ap gov mid-term
Which of the following is a chief argument in James Madison's Federalist No. 10?
A A Bill of Rights is necessary to secure liberty. B Free speech should be added to the Constitution. C Judicial review will prevent harsh laws against the citizenry. D A large, diverse republic will tame factions.
Which of the following is true regarding the public's perception of Congress?
A A House member's individual approval rating is usually higher than Congress's approval rating. B Most Americans see Congress as hardworking, ethical, and responsive to people's needs. C Congress's approval rating tends to be higher than that of the president. D The public appreciates the bipartisan spirit in Congress that brings people together.
Which of the following scenarios illustrates how social media has changed the way presidents relate to the public
A A president announcing a major policy initiative via the Internet rather than calling a press conference B A president appearing on a late-night comedy talk show to make jokes about the news C A president allowing film crews to cover a visit to a natural disaster area to highlight federal aid distribution D A president hosting a rally in a swing state to increase support for policies helping the working class
The President will be elected to four years and is re-eligible as often as the people of the United States think him worthy of their confidence ... we must conclude that the permanency of the President's four-year term is less dangerous than a three-year term for the top official in a single state. The president of the United States can be impeached, tried, and, on conviction of bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors, removed from office. Afterwards he would be liable to prosecution and punishment in the ordinary course of law. -Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 69, 1788 Which of the following statements best summarizes the author's argument?
A A president's potential danger is limited because he can serve only a limited number of terms. B People are protected from a dangerous president by elections every four years and a process the legislature can undertake. C Congress can imprison the president as any other citizen for crimes. D An impeached president is forcibly removed from office.
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances, as established by the Constitution?
A A requirement that states lower their legal drinking age to eighteen as a condition of receiving funds through federal highway grant programs B Media criticism of public officials during an election campaign period C The Supreme Court's ability to overturn a lower court decision D The requirement that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court be approved by the Senate
Which of the following scenarios would be considered an unconstitutional use of state power?
A A state passes a law that increases the pay of state legislators. B A state enacts a law prohibiting smoking in all public places. C A state places a tax on furniture made overseas. D A state raises the drinking age to 25 years of age.
Which of the following would be an unconstitutional use of state power?
A A state slashes funding to schools. B A state enacts a law banning hunting in shopping centers. C A state signs a treaty with a foreign power. D A state lowers the speed limit on interstate highways to 60 miles per hour
Which of the following is argued by James Madison in The Federalist paper number 10?
A A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism. B Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics. C The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities. D Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny
Referring to the passage below: "In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches; and to render them, by different modes of election and different principles of action, as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions and their common dependence on the society will admit. It may even be necessary to guard against dangerous encroachments by still further precautions. As the weight of the legislative authority requires that it should be thus divided, the weakness of the executive may require, on the other hand, that it should be fortified." —James Madison, Federalist No. 51, 1788 Which of the following statements is most consistent with Madison's views in the passage?
A A three-branch design makes the legislature a safe branch. B The president should be on the same level as the legislature. C Checks in the lawmaking process limit the legislature's power. D The commander in chief should create most of the laws.
Which of the following best explains the difference between a unitary and a confederal political system
A A unitary system is generally not democratic; a confederal system is. B Policymaking power in a unitary system is geographically concentrated; it is dispersed in a confederal system. C Policymaking power in a unitary system is centralized; in a confederal system it is divided between the central government and sub-governments. D A unitary system tends to exist in small countries; confederal systems seem to work best in large countries
Which of the following statements is reflected in the data in the chart
A All presidents have the same rate of success in passing bills in congress. B There is little fluctuation in the rate of congressional success in passing bills over a president's term. C Presidents generally have more success in congress earlier in their terms. D Republicans always outperform Democrats in terms of congressional success.
Which statement about impeachment under the Constitution is true?
A An impeachment is the removal of a president. B The Senate has the sole power of impeachment. C The House can impeach presidents but not other federal officials. D The House can impeach officials for "high crimes or misdemeanors."
The part of the Constitution that clearly states a key federalism concept, namely that "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people", is
A Article I B Article II C Article III D the Tenth Amendment
Referring to the passage below: "In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches; and to render them, by different modes of election and different principles of action, as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions and their common dependence on the society will admit. It may even be necessary to guard against dangerous encroachments by still further precautions. As the weight of the legislative authority requires that it should be thus divided, the weakness of the executive may require, on the other hand, that it should be fortified." —James Madison, Federalist No. 51, 1788 What constitutional principle does Madison address in the above passage?
A Bicameralism B Federalism C Freedom of speech D The power to tax and spend
Referring to the passage below: To the People of the State of New York: AMONG the numerous advantages promised by a well constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction. The friend of popular governments never finds himself so much alarmed for their character and fate, as when he contemplates their propensity to this dangerous vice. -Federalist No. 10 Which of the following is the main concern of the author of the passage above?
A Checks and balance. B The power that factions have to divide the nation. C The popularity of the government at the time of the passage of the Constitution. D The need for a national bank.
The president is most likely to use an executive order to make important policy when
A Congress is dominated by the president's party B a compromise cannot be reached with Congress C the Supreme Court is divided along ideological lines D a negotiation with foreign heads of state reaches an impasse
In the McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) decision, which two provisions in the Constitution were upheld and strengthened?
A Congress's power to regulate commerce and to levy taxes B The necessary and proper clause and the supremacy clause C The First and Tenth amendments D The full faith and credit clause and the extradition clause
Which of the following statements about rules of procedure in the House and Senate is correct?
A Debate by a determined minority in either chamber cannot be halted. B The rules in each chamber are determined by the majority whip. C The rules are specified in Article I of the Constitution. D The House operates more by formal rules, while the Senate operates more on informal understandings.
The Civil Right Act of 1964 outlawed the segregation of public accommodations. Which enumerated power allowed Congress to make the law?
A Declaring laws unconstitutional B The power to lay and collect taxes C Establishing a uniform Rule of Naturalization D Regulating commerce among the states
Two citizens are arguing over the role and influence of the many organized interest groups that try to impact public policy. The first citizen suggests that interest groups should be banned from engaging Congress members and other policymakers. The second suggests that since there are so many groups looking to impact policy from so many different perspectives, these competing groups will bring about only policies acceptable to a consensus of the citizenry. The second citizen believes in which type of political theory?
A Elitist theory B Direct democracy theory C Politico theory D Pluralist theory
During a Senate debate over proposed legislation, the minority party would like to postpone a final vote on a bill in order to prevent its passage. Which of the following would be the most effective strategy for achieve this goal?
A Engage in a filibuster . B Motion for cloture C File a discharge petition D Appeal to the Speaker of the House
Which of the following best describes the argument made in Federalist No. 10?
A Factions can be eliminated through a system of checks and balances. B Factions are healthy because they represent different political viewpoints. C Factions are inevitable, but republican government can control them. D Factions are necessary to protect the minority from tyranny of the majority.
Which of the following statements accurately describes federalism?
A Federalism is a governing system that places a national authority above regional authority. B Federalism ranks the sovereignty of the states over the power of the national government. C Federalism is a balance of powers between state and local governments. D Federalism is a sharing of powers between national and regional governments.
A Congress member and several other sponsors are ready to introduce a bill into the legislative process. The bill is designed to reduce tax rates on people with lower incomes. In which committee will these House members introduce their bill
A Finance Committee B Budget Committee C Ways and Means Committee D Welfare Committee
Which of the following may the president do to limit the power of Congress.
A Fire and replace the Speaker of the House B Filibuster a Senate bill C Issue a signing statement regarding how he is going to enforce a law passed by Congress D Adopt new Constitutional amendments
"But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. 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 in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions." - James Madison, The Federalist paper number 51 Which of the following statements best summarizes Madison's argument?
A Free and Fair elections are the only way to insure democracy. B In order to avoid tyranny, powers should be separated. C A bicameral legislature is necessary to ensure popular sovereignty. D Religion is the foundation of the American government
But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. 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 in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions. - James Madison, Federalist 51 Which of the following statements best summarizes Madison's argument
A Free and Fair elections are the only way to insure democracy. B In order to avoid tyranny, powers should be separated. C A bicameral legislature is necessary to ensure popular sovereignty. D Religion is the foundation of the American government
Presidents face a number of hurdles in building and staffing their administrations. Which of the following statements describes a difficulty a president would face in staffing his administration?
A Having his Chief of Staff confirmed by the U.S. Senate B Having his Attorney General confirmed by the U.S. Senate C Getting his nominees approved by the U.S. Supreme Court D Getting his Ambassadors confirmed by the U.S. House
Members of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Veterans Affairs are concerned about the quality of services at hospitals run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Which of the following is an action the committee can take to address the problem?
A Holding a hearing and subpoenaing high-level officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs to testify B Impounding funding for veterans hospitals until problems are resolved C Placing a referendum on the ballot in each state to increase health-care funding for veterans D Appointing a new secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
American foreign policy is directed primarily by the
A House of Representatives B Senate C President D Supreme Court
Which of the following powers of the President is checked by the "advice and consent" of the Senate? I. making treaties with other nations II. making executive agreements with other nations III. appointing ambassadors and judges
A I, II, and III B I and II only C I and III only D II and III only
The largest portion of uncontrollable (also called mandatory or non-discretionary) spending in the federal budget is designated for which of the following?
A Interest on the national debt B Defense spending C Entitlement spending D Environmental programs
In what way did the Seventeenth Amendment broaden democracy?
A It extended voting rights to women. B It allowed citizens to alter the Electoral College. C It gave citizens greater impact on lawmaking in the U.S. Senate. D It extended voting rights to African Americans.
The map shows the outline of a congressional district. Which of the following statements best explains the motivation behind the way in which it is drawn?
A It has been drawn by a political party to group together moderate voters. B It has been drawn cooperatively by both political parties to ensure a fair election. C It has been drawn to group together diverse voters to foster highly competitive elections. D It has likely been drawn to pack together voters who are registered with the same party.
Which of the following statements about the Declaration of Independence is accurate?
A It provides a legal and moral justification for rebellion. B It sets forth the new system of national government. C American colonists unanimously agreed to it. D It was drafted in 1787 and eventually ratified by the states.
Which of the following is generally true of the gerrymandering of congressional districts?
A It results in more Democrats being elected to the House B It results in more Republicans being elected to the House C It guarantees that all minority parties will be equally represented D It creates districts that favor one political party over another
Which of the following is a consequence of the way the district is drawn on the map?
A It will likely lead to a less competitive general election, which could lead to increased partisanship. B It will likely lead to a highly contentious and competitive election. C It will lead to a seat that will be occupied by a member of a third party. D It will lead to very high turnout in the election.
Referring to the passage below:The Commerce Clause should be limited to its proper sphere. The current approach under the Commerce Clause requires courts to defer to congressional judgment that a regulated activity has an effect upon interstate commerce, provided that there is any rational basis for that judgment. This standard grants judicial power to the legislative branch and removes an important check on legislative power. Deference to the judgment of a coequal branch of government on a specific issue is only appropriate where the Constitution gives that branch the power to decide that issue. Here, the Constitution grants the Judicial Branch the power to decide whether Congress is acting within its enumerated powers, so no deference is due. Simply put, "The constitution is either a superior paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, and, like other acts, is alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it." —Texas Justice Foundation, Amicus Brief filed in United States v. Lopez 1993 Which of the following statements best summarizes the argument in the Texas Justice Foundation's brief?
A Judicial power should be granted to Congress in matters related to commerce. B The judicial branch can determine if Congress is operating within its enumerated powers and thus checks legislative power. C Marbury v. Madison confirms the coequal status of the branches of government. D The Court should uphold the process in place for determining the reach of the commerce clause.
A pocket veto is a technique that allows the president to
A Kill legislation presented to him within ten days of the adjournment of Congress B Kill legislation without calling attention to his point of view C Communicate his dislike for a bill before it leaves committee D Deto part of a bill, but allow other parts to become law
Shays' Rebellion highlighted which of the following weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
A Lack of power to declare peace and war B Lack of power to tax the people directly C Lack of power to keep a standing army D Lack of power to regulate interstate commerce
Federal nutrition guidelines require public schools to serve healthy lunches to students and limit the amount of "junk food" available in vending machines. A state seeking to challenge these nutrition rules should cite which of the following cases?
A McCulloch v. Maryland B United States v. Lopez C Gibbons v. Ogden D Obergefell v. Hodges
Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the infographic?
A Once a proposed amendment passes the first round of approval, there are four ways it can be ratified. B Amendments are proposed more often by Congress than by special Conventions. C Only a few amendments were ratified by special conventions in at least 34 of the states. D Amending the Constitution is a relatively easy process.
Referring to the passage below: To the People of the State of New York: AMONG the numerous advantages promised by a well constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction. The friend of popular governments never finds himself so much alarmed for their character and fate, as when he contemplates their propensity to this dangerous vice. -Federalist No. 10 Which of the following issues facing the American political system today, might the author of this passage be especially concerned about?
A Political divisions between Democrats and Republicans. B The lack of judicial independence in current U.S. federal courts. C The battle between the U.S. Attorney General's office and states regarding medical marijuana. D Large scale immigration into the United States in the second half of the 20th century.
Which of the following correctly identifies an implication of the line graph?
A Presidents are far more likely to make changes to the bureaucracy at the end of a second term than at the beginning of a first term. B 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. C The Supreme Court is more likely to rule on an important case at the beginning of a first term than at the end of a second term. D Presidents are more likely to send troops into conflict at the end of a second term than at the beginning of a first term.
What is the current status of the line-item veto for presidents?
A Presidents now have the power to line-item veto any legislative bill. B Presidents have always had line-item veto powers. C Presidents do not have, nor have they ever had, the power of line-item veto. D The Line-Item Veto Act of 1996 has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Referring to the passage below: To the People of the State of New York: AMONG the numerous advantages promised by a well constructed Union, none deserves to be more accurately developed than its tendency to break and control the violence of faction. The friend of popular governments never finds himself so much alarmed for their character and fate, as when he contemplates their propensity to this dangerous vice. -Federalist No. 10 The main point of the passage above and all the Federalist Papers was to
A Rally Americans to support the American War for Independence B Argue against the Virginia Plan C Support the Articles of Confederation D Convince the states to ratify the U.S. Constitution
The President can do which of the following without seeking the consent of either the House or the Senate?
A Ratify a treaty B Appoint ambassadors C Appoint district court judges D Deploy troops
Which of the following actions may Congress take to limit the president's power?
A Refuse to spend money that the president has allotted B Override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote C Name new cabinet secretaries opposed by the president D Raise taxes on the president's supporters
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 authorized the government to deny income tax deductions for employer health plans that did not offer employees the option of keeping their health insurance after leaving the job. Which enumerated power allowed Congress to make the law?
A Regulating commerce among the states B Declaring laws unconstitutional C Borrowing money on the credit of the United States D Issuing copyrights and patents
Which of the following actions by the federal government best illustrates the concept of unfunded mandates?
A Requiring that polling booths remain open beyond the hours of the workday. B Requiring states and municipalities to provide certain services for their citizens without providing resources to pay for those services. C Requiring state governments to guarantee short-term bonds issued by large municipalities in their states. D Requiring all municipalities to impose a minimum property tax on all residential and business properties
. . . Some of those who have entered the United States through our immigration system have proved to be threats to our national security. Since 2001, hundreds of persons born abroad have been convicted of terrorism-related crimes in the United States. . . . the unrestricted entry into the United States of nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. I therefore direct that the entry into the United States of nationals of those six countries be suspended for 90 days from the effective date of this order, subject to the limitations, waivers, and exceptions set forth ... - President Donald Trump, Executive Order, March 6, 2017 Which type of power did President Trump exert in issuing this executive order?
A Reserved B Formal C Informal D Constitutional
But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others. The provision for defense must in this, as in all other cases, be made commensurate to the danger of attack. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. 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 in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions. - James Madison, Federalist 51 A "cloture motion" passed in the Senate does which of the following?
A Returns a bill to committee. B Cuts off a filibuster. C Criticizes a senator guilty of improprieties. D Brings a bill directly to a vote without formal committee approval.
All of the following are instances of "mandatory spending" EXCEPT
A Social Security B Medicare C interest on the national debt D defense spending
In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court established which of the following principles?
A States cannot interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government. B The judicial branch cannot intervene in political disputes between the President and Congress. C The federal government has the power to regulate commerce. D It is within the judiciary's authority to interpret the constitution.
Which of the following informal powers might a president use to accomplish his goals?
A Suggest pork barrel legislation B Issuing executive orders C Passing a constitutional amendment D Gerrymandering congressional districts
Which of the following statements about the Electoral College is accurate?
A The Electoral College votes for members of the House of Representatives. B The Electoral College votes for state governors. C The Electoral College votes for the president. D The Electoral College votes for senators.
Which of the following is true regarding the impeachment process?
A The House can impeach, but the Supreme Court determines if the impeachment is warranted. B The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet can impeach a president. C Impeachment requires such serious wrongdoing that no president has been impeached. D The House can impeach a president and the Senate can remove on conviction or bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
Based on your knowledge of the Amendment process, in order for the 15th Amendment to become part of the U.S. Constitution, which of the following HAD to occur?
A The President had to sign it. B The Supreme Court had to uphold its constitutionality. C Three-Fourths of the states had to ratify it. D A simple-majority of the U.S. Congress had to vote for it.
Which of the following is articulated in the War Powers Resolution of 1973?
A The President may declare war B The President must finance any war efforts from a special contingency fund. C The President must bring troops home from hostilities within 60 to 90 days unless Congress extends the time. D The President may not nationalize state militias without congressional consent.
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?
A The Senate could refuse to confirm the appointment. B The House of Representatives could filibuster the nomination. C Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it. D The Rules Committee could refuse to release the bill that made the appointment.
An example of legislation strongly influenced by devolution is
A The Welfare Reform Act ("welfare to work") legislation of 1996 B the Americans with Disabilities Act C Civil Rights Act of 1991 D The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 197
Of the following, which has been used most to expand the power of the national government?
A The commerce clause of the Constitution B The habeas corpus clause of the Constitution C The First Amendment D The Fifth Amendment
The procedure for formally amending the United States Constitution best illustrates which of the following?
A The dominance of the national government over the state governments B The dominance of the state governments over the national government C The Supreme Court's power to review constitutional amendments D The federal structure of the United States government
Which of the following statements about congressional reapportionment and redistricting is true?
A The federal government redraws district maps every 10 years after each census. B Districts must be drawn so that, within a state, every person's vote is roughly equal to every other person's vote. C The Senate, unlike the House, is reapportioned every 20 years. D States that have no major increase or decrease in population do not draw new district lines every ten years.
Senator Smith votes her conscience on bills that her constituents care little about, but she votes according to the wishes of the majority of her constituents on other bills. Which model of representation do her actions embody?
A The politico model B The trustee model C The majoritarian model D The delegate model
Which of the following may the president do to limit the power of Congress?
A The president can veto particular items or language in a bill while passing the remainder of the bill. B The president can veto a congressional bill that has passed the House and Senate. C The president can refuse to spend money that Congress has appropriated. D The president can impeach selected members of Congress.
Which of the following generally results when the Senate and House pass different versions of the same bill?
A The president signs the version he prefers. B All amendments to the bill are invalidated, and the original version of the bill is sent to the president to sign. C The Senate's version of the bill is sent to the president, because the Senate is the higher legislative body. D The two legislative bodies form a conference committee.
Which of the following would most likely be in violation of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment?
A The president-elect asks to delay his inauguration until January 22. B The president writes and uses his own oath of office rather than saying the words in the Constitution. C The president refuses to sign or veto a bill without giving reasons for his refusal. D The president puts his secretary of defense in charge of the executive branch while he undergoes a medical procedure.
Which of the following was the most important effect of replacing the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution of 1787
A The protection of free speech B The guarantee of states' rights C The establishment of direct democracy D The creation of a strong national government.
Brutus 1 was primarily written for which of the following purposes?
A To convince people to reject the U.S. Constitution B To argue against passage of the Great Compromise C The urge delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence D To offer dissent in the ruling in Marbury v. Madison
A senator realizes a Senate vote on an immigration bill is coming up. The senator examines public opinion polls on the issue and carefully reads her inbox for constituents' views on the bill and the issue. This senator is following which model of representation?
A Trustee B Politico C Delegate D Partisan
The President will be elected to four years and is re-eligible as often as the people of the United States think him worthy of their confidence ... we must conclude that the permanency of the President's four-year term is less dangerous than a three-year term for the top official in a single state. The president of the United States can be impeached, tried, and, on conviction of bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors, removed from office. Afterwards he would be liable to prosecution and punishment in the ordinary course of law. -Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 69, 1788 Which amendment to the Constitution has made some of the argument in the passage above moot?
A Twenty-Second Amendment B Twelfth Amendment C Twentieth Amendment D Twenty-Fifth Amendment
Which is the most democratic institution of government that represents the framers' commitment to a limited republic?
A U.S. Senate B Supreme Court C House of Representatives D Electoral College
Which of the following is true of an executive agreement made between a United States President and another head of state?
A Unlike a treaty it does not require Senate approval. B It does not require congressional funding because the President can use the power of the purse to raise implementation funds. C It has more legal force than a treaty. D It is binding on all succeeding Presidents and Congresses.
The amount of access cabinet secretaries have to the president is likely to be controlled by the
A Vice President B National Security Advisor C Presidential Press Secretary D Presidential Chief of Staff
Which of the following committees of the House of Representatives is considered to probably be the most powerful because it schedules votes and sets the conditions for debate and amendment of most legislation?
A Ways and Means B Appropriations C Judiciary D Rules
Referring to the same passage below:The Commerce Clause should be limited to its proper sphere. The current approach under the Commerce Clause requires courts to defer to congressional judgment that a regulated activity has an effect upon interstate commerce, provided that there is any rational basis for that judgment. This standard grants judicial power to the legislative branch and removes an important check on legislative power. Deference to the judgment of a coequal branch of government on a specific issue is only appropriate where the Constitution gives that branch the power to decide that issue. Here, the Constitution grants the Judicial Branch the power to decide whether Congress is acting within its enumerated powers, so no deference is due. Simply put, "The constitution is either a superior paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, and, like other acts, is alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it." —Texas Justice Foundation, Amicus Brief filed in United States v. Lopez 1993 This passage best aligns with which of the following opinions in United States v. Lopez
A We hold that the [Gun-Free School Zones] Act exceeds the authority of Congress "[t]o regulate Commerce. . . among the several States . . . ."—Justice Rehnquist B Congress's power to regulate commerce in firearms includes the power to prohibit possession of guns at any location because of their potentially harmful use. . . —Justice Stevens C A look at history's sequence will serve to show how today's decision tugs the Court off course.—Justice Souter D [T]he statute falls well within the scope of the commerce power as this Court has understood that power over the last half century.—Justice Breyer
The Federalists believed that a nation dominated by factions would lead to
A a tyranny by the majority B protection of minority rights C a recognition that factions would be in the best interests of the country D another revolution
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 an electoral college in the selection of the president B a president who has a good understanding of public policy C a single executive who can respond quickly to crises D a president who is youthful and assertive
Congressional caucuses
A are primarily social groups of representatives or senators B almost always base their membership on ideological points of view C make recommendations to the president regarding action on bills that he must sign D act informally, but they often actively promote their issue or special interest
The president's national security council (headed by his National Security Advisor) is part of the
A cabinet B judicial branch C legislative branch D Executive Office of the President
The type of grant which provides federal funds to states for prescribed activities such as welfare, child care, education, social services, preventive health, and health services—with only a few federal strings attached, so states have quite a bit of discretion and flexibility in spending—are
A categorical formula grants B project grants C categorical grants D block grants
All the following are considered enumerated powers of the Congress EXCEPT
A coining United States currency after the Constitution was ratified. B establishing lower federal courts in addition to the Supreme Court. C setting up the first National Bank of the United States. D regulating commerce among the several states.
All of the following are expressed presidential powers in the Constitution EXCEPT:
A commands the armed services B makes treaties with foreign nations, with the "advice and consent" of the Senate C may exercise executive privilege D may veto a bill passed by Congress
The provision which ensures that state courts enforce civil judgments of the courts of other states and accept their public records as valid is found in the
A commerce clause B full faith and credit clause C interstate privileges and immunities clause D due process clause
Sometimes nicknamed "marble cake federalism", the term used to refer to a system that delivers governmental goods and services to the people and calls for the various levels of government to work together in getting the job done is called
A cooperative federalism B new federalism C permissive federalism D constitutional federalism
Which of the following is a concurrent power?
A declaration of war B regulation of interstate commerce C taxation D setting the rules of naturalization
Federal benefits that must be funded by Congress and must be paid to all citizens who meet eligibility criteria are called
A discretionary appropriations B tax expenditures C individual entitlements D distributive benefits
Which of the following is usually seen as a power reserved for the states?
A establishing local governments B taxation, C coining money, D regulating interstate commerce
As compared to the powers outlined in the Constitution, the powers of the modern presidency are
A far greater B far more restricted C about the same D greater in domestic affairs, but about the same in foreign affair
Diversity of public policy throughout the United States is primarily a consequence of
A federalism B separation of powers C innovation within bureaucratic agencies D decentralization in the Senate
The congressional system of standing committees is significant because it
A fosters the development of expertise by members B helps Congress reduce staff costs C insulates decision-making from the influence of special interests D weakens Congress in its dealings with the President
The legislative process at the national level of government reflects the intent of the framers of the Constitution to create a legislature that would be
A less powerful than the executive B slow and deliberate in the law-making process C able to involve as many citizens as possible in the law making process D able to ensure that all citizens are equally represented
Question 17 refers to the following clause from the Constitution: The Congress shall have power ... to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. The practical effect of this clause has been to
A make the legislature the most powerful branch of the national government B allow the national government to extend its powers beyond those enumerated in the Constitution C allow state governments to nullify federal laws within their borders D ensure that any powers not delegated by the Constitution to the United States government are reserved to the states and the people
Federal spending for which of the following is determined by laws that lie outside the regular budgetary process?
A military procurement B Regulatory agency funding C Government-subsidized housing programs D Entitlement programs such as Social Security
The reserved powers of the state governments can best be described as those powers
A not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states B listed specifically in the Tenth Amendment C exercised by both national and state governments D granted to states as part of the implied powers doctrin
The attempt, supported by Republican presidents such as Ronald Reagan, to downsize the federal government and instead return many functions to the state level (often in the form of large block grants) has been called
A popular sovereignty B anti-federalism C devolution / new federalism D separation of powers
The opening words of the Constitution, "We the People", express the fundamental principle of
A popular sovereignty B rule of law C constitutionalism D federalism
Which of the following presidential powers is NOT specifically mentioned in the Constitution?
A power as commander in chief B power to appoint ambassadors and other public officers C power to issue executive orders D power to sign treaties.
Which of the following positions is NOT a part of the "inner cabinet"?
A secretary of state B secretary of defense C secretary of the treasury D secretary of the interior
In The Federalist papers, James Madison expressed the view that political factions
A should be nurtured by a free nation B are necessary to control the masses in a free nation C are central to the creation of a free nation D are undesirable but inevitable in a free nation
Congressional standing committees are best described as
A specially appointed investigative bodies B joint committees of the two houses of Congress C committees created for each session D permanent subject-matter committees
In what stage of lawmaking do most bills die?
A standing committees and subcommittees B Rules Committee C floor action D conference committee
If "factious leaders ... kindle a flame within their particular states . . ." [leaders can check the spread of the] "conflagration through the other states." The above quotes from the Federalist #10 best support the
A states rights point of view B concern for protecting individual rights C separation of the colonies from England D principle of federalism
In contrast to revenue sharing, categorical grants-in-aid provide state and local governments with
A substantial discretion in deciding how to use the grants to solve their problems B aid that reflects tax base and population C the power to impose regressive taxes D funds to administer programs clearly specified by the federal government
The Constitutional base for the implied powers of Congress is
A the Supremacy clause B the necessary and proper clause C the due process clause D Article II
Which of the following government officials are appointed by the president, but do NOT need to be confirmed by the Senate?
A the White House Staff B federal judges C Cabinet members D Supreme Court justices
In recent years, presidents have come to rely most heavily on the advice of
A the full Cabinet B the vice-president C congressional delegations D the White House staff
The usefulness of having cabinet members as advisers is undermined by the fact that
A the president has little latitude in choosing cabinet members. B cabinet members have little political support independent of the president. C cabinet members are usually drawn from Congress and retain loyalties to Congress. D the loyalties of cabinet members are often divided between loyalty to the president and loyalty to their own executive departments
"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government . . ." This quote from the Declaration of Independence reflects most accurately which principle of government?
A the self interest of humans B federalism C the social contract D separation of powers.
The "deficit" is the difference between the
A total of our deficits minus our surpluses over the years. B revenues raised and the expenditures of government in any one year. C expenditures for social welfare payments minus the expenditures for defense. D U.S. goods exported and the total of goods imported when corrected for constant dollars.
Supporters of granting the President a line-item veto would most likely argue that this power would increase a President's ability to
A work effectively with the cabinet B negotiate understandings with foreign heads of government C control federal spending D provide effectively for national defense.