ap gov final questions
Which of the following cases expanded the powers of Congress by defining the necessary and proper clause more broadly?
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Which of the following statements about motions for cloture is true?
They are used by senators to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.
Which of the following statements is true based on the bar graph? (spending bills graph from congress multiple choice)
From 2011 to 2016, no stand-alone appropriations bills were passed on time.
"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?
"... [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."
The details of legislation are usually worked out in which of the following settings?
A subcommittee
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?
"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;"
Those who believe that the Supreme Court in its rulings should defer to the elective institutions of government are advocating
"judicial restraint"
In which year did Congress pass all stand-alone appropriations (spending) bills on time? (spending bills graph from congress multiple choice)
1977
All of the following statements pertaining to the presidential veto are true EXCEPT:
A President may veto part of a bill.
Which of the following statements about trends in presidential approval ratings is supported by information presented in the graph above? (average yearly presidential approval 1953-1993)
A President's popularity tends to fall during his term in office.
"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;"
A bicameral legislature with an upper house representing each state equally and a lower house with representation proportional to each state's population
Which of the following best characterizes the general argument made in Brutus 1?
A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states.
Which of the following is most likely an effect of the trend in the line graph? (days of public congressional hearings)
A decrease in congressional oversight as a mechanism to control the bureaucracy
In The Federalist 10, which of the following did James Madison argue would best control the negative effects of factions?
A large federal republic
Which of the following is an accurate summary of James Madison's argument in The Federalist 10?
A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other.
Which of the following scenarios is an example of the trustee model of representation?
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 scenarios illustrates how social media has changed the way presidents relate to the public?
A president announcing a major policy initiative via the Internet rather than calling a press conference
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a member of Congress supporting pork-barrel legislation?
A senator from an agricultural state amending legislation to establish a potato research institute in his or her state
Which of the following stages comes first in the policy-making process?
Agenda-setting
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?
Agriculture
Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution is most related to the case Marbury v. Madison (1803) ?
Article III
Which of the following Supreme Court cases involved the principle of "one person, one vote"?
Baker v. Carr
Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the reasoning for the decision in Baker v. Carr (1962) ?
Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law.
Which of the following is true of the relationship between Congress and executive agencies?
Because the agencies have bureaucratic expertise, Congress delegates "rule-making authority" to them.
Which of the following is true according to the diagram? (congressional leadership chart from congress multiple choice)
Both chambers make use of a system of majority and minority whips.
Which of the following is a primary function of the Senate Judiciary Committee?
Conducting hearings on judicial appointments made by the president
A committee chair in the House of Representatives is always
a member of the majority party in the chamber
When a bill passes the House and the Senate in different versions, the bill is resolved by which of the following types of committee?
Conference
The number of justices on the United States Supreme Court is set by
Congress
Which of the following is empowered to create new federal courts and specify the number of judges who will sit on them?
Congress
Which of the following best explains why cabinet secretaries might not aggressively pursue the president's policy agenda?
Cabinet secretaries may develop strong loyalty to their departments.
Which of the following identifies the formal procedure for ending a filibuster?
Cloture
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.
Which of the following explains an action Congress can take that would have the most influence on the data on the graphs? (federal civilian employee salaries)
Congress can pass legislation that changes the federal salary structure.
In 1998, Goodyear employee Lilly Ledbetter filed suit against her employer for pay discrimination based on her gender. Though Ledbetter was initially successful, Goodyear appealed the decision and the case went to the Supreme Court. In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (2007), the Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that sex discrimination complaints must be made within 180 days "after the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred," which Ledbetter had failed to do. Which of the following actions could be taken to reverse the impact of the decision?
Congress could enact legislation to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Which of the following possible actions illustrates a way Congress interacts with the bureaucracy to address the problem shown in the infographic? (the cost of congestion)
Congress could have members of the Department of Transportation testify before a committee to discuss the issue and potential solutions.
Which of the following explains how Congress would most likely respond if it were concerned about the slight increase in spending over time, as indicated by the bar chart? (homeland security spending 2004-2018)
Congress could vote to reduce spending on the Department of Homeland Security in the next year's budget.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates delegated discretionary authority?
Congress giving the Environmental Protection Agency the power to establish national pollution standards
Which of the following correctly identifies an implication of the line graph? (job approval ratings for presidents 1945-2012)
Congress is more likely to act on a president's policy proposal at the beginning of a first term than at the end of a second term.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in United States v. Lopez (1995) ?
Congress may not use the commerce clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime.
Congress is most likely to exert oversight of the executive bureaucracy in which of the following ways?
Controlling an executive agency's annual budget
Which of the following best reflects the holding in the case Baker v. Carr (1962) ?
Created a one-person, one-vote standard for reviewing congressional districts.
A "cloture motion" passed in the Senate does which of the following?
Cuts off debate on a bill.
Which of the following is the most likely consequence of divided government?
Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees
The mission of the Department of Transportation is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. The Department of Transportation has accepted public comments regarding the safety of automated vehicles in the United States in order to establish standards and guidelines for this new technology. Which of the following concepts is most related to the scenario?
Delegated discretionary authority
The President can do which of the following without seeking the consent of either the House or the Senate?
Deploy troops.
Which of the following actions by a congressional representative is an example of "pork barreling"?
Directing federal funds into the representative's district through legislation
The government depicted above is best described by which of the following terms? (49 republicans in senate and 220 republicans in house-51 democrats in senate and 215 democrats in house)
Divided government
Which of the following accurately compares the formal and informal powers of the president?
Formal Power-Acting as commander in chief of the military Informal Power-Signing executive agreements with foreign nations
Federal spending for which of the following is determined by laws that lie outside the regular budgetary process?
Entitlement programs such as Social Security
The largest portion of "uncontrollable spending" in the federal budget is designated for which of the following?
Entitlement spending
Which of the following powers is shared by the House of Representatives and the Senate?
Establishing federal courts
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?
Government should be based on the consent of the governed.
Which of the following is an example of congressional oversight?
Holding hearings for review of an executive agency's activities
If Congress wanted to effect a change in the Social Security payroll tax, to what congressional committee would the task initially be assigned?
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?
House Ways and Means Committee
In The Federalist 78, Alexander Hamilton states, "A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by the judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore belongs to them to ascertain its meaning." Which of the following Supreme Court cases is most relevant to this statement?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
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?
House of Representatives-Debate is limited Senate-Members can filibuster.
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate?
House of Representatives-Debate on bills is limited Senate-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?
House of Representatives-The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people. Senate-The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states.
The President's veto power is accurately described by which of the following statements? I.A President sometimes threatens to veto a bill that is under discussion in order to influence congressional decision-making. II.A President typically vetoes about a third of the bills passed by Congress. III.Congress is usually unable to override a President's veto.
I and III only
Which of the following are differences between the legislative process in the House of Representatives and that in the Senate? I.Debate is more restricted on the House floor than on the Senate floor. II.The amendment process is more restricted in the House than in the Senate. III.Bills are more likely to bypass committee consideration in the House than in the Senate. IV.A Rules Committee sets the guidelines for floor debate in the House but not in the Senate.
I, II, and IV only
Senate confirmation is required for which of the following presidential appointments? I.Secretary of state II.White House chief of staff III.Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) IV.Attorney general
I, III, and IV only
In the case Twining v. New Jersey (1908), the Supreme Court held that the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination is not applicable to the states. In 1964 the Supreme Court overruled the decision in Malloy v. Hogan (1964) and held that the right was incorporated to the states. This scenario illustrates which of the following?
Ideological changes to the Supreme Court can lead to the overturning of precedent.
Which of the following is true of an executive agreement made between a United States President and another head of state?
It does not require Senate approval, but may require congressional allocation of funds for implementation.
Which of the following best explains the principle of stare decisis?
It encourages judges to follow precedent when deciding cases.
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?
Ideological divisions within Congress can lead to partisan gridlock.
Generally, when is a president more likely to get congressional approval of proposed policies?
In foreign affairs rather than in domestic affairs
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?
Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of partisan gerrymandering in the redistricting process.
Which of the following statements about the Senate is true?
Individual senators can exercise substantial influence over the legislative process.
Which of the following statements about gerrymandering is true?
It can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible.
Which of the following is a way Congress can influence the federal judiciary?
It can change appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.
Which of the following is generally true of the gerrymandering of congressional districts?
It creates districts that favor one political party over another.
Which of the following is true of a presidential veto of a piece of legislation?
It is rarely overridden by Congress.
The doctrine of stare decisis is significant for which of the following reasons?
It is the principle that affirms that courts are bound by prior decisions.
Which of the following is true about the pocket veto?
It occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned.
Which of the following is true about divided party control of the presidency and Congress?
It reflects a frequent election pattern over the past three decades.
Which of the following describes the president's Cabinet?
Its members have varying levels of influence on presidential decisions.
Which of the following statements best relates to the information shown in the infographic? (women in the federal workforce)
Like most businesses, the federal government has to seek out well-qualified and diverse job candidates.
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?
Limited Government
Which of the following statements about Congress is true?
Lobbyists and political action committees (PAC's) successfully induce most members of Congress to trade their votes for campaign contributions.
Which of the following categories accounted for the majority of spending in 2017, according to the chart? (percent of budget by spending 1977-2017)
Mandatory
Which of the following United States Supreme Court cases established the principle of judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
Shortly after the 2008 election, President Obama appointed outspoken and controversial House member Rahm Emanuel to lead his White House as chief of staff. The selection drew criticism from Republican leaders, including House minority leader John Boehner, who remarked that the selection "is an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center." Which of the following explains how Congress could legitimately respond to the appointment?
Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it.
Which of the following best describes pork barrel politics?
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 statements reflects a pattern in the line graph? (job approval ratings for presidents 1945-2012)
Most presidents exit office with lower approval ratings than when they entered office.
"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?
Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government.
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?
Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property
A United States Supreme Court justice has announced his retirement at the end of the current Supreme Court term. What is the most likely presidential action in response to this announcement?
Nominate a federal judge who shares the president's ideology
Which of the following is responsible for the preparation of executive spending proposals submitted to Congress?
Office of Management and Budget
"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?
Participatory Democracy and Elite Democracy
Which of the following is an example of presidential use of informal powers?
President Bill Clinton advocating for public policy reform on his Health Security Express bus
The majority party in the Senate is concerned that the Supreme Court has made a number of ideologically dangerous and controversial rulings. Which of the following actions would the Senate take in their attempt to limit the Supreme Court's power?
Pass legislation that would limit the impact of the Supreme Court's recent rulings
If Congress adjourns during the ten days the president has to consider a bill passed by both houses of Congress, but which the president has not yet signed, what is the result?
Pocket veto
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 explains President Johnson's motivation for the speech in relation to his role as the head of the executive branch?
President Johnson is seeking to use the bully pulpit as a means of promoting his agenda on public education.
Which of the following statements is supported by the chart above? (presidential judicial nominations as of jan. 1994)
President Reagan nominated the smallest percentage of women to the judiciary.
To be sure, the President's control over foreign affairs had been growing since the Theodore Roosevelt administration [1901-1909]. . . . [President Roosevelt's] acquisition of the Panama Canal Zone preceded Woodrow Wilson's decision to enter World War I, which was a prelude to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's management of the run-up to the victorious American effort in World War II. In the 1950s, Harry S. Truman's response to the Soviet threat included the decision to fight in Korea without a Congressional declaration of war, and Dwight Eisenhower used the Central Intelligence Agency and brinkmanship to contain Communism. Nineteenth-century presidents had had to contend with Congressional influences in foreign affairs, and particularly with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But by the early 1960s, the president had become the undisputed architect of U.S. foreign policy. One reason for this was the emergence of the United States as a great power with global obligations. Neither Wilson nor FDR could have imagined taking the country to war without a Congressional declaration, but the exigencies of the cold war in the 1950s heightened the country's reliance on the president to defend its interests. Truman could enter the Korean conflict without having to seek Congressional approval simply by describing the deployment of U.S. troops as a police action taken in conjunction with the United Nations. Robert Dallek, "Power and the Presidency, From Kennedy to Obama," Smithsonian magazine, January 2011 Which of the following statements describes the author's main argument in the passage?
Presidential power in foreign policy has expanded since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Which of the following best illustrates the point being made in the cartoon above? (supreme court 40 more years)
Presidents can have an influence on public policy far beyond their terms of office.
In November 2014, President Obama announced an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program through an executive order. The policy would protect over 700,000 more children of undocumented immigrants from deportation. Republican members of Congress denounced the order as an abuse of executive power. Previously, members of the House of Representatives had voted to defund the program. This scenario best illustrates which of the following?
Presidents exert informal powers when their policy agenda conflicts with that of Congress.
To be sure, the President's control over foreign affairs had been growing since the Theodore Roosevelt administration [1901-1909]. . . . [President Roosevelt's] acquisition of the Panama Canal Zone preceded Woodrow Wilson's decision to enter World War I, which was a prelude to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's management of the run-up to the victorious American effort in World War II. In the 1950s, Harry S. Truman's response to the Soviet threat included the decision to fight in Korea without a Congressional declaration of war, and Dwight Eisenhower used the Central Intelligence Agency and brinkmanship to contain Communism. Nineteenth-century presidents had had to contend with Congressional influences in foreign affairs, and particularly with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But by the early 1960s, the president had become the undisputed architect of U.S. foreign policy. One reason for this was the emergence of the United States as a great power with global obligations. Neither Wilson nor FDR could have imagined taking the country to war without a Congressional declaration, but the exigencies of the cold war in the 1950s heightened the country's reliance on the president to defend its interests. Truman could enter the Korean conflict without having to seek Congressional approval simply by describing the deployment of U.S. troops as a police action taken in conjunction with the United Nations. Robert Dallek, "Power and the Presidency, From Kennedy to Obama," Smithsonian magazine, January 2011 Which of the following is a difference between the power of nineteenth-century presidents and that of the modern president according to the passage?
Presidents in the nineteenth century had to contend with congressional committees, which had significant powers in foreign affairs.
A major reason why the majority of Supreme Court justices have had political experience prior to appointment to the Court is that
Presidents seek to place individuals on the Court whose policy views are similar to their own
Which of the following is the best conclusion that can be drawn from the data in the table? (mentions of war funding policies in hearings of the congressional appropriations committee)
Public concern over the Vietnam War led Congress to hold more hearings to consider using the power of the purse to influence the conduct of the war.
Which of the following describes the ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993) ?
Racial gerrymandering was ruled unconstitutional.
In vetoing a bill, the President does which of the following?
Rejects all sections of the bill.
During his confirmation hearing, Chief Justice John Roberts stated that Roe v. Wade (1973) "is the settled law of the land." This statement suggests that in a case that challenges the constitutionality of legislation restricting privacy and reproductive rights, which of the following should be a key factor in the court's ruling?
Reliance on legal precedent
Congress has exerted the greats influence on the operation of a federal agency by doing which of the following?
Reviewing the annual budget appropriations for the agency
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?
Rules
Which of the following committees of the House of Representatives sets the conditions for debate and amendment of most legislation?
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?
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 statements accurately describes the selection of the caseload for the United States Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court is free to choose the cases it hears with only a few limitations.
In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the United States Supreme Court ruled that a Georgia law violated the U.S. Constitution. In response to Chief Justice John Marshall's majority opinion, President Andrew Jackson said, "John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it." Which of the following ideas regarding government does President Jackson's statement exhibit?
Since the Supreme Court has no enforcement mechanism, the executive and legislative branches can restrict its decisions.
Which of the following is an accurate conclusion based on the pattern shown in the bar chart? (homeland security spending 2004-2018)
Special circumstances in 2005 and 2018 led Congress to approve supplemental appropriations.
Which of the following types of committee deals with broad areas of public policy and can be found in both houses of Congress?
Standing
Which of the following is an accurate statement about committees in Congress?
Standing committees oversee the bureaucracy's implementation of legislation.
The Supreme Court upholds a law passed by Congress as constitutional. The chief justice states in the majority opinion that previous decisions supporting Congress' power to make laws based on the commerce clause of the Constitution were the basis for the decision. Which of the following legal concepts did the chief justice apply in writing the opinion?
Stare Decisis
A newly elected president faces a Senate controlled by the opposition party. Which of the following presidential appointments is the most likely to encounter difficulty with confirmation by the Senate?
Supreme Court justice
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?
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.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will spend money appropriated by Congress to maintain wildlife refuges. This action is an example of
bureaucratic implementation of law
Which of the following situations best illustrates the meaning of divided government in the United States political system?
The majority of senators and the majority of representatives are from one party, but the president is from another.
Which of the following is true based on the data in the line graph? (presidential bills and vetoes passed in congress)
The number of bills passed by Congress decreased under G. H. W. Bush.
Which of the following trends is best supported by the information in the table?
The number of executive agreements has increased over time.
Which of the following statements best describes the Supreme Court's actions with respect to disputes between Congress and the President?
The Court generally has tried to avoid deciding conflicts between Congress and the President.
Which of the following explains how the bureaucracy can address a problem shown in the infographic? (the cost of congestion)
The Department of Transportation can write stronger regulations on freight volume.
Which of the following is likely to occur as a result of new legislation regarding automobile safety?
The Department of Transportation will be given discretionary authority to create auto regulations.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the process of bureaucratic rule making?
The Department of Veterans Affairs rewrites its regulations regarding compensation and pensions into plain language that is easier for beneficiaries to understand.
The Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) relates to foundational documents in which of the following ways?
The Federalist 78 is about the power and role of the federal courts, and in Marbury v. Madison, Madison expands that role by giving the courts the power to determine whether laws or executive actions conflict with the Constitution.
Which of the following statements about rules of procedure in the House and Senate is correct?
The House operates more by formal rules, while the Senate operates more on informal understandings.
Cabinet departments differ from independent regulatory agencies in which of the following ways?
The President can dismiss cabinet officers, but not commissioners of independent regulatory agencies.
All of the following help to explain the President's difficulty in controlling cabinet-level agencies EXCEPT.
The President can only fire appointees before they have been confirmed by the Senate
Which of the following is articulated in the War Powers Resolution?
The President must bring troops home from hostilities within 60 to 90 days unless Congress extends the time.
Of the following, which is the most powerful figure in Congress?
The Speaker of the House
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a case being decided based on precedent?
The Supreme Court bases its decision in a case involving the commerce clause on one of its earlier decisions involving the commerce clause.
Which of the following did the Supreme Court establish in Marbury v. Madison ?
The Supreme Court can declare federal legislation invalid if the legislation violates the Constitution.
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 political processes would best solve the problem regarding the system of checks and balances, as articulated by the author in the passage?
The Supreme Court rules on a suit brought by an interest group that legislation permitting the president to launch military strikes without congressional approval is unconstitutional.
When a lower court decision is appealed to the Supreme Court, which of the following is most likely to occur?
The Supreme Court will not hear the appeal.
To be sure, the President's control over foreign affairs had been growing since the Theodore Roosevelt administration [1901-1909]. . . . [President Roosevelt's] acquisition of the Panama Canal Zone preceded Woodrow Wilson's decision to enter World War I, which was a prelude to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's management of the run-up to the victorious American effort in World War II. In the 1950s, Harry S. Truman's response to the Soviet threat included the decision to fight in Korea without a Congressional declaration of war, and Dwight Eisenhower used the Central Intelligence Agency and brinkmanship to contain Communism. Nineteenth-century presidents had had to contend with Congressional influences in foreign affairs, and particularly with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But by the early 1960s, the president had become the undisputed architect of U.S. foreign policy. One reason for this was the emergence of the United States as a great power with global obligations. Neither Wilson nor FDR could have imagined taking the country to war without a Congressional declaration, but the exigencies of the cold war in the 1950s heightened the country's reliance on the president to defend its interests. Truman could enter the Korean conflict without having to seek Congressional approval simply by describing the deployment of U.S. troops as a police action taken in conjunction with the United Nations. Robert Dallek, "Power and the Presidency, From Kennedy to Obama," Smithsonian magazine, January 2011 Which of the following explains why the author believes presidential power has expanded?
The United States has emerged as a global power, which has enhanced the power of the president in foreign affairs.
Which of the following is a unique power held by members of the Senate?
The ability to filibuster
Which of the following is the primary reason for the tensions that exist between the legislative and executive branches of the federal government?
The branches have different constituencies with different interests.
Which of the following is true of the seniority system of Congress in relation to committee leadership and committee staffing?
The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.
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?
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?
The debt crisis of the 1780s which the national government was unable to address due to lack of authority
Which of the following is a member of the White House Staff?
The national security advisor
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Supreme Court and public opinion?
The existence of a public consensus on an issue limits the extent to which the Court will render decisions contrary to that consensus.
In the case Wickard v. Filburn (1942), Roscoe Filburn was penalized for producing 12 acres of wheat above his allotment under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938. The law, justified under Congress' power to regulate interstate commerce, limited the amount of wheat an individual could grow. This regulation would keep prices from dropping and prevent farmers from going bankrupt. Filburn claimed that the excess wheat was for his own use, and challenged that no interstate commerce was involved. The Supreme Court ruled that the commerce clause allowed the government to regulate Filburn's personal wheat production, even though it was only indirectly related to interstate commerce. Which of the following was a likely result of the decision in Wickard v. Filburn that contributed to the Court's later decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) ?
The expansive interpretation of the commerce clause by the Supreme Court which greatly extended the power of Congress drew criticism that eventually led to a more narrow interpretation.
Which of the following has decreased in Congress over the past twenty years?
The influence of committee chairs
Which of the following statements is best supported by the line graph? (presidential bills and vetoes passed in congress)
The number of vetoes has generally decreased since 1945, but so has the number of bills passed by Congress.
Which of the following best describes gerrymandering?
The party in control of the state legislature draws district boundaries in such a way as to favor its own candidates in subsequent elections.
Which of the following enumerated powers would permit Congress to stimulate the economy by hiring unemployed citizens?
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?
The preferences of the majority of their constituents
Which of the following is an example of how the innovation of social media can influence presidential behavior?
The president announces the nomination of a cabinet secretary on the Internet.
Which of the following best describes how a president can influence the data in the graphs? (federal civilian employee salaries)
The president has the power to formally introduce appropriations bills in the House of Representatives which can determine salary grades of federal employees.
Which of the following represents a reason that a president might use a signing statement to express displeasure with a bill as opposed to issuing a veto?
The president may have objections to provisions of a bill but does not want to risk Congress overriding a veto.
Based on your knowledge and the diagram, which of the following is true regarding the leadership structure of Congress? (congressional leadership chart from congress multiple choice)
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 scenarios best illustrates a formal check on the power of the bureaucracy?
The secretary of defense being called to testify before a congressional committee
Which of the following is the best predictor of the Department of Education's annual budget?
The size of the previous year's budget
In Baker v. Carr (1962), the Supreme Court ruled that a state legislature would have to redraw their representative districts in order to comply with the Constitution. Which of the following potential difficulties could have resulted from this decision?
The state legislature could have refused to implement the decision, leading to a crisis in the legitimacy of the Supreme Court's authority.
Which of the following best defines the term "judicial activism"?
The tendency of judges to interpret the Constitution according to their own views
All of the following serve as checks on the power of the federal courts EXCEPT:
The voters can oust federal judges in national elections.
Which of the following explains why any attempt to reduce Social Security benefits is difficult?
There are many voters who support Social Security.
Which of the following is true of nominees for federal judgeships?
They are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Which of the following is true of most federal judges appointed by the president?
They serve for life on good behavior unless impeached and convicted by Congress.
Which of the following is true of independent regulatory agencies?
They tend to be freer from presidential control than are cabinet departments.
Which of the following is NOT a presidential role authorized by the Constitution?
To lead the political party of the President
Which of the following actions can Congress take if the Supreme Court finds a federal law unconstitutional?
Try to amend the Constitution.
In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld?
Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.
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
United States v. Lopez (1995)
In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the Supreme Court used the power of judicial review established in Marbury v. Madison (1803) to strike down a Georgia state law that regulated the relationship between citizens of Georgia and members of the Cherokee Nation. President Andrew Jackson opposed the decision and famously challenged the Supreme Court to enforce it. As the Supreme Court was not able to enforce the decision, the other branches of government ignored it. This example illustrates which of the following?
Unpopular Supreme Court decisions can be avoided or ignored if other branches refuse to cooperate with the outcomes of those decisions.
Which of the following is an action a president can take to rally public support for the administration's legislative agenda?
Use the State of the Union Address to pressure Congress to pass a bill lowering income taxes.
Which of the following committees plays a major role in the House in shaping tax policy?
Ways and Means
Which of the following statements is most accurately supported by the data in the table? (Table based on data from Todd Garvey, "Presidential Signing Statements: Constitutional and Institutional Implications," CRS Report, published January 4, 2012, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL33667.pdf)
While President George W. Bush issued fewer signing statements than President Clinton, his included more objections than President Clinton's.
In recent presidential administrations, the principal staff for the President has been made up of members of the
White House Office
The Senate must confirm all of the following presidential appointments EXCEPT
White House staff
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 conference committee for review and compromise
In The Federalist 70, Alexander Hamilton states that "energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government." In this statement, Hamilton is arguing in favor of the need for
a single executive who can respond quickly to crises
A fundamental source of power for the federal bureaucracy lies in its
ability to set specific guidelines after receiving a general mandate from Congress
Rules and regulations created by an agency such as the Federal Communications Commission are called
administrative law
The primary function of the White House staff is to
advise the president
Debate of a bill in the House of Representatives under a "closed rule" means that
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
an enumerated power
Elections for the House of Representative provide
approximately equal representation for every voter
In selecting members of the White House staff, Presidents primarily seek people who
are personally loyal to the President
The War Powers Resolution (1973) was designed to
assure congressional involvement in decisions committing military forces in hostile situations overseas
One of the formal tools used by Congress for oversight of the bureaucracy is
authorization of spending
The committee that resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill is called a
conference committee
In Marburv v. Madison (1803), the Supreme Court assumed the power to
decide on the constitutionality of a law or an executive action
The constitutional powers of the president include all of the following EXCEPT
declaring war
A President attempting to influence Congress to pass a legislative program might employ all of the following strategies EXCEPT
denying campaign reelection funds to legislators who oppose the President's policy stand
The House Rules Committee is an important part of the legislative process because it
determines the terms and conditions of debate when a bill goes to the House floor
Congress has the constitutional power to control the judicial branch by
determining the size of the Supreme Court
Since the 1970's, Presidents have made use of executive orders at an increasing rate because executive orders
do not need to be passed by Congress
The term "bicameralism" refers to the
establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules
Congressional oversight refers to the power of Congress to
exercise some control over executive agencies
To influence policy making by the federal courts, the president may do all of the following EXCEPT
fire and replace federal judges
All of the following powers are granted to the President by the Constitution EXCEPT
forming new cabinet-level departments
The congressional system of standing committees is significant because it
fosters the development of expertise by members
Establishing the boundaries of United States congressional districts to give one party an advantage over another party is referred to as
gerrymandering
"Pork barrel" legislation helps the reelection chances of a member of Congress because such legislation
helps earn the member of Congress a reputation for service to his or her district
In general, Congress is most likely to defer to the President
in the area of foreign policy
The largest source of federal revenue is the
income tax
Much of the steady increase in federal government expenditures since 1960 has been caused by
increases in entitlement programs
The expansion of the executive branch since 1939 has affected the separation of powers by
increasing presidential control over the legislative process
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are examples of
independent agencies
Federal benefits that must be funded by Congress and must be paid to all citizens who meet eligibility criteria are called
individual entitlements
The president's role as chief diplomat is derived from
informal powers
The idea that judges ought to freely strike down laws that are inconsistent with their understanding of the Constitution is known as
judicial activism
Supreme Court justices were given tenure subject to good behavior by the framers of the Constitution in order to ensure that
justices are free from direct political pressures
All of the following have contributed to an increase in presidential power in the post-1945 era EXCEPT
legislation granting the President the power to impound funds appropriated by Congress
A difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is that in the House
legislative activity on the floor is more constrained by rules
The role Congress plays in ensuring that executive branch agencies are carrying out their legislated responsibilities is known as
legislative oversight
Congress adopted the War Powers Resolution to
limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas
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
logrolling
A President may persuade recalcitrant members of Congress to vote for a particular bill by
making a direct appeal to the public through mass media
Executive agreements have been cited as evidence that
modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority
All of the following are formal or informal sources of presidential power EXCEPT
presidential authority to raise revenue
Cabinet members often do not have a dominant influence on presidential decision-making because
presidential goals often conflict with the institutional goals of individual cabinet-level agencies
When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of
separation of powers
Congressional legislative powers include all of the following EXCEPT
pardoning felons
Congressional standing committees are best described as
permanent subject-matter committees
The power of the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives rests on its authority to
place a bill on the legislative calendar, limit time for debate and determine the type of amendments allowed
The term "pork barrel" refers to legislation specifically designed to
provide funding for local projects that are intended to benefit constituents
The role of a conference committee in Congress is to
reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate
The primary purpose of the North American Free Trade Agreement is to
reduce trade barriers between the United States, Mexico, and Canada
Most of the bills introduced in the House and the Senate are then
referred to committee but never sent to the full Congress
The Supreme Court issued a ruling that was unpopular with a majority of Americans. The president and Congress might be able to lessen the impact of the decision by
refusing to actively enforce the decision
Enumerated powers of the federal government include all of the following EXCEPT the power to
regulate intrastate commerce
In general, independent regulatory commissions are created primarily for the purpose of
regulating certain industries to protect the public interest
A policy that sets emission standards for automobiles is an example of
regulatory policy
The difference between an appellate court and a district court is that an appellate court
reviews previous court decisions
Nominations to the Supreme Court must be approved by a
simple majority vote in the Senate only
An example of a discretionary item in the federal budget is
spending on national parks
Most of the work of legislating in Congress takes place in
standing committees
In the United States judicial system, when a judge decides a case based on decisions rendered in similar cases in the past, the judge is following the principle of
stare decisis
Congressional district boundaries are usually redrawn every ten years by the
state legislatures
The boundary lines of congressional districts are drawn by
state legislatures
Fiscal policies refer to the government's power to
tax and spend
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review permits the Court to overrule all of the following EXCEPT
the Bill of Rights
The committee system is more important in the House than in the Senate because
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
the United States House of Representatives
All of the following make it difficult for presidents to control the actions of federal agencies EXCEPT
the appointment of cabinet heads
The framers of the Constitution designed which of the following to be LEAST responsive to public opinion?
the courts
The usefulness to the President of having cabinet members as political advisers is undermined by the fact that
the loyalties of cabinet members are often divided between loyalty to the President and loyalty to their own executive departments
The doctrine of original intent holds that
the meaning of the Constitution depends on the intention of the framers
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
the most capable individuals would decide which candidate would be president
The boundaries of United States congressional districts are usually determined by
the state legislatures
Even with large majorities of their own party in Congress, presidents experience difficulty in exercising legislative leadership because
the weak nature of political parties hampers the president's ability to control Congress
The voting patterns of members of Congress correlate most strongly with
their political party affiliation
A major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is that
there is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House
Federal budget entitlements refer to spending
to provide individual benefits established by legislation
Presidents have had the most success in changing the direction of decisions of the federal judiciary by
using the appointment process to select judges with judicial philosophies similar to those of the President
In trying to influence legislation, the President is generally more successful than congressional leaders in
using the media to set the policy agenda
An advantage that bureaucrats in federal government have over the President in the policymaking process is that bureaucrats
usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks
