AP Gov Final Study guide
Match the Amendment to the impact on votnig.
- 15th Amendment: Allowed African Americans the right to vote - 19th Amendment: Allowed women the right to vote - 24th Amendment: Banned poll taxes - 26th Amendment: Allowed 18-year-olds the right to vote
Which of the following statements is accurately describing congressional spending? Discretionary Spending Mandatory Spending A Made up of Military / Non Military Spending Made up of Entitlement Spending B Makes up of 2/3 of the total budget5 Makes up 1/3 of the total budget C Controlled by the House Controled by the Senate D Tracks government spending to ensure equality Has total control over taxes and entitlement spending
a. Discretionary Spending - Made up of Military / Non Military Spending Mandatory Spending - Made up of Entitlement Spending
What best describes a linkage institution? a. a channel through which people's concerns become a political agenda b. a location to express a political opinion c. the formation of a special interest group d. an environment where one learns about the political process e. a gathering of people to represent a public opinion
a. A channel through which people's concerns become a political agenda
Which of the following forms of financial aid from the national government gives the states the broadest discretion in the spending of money? A. Block Grants B. Categorical Grants C. Formula Grants D. Project Grants
a. Block Grants
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.
a. 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 statements about voting behavior in the United States is correct? A. College graduates are more likely to vote than are those who have at most a high school diploma. B. Voters under the age of 25 are more likely to vote than are those in any other age group. C. Registration requirements have no significant effect on voter turnout. D. During the twentieth century, the proportion of African Americans who voted was approximately the same as the proportion of White Americans who voted.
a. College graduates are more likely to vote than are those who have at most a high school diploma.
What was the compromise between the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan? A. Connecticut compromise B. 3/5 compromise C. Presidential Term compromise D. Bill of Rights compromise
a. Connecticut compromise
VOTER A: "I worked my way up from poverty to become the successful business owner I am today. I get frustrated when I think that my tax money goes to support people who won't help themselves. I think part of the blame belongs with the media; they promote all the wrong values." Which of the following political ideologies would this voter be characterized as?
a. Conservative
VOTER X: "I worked my way up from poverty to become the successful business owner I am today. I get frustrated when I think that my tax money goes to support people who won't help themselves. I think part of the blame belongs with the media; they promote all the wrong values." Which of the following political ideologies would this voter be cahracterized as?
a. Conservative
With which statement would a Seventeenth Amendment supporter agree? A. Direct elections are always preferable to indirect election B. Legislators should be representative bodies. C. A senatorial hold is a device to guarantee democracy. D. State governments, not the federal government, should elect senators
a. Direct elections are always preferable to indirect election
Which of the following groups would NOT be part of the Democratic Party? A. Evangelical Christians B. Minorities C. Unions/Labor D. Women
a. Evangelical Christians
Evidence suggests that the single greatest factor determining political opinion is..... A. Family influences B. A teacher C. Experience D. A religious mentor E. A close personal friend
a. Family Influences
Which of the following best accounts for the lack of success generally encountered by minor political parties in electing members to the House or Senate? A. General elections in the United States are based on the winner-take-all principle. B. House and Senate rules exclude members of minor parties from organizing coalitions with the major parties. C. The public has great faith in the two major political parties. D. Some states outlaw minor political parties.
a. General elections in the United States are based on the winner-take-all principle.
Shaw v. Reno, 509 U.S. 630 (1993)To comply with § 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965—which prohibits a covered jurisdiction from implementing changes in a "standard, practice, or procedure with respect to voting" without federal authorization—North Carolina submitted to the Attorney General a congressional reapportionment plan with one majority-black district. The Attorney General objected to the plan on the ground that a second district could have been created to give effect to minority voting strength in the State's south-central to southeastern region. The State's revised plan contained a second majority-black district in the north-central region. The new district stretches approximately 160 miles along Interstate 85 and, for much of its length, is no wider than the I-85 corridor. Appellants, five North Carolina residents, filed this action against appellee state and federal officials, claiming that the State had created an unconstitutional racial gerrymander in violation of, among other things, the Fourteenth Amendment. They alleged that the two districts concentrated a majority of black voters arbitrarily without regard to considerations such as compactness, contiguousness, geographical boundaries, or political subdivisions, in order to create congressional districts along racial lines and to assure [sic] the election of two black representatives. Shaw v. Reno established that _____.
a. Gerrymandering cannot be done for racial reasons alone.
The importance of Shays' Rebellion to the development of the United States Constitution was that it....? A) indicated that a strong, constitutionally designed national government was needed to protect property and maintain order B) revealed the necessity of both adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution and creating a new system of checks and balances C) demonstrated the intensity of antiratification sentiment within the thirteen states D) convinced the delegates of the Constitutional Convention to accept the New Jersey plan
a. Indicated that a strong, constitutionally designed national government was needed to protect property and maintain order
What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence? A. Justify a permanent break with England B. Establish a strong central government C. Argue for the adoption of a new government D. Place limits on the powers of the govt
a. Justify a permanent break with England
Based on the graphic above, what point is the illustration attempting to point out? A. That North Carolina's redistricting efforts could result in either party attaining a majority for their party or an even split B. No matter how the redistricting efforts go, the Democrats will have the advantage in all scenarios C. All efforts to redistrict will likely lead to another Supreme Court case D. The Republican have the advantage in a majority of the scenarios that could play out
a. That North Carolina's redistricting efforts could result in either party attaining a majority for their party or an even split
What is the viewpoint being expressed by the political cartoon above? A. The Democrats benefitted the most from gerrymandering in Illinois B. Both the Republican and Democratic parties engage in gerrymandering equally C. Gerrymandering can benefit state government and is good D. The Supreme Court has banned this type of political activity
a. The Democrats benefitted the most from gerrymandering in Illinois
Which of the following accurately describes congressional committees? I. The committee chairperson always belongs to the majority party II. Seats on each committee are divided between the 2 major parties in exact 50/50 proportions III. They recommend whether Congress should pass various pieces of legislation and their recommendation is always taken IV. When a committee ties in voting, the Vice President comes to break the tie A. I only B. II only C. I & III D. II & IV
a. The committee chairperson always belongs to the majority party
Which of the following is a major difference between a democracy and a republic: A. The percentage of people making decisions in a democracy is greater than in a republic B. The percentage of people making decisions in a republic is greater than in a democracy C. Democracies are appointed, republics are elected D. There is no difference the terms are synonyms
a. The percentage of people making decisions in a democracy is greater than in a republic
When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner. Again, there is no liberty, if the judiciary power be not separated from the legislative and executive. Were it joined with the legislative, the life and liberty of the subject would be exposed to arbitrary control; for the judge would be then the legislator. Were it joined to the executive power, the judge might behave with violence and oppression. There would be an end of everything, were the same man or the same body, whether of the nobles or of the people, to exercise those three powers, that of enacting laws, that of executing the public resolutions, and of trying the causes of individuals.-The Spirit of the Laws_ Baron de Montesquieu Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage? A. The separation of powers helps ensure liberty B. The separation of powers helps ensures domestic tranquility and international peace C. People will rise up in protest after experiencing a dictator's oppression D. Governments where one person wields legislative, executive and judicial powers are always corrupt and fail.
a. The separation of powers helps ensure liberty
The Constitution differs from the Declaration of Independence in that Constitution does not focus on the individual rights of the governed, but rather on...... A. the structure and function of government B. the combination of government and citizenry C. the rights of the government D. the promotion of a pure democracyE. the elimination of state government authority
a. The structure and function of government
Based on the data in the chart, which of the following best explains a likely impact of third-party votes in the 2016 election? A. The third-party vote in the three states depicted in the chart helped Donald Trump acquire enough electoral votes to win the election. B. The third parties were able to gain seats in Congress because of the large number of votes they received in the three states depicted in the chart. C. The third-party vote counts in the three states depicted in the chart forced the election to a tie, forcing the House of Representatives to cast the deciding vote. D. The third-party vote counts forced the three states depicted in the chart into runoff elections to decide who would be the winner of each state.
a. The third-party vote in the three states depicted in the chart helped Donald Trump acquire enough electoral votes to win the election.
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of Federalist and Antifederalist beliefs FEDERALIST ANTI FEDERALIST A Supported the Art of Confed. and its continuation Supported the Constitution and its ratification B Supported indirect elections Supported direct elections C Supported frequent elections Supported infrequent elections D Supported the Bill of Rights Thought the Bill of Rights unnecessary
b. Federalist - supported indirect elections Anti - federalist supported direct eletions
Which of the following statements is the thesis of Federalist 10?
b. ".....Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens."
Representation in the House of Reps. is determined by the use of.... A. polling B. a census C. party registration D. all of the above
b. A census
According to studies, the strongest factors that indicate VOTER TURNOUT are..... A. Race and Religion B. Age and Education C. Income and Occupation D. Geography and Income E. Age and Gender
b. Age and Education
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and then in the next place oblige it to control itself."- Federalist 51 This quote demonstrates the need of what constitutional principle? (A) The Amendment Process (B) Check and balances (C) Federalism (D) Limited majority control (E) Congressional oversight
b. Check and balances
"Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall... proceed to reconsider it. If after such reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a law.... If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it...--Article I, Section 7, U.S. Constitution, 1787 According to the Constitution, how can a bill become a law without the president's signature?
b. Congress can override a veto with a ⅔ vote in both houses.
Fundamental flaws in the operations and management of FEMA became evident in its response to four hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004; yet by 2005, when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Congress had not yet held hearings to pinpoint and resolve FEMA's problems. Similarly, Congress missed the fact that various agencies with responsibility for supervising the banking industry were negligent in identifying looming financial problems that led to the recession of 2008-2009. These incidents represent failures of _____. (A) Judicial fragmentation (B) Congressional Oversight (C) The informal organization of Congress (D) The seniority system
b. Congressional Oversight
A member of Congress votes in favor of a bill as a result of receiving many letters of support for the bill from constituents. Which form of democratic representation best describes this voting decision? A. Trustee B. Delegate C. Elite D. Pluralist
b. Delegate
The last two legislative sessions have seen a small push to eliminate the straight-ticket option. . . . Especially in Texas—as independent-minded as we are, with the spirit of independence we have in Texas—we ought to be voting for individuals. —Texas state senator Jeff Wentworth Which of the following is a potential outcome if the proposal referred to above becomes law?
b. Divided government may occur more frequently.
What was the purpose of the Constitution?
b. Establish a stronger central government
Which of the following statements explains a trend shown in the above chart? A. Democrats have always maintained a majority over Republicans B. For most of the time period displayed in the graph, Independents have been the largest group identified by voters C. Republicans have always maintained a majority over Democrats D. There are more Republican states than Democratic states in the U.S. as of 2013
b. For most of the time period displayed in the graph, Independents have been the largest group identified by voters
Membership in an American political party is voluntary and based upon party identification. Which factors influence party identification I. EDUCATION II. GENDER III. PUBLIC OPINION
b. II only (GENDER)
When a child's parents both identify strongly with the same political party, the child will most likely....?
b. Identify with the parents' party
All of the following were compromises reached at the Constitutional Convention except.... A. 3/5's formula B. implementation of the income tax C. representation in the legislature D. selection of the President via Electoral College
b. Implementation of the income tax
Using the graphs above, which of the following statements would be most correct? A. American society is going to be getting more conservative in the near future B. In the future, American may support greater government involvement in the lives of its citizens C. Americans are likely to adopt politcies that benenfit big business D. Republican politicians should be able to dominate in American elections for the next 25 years
b. In the future, American may support greater government involvement in the lives of its citizens
The higher a voter's level of education, .... A. the less likely to vote in elections B. more likely to vote in elections C. equally likely to vote as those with low level D. none of the above
b. More likely to vote in elections
The guiding principle that governs legislative apportionment according to Baker v Carr is... A. racial gerrymandering is illegal B. one man, one vote; equality in districts C. establishment of majority/minority districts D. districts are created by governors
b. One man, one vote; equality in districts
The most common criterion that people use when voting for a presidential candidate is the candidate's..... A. views on 1-2 specific issues B. party identificationC. personal appearance D. fiscal or international policy
b. Party identification
"EACH STATE SHALL APPOINT, IN SUCH MANNERAS THE LEGISLATURE THEREOF MAY DIRECT, A NUMBER OF ELECTORS, EQUAL TO THE WHOLE NUMBER OF SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVESTO WHICH THE STATE MAY BE ENTITLED IN THE CONGRESS; BUT NO SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE, OR PERSON HOLDING OFFICE, SHALL BE APPOINTED AN ELECTOR.....THE CONGRESS MAY DETERMINE THE TIME OF CHOOSING THE ELECTORS, AND THE DAY ON WHICH THEY SHALL GIVE THEIR VOTES; WHICH DAY SHALL BE THE SAME THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES." -ARTICLE 2 OF THE CONSTITUTION The above passage defines which of the following constitutional structures or procedures?
b. The Presidential selection process
The concept of realignment refers to changes in A. the United States system of international alliances B. the changing and shifting social bases of the parties' voting support C. the media's criticism of the president and Congress D. the changing rate of voter participation
b. The changing and shifting social bases of the parties' voting support
The Great Compromise focused on reconciling ideas from the Virginia and New Jersey Plans concerning the organization and powers of ....? A. the executive B. the legislature C. the judiciary D. the bureaucracy
b. The legislature
"The first question that presents itself on the subject is, whether a confederated government be the best for the United States or not? Or in other words, whether the thirteen United States should be reduced to one great republic, governed by one legislature, and under the direction of one executive and judicial; or whether they should continue thirteen confederated republics, under the direction and controul of a supreme federal head for certain defined national purposes only?" -Brutus I The above quote was used as part of which of the following arguments? A. There is a major need to have separate and independent branches of government to prevent abuses of power B. The more powerful central government of the U.S. Constitution will be a major threat to rights of the people C. True democracies are the answer for ensuring no major group takes control of the government D. The Bill of Rights is necessary for the U.S. to protect the rights of the people
b. The more powerful central government of the U.S. Constitution will be a major threat to rights of the people
Which of the following is commonly identified as a failure of the Articles of Confederation? A. The executive branch was granted too much power over the legislature. B. The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue. C. The federal government had too much control over interstate commerce. D. The standing army demanded too much money in order to operate
b. The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue.
"Ambition must be made to counteract ambition." This line from Federalist 51 implies which of the following ideals? A. factions must be allowed to check the power of other factions B. there must be separate branches within our government to counteract each other C. the amount of poor people and rich must remain in balance D. There needs to be more then one political party
b. There must be separate branches within our government to counteract each other
According to the bar graph, which of the following statements will be true in the year 2060? A. The percentage of those identifying as Asian alone will be less than it was in 2012. B. Those identifying as White alone will remain a majority. C. Those identifying as Hispanic White will be 31% of the population. D. The percentage of those identifying as Black alone will be less than it was in 2012.
b. Those identifying as White alone will remain a majority.
The primary purpose of a political party is ...... A. to promote a single issue and insure that it is fully funded and provided for B. to dominate and run government by getting party politicians elected C. to provide voters with information on issues and candidates D. to raise money for political races
b. To dominate and run government by getting party politicians elected
The main issue in the case McCulloch vs Maryland was....... A. whether the federal government could ban hand guns from a school zone B. whether the states could tax part of the federal government C. whether the federal government could ban doctor assisted suicides allowed by states D. whether states had the right to choose whether they were a free or slave state
b. Whether the states could tax part of the federal government
All of the following are examples of the various functions of Congress EXCEPT... A. passing a law to ban assault rifles B. declaring an action of the president is unconstitutional C. holding hearings and voting on a presidential appointment to the Courts D. voting to bring a multimillion-dollar dam project to a region
b. declaring an action of the president is unconstitutional
Which of the following statements are an accurate comparison of the U.S. House of Reps and Senate ? HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SENATE A Allows filibusters until a majority vote defeats the filibuster Is a 101 member body, as the Vice President can vot to break ties B Has committee chairs that are from the minority party Is first in the lawmaking process when it comes to money bills C Has more rules of procedures to guide its lawmaking functions Has authority over the ratification of treaties with other nations D Is solely in charge of declaring war Has sole power of impeachment
c. House of Representatives - Has more rules of procedures to guide its lawmaking functions Senate - Has authority over the ratification of treaties with other nations
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the two court cases? McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) United States v. Lopez (1995) A Declared an act of Congress unconstitutional Recognized the importance of state sovereignty and local control B Decided that Congress had implied powers Ruled that state laws were supreme to national laws C Led to an increase in power for the national government Established limits to Congress' power under the commerce clause D Decided that a state had the power to tax a national bank Declared the Gun-Free School Zones Act unconstitutional
c. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Led to an increase in power for the national government United States v. Lopez (1995) - Established limits to Congress' power under the commerce clause
Based on the data, which of the following is the most likely consequence for the legislative process in Congress? A. More competitive races for House seats in the general election B. A decrease in party-line voting on important legislation introduced in the House C. An increase in gridlock and failure to compromise on legislation D. Greater cooperation between Congress and the president on nominations
c. An increase in gridlock and failure to compromise on legislation
Mr. Anderson is the mayor of Nerdsville, MO. He is not a very good mayor and often makes mistakes that cost the town thousands of dollars. Citizens' taxes have been raised as a result of his numerous mistakes. Which of the following would be the BEST method of attempting to remove Mr. Anderson as mayor? A. Citizens could begin an initiative against Mr. Anderson B. Citizens could begin a referendum against Mr. Anderson C. Citizens could begin a recall of Mr. AndersonD. Citizens could begin a party expulsion of Mr. Anderson
c. Citizens could begin a recall of Mr. Anderson
Which of the following is an action Congress can take if the Supreme Court declares a federal law unconstitutional? A. Congress can override Supreme Court decisions with a 2/3 vote B. Congress can request that the President veto the court decision C. Congress can propose to amend the Constitution through the Amendment process D. Congress can vote to have the federal appeals court start the case back through the court system E. Congress can vote to have the Supreme Court rehear the case
c. Congress can propose to amend the Constitution through the Amendment process
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the demographic characteristics of a typical Democratic versus a typical Republican voter? Democratic voter Republican voter A. over 65. under 30 B. African American. Non-Cuban Hispanics C. Urban. Rural D. Evangelical Christian. Jewish
c. Democratic - Urban. Republican - Rural
When reapportionment, or redistricting, is accomplished with a distinct political purpose (i.e. Republican/Democratic control within certain areas) it is called.....? A. meandering B. strict reapportionment C. gerrymandering D. devolving
c. Gerrymandering
Which of the follwing statements are true concerning Congressional incumbents who run for reelection? A. Incumbent senators are more likely to be reelected than incumbent Representatives B. Incumbents are required by law to spend exactly the same amount of money on their campaigns as their challenger C. Incumbents have a great advantage over their challenger because often they are better known and can raise more money for their campaign D. Ever since 1996, most incumbents lose their reeletion efforts
c. Incumbents have a great advantage over their challenger because often they are better known and can raise more money for their campaign
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 party gerrymandering in the redistricting process. D. Independent commissions are more likely to create districts where minor parties can be victorious.
c. Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of party gerrymandering in the redistricting process.
Which of the following statements both demonstrate what LIBERALS believe?
c. Internationalist about World View & Favors Church-State Separation
VOTER #1: "I really don't care what other people do in their free time, as long as they don't bother me. I sure don't like it when the government tells me what to do with my money or in my own home. I'm certainly not going to turn around and do the same thing to my neighbors." Which of the following political ideologies would this voter subscribe to? A. Conservative B. Liberal C. Libertarian D. Reactionary
c. Libertarian
The majority and minority whips are very important in the Congress. Which of the following are duties assigned to a party whip? A. Helping to coordinate party positions on legislation B. Acting as a liaison between the party members and the leadership C. Persuading wavering representatives to vote with the party D. Conducting informal surveys to check the likely outcome of votes
c. Persuading wavering representatives to vote with the party
According to James Madison, the republican form of government addresses the tyranny of the majority through....? A. regionalism B. factionalism C. pluralism D. limited government E. democracy
c. Pluralism
"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." -George Washington Farewell Address In his farewell statement, George Washington is making what argument about political parties?
c. Political parties can be manipulated and could cause harm to our government
Which of the following best explains how most candidates are recruited to run for office? A. Candidates for office usually first work as lawyers for political parties before running for office. B. Most candidates who run for office are recruited by political leaders to do so because they are famous. C. Political parties usually recruit and train people at the local level they believe are most fit to run for office. D. Most candidates running for office are selected after earning merit working for the government.
c. Political parties usually recruit and train people at the local level they believe are most fit to run for office.
DIVIDED GOVERNMENT can only occur in which type of governmental system? A. Republics B. Democracies C. Presidential D. Parliamentary
c. Presidential
Which of the following statements reflects a pluralist theory of American politics? A. American politics is dominated by a small elite B. Public policies emerge from cooperation among elites in business, labor, and government C. Public policies emerge from compromises reached among competing groups D. American politics is dominated by cities at the expense of rural areas E. The American political arena is made up of isolated individuals who have few group affiliations outside the family
c. Public policies emerge from compromises reached among competing groups
Which of the following statements accurately describes the connection between the beliefs of John Locke and the Declaration of Independence? A. John Locke had no true influnce on the Dec. of Independence B. John Locke borrowed many ideas from the writers of the Dec. of Independence C. The Dec. of Independence borrowed many ideas from the beliefs of John Locke D. John Locke and the writers of the Dec of Independence equally influenced each other
c. The Dec. of Independence borrowed many ideas from the beliefs of John Locke
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.
c. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down as unconstitutional because it exceeded the commerce clause.
Based on the graph, which of the following statements is true? a. The Senate is currently more polarized than the House of Representatives. b. Both chambers are less polarized than they were 50 years ago. c. The House is often more polarized than the Senate. d. The House has become less polarized and the Senate more polarized over time.
c. The House is often more polarized than the Senate.
Which 2 provisions of the Constitution were upheld by the Supreme Court decision of McCulloch v Maryland? a. 1st and 10th Amendments b. Congress' power to tax & regulate commerce c. The Necessary and Proper Clause & the Supremacy Clause d. Presidential powers to veto & ovveride vetoes
c. The Necessary and Proper Clause & the Supremacy Clause
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.
c. The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails.
The chart supports which of the following conclusions? A. Jewish voters were more likely to vote for Obama than black Protestants. B. Among those who attend church every week, white Catholics were more likely to vote for McCain than white evangelical Protestants. C.Unaffiliated believers were more likely to vote for Obama than McCain. D. Hispanic and other minority Catholics were more likely to vote for Obama than black Protestants.
c. Unaffiliated believers were more likely to vote for Obama than McCain.
All of the following are common steps to a passage of a bill EXCEPT which of the following? A. introduction into the House and Senate B. referral to standing committees C. presidential approval of committee referral D. House and Senate debate E. House and Senate compromises
c. presidential approval of committee referral
The united states, in congress assembled, shall never engage in a war, nor grant letters of marque and reprisal in time of peace, nor enter into any treaties or alliances, nor coin money, nor regulate the value thereof nor ascertain the sums and expenses necessary for the defence and welfare of the united states, or any of them, nor emit bills, nor borrow money on the credit of the united states, nor appropriate money, nor agree upon the number of vessels of war to be built or purchased, or the number of land or sea forces to be raised, nor appoint a commander in chief of the army or navy, unless nine states assent to the same." -The Articles of Confederation Which of the following statements best illustrates the central idea of this excerpt from the Articles of Confederation? A. States kept their sovereignty under the Articles of Confederation B. States had the authority to declare war without the apporival of the national government C. Congress was the only branch of government D. A majority of states had to agree on major decisions affecting the new nation.
d. A majority of states had to agree on major decisions affecting the new nation.
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of pluralist and elite theories?
d. Certain groups have power on certain topics but not all groups are equally powerful - PT There is a powerful but limited group of leaders who strongly influence governmental decisions - ET
The largest portion of the federal busget covers the costs of....... A. the Defense Dept B. interest on the national debt C. tax collection costs D. entitlement programs
d. Entitlement programs
Which of the following is an accurate statement about the information concerning the Voting Rights Act of 1965? A. VA saw the largest increase in voter registration in white and black voters B. it actually lowered registration percentages from 1965-1967 with both white and black voters C. it raised white voter registration and lowered black voter registration D. it raised registration percentages for black voters from 1965-1967
d. It raised registration percentages for black voters from 1965-1967
The table best supports which of the following statements about party identification and voting behavior? A. There is no consistent relationship between party identification and voting behavior.B. People with weak party identification tend to vote for opposing party candidates.C. People who most resist party identification tend to vote for Republican candidates.D. People with strong Democratic party identification tend to vote for the Democratic party.
d. People with strong Democratic party identification tend to vote for the Democratic party
Which of the following beliefs would most likely be held by a Conservative? A. government needs to be heavily involved in regulation B. the government should attempt to redistribute the wealth C. religious and ethnic minorities are the cause of most social problems today D. political power is best held at the state and local level.
d. Political power is best held at the state and local level.
Which of the following statements best describes the organization of the two major political parties in the United States? A. Parties have no organization except at the national level. B. Parties are centrally organized to provide a smooth transition from one national campaign to the next. C. Local and state parties have virtually no power in the party system. D. Separate and largely independent party organizations exist at national, state, and local levels.
d. Separate and largely independent party organizations exist at the national, state and local levels
The "Elastic Clause" of the Constitution..... A. held the union together by setting up a bicameral Congress—a compromise between large and small states that allowed equal representation in one house and representation based on population in the other houseB. provides that a state's representation in Congress will go up or down every ten years based on a new national census C. states that powers not specifically given to the national government are reserved to the states or the people D. states that the national government's powers include implied powers not specifically listed in the Constitution
d. States that the national government's powers include implied powers not specifically listed in the Constitution
The Anti-Federalists' opposition to the Constitution was predicated on the belief that a strong central government would....? A. empower the general public and undermine government officials B. create states that were free to act in their own interests C. not to be an effective way to deal with other nations. strip states and individuals of their rights and the authority to make laws E. none of the above
d. Strip states and individuals of their rights and the authority to make laws
Which of the following generally results when the Senate and the House of Representatives pass different versions of a bill? A. The president chooses which version he/she prefers and signs it B. The bill goes back to the House and Senate committee it started at and must restart the entire legislative process C. All amendments are cancelled and the original bill goes to the President D. The 2 houses form a conference committee
d. The 2 houses form a conference committee
How does Article I, Section 7 exemplify the concept of checks and balances? a. Congress does not need to involve other branches in lawmaking. b. States, through their congressional representatives, are involved in lawmaking. c. The Constitution mandates that Congress establish committees. d. The Congress and President have abilities to stop the other from having their total way in passing laws.
d. The Congress and President have abilities to stop the other from having their total way in passing laws.
WE HAVE BEFORE US ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTIES OF THE U.S. SENATE AND OF THE U.S. CONGRESS, AND THAT IS TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL BE INVOLVED IN WAR. I THINK IT IS INEXCUSABLE THAT THE DEBATE OVER WHETHER WE INVOLVE THIS COUNTRY IN WAR, IN ANOTHER COUNTRYS CIVIL WAR, THAT THIS WOULD BE DEBATED AS APART OF A SPENDING BILL AND NOT AS PART OF AN INDEPENDENT, FREE STANDING BILL...... I THINK IT IS A SAD DAY FOR THE U.S. SENATE. IT GOES AGAINST OUR HISTORY. IT GOES AGAINST THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY. -SEN RAND PAUL (R), SEPT 14 2014 Which of the following statements best summarizes the ideas of the Senator?
d. The U.S. Senate should decide on war-line actions on the merits, not along with other legislation
Which of the following was a direct outcome of the Three-Fifths Compromise? A. The number of senators increased in slaveholding states. B. Slavery quickly declined, especially in larger cities in the South. C. Slaveholding states were able to count slaves to determine their number of senators. D. The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
d. The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
A major difference between the House and the Senate is.... A. that the House uses the subcommittee to mark up a bill and the Senate uses the original committee for mark up B. that the House requires all amendments be relevant to the bill it is being attached to, whereas the Senate is looser with its requirements C. that members of the House use filibusters to frequently kill bills D. the rules for debate in the Senate are not as strict as in the House
d. The rules for debate in the Senate are not as strict as in the House
The Americans with Disabilities Act and The No Child Left Behind Act were controversial at the time because.... A. They expanded the power of the federal government B. They diluted the power of the federal government C. Polls suggested that most Americans were against these bills D. They were federal mandates but the government provided no funding for them
d. They were federal mandates but the government provided no funding for them
The main issue in the case U.S. vs Lopez was ...... A. whether the federal government could require states to raise drinking age in return for grants B. whether the states could tax part of the federal government C. whether the federal government could ban doctor assisted suicides allowed by states D. whether Congress had the right to regulate state gun laws by using the Commerce Clause
d. Whether Congress had the right to regulate state gun laws by using the Commerce Clause
Ms. Avia Kaisero is a 37 year old lawyer that lives in St. Louis County, which is in the MO 2nd Congressional district. She has lived at that location for the last 15 years. She was originally born in Australia and moved to the U.S. when she was 10 years old. She became a U.S. citizen when she turned 21 years old. She also became a registered voter at the same time as her citizenship was granted. Can she run for the House of Representative seat in District 2? A. No; she is not a natural born citizen which is required B. No; she is not old enough yet C. No; she has not lived in the district long enough D. Yes; she meets all of the requirements
d. Yes; she meets all of the requirements
The term "budget deficit" refers to the... A. annual increase in federal spending for the military B. difference between the initial budget proposals made by the president and Congress C. period after the fiscal year ends during which the government operates without an official budget D. amount the government spends in excess of its revenues
d. amount the government spends in excess of its revenues
The major difference between categorical grants and block grants are ..... A. with categorical grants the federal govt. puts little to no restrictions on their use whereas block grants are restricted B. block grants can be used with almost no restrictions by the recipient states and localitiesC. categorical grants are based on need and block grants are given on the basis of competitive proposalsD. block grants have few restrictions on how the money can be spent by state and local govt. whereas categorical grants are restricted to specific categories such as technology training for teachers E. the restrictions on categorical grants make the aid conditional
d. block grants have few restrictions on how the money can be spent by state and local govt. whereas categorical grants are restricted to specific categories such as technology training for teachers
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... The Declaration of Independence The statement from The Declaration of Independence reflects the democratic principle of ..... a. federalism b. judicial review c. due process of law d. popular sovereignty
d. popular sovereignty
The authors of the Articles of Confederation established a decentralized political system mainly to A. cancel state debts incurred during the Revolutionary War B. assist the southern states in their efforts to gain a manufacturing base C. promote the common goal of national sovereignty D. prevent the abuses of power that had existed under British rule
d. prevent the abuses of power that had existed under British rule
The Rules Committee is considered among the most powerful in the House of Reps. because it has great power over the A. ethical conduct of House members B. selection of federal judges C. number of subcommittees a that a standing committee mat create D. scheduling of votes and conditions under which bills are debated and amended
d. scheduling of votes and conditions under which bills are debated and amended
Which of the following generalizations about group voting tendencies is most correct?
e. African American Democrats tend to support the more liberal candidates in their party
Which of the following responsibilities belongs to the House and NOT the Senate? A. Ratifying treaties with foreign nations B. Approving nominees to the Federal Courts C. Sending the annual budget to the OMB D. approving ambassadors E. Impeaching elected officials
e. Impeaching elected officials
Which of the following would NOT be a step that a proposed bill would encounter on its journey through Congress? A. The bill is debated. B. The bill is voted on, at which time it may pass or be defeated. C. The bill may be assigned to a subcommittee. D. The bill is numbered. E. The bill is introduced by a member of the Congress or by a member of the judicial department
e. The bill is introduced by a member of the Congress or by a member of the judicial department
