Ap Gov Exam 1 Questions

The Declaration of Independence cites specific reasons for separating from British rule, including the British imposing taxes and maintaining a standing army without consent. Which of the following principles or ideas would these grievances be most related to? A Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property B The authority to create a centralized military among the colonies C The incorporation of checks and balances among the branches of government D Concurrent powers allowing the colonies to draft their own laws

Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property

Which of the following has decreased in Congress over the past twenty years? A The chances of members' reelection B The influence of committee chairs C The power of subcommittees D The total number of congressional staff employees E The cost of congressional elections

The influence of committee chairs

In a federal system of government, political power is primarily A vested in local governments B vested in the regional governments C vested in the central government D divided between the central government and regional governments E divided between regional governments and local governments

divided between the central government and regional governments

In The Federalist No. 10, James Madison argued that factions in a republic are A a more serious threat if the republic is large B natural but controllable by institutions C not likely to occur if people are honest D prevented by majority rule E prevented by free elections

natural but controllable by institutions

Congressional legislative powers include all of the following EXCEPT A legislating federal appropriations B approval of treaties C establishing a lower-court system D passing federal laws E pardoning felons

pardoning felons

Which of the following sets of Supreme Court cases best illustrates how views of federalism have shifted in the United States? A Case 1 Case 2 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) Baker v. Carr (1962) B Case 1 Case 2 McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) United States v. Lopez (1995) C Case 1 Case 2 Roe v. Wade (1973) McDonald v. Chicago (2010) D Case 1 Case 2 Schenck v. United States (1919) New York Times v. United States (1971)

B Case 1 Case 2 McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) United States v. Lopez (1995)

Which of the following Supreme Court cases involved the principle of "one person, one vote"? A Baker v. Carr B Roe v .Wade C Mapp v. Ohio D Korematsu v United States E Gideon v Wainwright

Baker v. Carr

Which of the following forms of financial aid from the national government gives the states the broadest discretion in the spending of money? A Categorical grants-in-aid B Foreign aid C Unfunded mandates D Block grants E Military funding

Block grants

The Connecticut (Great) Compromise drafted at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 is significant for which of the following reasons? A It established the presidential system and gave the United States Supreme Court power to serve as the ultimate arbiter of constitutional disputes. B It allowed southern states to count each slave as three-fifths of one person for determining representation in the House of Representatives. C It provided equality of representation among the states in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. D It proposed a Senate with equal representation for each state and a House of Representatives with membership established according to the population of each state. E It denied Congress the power to establish tariffs on exported merchandise.

D It proposed a Senate with equal representation for each state and a House of Representatives with membership established according to the population of each state.

The framers of the United States Constitution left decisions on voting eligibility to the A civil rights agencies B individual states C United States Supreme Court D House of Representatives E Senate

House of Representatives

Which of the following categories accounted for the majority of spending in 2017, according to the chart? A Mandatory B Net interest C Discretionary D Pork-barrel

Mandatory

A member of the House of Representatives who wishes to be influential in the House itself would most likely seek a place on which of the following committees? A Agriculture B International Relations C Transportation and Infrastructure D Rules E Veterans' Affairs

Rules

The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about which of the following issues? A The right of the people to rebel B The existence of slavery C The scope of power of the central government D The need to establish a standard currency E The representation of large and small states

The scope of power of the central government

In the 1780s, proponents of the new Constitution cited Shays' Rebellion as an example in support of which of the following criticisms of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? A The national government did not provide sufficient protection of individual rights. B The lack of a centralized judiciary made enforcement of national laws difficult. C States with larger populations were underrepresented in Congress. D There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.

There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.

At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, delegates from larger states argued that each state's representation in the legislature should be proportional to its population. Smaller states argued that each state should have equal representation, regardless of population. The disagreement over representation threatened to derail the ratification of the United States Constitution. Which statement accurately describes the compromise that led to both sides reaching agreement? A A bicameral legislature with an upper house selected by the lower house and the lower house representation proportional to each state's population B A bicameral legislature with an upper house representing each state equally and a lower house with representation proportional to each state's population C A unicameral legislature with equal representation for every state D A unicameral legislature with representation proportional to each state's population.

A bicameral legislature with an upper house representing each state equally and a lower house with representation proportional to each state's population

The decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) reflected new ideas about federalism at the time that can be best characterized by which of the following? A A consolidation of power in the national government based on national supremacy B A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty C A delegation of power from the state governments to the federal government, increasing the power of the United States government D An increase in cooperative federalism, where power and duties are shared between the federal and state governments

A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty

In The Federalist 10, which of the following did James Madison argue would best control the negative effects of factions? A A law that prohibits factions B A small direct democracy C A large unitary government D A large federal republic

A large federal republic

Which of the following best characterizes the general argument made in Brutus 1? A A large republic would be preferable to a small one because more people could participate. B A small republic would pose more danger to individual liberty than a large republic. C A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states. D A small republic is more susceptible to corruption than a large republic.

A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states.

Which of the following is an accurate summary of James Madison's argument in The Federalist 10? A A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other. B A large republic makes it possible to abolish factions and concentrate all power at the national level. C A large republic allows the federal government to dominate the state governments through the necessary and proper clause. D A large republic is a direct democracy where the people have a direct vote in policy matters, which controls factions.

A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other.

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a member of Congress supporting pork-barrel legislation? A A senator from a coal-producing state voting against a job-training program for coal miners B A member of the House voting for urban renewal in exchange for increased funding for roads C A senator from an agricultural state amending legislation to establish a potato research institute in his or her state D A member of the House Armed Services Committee marking up a bill that will increase funding for military bases

A senator from an agricultural state amending legislation to establish a potato research institute in his or her state

The details of legislation are usually worked out in which of the following settings? A a party caucus B The majority leader's office C The floor of the House D Legislative hearings E A subcommittee

A subcommittee

A first term member of the House of Representatives from North Dakota who wished to maximize opportunities for constituent service would be most likely to seek placement on which of the following committees? A Judiciary B Agriculture C Rules D Foreign Affairs E Science and Technology

Agriculture

In The Federalist 10, James Madison argued that the new constitution would help control faction by doing which of the following? A By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate. B The new constitution had significant limits on the freedom of expression, thereby limiting the ability of factions to organize. C The new constitution gave political parties specific powers in the government which limited their influence. D The use of the electoral college and the indirect election of senators would limit the influence that factions could wield.

By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate.

Which of the following identifies the formal procedure for ending a filibuster? A Oversight B Logrolling C Pocket veto D Cloture E Discharge petition

Cloture

When a bill passes the House and the Senate in different versions, the bill is resolved by which of the following types of committee? A Conference B Select C Reconciliation D Rules E Standing

Conference

All of the following are ways that the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch EXCEPT: A Congress may remove the president through its impeachment and conviction powers. B Congress may override a presidential veto. C Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional. D The Senate may refuse to approve a presidential appointment. E The Senate may refuse to approve a treaty negotiated by the president.

Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.

Which of the following best reflects the holding in the case Baker v. Carr (1962) ? A Declared that racial gerrymandering was a violation of the due process clause. B Stated that the Tenth Amendment exclusively reserves the power to review congressional districts to the states. C Created a one-person, one-vote standard for reviewing congressional districts. D Stated that the Seventeenth Amendment requires regular review of the constitutionality of congressional districts.

Created a one-person, one-vote standard for reviewing congressional districts.

Cooperative federalism can best be described by which of the following statements? A Different levels of government are involved in common policy areas. B Government must have cooperation from the people in order to make legislative decisions. C Local levels of government can make decisions on issues more efficiently than state and national governments can. D The federal government must make regulations that can be applied across every state in the same way. E Business and government can work together to more effectively accomplish shared goals.

Different levels of government are involved in common policy areas.

The following questions refer to the following clause from the Constitution: "The Congress shall have power...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 in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof." Interpretations of this clause have been central to attempts to define the nature of which of the following aspects of the United States political system? A Republicanism B Pluralism C Due process of law D Federalism E Judicial review

Federalism

Which of the following constitutional principles best explains why there is variation among states on the use of capital punishment? A Separation of powers B Judicial review C Checks and balances D Federalism

Federalism

Which of the following public policy problems is most likely to result from the situation shown in the chart? A Government employees may become responsible for larger bodies of regulation than they can effectively monitor. B Regulations may apply to an increasingly small portion of industry as the economy grows. C Governmental hiring patterns may draw too many educated workers from the private sector. D The influence of special-interest groups may increase as the number of federal employees grows. E Increases in the number of federal employees may necessitate the construction of new and expensive federal facilities.

Government employees may become responsible for larger bodies of regulation than they can effectively monitor.

Under the Articles of Confederation, which of the following were true? I. Congress could not tax the states directly. II. The executive branch of government exercised more power than Congress. III. Congress was a unicameral body. IV. States were represented in Congress proportionally according to population. A I and II B I and III C I and IV D II and III E II and IV

I and III

Which of the following is true about divided party control of the presidency and Congress? A It is a natural occurrence due to the constitutional system of checks and balances. B It rarely occurs in United States elections, because of straight-ticket voting. C It promotes quick action by the President and Congress on such issues as the federal budget. D It reflects a frequent election pattern over the past three decades. E It results from the reapportionment of House seats after the decennial census.

It reflects a frequent election pattern over the past three decades.

Article I, Section 9 of the United States Constitution lists several powers that are denied to the federal government, such as granting titles of nobility and passing ex post facto laws. This best demonstrates which of the following ideals of democracy? A Natural rights B Popular sovereignty C Social contract theory D Limited government

Limited government

Which of the following cases expanded the powers of Congress by defining the necessary and proper clause more broadly? A United States v. Lopez (1995) B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) C Marbury v. Madison (1803) D Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The Declaration of Independence states "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This was a revolutionary change from the system of British monarchy, which was based on the divine right of kings. For which of the ideals of democracy does this quote provide a foundation? A Popular sovereignty B Federalism C Separation of power D Limited government

Popular sovereignty

Which of the following describes the ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993) ? A The Voting Rights Act was ruled unconstitutional. B The poll tax was eliminated. C Racial gerrymandering was ruled unconstitutional. D It was decided that congressional districts needed to be equal in size.

Racial gerrymandering was ruled unconstitutional.

The boundary lines of congressional districts are drawn by A the United States House of Representatives B The United States Senate C United States district courts D state governors E state legislatures

State legislatures

Of the following, which is the most powerful figure in Congress? A The Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee B The Speaker of the House C The Minority Whip of the Senate D The Majority Whip of the House E The Chair of the Senate Finance Committee

The Speaker of the House

States and localities have the most discretion in establishing policy when federal funding is derived from A categorical grants B matching grants C block grants D project grants E grants-in-aid

block grants

The committee that resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill is called a A joint committee B select committee C special committee D conference committee E standing committee

conference committee

American political culture is characterized by strong popular support for all of the following EXCEPT A the rule of law B limited government C individual liberty D equality of opportunity E economic equality

economic equality

The largest source of federal revenue is the A capital gains tax B Social Security tax C property tax D income tax E sales tax

income tax

While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option. Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist 15 Which of the following excerpts from Article I of the United States Constitution resolves a problem described by the author? A "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;" B "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time." C "The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States." D "The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it."

"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;"

Percent of Spending Bills Passed On Time (On or Before October 1) by Congress for Each Fiscal Year The figure presents a bar graph titled "Percent of Spending Bills Passed On Time (On or Before October 1) by Congress for Each Fiscal Year." The horizontal axis is labeled "Year," and starts with the year 1977, followed by the years 1980 through 2010, in increments of 5, and ends with the year 2017. The vertical axis represents the percentage, and the percentages 0 through 100, in increments of 25 percent, are indicated. There are 27 vertical bars along the horizontal axis that each represents one fiscal year. From left to right, the bars and their data are as follows. Note that not all years have a bar. 1977, 100%. 1978, 70%. 1979, 37%. 1980, 23%. 1981, 7%. 1982, 7%. 1983, 7%. 1984, 34%. 1985, 34%. 1989, 100%. 1990, 7%. 1992, 23%. 1993, 7%. 1994, 15%. 1995, 100%. 1997, 100%. 1998, 7%. 1999, 7%. 2000, 34%. 2001, 15%. 2004, 23%. 2005, 7%. 2006, 17%. 2007, 7%. 2009, 25%. 2010, 7%. 2017, 7%. Source: Congressional Research Service, 2017 In which year did Congress pass all stand-alone appropriations (spending) bills on time? A 1977 B 1980 C 1993 D 2012

1977

According to James Madison, which of the following best controls the effects of faction? A Direct democracy B The popular election of state judges C A large republic D Property requirements for eligibility to work E The creation of a merit-based civil service

A large republic

Which of the following scenarios is an example of the trustee model of representation? A The NAACP leadership sends representatives to Washington to lobby for changes to the Voting Rights Act. B Congress passes a bill allocating money to clean up nuclear waste sites after a wave of large-scale peaceful protests. C A member of Congress votes to close a popular tax loophole based on the belief that the money would be better spent paying down the national debt. D A presidential candidate advocates using an executive order to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors.

A member of Congress votes to close a popular tax loophole based on the belief that the money would be better spent paying down the national debt.

Which of the following statements about the federal government between 1948 and 1978 is supported by the chart? A Federal government spending increased primarily to keep pace with increasing employment. B Short-term decreases in the number of federal regulations led to decreases in spending and employment. C The bulk of the increase in federal spending resulted from wage increases. D A relatively stable number of employees administered larger federal budgets and enforced more regulations. E The high cost of regulation prevented the federal government from hiring more workers.

A relatively stable number of employees administered larger federal budgets and enforced more regulations.

"[A] pure democracy... can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction. . . . [S]uch democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. . . . The two great points of difference between a democracy and a republic are: first, the delegation of the government, in the latter, to a small number of citizens elected by the rest; secondly, the greater number of citizens, and greater sphere of country, over which the latter may be extended. . . . [I]t may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves, convened for the purpose. On the other hand, the effect may be inverted. Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people." James Madison, The Federalist 10 Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution most concerns Madison according to the passage? A Article I, Section 10—"No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws. . . ." B Article II, Section 1—"No Person except a natural born Citizen . . . shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States." C Article III, Section 1—"The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office." D Article I, Section 2—"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature."

Article I, Section 2—"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature."

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the reasoning for the decision in Baker v. Carr (1962) ? A Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law. B To ensure equal protection under the law, there should be an equal number of rural and urban districts in a state. C There should be redistricting every ten years at the federal level, but the state can choose not to redistrict at the state and local levels. D Congressional redistricting must involve traditionally excluded groups in the process or it violates the equal protection clause.

Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law.

Which of the following policies would the states most likely prefer according to the political cartoon? A Federal mandates B Regulatory preemption C Block grants D Categorical grants

Block grants

Which of the following is true according to the diagram? A The Senate minority leader is as powerful as the Senate majority whip. B The Speaker of the House, in coordination with the House majority leader, appoints the House minority leader. C Unlike the House of Representatives, the Senate does not recognize political parties. D Both chambers make use of a system of majority and minority whips.

Both chambers make use of a system of majority and minority whips.

Too often, we take our form of government for granted, not fully appreciating its unique and exceptional qualities. The framers of our Constitution, having revolted against tyranny, bequeathed to the nation, and to us as its citizens, a form of government with checks and balances intended to assure that we would never, as a nation, be subject to the abuses we experienced as a colony under a monarchy. . . . We should appreciate that the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution was modeled on the constitutions and declarations of the states, where the separation of powers was equally observed. Mirroring our U.S. Constitution, 40 state constitutions now specify that government is to be divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The separation of powers at the state level, with an independent executive, legislature, and judiciary, is also one of the fundamental tenets of our democracy. What often gets lost in translation is how dynamic the competition among the branches of government has been, and how much stronger we are as a country because of that ongoing debate. It has been said that the Constitution is not just a historic document, but a living participant in who we are as a nation. Out of the continuing effort to assure the separation of powers, we have built a system of government that functions remarkably well. Although the powers ascribed to each of the three branches may sometimes appear to swing like a pendulum, we have continuously reconsidered and recentered our understanding of the authority and limitation of each of these branches. Linda Leali, "Reflecting on the Great Gift of the Separation of Powers," Daily Business Review, 2018 Which of the following best explains how the view of the author of the passage compares with The Federalist 51 regarding separation of powers and checks and balances? A The author of the passage views the structure of government as providing a balance between the branches of government, whereas The Federalist 51 supports the idea of a powerful executive branch. B The author of the passage views separation of powers as a limitation on the authority of government, whereas The Federalist 51 argues in favor of using separation of powers as a means to expand the role of government. C Both the author of the passage and The Federalist 51 argue that elections are a sufficient means to ensure good government. D Both the author of the passage and The Federalist 51 assert that the structure of government helps control ambitions among the branches in such a way as to promote effective government.

Both the author of the passage and The Federalist 51 assert that the structure of government helps control ambitions among the branches in such a way as to promote effective government.

Refer to the passage for the following question. In many places, classrooms are overcrowded and curricula are outdated. Most of our qualified teachers are underpaid, and many of our paid teachers are unqualified. So we must give every child a place to sit and a teacher to learn from. Poverty must not be a bar to learning, and learning must offer an escape from poverty. But more classrooms and more teachers are not enough. We must seek an educational system which grows in excellence as it grows in size. This means better training for our teachers. It means preparing youth to enjoy their hours of leisure as well as their hours of labor. It means exploring new techniques of teaching, to find new ways to stimulate the love of learning and the capacity for creation.... . . . While our Government has many programs directed at those issues, I do not pretend that we have the full answer to those problems. But I do promise this: We are going to assemble the best thought and the broadest knowledge from all over the world to find those answers for America. I intend to establish working groups to prepare a series of White House conferences and meetings... on the quality of education, and on other emerging challenges. And from these meetings and from this inspiration and from these studies we will begin to set our course toward the Great Society. The solution to these problems does not rest on a massive program in Washington, nor can it rely solely on the strained resources of local authority. They require us to create new concepts of cooperation, a creative federalism, between the National Capital and the leaders of local communities. President Lyndon B. Johnson, May 22, 1964 Which of the following actions did President Johnson suggest he would take to address problems in public schools? A Driving down the cost of education by removing ineffective teachers B Calling on experts to advise the federal government in finding ways to improve public education C Increasing school accountability by requiring schools to show evidence of improvement D Scaling back the role of the federal government and allowing state and local governments to take the lead in education policy

Calling on experts to advise the federal government in finding ways to improve public education

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the separation of powers is integral to the Constitution not to preserve the prerogatives of each branch of government but to divide governmental powers among the branches so as to keep power diffused—and thereby limited and protective of personal freedom. . . . Thus, even if one branch of government consented to ceding an essential power to another branch, such a giveaway would be unconstitutional. . . . Can the president legally use military force to attack a foreign land without a serious threat or legal obligation or a declaration of war from Congress? In a word: No. Here is the back story. . . . . . . [A] bipartisan group of senators offered legislation supported by the president that . . . would permit a president to strike whomever and wherever he pleases. The president would be restrained only by a vote of Congress—after hostilities have commenced. Such a statute would give the president far more powers than he has now, would directly violate Congress' war-making powers by ceding them away to the president, would defy the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of giving away core governmental functions, would commit the U.S. to foreign wars without congressional and thus popular support, and would invite dangerous mischief by any president wanting to attack any enemy—real or imagined, old or new—for foreign or domestic political purposes, whether American interests are at stake or not. Andrew Napolitano, "At War with the Separation of Powers," The Washington Times, 2018. Which of the following describes a possible method that can check the power of the president who willingly violates the constitutional balance of power as described in the passage?

Congress can impeach and remove a president who is unable or unwilling to perform his or her official functions.

The following questions refer to the following excerpt from a United States Supreme Court decision. "We are unanimously of opinion, that the law passed by the legislature of Maryland, imposing a tax on the Bank of the United States, is unconstitutional and void...This is a tax on the operation of an instrument employed by the government of the Union to carry its powers into execution. Such a tax must be unconstitutional..." The decision of the Supreme Court upheld the principle that A the federal government and the state governments are equal B Congress has only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution C Congress has the power to make laws to carry out its constitutional duties D taxation without representation is unconstitutional E the federal government alone may levy taxes

Congress has the power to make laws to carry out its constitutional duties

Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in United States v. Lopez (1995) ? A The necessary and proper clause did not allow Congress to create the Bank of the United States. B Congress may regulate commerce between the states. C State governments can declare federal statutes unconstitutional if they conflict with state law. D Congress may not use the commerce clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime.

Congress may not use the commerce clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime.

A "cloture motion" passed in the Senate does which of the following? A Returns a bill to committee. B Cuts off debate on a bill. C Criticizes a senator guilty of improprieties. D Removes a President who has been impeached by the House. E Brings a bill directly to a vote without formal committee approval.

Cuts off debate on a bill.

"In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...." Brutus 1 Which of the following excerpts from the passage best describes the author's reason for opposing an expansion of the scope of the federal government? A "In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed." B "This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few." C "If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people..." D "... [I]t is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government."

D "... [I]t is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government."

Which of the following is the most likely consequence of divided government? A Reorganization of the federal bureaucracy B Conflicts between states C Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees D Conflicts between national government and states E Elimination of the seniority rule in Congress

Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees

Giving state governments greater discretion in deciding how to achieve the specific goals of welfare reform is an example of A an unfunded mandate B implied powers C dual federalism D devolution E affirmative action

Devolution

Which of the following actions by a congressional representative is an example of "pork barreling"? A Misusing campaign contributions B Directing federal funds into the representative's district through legislation C Accepting money from a political action committee (PAC) D Attempting to kill a bill with unacceptable amendments E Voting for a salary increase

Directing federal funds into the representative's district through legislation

The government depicted above is best described by which of the following terms? A Nonpartisan government B Unicameral government C Unitary government D Divided government E Dealigned government

Divided government

Which of the following policies involves more state spending than federal spending? A Military policy B Social security C Education D Medicare E Veterans affairs

Education

In the Constitution as originally ratified in 1788, the provisions regarding which of the following most closely approximate popular, majoritarian democracy? A Election of members of the House of Representatives B Election of members of the Senate C Election of the President D Ratification of treaties E Confirmation of presidential appointments

Election of members of the House of Representatives

Federal spending for which of the following is determined by laws that lie outside the regular budgetary process? A Military procurement B Regulatory agency funding C Government-subsidized housing programs D Educational assistance programs such as student loans E Entitlement programs such as Social Security

Entitlement programs such as Social Security

The largest portion of "uncontrollable spending" in the federal budget is designated for which of the following? A Interest on the national debt B Entitlement spending C Defense spending D Environmental programs E Salaries of federal bureaucrats

Entitlement spending

Which of the following powers is shared by the House of Representatives and the Senate? A Holding trials of impeachment B Establishing federal courts C Approving treaties D Holding confirmation hearings E Approving major presidential appointments

Establishing federal courts

Diversity of public policy throughout the United States is primarily a consequence of A federalism B separation of powers C innovation within bureaucratic agencies D decentralization in the Senate E lack of party discipline in the House

Federalism

Refer to the map for the following question. The figure presents a map of the United States titled "Status of Capital Punishment in the United States by State in 2016." A key indicates that states shaded light gray are "States with capital punishment" and states shaded dark gray are "States without capital punishment." The states with capital punishment, from north to south and east to west, are as follows: New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, and Hawaii. These states are primarily located in the South, in the central and southern Midwest, and in the West, with the exception of New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Hawaii. The states without capital punishment, from north to south and east to west, are as follows: Maine, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Alaska. These states are primarily in the Northeast and in the northern Midwest, with the exception of New Mexico and Alaska. Source: National Conference of State Legislatures, 2017 Which of the following constitutional principles best explains why there is variation among states on the use of capital punishment? A Separation of powers B Judicial review C Checks and balances D Federalism

Federalism

Which of the following constitutional principles most directly addresses the relationship between the national and state governments? A Checks and balances B The Bill of Rights C Separation of powers D Representation E Federalism

Federalism

Which of the following statements is true based on the bar graph? A In 1981, 25 percent of stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time. B From 2011 to 2016, no stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time. C From 1989 to 1991, 100 percent of stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time. D In 2017, 50 percent of stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time.

From 2011 to 2016, no stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time.

As a compromise, the framers agreed on a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives elected by popular vote within states and the Senate selected by state legislatures. The direct election method conforms most to which of the following democratic ideals? A The social contract is an agreement between citizens and government. B Government should be based on the consent of the governed. C Policy makers should be the most well-informed elites in society. D State power should be respected in a federal constitution.

Government should be based on the consent of the governed.

If Congress wanted to effect a change in the Social Security payroll tax, to what congressional committee would the task initially be assigned? A House Appropriations Committee B Senate Appropriations Committee C House Ways and Means Committee D House Rules Committee E Senate Finance Committee

House Ways and Means Committee

To which of the following congressional committees would a proposal to reform the national income-tax system initially be sent? A House Appropriations Committee B House Ways and Means Committee C House Budget Committee D Senate Budget Committee E Senate Finance Committee

House Ways and Means Committee

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the rules for debate used by the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate? A House of Representatives Senate Debate is unlimited. Debate is unlimited. B House of Representatives Senate Members can filibuster. Members cannot filibuster. C House of Representatives Senate Debate is limited. Members can filibuster. D House of Representatives Senate Members cannot filibuster. Only the majority leader can filibuster.

House of Representatives Senate Debate is limited. Members can filibuster.

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate? A House of Representatives Senate Led by the president pro tempore Led by the vice president B House of Representatives Senate Initiates revenue bills Nominates cabinet members C House of Representatives Senate Must approve Supreme Court nominees Must approve treaties D House of Representatives Senate Debate on bills is limited Debate on bills can be unlimited

House of Representatives Senate Debate on bills is limited Debate on bills can be unlimited

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate? A House of Representatives Senate The majority and minority parties control legislative scheduling and rules equally. Minority party members can threaten to filibuster a bill the majority party wants to pass. B House of Representatives Senate The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people. The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states. C House of Representatives Senate Most legislative work takes place in the standing committees. Based on its size, it tends to have stricter rules affecting the legislative process. D House of Representatives Senate Members serve two-year terms with a term limit of up to twelve years. Members serve six-year terms with no term limits.

House of Representatives Senate The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people. The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states.

Which of the following are differences between the legislative process in the House of Representatives and that in the Senate? Debate is more restricted on the House floor than on the Senate floor. The amendment process is more restricted in the House than in the Senate. Bills are more likely to bybass committee consideration in the House than in the Senate. A Rules Committee sets the guidelines for floor debate in the House but not in the Senate. A III only B I and II only C II and IV only D I, II, and IV only E I, II, III, and IV

I, II, and IV only

Adapted from Vital Statistics on American Politics, ed. Harold W. Stanley and Righard G. Niemi, Washington, D.C.: Washington Quarterly Press, 2000 Which of the following statements can be supported from information in the table above? Federal grants to state and local governments have increased substantially in total dollar amount since 1950. In 1994 the federal government devoted a larger percentage of outlays to grants than in 1980. Between 1980 and 1990, grants decreased as a percentage of federal outlays. In 1994 states were more dependent on federal grants for revenue than in 1990, 1970, or 1960. A IV only B I and III only C II and III only D II and IV only E I, III, and IV only

I, III, and IV only

Refer to the passage for the following question. I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty. Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.... It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. George Washington's Farewell Address, 1796 Which of the following scenarios illustrates Washington's concerns? A An increasing number of voters are not turning out to vote in elections. B Federalism can lead to different public policy outcomes between states. C Ideological divisions within Congress can lead to partisan gridlock. D Members of the press fail to report on the illegal activities of certain members of the bureaucracy.

Ideological divisions within Congress can lead to partisan gridlock.

Advocates of shifting the task of drawing United States House districts from state legislatures to independent commissions are likely to claim which of the following as an advantage of independent commissions? A House districts drawn by independent commissions are immune from challenges by the United States Department of Justice. B Independent commissions are more likely to create majority-minority districts where they are appropriate. C Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of partisan gerrymandering in the redistricting process. D Independent commissions are more likely to create districts where minor parties can be victorious. E Independent commissions are more able to draw legislative districts that comply with the one person, one vote standard.

Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of partisan gerrymandering in the redistricting process.

Which of the following statements about the Senate is true? A Each state is represented in the Senate according to its population. B The Senate, unlike the House, has a Rules Committee. C Individual senators can exercise substantial influence over the legislative process. D The Senate has a strict time limit on debates. E The Senate is more responsible than the House for initiating appropriations legislation.

Individual senators can exercise substantial influence over the legislative process.

Which of the following statements about gerrymandering is true? A It has been banned by United States Supreme Court decisions beginning with Baker v. Carr. B It was used traditionally to maintain urban control of the House of Representatives. C It can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible. D It guarantees greater constituency control over elected representatives. E It ensures liberal control of the House of Representatives.

It can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible.

Which of the following statements about gerrymandering is true? A It has been banned by United States Supreme Court decisions beginning with Baker v.Carr. B It was used traditionally to maintain urban control of the House of Representatives. C It can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible. D It guarantees greater constituency control over elected representatives. E It ensures liberal control of the House of Representatives.

It can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible.

Which of the following is generally true of the gerrymandering of congressional districts? A It results in more Democrats being elected to the House. B It results in more Republicans being elected to the House. C It guarantees that all minority parties will be equally represented. D It creates districts that favor one political party over another. E It violates the principle of one-person, one-vote.

It creates districts that favor one political party over another.

Which of the following describes the social contract theory as advanced by John Locke? A It is an agreement between political actors to maintain their grip on power. B It is an agreement in which the government promises to provide a minimum standard of living to citizens. C It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people. D It is an agreement between economic elites to maintain a stable economy. E It is an agreement in which the government outlines socially acceptable norms of political behavior.

It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people.

Which of the following best describes pork barrel politics? A The Office of Management and Budget negotiates with Congress to get the president's budget proposal passed. B Senators from states with agricultural economies promote farm price supports. C Voters in rural areas support different issue positions than do voters in metropolitan areas. D Members of Congress negotiate bills so that individual districts get money for projects that do not benefit the nation as a whole. E Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee refuse to endorse the president's nominees to the federal courts.

Members of Congress negotiate bills so that individual districts get money for projects that do not benefit the nation as a whole.

Which of the following is the best example of a categorical grant? A Money given to states for special education programs B Money given to individuals in the form of tax rebates C Money given to states unconditionally D Money given to states to spend at their discretion on transportation E Money given directly to private business for economic development

Money given to states for special education programs

In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...." Brutus 1 Which of the following statements would the author of the passage most likely agree with? A Average citizens cannot be trusted to vote because of low levels of education. B Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government. C The federal government should have greater authority than state legislatures. D A small federal legislature is the best way to represent the will of the people in a large country.

Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government.

"In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...." Brutus 1 In the passage, Brutus is most concerned with the conflict between which of the following political ideas? A Civil rights and national security B Participatory democracy and elite democracy C Political parties and special interest groups D Religious liberty and the separation of church and state

Participatory democracy and elite democracy

Which of the following actions by the federal government best illustrates the concept of unfunded mandates? A Requiring that polling booths remain open beyond the hours of the workday B Requiring states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services C Requiring state governments to guarantee short-term bonds issued by large municipalities in their states D Requiring all municipalities to impose a minimum property tax on all residential and business properties E Requiring states and municipalities to privatize many previously publicly funded services

Requiring states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services

Which of the following committees of the House of Representatives sets the conditions for debate and amendment of most legislation? A Ways and Means B Appropriations C Judiciary D Rules E Government Operations

Rules

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the separation of powers is integral to the Constitution not to preserve the prerogatives of each branch of government but to divide governmental powers among the branches so as to keep power diffused—and thereby limited and protective of personal freedom. . . . Thus, even if one branch of government consented to ceding an essential power to another branch, such a giveaway would be unconstitutional. . . . Can the president legally use military force to attack a foreign land without a serious threat or legal obligation or a declaration of war from Congress? In a word: No. Here is the back story. . . . . . . [A] bipartisan group of senators offered legislation supported by the president that . . . would permit a president to strike whomever and wherever he pleases. The president would be restrained only by a vote of Congress—after hostilities have commenced. Such a statute would give the president far more powers than he has now, would directly violate Congress' war-making powers by ceding them away to the president, would defy the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of giving away core governmental functions, would commit the U.S. to foreign wars without congressional and thus popular support, and would invite dangerous mischief by any president wanting to attack any enemy—real or imagined, old or new—for foreign or domestic political purposes, whether American interests are at stake or not. Andrew Napolitano, "At War with the Separation of Powers," The Washington Times, 2018. Which of the following principles of government is most related to the author's argument in the passage? A Separation of powers is necessary to our constitutional system to limit the power of the three branches and guarantee limited government. B The president's power is constitutionally permitted to expand during times of crisis, which can lead to the use of force without permission from Congress. C As the legislative branch, Congress is authorized to change the constitutional balance of power whenever it deems necessary. D Separation of powers guarantees that each branch can focus on what it does best, but in some cases one branch may voluntarily cede power to another branch.

Separation of powers is necessary to our constitutional system to limit the power of the three branches and guarantee limited government.

Which of the following types of committee deals with broad areas of public policy and can be found in both houses of Congress? A Rules B Select C Joint D Standing E Conference

Standing

Refer to the political cartoon for the following question.. The figure presents a political cartoon titled "In Two Words, Yes And No." Two men are shown in the cartoon. One man represents "States Rights" and the other man is Uncle Sam. The man representing "States Rights" is much shorter than Uncle Sam and is looking up at him angrily. Uncle Sam is looking down at the man and holding a bag labeled "Federal Benefits" in one hand and a piece of paper labeled "Federal Authority" in the other. The man representing "States Rights" has one hand open to accept Federal Benefits and has the other hand up to reject Federal Authority. Herblock, Washington Post, 1949 Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of the political cartoon? A State governments have used the Tenth Amendment to override the federal government's mandates. B State governments are unwilling to share their budgetary surpluses with other states. C State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent. D The fiscal irresponsibility of state governments has led to increased federal regulation on their budgetary priorities.

State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent.

In McCulloch v. Maryland , the Supreme Court established which of the following principles? A States cannot interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government. B The judicial branch cannot intervene in political disputes between the President and Congress. C The federal Bill of Rights places no limitations on the states. D The federal government has the power to regulate commerce. E It is within the judiciary's authority to interpret the constitution.

States cannot interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government.

While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option. Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist 15 Which of the following is a difference between the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution that is a response to a problem expressed in the passage? A The Articles of Confederation lacked federal executive and judicial branches, whereas the United States Constitution did not. B The Articles of Confederation allowed for the federal government to request revenues from states but did not permit it to tax citizens directly, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government could tax citizens directly. C Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were paid by the state governments, whereas under the United States Constitution they were paid by the federal government. D Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were not able to regulate currency, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government regulates currency.

The Articles of Confederation allowed for the federal government to request revenues from states but did not permit it to tax citizens directly, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government could tax citizens directly.

Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) ? A The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was upheld as constitutional because regulating arms is an enumerated power. B The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was upheld as constitutional because any interstate commerce is implied in the commerce clause. C The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down as unconstitutional because it exceeded the commerce clause. D The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down because it exceeded the state's power to regulate guns.

The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down as unconstitutional because it exceeded the commerce clause.

Which of the following statements about rules of procedure in the House and Senate is correct? A Debate by a determined minority in either chamber cannot be halted. B The rules in each chamber are determined by the majority whip. C The rules are specified in Article I of the Constitution. D The rules can be changed by the President during a national emergency. E The House operates more by formal rules, while the Senate operates more on informal understandings.

The House operates more by formal rules, while the Senate operates more on informal understandings.

Which of the following is a unique power held by members of the Senate? A Control of the veto B Control of the appropriations process C The ability to filibuster D The ability to impeach the president E The ability to work with a clearly defined constituency

The ability to filibuster

Which of the following is true of the seniority system of Congress in relation to committee leadership and committee staffing? A Members of Congress with the longest continuous service are assured the chairmanship of major congressional committees. B Members of Congress must be elected from safe seats to accrue committee seniority. C Members of congressional committees are the most senior members of the body's majority party. D The oldest members of Congress have the most seniority. E The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.

The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.

Of the following, which has been used most to expand the power of the national government? A The commerce clause of the Constitution B The habeas corpus clause of the Constitution C The bill of attainder clause of the Constitution D The First Amendment E The Fifth Amendment

The commerce clause of the Constitution

In the 1950s Southern states attempted to prevent integration of their public schools. In return, the National Guard was sent to force states to implement federal regulations. This scenario illustrates which of the following about the relationship between the state and national governments? A Most issues regarding education are settled at the state level. B The Constitution gives state governments the exclusive power to interpret federal laws. C The power of the national government to enforce state policy had been struck down by the Supreme Court. D The debate over the role of the central government and state powers is ongoing.

The debate over the role of the central government and state powers is ongoing.

While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option. Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist 15 Which of the following experiences most likely influenced the perspective conveyed in the passage? A The increased centralization of power in the national legislature under the Articles of Confederation B The debt crisis of the 1780s which the national government was unable to address due to lack of authority C The tension between states relying on commerce and those relying on agriculture D Passage of the Stamp Act and other taxes during the revolutionary period

The debt crisis of the 1780s which the national government was unable to address due to lack of authority

Which of the following best defines the constitutional interpretation of federalism? A The federal government and the states each have separate and mutually exclusive roles and responsibilities; neither controls the other. B The states have some powers reserved to them which they may exercise if the Supreme Court permits. C The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails. D The states may only exercise those powers delegated to them by Congress. E The federal government may exercise only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails.

The next most palpable defect of the subsisting Confederation, is the total want of a SANCTION to its laws. The United States, as now composed, have no powers to exact obedience, or punish disobedience to their resolutions, either by pecuniary [fines], by a suspension or divestiture of privileges, or by any other constitutional mode. There is no express delegation of authority to them to use force against delinquent members; and if such a right should be ascribed to the federal head, as resulting from the nature of the social compact between the States, it must be by inference and construction... There is, doubtless, a striking absurdity in supposing that a right of this kind does not exist. . . Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist 21 Which of the following scenarios illustrates a solution for the problem of getting states to comply with federal government policies, as described in the passage? A The federal government can withhold highway funds from states that do not raise the age to drink alcohol to 21. B The federal government can place a tax on any goods that an individual regularly transports across state borders. C Both the states and the federal government have the power to issue income taxes. D A constitutional amendment can be passed to override a Supreme Court decision.

The federal government can withhold highway funds from states that do not raise the age to drink alcohol to 21.

Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ? A The federal government exceeded its authority in establishing a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional. B Maryland was within its authority to tax the federal government, but the Bank of the United States exceeded federal authority. C The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, but it had to pay Maryland's tax. D The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.

The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.

Which of the following is a correct statement about the federal government's role in interstate commerce? A The federal government has no role in regulating interstate commerce. B The federal government's role is limited to regulating activities that may lead to federal crimes. C The federal government's role is limited to regulating commerce transported on interstate waterways such as the Mississippi River. D The federal government's role is limited to regulating the transport of agricultural goods. E The federal government's role has been greatly expanded through the interpretation of the interstate commerce clause.

The federal government's role has been greatly expanded through the interpretation of the interstate commerce clause.

Which of the following statements about Congress is true? A Members of Congress only occasionally are interested in and pay attention to constituents. B The legislative process is frequently lengthy, decentralized, and characterized by compromise and bargaining. C Lobbyists and political action committees (PAC's) successfully induce most members of Congress to trade their votes for campaign contributions. D The growth in the size of Congress as an organization is the principal cause of growth in the federal budget deficit. E Debate in both houses is structured by elaborate rules enacted by leaders of the majority party.

The legislative process is frequently lengthy, decentralized, and characterized by compromise and bargaining.

Which of the following situations best illustrates the meaning of divided government in the United States political system? A The majority of Supreme Court justices are from one party, but the president is from another. B The majority of governors are from one party, but the president is from another. C The president and a majority of members of Congress are from one party, but the majority of governors are from another. D The majority of senators and the majority of representatives are from one party, but the president is from another. E The majority of Supreme Court justices are from one party, but the majority of senators and representatives are from another.

The majority of senators and the majority of representatives are from one party, but the president is from another.

Which of the following clauses in the Constitution justifies the "implied powers doctrine" ? A The necessary and proper clause B The privileges and immunities clause C The contract clause D The debts and engagements clause E The executive power clause

The necessary and proper clause

Which of the following constitutional provisions broadened the power of Congress? A The necessary and proper clause B The equal protection clause C The Tenth Amendment D The Ninth Amendment E The eminent domain provision in the Fifth Amendment

The necessary and proper clause

Which of the following best describes gerrymandering? A The party in power wins four or five surrounding districts by very small margins. B The Supreme Court requires that state legislatures must adopt the doctrine of one person, one vote. C The party in control of the state legislature draws district boundaries in such a way as to favor its own candidates in subsequent elections. D By polling voters, party officials are able to determine how citizens will vote. E The public decides which issues are most important and tells the elected officials how to vote on specific bills.

The party in control of the state legislature draws district boundaries in such a way as to favor its own candidates in subsequent elections.

The following questions refer to the following excerpt from a United States Supreme Court decision. "We are unanimously of opinion, that the law passed by the legislature of Maryland, imposing a tax on the Bank of the United States, is unconstitutional and void...This is a tax on the operation of an instrument employed by the government of the Union to carry its powers into execution. Such a tax must be unconstitutional..." Which of the following resulted from this Supreme Court decision? A The power of the national government was strengthened. B The power of the Supreme Court was weakened. C The power of state governments to tax individual citizens was clearly limited. D Congress was given the power to coin money. E Congress alone was given the power to charter banks.

The power of the national government was strengthened.

Which of the following enumerated powers would permit Congress to stimulate the economy by hiring unemployed citizens? A The power to create immigration policies B The power to regulate interstate commerce C The power to pass a federal budget D The power of legislative oversight

The power to pass a federal budget

Members of Congress who have adopted the delegate role of representation normally cast their votes based on which of the following? A The preferences of the majority of their constituents B Their judgment of what is best for their constituency C The instructions of their political party's leadership D Their political party's most recent policy platform E The advice of congressional staffers and political consultants

The preferences of the majority of their constituents

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in action in the United States government? A The House and Senate cannot agree on the same version of a bill to send to the president. B The president issues an executive order that freezes federal government hiring. C The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress. D The voters reject the status quo and elect all new members of Congress. E The voters at the state level elect a governor from a party other than the president's.

The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress.

Refer to the passage for the following question. In many places, classrooms are overcrowded and curricula are outdated. Most of our qualified teachers are underpaid, and many of our paid teachers are unqualified. So we must give every child a place to sit and a teacher to learn from. Poverty must not be a bar to learning, and learning must offer an escape from poverty. But more classrooms and more teachers are not enough. We must seek an educational system which grows in excellence as it grows in size. This means better training for our teachers. It means preparing youth to enjoy their hours of leisure as well as their hours of labor. It means exploring new techniques of teaching, to find new ways to stimulate the love of learning and the capacity for creation.... . . . While our Government has many programs directed at those issues, I do not pretend that we have the full answer to those problems. But I do promise this: We are going to assemble the best thought and the broadest knowledge from all over the world to find those answers for America. I intend to establish working groups to prepare a series of White House conferences and meetings... on the quality of education, and on other emerging challenges. And from these meetings and from this inspiration and from these studies we will begin to set our course toward the Great Society. The solution to these problems does not rest on a massive program in Washington, nor can it rely solely on the strained resources of local authority. They require us to create new concepts of cooperation, a creative federalism, between the National Capital and the leaders of local communities. President Lyndon B. Johnson, May 22, 1964 By using the phrase "creative federalism," President Johnson is most likely referring to which of the following features of the American system? A The relationship between the federal and state governments evolves over time and flexible enough to permit new forms of interaction. B National policymaking is constrained by the sharing of power between the three branches of government. C The balance of power between the states and federal government has been trending toward more federal regulation and less state control. D Congress may use the commerce clause to address problems in public schools such as lack of resources and school safety.

The relationship between the federal and state governments evolves over time and flexible enough to permit new forms of interaction.

Based on your knowledge and the diagram, which of the following is true regarding the leadership structure of Congress? A The role of the minority leader in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is to coordinate a strategy for the minority party. B The vice president is responsible for creating and setting the legislative agenda for the Senate. C The Speaker of the House has very little power to control members of the majority party in the House of Representatives. D The majority leaders in both chambers work to ensure that a bipartisan agenda is passed in the Congress.

The role of the minority leader in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is to coordinate a strategy for the minority party.

Which of the following features of the United States Constitution would most concern the author of Brutus 1? A The Bill of Rights, which protects individual liberties and states' rights B The reservation of any power not given to the federal government to the states C The two-year term for members of the House of Representatives D The supremacy clause, which gives the federal government

The supremacy clause, which gives the federal government supremacy over states

Which of the following explains why any attempt to reduce Social Security benefits is difficult? A The Supreme Court has ruled that benefits are constitutionally required. B Interest groups concerned with Social Security are ineffective. C The global economy makes government insurance programs necessary. D There are many voters who support Social Security. E Government cannot predict the number of new retirees each year.

There are many voters who support Social Security.

Which of the following statements about motions for cloture is true? A They force a bill out of committee so that the full House can vote on it. B They are applied to bills that failed in the previous session of Congress. C They are applied only to appropriation bills. D They are used by senators to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote. E They occur whenever a bill is reported out of committee.

They are used by senators to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

Concurrent powers have which of the following effects on the United States political system? A They reinforce the expansion of the power of the national government and the supremacy of the national law. B They eliminate disputes between the states and the national government by creating completely separate spheres of influence. C They foster cooperation between the states and the national government by requiring that the two levels of government work together. D They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.

They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.

The Gun-Free School Zones Act made it illegal for individuals knowingly to carry a gun in a school zone. The Supreme Court determined this act to be an unconstitutional stretch of the commerce clause in A McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) B Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) C New York Times Company v. United States (1971) D United States v. Lopez (1995)

United States v. Lopez (1995)

Which of the following committees plays a major role in the House in shaping tax policy? A Finance B Ways and Means C Commerce D Appropriations E Governmental Affairs

Ways and Means

Many scholars argue that categorical grants-in-aid do which of the following? A Give states far too much power over national monies B Broaden state power beyond that outlined in the Constitution C Strengthen the impact of the Tenth Amendment D Give new life to the idea of dual federalism E Weaken the power of state governors and legislators

Weaken the power of state governors and legislators

If legislation passes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate but each version is slightly different, the conflicting bills are sent to A a standing committee of each house for a vote B an ad hoc committee for judicial review C the Rules Committee of each house for reconciliation and compromise D the majority and minority leaders of both houses for compromise E a conference committee for review and compromise

a conference committee for review and compromise

The Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides protections for the disabled, is an example of A state supremacy B horizontal federalism C affirmative action D dual federalism E a federal mandate

a federal mandate

A committee chair in the House of Representatives is always A the member with the longest service on the committee B the member with the longest service in the House C a representative of the Speaker D a member of the majority party in the chamber E a trusted ally of the President

a member of the majority party in the chamber

All of the following are consequences of the federal system in the United States EXCEPT A inequality in government services across subnational entities B opportunities for experimentation in government programs C multiple points of access for interest groups D decentralization of political conflict E a strict division of power among levels of government

a strict division of power among levels of government

The following questions refer to the following clause from the Constitution: "The Congress shall have power...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 in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof." The practical effect of this clause has been to A make the legislature the most powerful branch of the national government B allow the national government to extend its powers beyond those enumerated in the Constitution C allow the state governments to nullify federal laws within their borders D give the President uncontested powers in the area of foreign policy E ensure that any powers not delegated by the Constitution to the United States government are reserved to the states and the people

allow the national government to extend its powers beyond those enumerated in the Constitution

Debate of a bill in the House of Representatives under a "closed rule" means that A the bill can only be amended by section B debate on the bill will consist of five-minute speeches, pro and con C only senior members are allowed to participate D amendments to the bill cannot be offered E the bill must be approved by two-thirds of the House

amendments to the bill cannot be offered

The United States Constitution says that Congress has the power to coin money. This is an example of A an enumerated power B an implied power C an inherent power D a reserved power E a concurrent power

an enumerated power

Elections for the House of Representative provide A approximately equal representation for every voter B an equal chance of getting elected for both incumbents and challengers C a system in which only those candidates who receive a majority of the votes cast win on the first ballot D proportional representation based on the percentage of votes cast for each party E proportional representation of racial and ethnic minorities

approximately equal representation for every voter

The legislative process at the national level reflects the intent of the framers of the Constitution to create a legislature that would A be less powerful than the executive B be cautious and deliberate C involve as many citizens as possible D ensure that all groups be equally represented E allow majorities virtually unlimited control over policy

be cautious and deliberate

Brutus was an example of an Anti-Federalist because he A believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights B argued that a national military force was needed to deal with insurrections C argued that the laws passed by the national government were supreme over state laws D believed that compromise between the branches of government would ensure a limited government

believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights

The House Rules Committee is an important part of the legislative process because it A determines ethics rules for members' conduct B determines whether a bill should be referred to a policy committee for consideration C determines the terms and conditions of debate when a bill goes to the House floor D has the authority to limit the Speaker and Minority leader in their use of patronage E negotiates compromises on bills with the Senate Rules Committee

determines the terms and conditions of debate when a bill goes to the House floor

All of the following were concerns about the Articles of Confederation that led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 EXCEPT A dissatisfaction over safeguards of individual rights and liberties B fear for the stability of the central government C desire to promote trade among the states D the need to give the central government the power to levy taxes E dissatisfaction with the central government's ability to provide for national defense

dissatisfaction over safeguards of individual rights and liberties

The term "bicameralism" refers to the A establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules B members of the House of Representatives having two-year terms C president having veto power over both chambers of Congress D members of the House and Senate having to appease their mutual constituencies E checks that Congress has over the federal bureaucracy

establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules

The supremacy clause in the Constitution states that A federal law takes precedence over state law when the laws conflict B only Congress may declare war C the Senate should have a greater role in foreign affairs than does the House of Representatives D the federal government has the right to regulate interstate commerce E the Supreme Court has the power to overturn decisions of lower courts

federal law takes precedence over state law when the laws conflict

The terms "fiscal federalism" and "cooperative federalism" refer to situations in which A the federal government completely dominates state and local governments B states are forbidden any activity that has not been specifically approved by the Supreme Court C the federal judiciary uses its power of judicial review to ensure congressional dominance over state legislatures D state, municipal, and local income taxes are pooled by special agreement and redistributed in accordance with individual need E federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding

federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding

The congressional system of standing committees is significant because it A fosters the development of expertise by members B helps Congress reduce staff costs C insulates decision-making from the influence of special interests D weakens Congress in its dealings with the President E prevents Congress from effectively processing its large legislative workload

fosters the development of expertise by members

In contrast to revenue sharing, categorical grants-in-aid provide state and local governments with A substantial discretion in deciding how to use the grants to solve their problems B aid that reflects tax base and population C the power to impose regressive taxes D funds sufficient to support a high level of local service E funds to administer programs clearly specified by the federal government

funds to administer programs clearly specified by the federal government

Establishing the boundaries of United States congressional districts to give one party an advantage over another party is referred to as A raiding B apportionment C reapportionment D gerrymandering E filibustering

gerrymandering

"Pork barrel" legislation helps the reelection chances of a member of Congress because such legislation A gives the member of Congress national standing and coverage on national television news B helps earn the member of Congress a reputation for service to his or her district C attracts campaign contributions from ideological political action committees (PACs) D prevents other candidates from claiming that the member of Congress is too liberal for his or her district E requires the member of Congress to travel extensively

helps earn the member of Congress a reputation for service to his or her district

As originally ratified, the United States Constitution included provisions designed to A limit the importation of foreign manufactured goods B increase the economic importance of the agrarian sector relative to that of the manufacturing sector C increase the economic powers of the central government D expand the states' powers to regulate their own commerce with foreign countries E guarantee the states a greater role in economic policy-making

increase the economic powers of the central government

Much of the steady increase in federal government expenditures since 1960 has been caused by A increases in entitlement programs B higher interest rates caused by an increase in the discount rate C the provisions of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act D increased purchases of United States government securities by foreign investors E the growth of the United States trade imbalance

increases in entitlement programs

Federal benefits that must be funded by Congress and must be paid to all citizens who meet eligibility criteria are called A discretionary appropriations B individual entitlements C tax expenditures D distributive benefits E continuing appropriations

individual entitlements

The framers of the United States Constitution left decisions on voting eligibility to the A civil rights agencies B individual states C United States Supreme Court D House of Representatives E Senate

individual states

A difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is that in the House A legislative activity on the floor is more constrained by rules B committees are less important in the decision-making process C junior members have more influence over legislative decisions D party leaders are less powerful E bills are more likely to be amended on the floor

legislative activity on the floor is more constrained by rules

The practice in Congress whereby Representative A promises to vote for Representative B's legislation, provided that Representative B will support Representative A's legislation, is referred to as A personal casework and services B partisan discipline C logrolling D pork barrel legislation E filibustering

logrolling

Constitutional checks and balances, especially applied to the president, are designed to A provide for a balanced budget B minimize the threat of tyranny from any one branch of government C ensure that the states do not become too powerful D ensure efficient government E ensure that the federal government is militarily strong

minimize the threat of tyranny from any one branch of government

The reserved powers of the state governments can best be described as those powers A not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states B implied in the Fifth Amendment C listed specifically in the Tenth Amendment D exercised by both national and state governments E granted to states as part of the implied powers doctrine

not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states

Congressional standing committees are best described as A specially appointed investigative bodies B joint committees of the two houses of Congress C committees created for each session D permanent subject-matter committees E advisory staff agencies

permanent subject-matter committees

The power of the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives rests on its authority to A choose the chairs of other standing committees and issue rules for the selection of subcommittee chairs B initiate all spending legislation and hold budget hearings C place a bill on the legislative calendar, limit time for debate and determine the type of amendments allowed D determine the procedures by white nominations by the President will be approved by the House E Choose the President if no candidate wins a majority in the electoral college

place a bill on the legislative calendar, limit time for debate and determine the type of amendments allowed

The framers of the Constitution all believed that one of the primary functions of government is A educating citizens B protecting individual property rights C protecting new immigrants from persecution D expanding the borders of the nation E ensuring that anyone accused of a crime has the right to legal representation

protecting individual property rights

The term "pork barrel" refers to legislation specifically designed to A encourage a balanced federal budget B ensure the careful inspection of farm goods and other foodstuffs C distribute excess produce to the poor D provide funding for local projects that are intended to benefit constituents E equalize representation between farming and nonfarming states

provide funding for local projects that are intended to benefit constituents

Of the following, the most significant difference between the Constitution of 1787 and the Articles of Confederation was that the Constitution A made states sovereign over the national government, while the Articles were based on national sovereignty B was difficult to amend, while the Articles included an easier process requiring approval by a simple majority of states C provided for a presidential system of government, while the Articles provided for a parliamentary system of government D created a dominant national executive, while the Articles established a dominant national legislature E provided for a strong national government with many powers, while the Articles created a weak central government with few independent powers

provided for a strong national government with many powers, while the Articles created a weak central government with few independent powers

After a constitutional amendment has been proposed by both houses of Congress, its adoption requires A official filing with the secretary of state B support by a majority vote of the people C signature by the president D ratification by three-fourths of the states

ratification by three-fourths of the states

The role of a conference committee in Congress is to A hold hearings on proposed legislation B oversee the actions of the executive branch of the government C decide which bills should be considered by the full Senate D conduct hearings that make information available to the public E reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate

reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate

Most of the bills introduced in the House and the Senate are then A passed by one chamber but not the other B passed by both chambers but vetoed by the President C referred to committee but never sent to the full Congress D voted down during the amendment stage of the floor debate E killed in the Rules Committee

referred to committee but never sent to the full Congress

The congressional power that has been contested most frequently in the federal courts is the power to A establish post offices B coin money C levy taxes D regulate commerce with foreign nations E regulate interstate commerce

regulate interstate commerce

Enumerated powers of the federal government include all of the following EXCEPT the power to A coin money B declare war C regulate interstate commerce D regulate intrastate commerce E tax

regulate intrastate commerce

The Americans with Disabilities Act was widely unpopular with governors and mayors because it A required that people with disabilities be given equal access to public facilities B required that buildings be retrofitted or remodeled to give equal access to people with disabilities C did not go far enough to establish equal access to public facilities D applied only to federal facilities and did nothing to accommodate people in municipal buildings E required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling

required that states and cities pay for federally mandated construction and remodeling

The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to A prevent states from taxing agencies of the federal government B reserve powers to the states C restrict the application of judicial review D allow for the burning of the flag as an expression of protest E limit the use of the legislative veto

reserve powers to the states

The most significant trend in federal-state relations during the 1980s was A giving the federal government control over social welfare programs B bringing about greater equality in the provision of social services in different states C limiting state governments' ability to assess income taxes D expanding the authority of county and municipal governments at the expense of state governments E shifting the responsibilities and costs for many programs to state governments

shifting the responsibilities and costs for many programs to state governments

Nominations to the Supreme Court must be approved by a A simple majority vote in the Senate only B simple majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate C two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives only D two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate E two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives and the Senate and a majority of the sitting justices on the Supreme Court

simple majority vote in the Senate only

Most of the work of legislating in Congress takes place in A joint committees B ad hoc committees C select committees D conference committees E standing committees

standing committees

Congressional district boundaries are usually redrawn every ten years by the A Bureau of the Census B state legislatures C President D House Rules Committee E Federal Election Commission

state legislatures

The Articles of Confederation implemented the principle of A a strong national government B a unified system of taxes C universal suffrage D an independent judiciary E state sovereignty

state sovereignty

The clause in the United States Constitution that states that federal law will prevail in the event of a conflict between federal and state law is known as the A necessary and proper clause B supremacy clause C presentment clause D confrontation clause E equal protection clause

supremacy clause

Fiscal policies refer to the government's power to A regulate specific industries B tax and spend C reapportion congressional seats D control the supply of money E enforce treaties

tax and spend

One example of constitutional checks and balances is A the president declares war, but Congress appropriates military funds B the president nominates cabinet members, and the House holds confirmation hearings C the House can impeach federal judges and the president, and the Senate holds the impeachment trial D Congress can override United States Supreme Court decisions on the constitutionality of laws E presidential vetoes of laws can be overridden by a simple majority vote in both the House and the Sen

the House can impeach federal judges and the president, and the Senate holds the impeachment trial

The committee system is more important in the House than in the Senate because A the seniority system plays no role in the House and therefore committees must play a larger role B the Constitution mandates the type of committee structure in the House C committee members are appointed by the President D the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor E the majority party in the House prefers to give priority to the work of the committees

the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor

The Constitution states that all revenue bills must originate in A a White House budget resolution B the Congressional Budget Office C the United States Senate D the United States House of Representatives E the Office of Management and Budget

the United States House of Representatives

In the United States political system, the term Federalism refers to A limits on the powers of the state governments B limits on the powers of the national government C the division of powers between the levels of government D the fundamental basis of law E legal authority of the courts to hear cases

the division of powers between the levels of government

In order to appease both Federalists and Anti-Federalists, it was agreed at the Constitutional Convention that a group of delegates would be charged with selecting the president. This would ensure that A the process would be controlled directly by the citizens B the winner of the national popular vote would be the president C the most capable individuals would decide which candidate would be president D Congress would select the electors who would cast the official vote for president

the most capable individuals would decide which candidate would be president

The boundaries of United States congressional districts are usually determined by A the Federal Election Commission (FEC) B the state legislatures C the House Rules Committee D a conference committee of the House and Senate E the director of the United States Census Bureau

the state legislatures

The voting patterns of members of Congress correlate most strongly with A the population density of their districts B their economic background C their educational level D their political party affiliation E the location of their districts

their political party affiliation

A major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is that A filibusters are possible only in the House B revenue bills must originate in the Senate C judicial nominations originate in a House committee D each state has equal representation in the House but not in the Senate E there is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House

there is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House

Federal budget entitlements refer to spending A to provide individual benefits established by legislation B by legislators on trips to home states to confer with constituents C by congressional staff while traveling on official business D on behalf of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness E targeted to benefit residents of specific congressional districts

to provide individual benefits established by legislation

All of the following issues were decided at the Constitutional Convention EXCEPT A representation in the legislature B voting qualifications of the electorate C method of electing the President D congressional power to override a presidential veto E qualifications for members of the House and Senate

voting qualifications of the electorate

A prominent example of the process of returning more of the responsibilities of governing from the national level to the state level is A immigration reform B trade reform C welfare reform D campaign finance reform E national security reform

welfare reform