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Based on the information in the line graph, which of the following is the most likely implication of entitlement and defense spending as a portion of the federal budget? (A) Changes in entitlement spending put pressure on discretionary spending. (B) Discretionary spending levels are set by law and cannot be changed. (C) Congressional budget committees can ignore entitlement spending. (D) Democrats and Republicans generally agree on increasing entitlement spending.

(A) Changes in entitlement spending put pressure on discretionary spending.

Which of the following constitutional provisions limits the power of the national government in Hamilton's argument? (A) Enumerated powers in Article I (B) Faithful execution of the laws in Article II (C) Judicial review in Article III (D) Supremacy Clause in Article VI

(A) Enumerated powers in Article I

Members of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Veterans Affairs are concerned about the quality of services at hospitals run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Which of the following is an action the committee can take to address the problem? (A) Holding a hearing and subpoenaing high-level officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs to testify (B) Impounding funding for veterans hospitals until problems are resolved (C) Placing a referendum on the ballot in each state to increase health-care funding for veterans (D) Appointing a new secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs

(A) Holding a hearing and subpoenaing high-level officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs to testify

Which of the following is a consequence of the way the district is drawn on the map? (A) It will likely lead to a less competitive general election, which could lead to increased partisanship. (B) It will likely lead to a highly contentious and competitive election. (C) It will lead to a seat that will be occupied by a member of a third party. (D) It will lead to very high turnout in the election.

(A) It will likely lead to a less competitive general election, which could lead to increased partisanship.

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 authorized the government to deny income tax deductions for employer health plans that did not offer employees the option of keeping their health insurance after leaving the job. Which enumerated power allowed Congress to make the law? (A) Regulating commerce among the states (B) Declaring laws unconstitutional (C) Borrowing money on the credit of the United States (D) Issuing copyrights and patents

(A) Regulating commerce among the states

Supporters of Hamilton's view that a bill of rights could be dangerous to liberty could point to which of the following cases? (A) Schenck v. United States (1919) (B) Engel v. Vitale (1962) (C) New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) (D) Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)

(A) Schenck v. United States (1919)

Senator Smith votes her conscience on bills that her constituents care little about, but she votes according to the wishes of the majority of her constituents on other bills. Which model of representation do her actions embody? (A) The politico model (B) The trustee model (C) The majoritarian model (D) The delegate model

(A) The politico model

A recent poll indicates that 60 percent of all people in the United States support a flat tax system. Which of the following supports the credibility of the poll result? (A) The poll reported a sampling error. (B) The poll was conducted online and open to anyone who wished to participate. (C) The poll was administered to several thousand people who were stopped while shopping in malls across the country. (D) Before the question was asked, respondents were told that a flat tax system is fairer than a progressive tax and will lead to economic growth.

(A) The poll reported a sampling error.

A nonprofit advocacy group seeks to block an expensive subsidy to what it believes is an environmentally destructive project. Which of the following accurately depicts the free-rider problem in this scenario? (A) The public can expect to reap the benefits of blocking the subsidy without making any contribution to the nonprofit group. (B) The public will recognize that the cost of the project greatly outweighs the benefit, so they can expect their legislators to vote against the subsidy. (C) The advocacy group will be able to carry out activities at an unusually low cost because of discounts and tax breaks afforded to nonprofit organizations. (D) A company can purchase support from certain members of the public who will persuade their legislators to vote in favor of the subsidy.

(A) The public can expect to reap the benefits of blocking the subsidy without making any contribution to the nonprofit group.

Which of the following measures would a president adhering to Keynesian economic principles most likely employ during an economic recession? (A) An executive order to increase the amount of money in circulation in the economy (B) A budget with significant increases in spending for unemployment benefits and public works projects (C) Legislation to cut individual and corporate income tax rates and decrease regulation of the economy (D) A national budget with dramatic cuts in federal spending on entitlement programs like Social Security

(B) A budget with significant increases in spending for unemployment benefits and public works projects

Which of the following important functions of democracy would most likely be more difficult without political parties? (A) Eliminating corruption in the bureaucracy (B) Educating the public about upcoming elections (C) Ensuring that only eligible voters can vote (D) Reducing gridlock in Congress

(B) Educating the public about upcoming elections

Which of the following is an accurate statement about the information in the line graph? (A) Defense spending has consistently been a larger part of the federal budget than entitlement spending. (B) Entitlement spending has steadily become a larger portion of the federal budget. (C) Between 1980 and 2000, defense spending increased faster than entitlement spending. (D) In 2000 entitlement spending passed defense spending as a share of the federal budget.

(B) Entitlement spending has steadily become a larger portion of the federal budget.

Appointments to the federal judiciary are often contentious for which of the following reasons? (A) The House of Representatives can undermine presidential authority by overriding judicial appointments. (B) Life terms for federal judges mean that presidential appointments will continue to have influence long after the president's term is over. (C) The president selects nominees based on political orientation, while the Senate focuses on the academic credentials of nominees. (D) Federal judges are given a platform to legislate from the bench, and the Senate is hesitant about relinquishing power to the judiciary.

(B) Life terms for federal judges mean that presidential appointments will continue to have influence long after the president's term is over.

Which of the following statements best summarizes Hamilton's argument? (A) Even though civil liberties are protected by a bill of rights, there are some reasonable exceptions. (B) Listing rights will lead some to assume that government may regulate those rights. (C) Freedom of the press is essential for a functioning democracy. (D) A bill of rights is necessary to protect civil liberties such as freedom of the press.

(B) Listing rights will lead some to assume that government may regulate those rights.

A new president has been elected and has a number of positions to fill within the federal bureaucracy. Which of the following is an example of filling a position based on political patronage? (A) Choosing a secretary of state to appease members from the opposition party (B) Nominating a high-level campaign fund-raiser to serve as an ambassador to New Zealand (C) Reappointing the secretary of defense even though he or she was appointed by the previous president, who is a member of the opposite party (D) Asking the chair of a prestigious university's economics department to serve as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers

(B) Nominating a high-level campaign fund-raiser to serve as an ambassador to New Zealand

Which of the following may the president do to limit the Supreme Court's power? (A) Fire and replace justices (B) Refuse to enforce a ruling by the Court (C) Adopt new constitutional amendments (D) Veto parts of the Court's decisions

(B) Refuse to enforce a ruling by the Court

The application of the death penalty has been limited in recent decades and cannot be applied to minors and people who are found to be mentally incompetent. Which of the following is a reason for this? (A) The Supreme Court redefined what constitutes an unreasonable intrusion under the Fourth Amendment. (B) The Supreme Court changed its interpretation of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. (C) The Fifth Amendment's due process clause motivated state legislatures to limit the death penalty. (D) The right to an attorney guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment led to limited application of the death penalty.

(B) The Supreme Court changed its interpretation of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.

Which of the following is contained in the Fourteenth Amendment and was likely an inspiration for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail"? (A) The guarantee that citizens have the right to a speedy and public trial regardless of gender, race, or age (B) The principle that all people should be equal under the law, as embodied in the equal protection clause (C) The guarantee that all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, have the right to free speech (D) The due process clause, which implies the right to vote, shall not be denied on the basis of race

(B) The principle that all people should be equal under the law, as embodied in the equal protection clause

The president is most likely to use an executive order to make important policy when (A) Congress is dominated by the president's party (B) a compromise cannot be reached with Congress (C) the Supreme Court is divided along ideological lines (D) a negotiation with foreign heads of state reaches an impasse

(B) a compromise cannot be reached with Congress

Bureaucratic rule-making is best defined as (A) legally binding decisions made by Congress to constrain regulatory agencies (B) guidelines issued by government agencies, which provide specific details about how a policy will be implemented (C) directions given by the president to the bureaucracy regarding how a specific policy will be applied (D) review and supervision of departments and agencies conducted by congressional committees

(B) guidelines issued by government agencies, which provide specific details about how a policy will be implemented

The legislative process at the national level of government reflects the intent of the framers of the Constitution to create a legislature that would be (A) less powerful than the executive (B) slow and deliberate in the law-making process (C) able to involve as many citizens as possible in the law making process (D) able to ensure that all citizens are equally represented

(B) slow and deliberate in the law-making process

Based on previous court rulings, which of the following scenarios would most likely violate the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment? (A) A police officer inspects the contents of a computer hard drive without a warrant. (B) A mayor refuses to allow an unpopular group to hold a political rally. (C) A public school system uses race-based segregation. (D) The federal government passes a law prohibiting assault rifles.

(C) A public school system uses race-based segregation.

Which of the following scenarios would be considered an unconstitutional use of state power? (A) A state passes a law that increases the pay of state legislators. (B) A state enacts a law prohibiting smoking in all public places. (C) A state places a tax on furniture made overseas. (D) A state raises the drinking age to 25 years of age.

(C) A state places a tax on furniture made overseas.

Which of the following scenarios would most likely be considered a violation of the Fourth Amendment? (A) A suspect is interrogated without being informed of the right to an attorney. (B) A person is tried twice for the same crime. (C) A suspect's cell phone is analyzed by police before a warrant is issued. (D) A person is prosecuted for a federal crime without a jury.

(C) A suspect's cell phone is analyzed by police before a warrant is issued.

Which of the following statements describes a difficulty presidents face in the policy implementation process? (A) Members of the bureaucracy often lack the expertise to carry out the president's preferred policies. (B) Members of the president's Cabinet can be removed at any time by Congress. (C) Because of civil service laws, it is not easy for the president to remove professional bureaucrats when they disagree with the president's agenda. (D) Congress generally gives specific details about how the laws they pass will be executed by members of the professional bureaucracy.

(C) Because of civil service laws, it is not easy for the president to remove professional bureaucrats when they disagree with the president's agenda.

Which of the following ideological perspectives is most consistent with the passage? (A) Liberal (B) Progressive (C) Libertarian (D) Socialist

(C) Libertarian

Based on the text,which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with? (A) The United States Constitution explicitly prohibits the government from restricting the press. (B) The amendment process would create confusion about the meaning of the United States Constitution. (C) The Bill of Rights could potentially be used to limit civil liberties. (D) The media ought to be held accountable for publishing untrue information about public figures.

(C) The Bill of Rights could potentially be used to limit civil liberties.

Which of the following best explains the difference in the number of bureaucrats employed by the Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security? (A) The Department of Homeland Security was created before the Department of Education. (B) The Department of Education receives its funding from Congress, while the Department of Homeland Security works directly for the president. (C) The Department of Education primarily addresses state issues, whereas the Department of Homeland Security primarily addresses national issues. (D) The Department of Homeland Security hires more employees at the state level than the Department of Education.

(C) The Department of Education primarily addresses state issues, whereas the Department of Homeland Security primarily addresses national issues.

During the Civil War, President Lincoln suspended the right of habeas corpus and detained thousands of citizens who protested the war. Which of the following statements best illustrates this scenario? (A) When the public does not support the rights of others, those rights tend to no longer be applied. (B) There is nothing in the Constitution that guarantees the right to a fair trial. (C) There is a tension between civil liberties and public order. (D) Freedom of speech is an absolute right.

(C) There is a tension between civil liberties and public order.

15. Which of the following statements is most consistent with the author's argument in this passage? (A) Equality is not an important outcome in society. (B) There should be more emphasis on governmental action to achieve equality. (C) Undermining freedom will extinguish both freedom and equality. (D) Individual freedom and equality are not compatible values.

(C) Undermining freedom will extinguish both freedom and equality.

Based on previous rulings, the Supreme Court is most likely to view a case concerning which of the following as a right-to-privacy case? (A) A university whose admissions standards prevent women from attending the institution (B) A person who is licensed to carry a handgun and brings one to a political rally (C) A high school student who leaves class at a specified time during each school day for daily prayer (D) A woman who is prevented from an abortion

(D) A woman who is prevented from an abortion

Which of the following governmental policies would the author most likely support? (A) Restricting individuals from carrying guns in public (B) Requiring individuals traveling in cars to wear seat belts (C) Establishing minimum age requirements to access adult social media sites (D) Allowing individuals to purchase marijuana for recreational use

(D) Allowing individuals to purchase marijuana for recreational use

Which of the following is a consequence of candidate-centered campaigns? (A) The electoral success of third-party candidates sharply increases. (B) Parties tighten their control over candidate fund-raising to ensure compliance with regulations. (C) Candidates have less accountability for their positions because the importance of the party platform increases. (D) Candidates' ability to appeal to voters can outweigh the importance of experience and policy positions.

(D) Candidates' ability to appeal to voters can outweigh the importance of experience and policy positions.

A member of the House of Representatives has introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage, but it has been in committee for 36 days and is unlikely to make it to the floor. Which of the following is the best course of action for the representative to take to get a vote on the bill? (A) Presenting a cloture motion (B) Placing a hold on the bill (C) Introducing a concurrent resolution (D) Filing for a discharge petition

(D) Filing for a discharge petition

Which of the following policies is most likely to cause tension between the competing values of individualism and equality of opportunity? (A) Expanding the national defense system (B) Reducing environmental regulations (C) Decreasing funding for space exploration (D) Implementing affirmative action programs

(D) Implementing affirmative action programs

The map shows the outline of a congressional district. Which of the following statements best explains the motivation behind the way in which it is drawn? (A) It has been drawn by a political party to group together moderate voters. (B) It has been drawn cooperatively by both political parties to ensure a fair election. (C) It has been drawn to group together diverse voters to foster highly competitive elections. (D) It has likely been drawn to pack together voters who are registered with the same party.

(D) It has likely been drawn to pack together voters who are registered with the same party.

Which of the following accurately describes the information presented in the pie chart? (A) The legislative, judicial, and executive branches employ more bureaucrats than does the Department of Veterans Affairs. (B) The number of federal employees working in Washington, D.C., outnumbers those working in the states. (C) Congress has allocated more money to the Department of Homeland Security than to the Department of Defense. (D) The United States Postal Service has the largest number of employees within the federal bureaucracy.

(D) The United States Postal Service has the largest number of employees within the federal bureaucracy.

Which of the following most likely accounts for the different results? (A) The questions were not open-ended. (B) There were no welfare recipients in the sample. (C) The sample size was not large enough to be reliable. (D) The questions contained a difference in wording.

(D) The questions contained a difference in wording.

Which of the following actions by public school students would most likely be protected symbolic speech based on the precedent established by Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)? (A) Leading prayers over the school's public address system (B) Publishing an editorial in the school newspaper (C) Protesting a school board decision by disrupting a school assembly (D) Wearing t-shirts objecting to a school board decision

(D) Wearing t-shirts objecting to a school board decision

What role does Congress play in amending the Constitution? A. Congress submits amendments to the states for their approval. B. Congress approves or rejects amendments supported by two- thirds of the states. C. The Senate approves proposed amendments by a two-thirds vote, but the House plays little role in the process. D. Congress passes amendments by a two-thirds vote, sending them to the president for his signature or veto. E. Congress plays no formal role; the Constitution is amended by the states.

A. Congress submits amendments to the states for their approval.

Which of the following is NOT a step in the process of passing the annual federal budget? A. Federal agencies submit their budget requests directly to Congress. B. The Office of Management and Budget reviews the budget re- quests of the various federal agencies. C. The appropriations committees in the House and the Senate consider the proposed budget. D. The budget committees in the House and Senate consider the proposed budget. E. The president signs or vetoes the various appropriations bills passed by Congress.

A. Federal agencies submit their budget requests directly to Congress.

Which of the following is a clause of the Constitution that gives the federal government broad powers in many policy areas? A. Interstate Commerce Clause B. Tenth Amendment C. Free-Exercise Clause D. Establishment Clause E. Fiscal Federalism Clause

A. Interstate Commerce Clause

Which of the following outcomes are NOT possible in the Electoral College system? A. The Electoral College could choose a president who did not have the most electoral votes. B. The House of Representatives could choose the president. C. The Electoral College could choose a president who did not get the most votes of the people. D. The Electoral College could choose a president who did not win the most states. E. Some electors could vote for a third-party candidate for president.

A. The Electoral College could choose a president who did not have the most electoral votes.

Which of the following federal courts have/has original jurisdiction? A. The Supreme Court and U.S. District Courts B. U.S. District Courts and U.S. Courts of Appeal C. U.S. Courts of Appeal only D. U.S. District Courts only E. State supreme courts

A. The Supreme Court and U.S. District Courts

What is an open seat in a congressional election? A. a seat in a congressional district that is evenly divided between Republican and Democratic voters, making it likely that either party could win B. a seat in which redistricting has redefined the district's bound- aries in a way to make it unfavorable to the reelection of the incumbent C. a seat for which there is no incumbent running D. a seat where the incumbent has been accused of a crime and is unlikely to win reelection E. a seat where the incumbent belongs to a different party than the majority of his/her constituents

A. a seat in a congressional district that is evenly divided between Republican and Democratic voters, making it likely that either party could win

What is grassroots lobbying? A. an interest group encouraging and organizing its members to contact their representatives in Congress in support of the interest group's policy goals B. a public relations campaign an interest group undertakes to change the opinions of ordinary citizens C. an effort by an interest group to increase its membership D. lobbying by community groups when no national interest group has been formed E. a campaign by the interest group's members to change the po- sition of the interest group's leadership on proposed legislation

A. an interest group encouraging and organizing its members to contact their representatives in Congress in support of the interest group's policy goals

Which of the following is a value of American political culture? A. the belief in limited government B. the belief that the government has grown too big C. the belief that the government spends too much on entitle- ment programs D. the belief that government needs to do more to control big corporations E. the opinion that the U.S. border with Mexico is not secure

A. the belief in limited government

What is the purpose of congressional earmarks? A. to require the government to spend money on a specific project B. to provide the funding required for entitlement programs C. to provide a tax loophole for a specific corporation D. to allow for deficit spending rather than balancing the federal budget E. to give the president more discretionary funds that can be channeled to where the money is most needed

A. to require the government to spend money on a specific project

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of constitutional provisions? Commerce clause Tenth Amendment

B

Which one of the following statements does NOT correctly describe administrative law? A. Administrative law is law written by federal agencies rather than Congress. B. Administrative law does not have the full force of law that statutory law has. C. Administrative law can be overturned by the Supreme Court. D. Congress can overturn administrative law by passing statutory laws. E. Administrative law is written to carry out or enforce statutory laws.

B. Administrative law does not have the full force of law that statutory law has.

Which of the following is NOT a check on the power of the president that the Constitution gives Congress? A. Congress can pass a law the president has vetoed. B. Congress can reject the president's selections of people to fill key positions in the Executive Office of the President. C. Congress can reject a treaty the president has negotiated. D. Congress can refuse to fund a program the president supports. E. Congress can reject the president's nominees for federal judges.

B. Congress can reject the president's selections of people to fill

In which landmark Supreme Court decision was the right to an attorney extended to require the government to provide lawyers for indigent defendants in state courts? A. Miranda v. Arizona B. Gideon v. Wainwright C. Engle v. Vitale D. Baker v. Carr E. Mapp v. Ohio

B. Gideon v. Wainwright

After a bill is introduced in the House of Representatives, what is the next step in the legislative process? A. The bill is introduced in the Senate because both houses of Congress must consider all proposed legislation. B. The bill is referred to a committee. C. The majority-party caucus votes whether or not to support the bill. D. The Speaker of the House decides whether to ignore the bill or take action. E. The bill dies unless a committee chair decides to "mark up" the bill.

B. The bill is referred to a committee.

Which one of the following is a provision contained in the Constitution? A. The Supreme Court has the power to declare a law unconstitutional. B. The justices of the Supreme Court serve life terms. C. The Supreme Court consists of eight associate justices and one chief justice. D. Supreme Court justices cannot be impeached. E. The U.S. District Courts are courts of original jurisdiction in the federal judicial system.

B. The justices of the Supreme Court serve life terms.

Which one of the following statements best describes the prevailing view of the power of the president today? A. The president is primarily an administrator carrying out the will of Congress. B. The president can take whatever action he feels appropriate to advance his policy goals as long as he doesn't break the law or violate the Constitution. C. The president is the voice of the nation but cannot take any important actions on his own without the approval of Congress. D. The president is above the law and can pursue the policies he believes in even if that means he must break a law. E. The president, in a national crisis such as a war on terror, can take whatever actions he deems necessary even if it means vio- lating the Constitution.

B. The president can take whatever action he feels appropriate to advance his policy goals as long as he doesn't break the law or violate the Constitution.

In a congressional race, the news media are LEAST likely to focus on A. which candidate is ahead in the polls B. in-depth reporting on the issues on which the candidates disagree C. negative statements made by one candidate about the other D. any scandal or accusations of scandal involving a candidate E. blunders a candidate makes

B. in-depth reporting on the issues on which the candidates disagree

The most important influence in determining a person's political party identification is the person's A. friends B. parents C. colleagues at work D. teachers E. religious leaders

B. parents

Which one of the following groups is MOST likely to participate in an election? A. African Americans B. people with college degrees C. Hispanic voters D. people under age 35 E. people in households with below-average income

B. people with college degrees

9. Which of the following actions of the president has no basis in the Constitution? A. issuing executive orders B. serving as leader of his political party C. stationing U.S. troops at bases abroad D. negotiating free trade agreements with other countries E. proposing legislation to Congress

B. serving as leader of his political party

Which of the following is a concurrent power in the American system of federalism? A. the power to make treaties with foreign governments B. the power to levy taxes C. the power to make monetary policy D. the power to establish local governments (cities, counties, school districts, etc.) E. the power to regulate interstate commerce

B. the power to levy taxes

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the House of Representatives and the Senate? Members are elected by constituents in a local district based on population Members are elected by constituents of an entire state

C

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the two court cases? Led to an increase in power for the national government Established limits to Congress' power under the commerce clause

C

Which one of the following does NOT describe a reason why Con- gress generally fails to perform the function of national leader as the Constitutional Convention intended? A. Congress is usually slow to act. B. Congress is often gridlocked and can't agree on action. C. Congress has little actual power. D. No one in Congress represents the country as a whole. E. Congressional leadership is divided among a number of peopl

C. Congress has little actual power.

Which one of the following statements is best supported by the data in the table above? A. Between 1990 and 2009, federal grants to state and local governments increased in all program areas shown in the table. B. Total federal grants to state and local governments increased fivefold between 1990 and 2009. C. In 2009, nearly half of all federal grants to state and local governments were in the category of health. D. Between 1990 and 2009 federal grants in most program areas experienced dramatic increases, with several categories exceed- ing increases of 1,000 percent (10 times). E. Between 1990 and 2009, federal grants to state and local gov- ernments in the category of energy increased every year.

C. In 2009, nearly half of all federal grants to state and local governments were in the category of health.

Which of the following is an independent federal regulatory agency? A. U.S. Postal Service (USPS) B. FBI C. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) D. Department of Veterans Affairs E. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

C. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the data in the table on the previous page? A. Third party candidates for president have little chance of winning. B. Third party candidates for president, even when they win nearly 20 percent of the popular vote, may not get any electoral votes. C. Third party candidates can never get enough electoral votes to play a role in selecting the president. D. Third parties and third party candidates seldom remain a long- term force in American politics. E. Third party candidates periodically emerge that get over 5 per- cent of the popular vote.

C. Third party candidates can never get enough electoral votes to play a role in selecting the president.

Which of the following is an example of fiscal federalism? A. administering the national parks B. patrolling coastal shipping lanes C. building new mass transit systems in urban areas D. administering veteran's hospitals E. patrolling U.S. borders

C. building new mass transit systems in urban areas

Which one of the following is an action that does NOT involve participation in the political process? A. creating a blog to write about politics B. contacting a senator to get help in getting a veteran's benefit that you believe you are entitled to C. reading about politics in the newspaper D. giving money to a PAC E. signing a petition on the Internet supporting the repeal of a law

C. reading about politics in the newspaper

The Supreme Court's decision in Texas v. Johnson, which overturned a state law against flag-burning, was based on A. the First Amendment right to peacefully assemble to protest B. The Free-Exercise Clause of the First Amendment C. the First Amendment right of freedom of speech D. the restrictions on search and seizure of the Fourth Amendment E. the establishment clause of the First Amendment

C. the First Amendment right of freedom of speech

4. While the practice of separate schools for black and white students was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), segregation in restaurants, stores, hotels, and other public accommodations remained legal until A. the Supreme Court's decision in Loving v. Virginia (1967) B. the ratification of the Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964) C. the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 D. state legislatures eventually changed the laws permitting segregation E. President Lyndon Johnson issued an executive order ending all segregation by race

C. the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The decision of the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade was based on A. the Free-Exercise Clause of the First Amendment B. the right to privacy stated in the Bill of Rights C. the right to privacy implied in the Bill of Rights D. the right to privacy established in Lawrence v. Texas E. the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment

C. the right to privacy implied in the Bill of Rights

The main function of the president's cabinet is A. to put together the federal budget and submit it to Congress B. to write federal regulations C. to provide advice to the president D. to provide leadership in the event the president is unable to perform his duties E. to provide information regarding proposed legislation by testi- fying before Congress

C. to provide advice to the president

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on government? Believed a large republic ensured the best protection of individual freedoms Believed only a small republic could best ensure protection of individual freedoms

D

Which of the following statements is best supported by the data in the table above? A. Adjusted for inflation, defense spending more than doubled between 1960 and 2010. B. Defense spending, measured in current dollars, increased during each ten-year period shown in the table. C. Between 1990 and 2010 defense spending increased by all measures shown in the table. D. Between 1960 and 2010, defense spending decreased from over half of total federal spending to less than one-fifth. E. As a percentage of GDP, defense spending in 2010 was the lowest ever during the period shown in the chart.

D. Between 1960 and 2010, defense spending decreased from over half of total federal spending to less than one-fifth.

Which of the following statements best summarizes the data shown in the line graph above? A. U.S. District Courts have original jurisdiction in both federal civil and criminal cases. B. U.S. District Courts are being overwhelmed with frivolous lawsuits. C. The crime rate is on the rise throughout the United States D. Both federal civil and criminal cases have increased dramati- cally since 1970, with the greatest increase in civil cases. E. The number of civil and criminal cases dealt with in the federal court system increases every year.

D. Both federal civil and criminal cases have increased dramatically since 1970, with the greatest increase in civil cases.

Which of the following statements is NOT true of the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)? A. It held that state governments could pass a law negating a fed- eral law within their boundaries if they believed the federal law was unconstitutional. B. It confirmed the supremacy of the federal government over state governments. C. It determined that states could not levy taxes on federal gov- ernment operations. D. It interpreted the "necessary and proper" powers clause of the Constitution to mean that the federal government has implied powers not specifically stated in the Constitution. E. It upheld the constitutionality of the national bank established by the federal government.

D. It interpreted the "necessary and proper" powers clause of the Constitution to mean that the federal government has implied powers not specifically stated in the Constitution.

What new interpretation of the Constitution did the Supreme Court use in District of Columbia v. Heller? A. The Second Amendment prohibits state and federal governments from requiring the registration of firearms. B. Federal and state laws restricting some people, such as convicted felons from purchasing guns, violate the Second Amendment. C. The wording of the Second Amendment means that the constitutional right to gun ownership applies only to people serving in a state militia. D. The Second Amendment contains a constitutional right to gun ownership irrespective of service in a state militia. E. The right of privacy implied in the Bill of Rights extends to carrying of guns in public places.

D. The Second Amendment contains a constitutional right to gun ownership irrespective of service in a state militia.

To influence the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government, an interest group can do all of the following EXCEPT A. file an amicus curiae brief B. lobby the Senate in opposition to a nominee for the Supreme Court C. file a lawsuit D. meet privately with a federal judge regarding a case E. meet with the president to discuss possible nominees to the Supreme Court

D. meet privately with a federal judge regarding a case

Which of the following actions can Congress take if it is unhappy with the actions of a federal agency? I. Hold congressional hearings to investigate the actions of the agency II. Restrict or eliminate the agency's funding III. Pass a new law restricting the operations of the agency IV. Issue an executive order requiring the agency to take certain actions A. statement III only B. statements I and II only C. statements II and III only D. statements I, II, and III only E. statements I, II, III, and IV

D. statements I, II, and III only

Which of the following statements correctly describe(s) the data shown in the line graph? I. During the time period shown, the electoral vote of the winning candidate has fluctuated markedly above and below the popular vote the candidate obtained. II. Winning candidates have sometimes gotten less than half of the popular vote and still obtained a majority of the electoral vote. III. In three elections since 1968, the winning candidate has gotten more than 90 percent of the electoral vote. A. statement I only B. statement II only C. statements I and II only D. statements II and III only E. statements I, II, and III

D. statements II and III only

Which of the following give(s) a reason why the power of the federal government has grown relative to state governments? I. the devolution of power II. the conditional funding the federal government can provide to state governments III. the growth of interstate commerce IV. the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution A. statement I only B. statements II and IV only C. statements III and IV only D. statements II, III, and IV only E. statements I, II, III, and IV

D. statements II, III, and IV only

6. The Supreme Court's power of judicial review was established by A. the Bill of Rights B. the Constitution C. the Court's decision in Griswold v. Connecticut D. the Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison E. the Court's decision in Gibbons v. Ogden

D. the Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison

The House of Representatives and the Senate are most similar to each other in A. the checks they have on the power of the president B. the way they select their presiding officer C. the number of members they have D. the power standing committees have in the legislative process E. the power of the Rules Committee to set the rules for floor debate

D. the power standing committees have in the legislative process

Which of the statements below best describes reapportionment? A. the redrawing of congressional districts by the House of Rep- resentatives based on a new census B. the redrawing of congressional districts by state governments based on a new census C. the reallocation of seats in the Senate and House of Represen- tatives based on a new census D. the reallocation of seats in the House of Representatives to the states based on a new census E. the reallocation of seats on committees in the House of Rep- resentatives and the Senate between the two parties based on the most recent election.

D. the reallocation of seats in the House of Representatives to the states based on a new census

5. Which is a reason the power of the two major parties is in decline in the United States? A. The number of people voting for third parties has risen sharply. B. In most states, parties no longer select the candidates for the general election. C. Parties no longer have state and local organizations. D. Parties no longer conduct get-out-the-vote drives. E. Candidates now raise most of their campaign funds themselves and do not heavily rely on funds from their party.

E. Candidates now raise most of their campaign funds themselves and do not heavily rely on funds from their party.

Which one of the following statements is NOT supported by the data in the table above? A. During the time period shown, candidates challenging incumbents in the U.S. House of Representatives, on the average, did not spend as much on their campaigns as incumbents did. B. Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, on the average, spent more on their campaigns than Republican candidates in 2008. C. Campaign spending on elections for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives increased substantially between 2004 and 2008. D. For the elections shown in the table, nearly all campaign spending was done by candidates of the two major political parties. E. During the time period shown, about half of all campaign spending on elections for the U.S. House of Representatives was spent in campaigns for open seats.

E. During the time period shown, about half of all campaign spending on elections for the U.S. House of Representatives was spent in campaigns for open seats.

Which statement correctly describes political socialization? A. Political socialization motivates citizens to become active in politics. B. Political socialization tends to produce citizens more inclined to accept socialistic programs as they get older. C. Political socialization is a continuing process in which the adult years are the most important. D. Political socialization is the term used to describe the growth of entitlement programs. E. Political socialization is the process through which individuals develop their political values and beliefs.

E. Political socialization is the process through which individuals develop their political values and beliefs.

Which statement best describes American political culture? A. The dominant political culture depends on which political party is in power. B. Due to its ethnic diversity, there are different political cultures in the United States. C. American political culture is a melting pot of different political ideals from around the world. D. Liberals and conservatives in the United States have different political cultures. E. The American political culture is comprised of beliefs—such as individual rights, majority rule, and limited government—that are shared by virtually all Americans.

E. The American political culture is comprised of beliefs—such as individual rights, majority rule, and limited government—that are shared by virtually all Americans.

Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the data in the table above? A. While women held more of the higher-level federal jobs in 2002 than in 1982, the share of the lower-level jobs held by women actually declined. B. Between 1982 and 2002, women have made more progress than blacks and Hispanics in increasing the number of higher- level jobs they hold in government. C. Both Hispanics and African Americans doubled their share of higher-level jobs in the federal government between 1982 and 2002. D. The share of federal jobs at both the highest and lowest levels held by African Americans and Hispanics has increased between 1982 and 2002. E. The percentage of federal jobs held by women increased be- tween 1982 and 2002

E. The percentage of federal jobs held by women increased be- tween 1982 and 2002

Which statement below best describes an open primary? A. The election is open to all candidates who want on the ballot, not just those approved by the party leadership. B. Voters can cross party lines voting for candidates of different parties in the primary election. C. The voting booths are open and the secret ballot is not used. D. It is a primary election in which voters can vote during a specified period of time rather than just on Election Day. E. Voters can choose which party's primary election ballot they want to use to vote.

E. Voters can choose which party's primary election ballot they want to use to vote.

A filibuster occurs when A. a majority of either the House of Representatives or the Senate support a bill but cannot get the two-thirds majority needed for cloture to end debate and vote B. the Senate and House cannot agree on final language for legis- lation both houses have passed in different versions, and debate continues endlessly C. the president announces he will veto a bill, but a group of sena- tors keep the bill alive by continuing to debate it D. a senator or small group of senators want to draw public atten- tion to bill so it will gain support and pass E. a majority the Senate supports a bill, but the majority is not large enough to produce the 60 votes needed to end debate on the bill in the Senate

E. a majority the Senate supports a bill, but the majority is not large enough to produce the 60 votes needed to end debate on the bill in the Senate

Which of the following statements are (is) supported by the data in the table above? I. The size of the federal government in terms of number of federal employees continues to grow. II. The size of the federal government in terms of number of employees declined between 1970 and 2008. III. The number of federal government employees has declined each year since 1990. IV. Federal government workers in 2008 comprised less than half the share of the U.S. labor force that they did in 1970. A. statement I only B. statement II only C. statement IV only D. statements II and III only E. statements II and IV only

E. statements II and IV only

The "Elastic Clause" of the Constitution A. held the union together by setting up a bicameral Congress—a compromise between large and small states that allowed equal representation in one house and representation based on population in the other house B. provides that a state's representation in Congress will go up or down every ten years based on a new national census C. gives the president the authority to assume greater power in a time of war D. states that powers not specifically given to the national government are reserved to the states or the people E. states that the national government's powers include implied powers not specifically listed in the Constitution

E. states that the national government's powers include implied powers not specifically listed in the Constitution

What is eminent domain? A. the supremacy of the federal government over state governments B. the legal document issued when a higher court decides to re- view a decision of a lower court C. the legal term referring to the Supreme Court's remanding of a case to a lower court for a retrial D. a requirement imposed by the federal government on state governments such as requiring that public buildings be accessible to persons with disabilities E. the power of government to take private property for public use

E. the power of government to take private property for public use

The main reason why the popular vote and the electoral vote for president may be very different is A. the prevalence of horse-trading and corruption in American politics B. the candidates focus their campaigns only on a few swing states C. small states have more power in the Electoral College than their population would merit D. electors often switch votes to vote for the winning candidate to gain political influence and advance their careers E. the winner-take-all system most states use in selecting electors

E. the winner-take-all system most states use in selecting electors

The president can influence legislation under consideration by Congress by all of the following actions EXCEPT A. speaking out to influence public opinion B. talking to members of Congress and applying political pressure C. threatening to veto legislation unless certain changes are made D. sending key members of his staff or cabinet to testify before Congress or speak to the press in support of the president's position E. threatening to issue an executive order that would prohibit enforcement of the legislation if it is passed

E. threatening to issue an executive order that would prohibit enforcement of the legislation if it is passed

Which of the following is NOT a factor the president generally takes into account in nominating a person for Supreme Court justice? A. whether or not the person can be confirmed in the Senate B. the age of the person C. the political party the person belongs to D. whether public opinion will be favorable towards the person nominated E. whether the person has held elective office before

E. whether the person has held elective office before