the minority in Congress was important to governmental effectiveness because a An important function of the legislature is to ban controversial laws b The rights of the underprivileged should be protected at all costs c A major role of political parties is to monitor one another d The opinion of the masses is most valuable to political leaders
c
What is a public interest group? a A for-profit group that represents the people b A group that promotes issues of private concern c A nonprofit group that promotes issues of public concern d A group that represents the personal interests of a few people
c
Which activity is an example of a laissez-faire leadership style? a stimulating financial prosperity by cutting taxes b boosting economic growth by lowering interest rates c allowing inflation to rise without political intervention d taking precautionary measures at the first sign of recession
c
Which best describes these characteristics: -No chief executive or national courts -Congress has power to declare war and make treaties -Laws need approval of nine of thirteen states a Importance of Separation of Powers b Constitution Changes Structure of Government c Characteristics of the Articles of COnfederation d Grievances in the Declaration of Independence
c
Which check by Congress on the president has been most rarely used? a overriding vetoes b approving treaties c impeachment trials d confirmation hearings
c
Which headline best illustrates an example of checks and balances? a "House Passes Tax Legislation" b "Supreme Court Rejects Case" c "Senate Confirms New Chief Justice" d "President to Seek Second Term"
c
Which historical event best describes checks and balances? a President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Arkansas to integrate a school b President Washington used the army to put down rebellion c The Senate confirmed Clarence Thomas as a Supreme Court justice d South Carolina seceded from the Union over slavery
c
Which of these is the best example of a republic? a student vote for a homecoming queen b teachers meet weekly to collaborate on lesson plans c Local community residents elect members to the school board d The superintendent asks for teacher input on the school calendar
c
Which of these is the best example of an application of the social contract theory? (PS 3b) a appointing officials to government offices b building a home in order to provide shelter c paying taxes in order to fund a police force d protesting the government in order to promote change
c
Which part of the Connecticut (or Great) Compromise benefits states with larger populations? a each state has two representatives in the Senate b the Senate ratifies all treaties with foreign nations c a state's population determines how many members it has in the House of Representatives d all bills for spending money must originate in the House of Representative
c
Which quotation best reflects why the United States Constitution has lasted for over 200 years? (PS 2a) a "Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties."- Abraham Lincoln b "The Constitution... was created by the people of the United States composing the respective states, who alone had the right." - James Madison c "The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity- unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity." - Henry Clay d "Our Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but.... Nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin
c
Which scenario best describes a representative democracy? a Every citizen participates in town meeting b One individual makes decisions for the society c Citizens elect a group to make policy for the community d Legislators debate a variety of different issues
c
Why did the colonists create a list of grievances against the king in the Declaration of Independence? a to create an army and navy b to maintain a prosperous economic system c to explain the need for separation from England d to encourage trade with France and Spain
c
Why is the organization of vaccine distribution a responsibility of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? a Congress passes laws to protect the liberties of its citizens. b One role of the government is to provide for a common defense against sickness. c It is the job of the government to promote the general welfare of its citizens. d The president must propose funding for different health agencies.
c
"Thus, the particular phraseology [wording] of the Constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, supposed to be essential to all written constitutions, that a law repugnant [offensive] to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument." - Chief Justice John Marshall a limited government b popular sovereignty c federalism d judicial review
d
A major change from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution was a making the executive branch the most powerful b allowing citizen to vote for representatives c giving the legislature the power to make laws d creating three branches of government
d
Answer question #6 from the Chart Citizen's Rights Citizen's Rights Citizen's Responsibilities Freedom of Assembly Voting Freedom of Speech Obeying laws Freedom of Religion ? Which of these BEST completes the Chart? a Protection for the accused b Bearing and keeping arms c Freedom of the press d Serving on Juries
d
Answer question #9 from the Chart · voting · volunteering · paying taxes All of the following are considered a Civil Rights b Civil Liberties c Civic Restrictions d Civic responsibilities
d
Critics of special interest groups have frequently tried to reduce their influence on elections by a limiting the number of elected offices b increasing the political campaign season c Limiting the number of wealthy candidates for office d Increasing the public's funding of political campaigns
d
During and after the Constitutional Convention, some critics believed that the document would lead to a tyrannical national government. Which of the following statements best describes the critics concern? a The Constitution was established as the supreme law of the land b States were not involved in the constitutional process. c The federal judiciary was designed to be weak. d The Constitution lacked a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
d
Efforts by Congress to restrict the president's authority reflect the changing role of which constitutional principle? a Federalism b Judicial Review c Due process of Law d Separation of powers
d
Limitation of royal power and consent to taxation were first included in the a United States Constitution b Declaration of Independence c Mayflower compact d Magna Carta
d
Minor political parties have MOST often contributed to US politics by a throwing presidential elections into the House of Representatives b providing more candidates from which a voter can choose c placing their presidential candidates on the ballot d causing major parties to adopt their ideas
d
The Nineteenth Amendment is significant because it (PS 2a) a gave former slaves the right to vote b increased opportunities for volunteerism c guaranteed citizens' rights in criminal proceedings d led to greater participation in the electoral process
d
The functions of the major parties in US politics include which of these a Providing unbiased information to the news media b Removing elected officials from office c Conducting primary and general elections d Insuring the good performance of their elected candidates
d
The most important feature of limited government is a having a strong central authority b permitting elected leaders to make final decisions c allowing a special class to rule on a national level d protecting the rights of citizens
d
The principle of checks and balances a distributes the responsibilities of government equally b guarantees that the powers of the government overlap c encourages the formation of a very strong national government d ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful
d
The social contract theory is best reflected when students (PS 3b) a Vote on a theme for prom b Appeal a detention given by the classroom teacher c Sign a code of conduct to participate on athletic teams d Choose representatives to serve on a school dress code committee
d
Third parties in the United States political contests a often support the wealthiest candidates b frequently receive the most electoral votes c usually win close campaigns d typically advocate a particular issue
d
What made the government of ancient Athens a democracy? a The law applied to all residents alike b Voters elected representatives by district c Everyone benefited from the chosen policies d All citizens could participate
d
Which action is a civic responsibility of U.S. Citizens a Paying taxes b Attending school c Obeying speed limits d Voting during local elections
d
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
Which civil right has been most protected and expanded by constitutional amendments? a religion b protest c speech d voting
d
Which constitutional principle is illustrated with the descriptions below? o President vetoes spending bill. o Supreme Court declares law unconstitutional. o Congress removes judges from office. a federalism b representation c due process of law d checks and balances
d
Which is NOT a purpose of a political party? a inform voters of political positions b Join like-minded people c Co-ordinate policies d investigate consumer fraud
d
Which of these BEST describes how public opinion is usually researched in the United States? a One entire state is surveyed b The entire male population is surveyed c Every person in the population is surveyed d A random sample of the population is surveyed
d
Which part of the Great Compromise benefits small population states? a all bills for spending money must originate in the House of Representatives b each state's population determines how many representatives it will have in the House c all of the above d each state has two representatives in the Senate
d
Which responsibility applies ONLY to men? a Paying taxes b Obeying laws c Serving as a witness in a jury d Registering for selective services
d
Which scenario best describes an interest group's ability to affect policy? a The American Family Association delivers a petition to local television networks b The Animal Humane Association holds a membership drive in a community c The Coalition of Retried Americans presents a seminar on new regulations for social d The United States Border Alliance influences enactment of new immigration laws
d
Which statement BEST describes the doctrine of "Dual Federalism"? a The national government's desires and action take precedence b The states have a right to not be interfered with by the national government c There must be a great cooperation between state governments to keep the states "united." d Even though the national government has ultimate supremacy, states are also "supreme" in their own powers
d
Which statement best explains why direct democracy is rarely used at the national level? a The voter turnout would be too low to determine an outcome b Most government systems prohibit its use c It would undermine the political poswer structure and weaken the two party system d It would be inefficient and time-consuming to have citizens vote on issues in order to make a decision
d