AP Gov Semester Final
Suppose Congress has presented a law to the president that the president believes will infringe upon the due process rights of Americans. Which action can the president take to check Congress' apparent power-grab?
He may veto the bill so that it does not become official law.
Suppose Maria has decided to run for president and has just declared her candidacy. Maria knows that she has to compete with others who have decided to run in her own party to secure the nomination. Who should Maria appeal to in order to gain support and increase her chances of becoming the nominee?
Her party's delegates
Suppose it is Election Day and Mike has decided to participate in the election by voting. If Mike is a resident of Arizona and goes to a state college there, what will he have to provide at his polling place to be able to cast a ballot?
His state-issued driver's license
A Republican member of the House of Representatives who is responsible for the opposition strategy and coordinating party activity in a Democrat-controlled House would be known as the
House minority leader.
How do public approval trends impact a president's ability to take action during a time of crisis?
How do public approval trends impact a president's ability to take action during a time of crisis?
How do the ideas of John Locke and David Hume complement one another?
Hume's idea of limiting government to prevent greed coincides with Locke's belief that people have the right to replace a government that grows too powerful.
How does the process of a bill becoming a law differ if it is introduced in the House compared to if it is introduced in the Senate?
If a bill is introduced in the House, it must be presented to the Rules committee before it can move to the floor for consideration.
How does the Supreme Court's decision on Gonzales v. Raich differ from its decision on United States v. Lopez?
In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court upheld the argument that marijuana cultivation and use reasonably fell under the authority of the federal government as part of the commerce clause, whereas it struck down such a claim in United States v. Lopez.
Suppose you are a strategist for the Democratic Party in an upcoming midterm election with the goal of gaining Democratic seats in Congress. Which aspect of the election do you decide to focus on the most?
Increasing voter turnout
What motive is there for a member of Congress to join an interest group after serving time as a representative or senator?
Interest groups will hire former lawmakers for large sums of money.
This question refers to the following excerpt from James Madison's March 18, 1786, letter to Thomas Jefferson.The States are every day giving proofs that separate regulations are more likely to set them by the ears, than to attain the common object. When Massachusetts set on foot a retaliation of the policy of Great Britain, Connecticut declared her ports free. New Jersey served New York in the same way. And Delaware I am told has lately followed the example in opposition to the commercial plans of Pennsylvania. A miscarriage of this attempt to unite the States in some effectual plan will have another effect of a serious nature. . . . I almost despair of success.Which of the following best describes the author's perspective and reasoning?
International and interstate trade must be regulated by the central government.
Which is a feature of a political party?
It is a linkage institution that helps voters determine which candidates to support.
What was the Antifederalists' most compelling argument against the Constitution?
It lacked a bill of rights to protect the rights of individuals.
How did the structure of the Declaration of Independence justify the American colonies' break from Great Britain?
It listed numerous grievances that clearly violated the human rights that were outlined just before.
Which statement summarizes the effect the penny press had on media?
It opened the floodgates of mass media.
How did the Great Depression threaten American federalism?
It shifted the balance of power between the federal and state governments towards the federal government.
Which argument did the Drug Enforcement Agency make at the Supreme Court to justify their actions against Diane Monson?
It stated that their actions were in accordance with federal law and their authority.
How does the War Powers Resolution relate to the authority granted to the president and Congress in the Constitution?
It upholds the authority of Congress to declare war and limits the power of the president as commander in chief.
After a bill has been introduced in either the House or the Senate, what is the next step for the bill?
It will be referred to a committee.
How would the proposed Virginia Plan have created a stronger federal government?
It would have expanded the legislature and given states additional representatives.
An Evangelical white man who felt that religion and traditional values were paramount would have likely supported which candidate in the 1970s?
Jimmy Carter
A political scientist living in the American colonies during the late 1700s believes it is the duty of the people to hold their government accountable and replace a tyrannical government if necessary. Who would this political scientist likely agree with?
John Locke
Who proposed the concept that some rights cannot be provided or taken away by governments?
John Locke
20th Amendment
Lame Duck
What is the relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers?
Lawmakers often become lobbyists after gaining some experience with the policymaking process.
Which statement describes the recruitment process?
Leaders and officials in a political party seek out and identify potential candidates who embody the party's philosophy.
Having social, political, and economic freedoms is characteristic of which self-evident right?
Liberty
Which ideas form the foundation of American political culture?
Liberty, equality, and rights
26th Amendment
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18
Which statement describes how Americans perceive bias in news media since 2012?
Many Americans see the news as having a great deal of bias.
What was the most contentious issue surrounding the question of slavery during the Constitutional Convention?
Many did not agree on how enslaved people should be counted in terms of representation.
Which statement describes a struggle within the Democratic Party that contributed to their lack of success in the 2016 elections?
Many progressive Democrats did not support the centrist candidate, Hillary Clinton.
Suppose Congress has passed legislation that would ban American citizens from purchasing or owning firearms of any kind. The law is brought to the Supreme Court, where it is deemed a violation of the Second Amendment. The ability of the Supreme Court to make such a decision was established in
Marbury v. Madison.
What is the relationship between money and campaigning?
Money allows a candidate to develop effective strategies and mobilize voters.
Which statement describes the outcome of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?
Money donated to campaigns is protected under the First Amendment as speech.
8th Amendment
No cruel or unusual punishment
3rd Amendment
No quartering of soldiers
5th Amendment
No self incrimination, right to grand jury, no double jeopardy, due process
How do open primaries compare to caucuses?
Open primaries allow eligible voters to cast a secret ballot for their preferred candidate, while caucuses are held openly and in public.
Kiana and a group of her friends have decided to go to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Women's March to bring attention to issues facing women like reproductive rights, equal pay, and domestic violence. What is Kiana and her friends' involvement in the Women's March an example of?
Participation in a social movement
Which theory states that citizens taking part in political processes is essential to a democratic government?
Participatory democracy theory
Which concept regarding journalism fuels the perception that some news outlets produce "fake news"?
Partisan bias
Chris is trying to decide who to vote for in the upcoming election by researching each candidate's position on taxes, Second Amendment rights, and social security. Which measure is Chris using to decide who to vote for?
Party platform
Dan has a full time job and two children that keep him pretty busy, so he rarely has time to watch the news to learn about the policy positions of the candidates running for president in the upcoming election and finds it much easier to just vote for the Republican candidate, since Dan is a registered Republican. What type of voting is Dan engaging in?
Party-line
The following question refers to the following quote from the Resolution of the First Continental Congress, acting on behalf of the American colonists, dated October 14, 1774.[O]ur ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects, within the realm of England. . . . By such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy. . . . The foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot properly be represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity. . . .What political philosophy set forth in the quote was incorporated two years later into the Declaration of Independence?
People have the right to elect representatives to the legislatures that govern them.
A political activist who supports gun control legislation believes that interest groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) have too much money and influence over lawmakers in Congress. Such a belief is characteristic of which theory?
Pluralist theory
James Madison's argument in Federalist No. 10 is supported by which theory?
Pluralist theory
Beth has decided to volunteer for the Democratic Party in the upcoming presidential election and, as Election Day nears, has been going around her community to educate people on where their polling place is, what time the polling place opens, and urging people to exercise their right as Americans to vote. What is Beth participating in?
Political mobilization
Why do individuals tend to identify closely with their political parties?
Political parties unite people who share the same goals.
The cartoon expresses which of the following viewpoints?Tim O'Brien/CARTOONSTOCK.com
Politicians tend to be more focused on public opinion than policy.
10th Amendment
Powers Reserved to the States
Which is an example of the president checking the power of the legislative branch?
President Barack Obama's veto of the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline
Which United States president made widespread and frequent use of drones during the War on Terror?
President Obama
In 2008, Congress authorized the Troubled Asset Relief Program to bail out the nation's banks to keep them functioning through the 2008 financial crisis. Although this program was criticized by many as an overreach of the federal government into private institutions, Congress had precedent to do so via
President Roosevelt's New Deal programs.
Select the pair of examples that matches the presidential role with the correct enumerated constitutional power.
Presidential role: Chief legislator; Enumerated constitutional power: Gives the State of the Union Address
25th Amendment
Presidential succession
What is the value of having primary elections?
Primaries give voters a say in who they want the nominee for president or Congress to be instead of relying on public opinion polls or debates.
Suppose you want to start an after-school club at your high school for pro-life Christians. Your school administrators say you can meet with fellow classmates after school but cannot use school facilities or be a formal club. Which argument would be the MOST effective to convince the administrators to make your club official?
Prohibiting the club from becoming official goes against the precedent set by Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens.
18th Amendment
Prohibition of alcohol
4th Amendment
Protection against Unreasonable Search and Seizure
What is the value of having public interest groups in society?
Public interest groups advocate for and achieve policies that are beneficial to the public as a whole.
What would result if the platform and values of the Republican party were gradually adopted and enacted by the Democratic party, while the Republican party grew to adopt the policy goals of a more conservative base?
Realignment
What was Anwar al-Awlaki accused of?
Recruiting followers for al-Qaeda over the Internet
Which measure has been proposed as a way to alleviate the shortfall in paying out Social Security benefits?
Reducing the benefits paid to current recipients
21st Amendment
Repeal of Prohibition
Hannah and Chris are classmates who have gotten into a debate over whether or not the voting age should be lowered further. Hannah believes that high school students have gotten more politically involved in recent years and that the voting age should be lowered to sixteen. Chris disagrees and believes teenagers are more sensitive and could use more experience in the world before casting a vote, arguing that the voting age should be raised to twenty-one. Which policy would Chris likely agree with?
Repealing the Twenty-Sixth Amendment
What motive is there for news media outlets to report on political news as opposed to important public policies?
Reporting on political news generally attracts a larger audience.
Which was a characteristic of the proposed Virginia Plan?
Representation proportional to population
A high school is planning on establishing a student government in which the entire student body would elect a president to represent the interests of students as a whole. Which form of student government does the high school want to establish?
Representative
Citizens of a small American town have been dissatisfied with their elected representative in the House of Representatives and are planning to vote for a different candidate in the next election. Which form of government allows the citizens to take such an action?
Representative
Suppose it is the 1960s and Betty is a white woman living in the South who does not support the ongoing civil rights movement. Which presidential candidate is Betty MOST likely to vote for?
Richard Nixon
6th Amendment
Right to a fair, speedy trial
2nd Amendment
Right to bear arms
7th Amendment
Right to trial by jury
Suppose Heather wants to run for president as a Libertarian in the upcoming election. Public opinion polls show widespread support, so much so that she qualified for a nationally televised debate and did well according to several focus groups. As the time for primaries approaches, though, what should Heather do if she is serious about becoming president?
Seek the nomination under the Republican Party ticket
A citizen of California might be frustrated that the citizens of Nebraska have an equal number of representatives in the
Senate.
After the Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution to prevent the president from committing the U.S. to a military conflict without the consent of Congress. Which constitutional principle was this law based on?
Separation of powers
Which is a responsibility of Congress?
Setting the federal budget
What is the value of social media as it relates to sharing news stories and opinions?
Social media sparks conversation about current events and informs American voters.
What is the importance of socioeconomic status when analyzing voter turnout rates in America?
Socioeconomic status is a key indicator of voter turnout and reveals gaps in access and opportunity when it comes to voting.
The only leadership position in the House of Representatives is the
Speaker of the House.
Which grievance listed in the Declaration of Independence is an example of the King of England infringing upon the inalienable right to life?
Standing armies threatened colonists.
The Agriculture Committee in the House is a permanent committee that develops legislation regarding agriculture, food, and rural development. The Agriculture Committee is an example of which type of committee?
Standing committee
This question refers to the following quote.The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State. The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security. As the former periods will probably bear a small proportion to the latter, the State governments will here enjoy another advantage over the federal government. The more adequate, indeed, the federal powers may be rendered to the national defense, the less frequent will be those scenes of danger which might favor their ascendancy over the governments of the particular States. — James Madison, Federalist No. 45 Which of the following best summarizes Madison's argument in Federalist No. 45?
State power is protected by a strong national defense.
Why did the economy fail to thrive under the Articles of Confederation?
States hindered commerce by imposing trade restrictions on one another.
Which practice is likely to decline due to the growing number of Americans who identify less as Democrat or Republican and more as Independent?
Straight-ticket voting
Why might some criticize the use of deadly force on American citizens who have committed or are suspected of terrorism?
Such actions violate a citizen's right to due process.
Many states only agreed to ratify the Constitution on what condition?
That a bill of rights would be added
Which precedent was set by the Supreme Court's decision in Hamdi v. Rumsfeld?
That a president may not compromise the rights of American citizens during wartime
Which of the following BEST describes the foundation of the theory of participatory democracy?
That citizens can impact policy by getting involved with groups outside of the government
What was the most significant contradiction within the Constitution?
That slavery was still permitted in a document based on human liberty
Which argument does James Madison make in Federalist No. 10?
That the key to mitigating the dangers of factions is a republican government.
Which characteristic of the executive branch allows the president to act quickly and decisively in an emergency?
That the president can act alone
Why is America's form of representative government preferable to the direct democracy of ancient Greece?
The American system of representative government is far more feasible than the direct democracy of ancient Greece.
Fatima believes that the election system in America is corrupt largely due to relaxed campaign finance laws that allow for too much "gray area" when it comes to PAC donations to candidates. Which measure would Fatima MOST likely agree with?
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
What is considered the supreme law of the nation in America?
The Constitution
Which group is part of the Executive Office of the President?
The Council of Economic Advisers
Amanda has decided to volunteer for an organization that will coordinate efforts to get the Democratic presidential nominee elected to office in the upcoming election. Which group has Amanda decided to volunteer with?
The Democratic political party
Which statement would one make to defend the importance of the Electoral College?
The Electoral College is necessary to act as a check on the passions of the majority.
Which body of government has the authority to introduce bills?
The House of Representatives
Which group represented Bridget Mergens in her fight to form a Christian Bible study club at her high school?
The National Legal Foundation
Suppose you are part of the president's cabinet and advise him on setting the priorities for national spending. Which group are you a part of?
The Office of Management and Budget
Which piece of legislation is an example of the federal government devolving authority to the state?
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
Which group would be considered a civil society group?
The Sierra Club
How does the position of the Speaker of the House compare to the Senate majority leader?
The Speaker of the House has more power than the Senate majority leader.
Following the Civil War, how was the concept of federalism applied to the rights of African Americans?
The Supreme Court supported the rights of states to take their own action regarding the rights of African Americans but did not provide protection for African Americans at the national level.
Jonathan is the leader of an organization that contributes money towards campaigns for candidates who support clean energy research. Jonathan's organization does not have any limits on how much it may contribute, so long as the organization does not coordinate directly with the candidate's campaign. Which measure does Jonathan have to thank for his organization's contribution abilities?
The Supreme Court's decision on Citizens United
Which amendment of the United States Constitution might a Supreme Court Justice reference when deciding on a case that they believe would otherwise grant Congress too much authority over the states?
The Tenth Amendment
Which measures are included in the Constitution that establish the American system of federalism?
The Tenth Amendment and concurrent powers
Suppose that the Civil War has just ended and some plantation owners in Georgia are still engaged in the trade and exploitation of enslaved African Americans. Georgia is in direct violation of which amendment?
The Thirteenth Amendment
Suppose it is Election Day and Ralph is in line to cast a ballot and vote for president. Once he gets to the entrance of his polling place, they ask him to pay the state-mandated fee of $10 to enter and collect his ballot. Ralph does not have $10 on him and is told he cannot vote until he pays the fee. Which amendment does this fee violate?
The Twenty-Fourth Amendment
Which statement summarizes the purpose of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 protected the rights of African Americans to vote.
11th Amendment
The amendment dealing with suits against a state
9th Amendment
The amendment providing non-Enumerated rights to the people
How are votes awarded under the winner-take-all system?
The candidate who wins a plurality of votes in a state will be awarded all of that state's Electoral College votes.
What is a linkage institution?
The channels that connect individuals with government
What is the primary difference between a civil society group like a charitable church organization and an interest group like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)?
The charitable church organization acts in the interest of the common good, whereas the AARP advocates for its own interests.
The following question refers to the following quote from the Resolution of the First Continental Congress, acting on behalf of the American colonists, dated October 14, 1774.[O]ur ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects, within the realm of England. . . . By such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy. . . . The foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot properly be represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity. . . .The quote makes which of the following arguments?
The colonists were entitled to the rights of English subjects.
What was an outcome of Plessy v. Ferguson?
The concept of separate but equal
Which aspect of the Constitution would you use to support a decision on McCulloch v. Maryland that rules in favor of the state instead of the national government?
The concurrent powers that grant both the state and national governments the right to charter banks and levy taxes.
Why might the citizens of a certain state choose to elect a new senator in an upcoming election?
The constituents may feel that the senator no longer represents their values or interests.
Rachel considers herself pretty savvy when it comes to using social media and posts regularly to her Twitter and Instagram accounts. However, Rachel is growing more and more unsure of which news stories she should share with her followers because so many people are commenting on politics that it can be difficult to sort through what is legitimate and what is simply opinion. Rachel's struggle is characteristic of which modern-day media concern?
The credibility divide
No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time.
The danger of factions
Which is a recent example of the Supreme Court checking the power of the executive branch?
The deadlock at the Supreme Court regarding President Obama's executive order that would have allowed millions of undocumented immigrants to apply for citizenship
Which of the following describes party identification?
The degree to which a voter is connected to a political party
Suppose the state of Idaho has just elected a senator who has, so far, demonstrated that she is willing to go above and beyond to advocate for her constituents by proposing legislation that benefits their interests. Which type of role is this senator playing?
The delegate role
Why was Shays's Rebellion an effective way for James Madison to lure George Washington back into public life?
The events that happened during Shays's Rebellion demonstrated how broken the system under the Articles of Confederation was.
A group of women's rights advocates believes women are not being paid equally to men in the workplace and are concerned that federal anti-discrimination laws are not being effectively carried out. Which branch of government should be blamed for the lack of enforcement of such laws?
The executive branch
How did President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal programs reflect the practice of cooperative federalism?
The federal government worked with state governments to provide financial aid to those in need and give jobs to those who were unemployed.
This question refers to the following table.State Ratification of the U.S. Constitution StateDate of RatificationVote at theRatifying ConventionEstimated StatePopulation (and rankingamong the 13 states)DelawareDec. 7, 178730-060,000 (13/13)PennsylvaniaDec. 12, 178746-23434,000 (3/13)New JerseyDec. 18, 178738-0184,000 (9/13)GeorgiaDec. 31, 178726-083,000 (11/13)ConnecticutJan. 9, 1788128-40238,000 (8/13)MassachusettsFeb. 6, 1788187-168475,000 (2/13)MarylandApr. 26, 178863-11320,000 (7/13)South CarolinaMay 23, 1788149-73250,000 (5/13)New HampshireJune 21, 178857-47142,000 (10/13)VirginiaJune 25, 178889-79821,000 (1/13)New YorkJuly 26, 178830-27340,000 (6/13)North CarolinaNov. 21, 1789194-77429,000 (4/13)Rhode IslandMay 29, 179034-3269,000 (12/13) Data from teachingamericanhistory.orgThe table supports which of the following statements?
The first four states that ratified the Constitution did so by wider margins than did the final four.
What is the formal role of the first spouse in the United States government?
The first spouse has no formal role in the United States government
How does the case of the Boyd County High School Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) demonstrate the tension between the two visions of liberty?
The freedom of the students to form a club infringed upon the teachers' freedom from being subject to beliefs they may not agree with.
Given that Switzerland is governed by a direct democracy, which is a critique a Federalist would have of the Swiss government?
The government is susceptible to the dangers of factions.
What would result if the Electoral College were abolished?
The influence of less populous states would be diminished.
Use the information in this passage to answer this question. On November 20, 2014, President Obama issued a statement removing the threat of deportation for approximately five million undocumented parents and permanent residents who lived in the country for at least five years. Which of the following powers did President Obama use in in the scenario?
The informal power to issue an executive order
In times of military or economic crisis in America, as the president seeks to expand executive authority, which entity has the most effective check on the executive branch?
The judicial branch
The system of federal courts is part of which branch of government?
The judicial branch
Which factor did the Supreme Court consider when making its decision on Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens?
The maturity of high school students
Which event further relaxed regulations on consolidation?
The merger between AT&T and Time Warner
Which part of the Constitution did Chief Justice John Marshall cite in justification of the Supreme Court decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?
The necessary and proper clause
Which portion of the Constitution creates the potential for the legislative branch to grow too powerful?
The necessary and proper clause
Why did smaller, less-populous states prefer the New Jersey Plan?
The plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation.
How do the powers granted to the federal government compare to the powers granted to the state governments?
The powers granted to the state governments are generally those that can be more efficiently and effectively implemented at the state level.
Which process demonstrates the balance of power and the ability of the executive branch to check the legislative branch, and vice-versa?
The president acts as commander in chief of the army, while Congress may declare war.
President Smith begins slurring her words and speaking incoherently about dropping nuclear bombs on Russia. What is the most expeditious way under the Constitution to avert disaster?
The president can be removed when the vice president and a majority of the cabinet advise the Congress that the president is unfit.
Which process acts as a check by the legislative branch on the executive branch?
The process of impeachment
Which is an example of Congress checking the power of the president?
The refusal of Congress to approve funding for a border wall proposed by President Trump
How does the style of representation in the House of Representatives differ from representation in the Senate?
The representation in the Senate is the same for each state regardless of population, while the number of representatives in the House of Representatives depends on a state's population.
When someone talks about women's suffrage, or franchise, what are they referring to?
The right of women to vote in elections
Suppose the president has nominated someone for a vacancy on the Supreme Court, but a senator in the opposing party does not approve of the president's choice. What can that senator do to change the situation?
The senator may vote against the president's chosen nominee during the confirmation hearing.
A new amendment has passed a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Where should activists supporting ratification of the amendment focus their lobbying efforts?
The state legislatures
Who held most of the power under the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union?
The states
Who holds the power in a confederal system of government?
The states
How does Bridget Mergens' experience with forming a Bible study group at her high school compare to the experience of the Boyd County High School students who wanted to form a Gay-Straight Alliance?
The students at Boyd County High School experienced far more backlash than Mergens but achieved greater change within their school district.
Why was a letter to Boyd County High School from the American Civil Liberties Union that referenced the Equal Access Act insufficient in addressing the issue of the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance?
The students who formed the Gay-Straight Alliance were harassed, and all groups were shut down.
Which event during President Obama's time in office would have resulted in an increase in overall public approval?
The successful assassination of Osama bin Laden
What is the relationship between the system and social movements?
The system must be perceived as broken for a social movement to begin.
What is national debt?
The total amount of money owed by the federal government
If Angel Raich and Diane Monson's case were reversed and marijuana use was legal at the federal level but prohibited in their state of California, how would the outcome of their case be different?
Their use of marijuana would be permitted based on the supremacy clause within the Constitution.
Which is a feature of a super PAC?
There are no limits to how much it can spend on a political campaign.
Why might small farmers and those from rural areas opposed the Federalist position?
They addressed concerns with the Constitution by pointing out flaws in the Articles of Confederation.
What motive is there for a person to join an interest group?
They are passionate about enacting policy that will benefit the public.
Suppose a group of women's rights activists in America are pushing for the reconsideration and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Under the constitutional republic, how can these activists achieve their goal?
They can vote for Congressional representatives who can set the amendment process in motion.
Most of the bills that are introduced in Congress fail. Why did the framers of the Constitution make the legislative process considerably complicated?
They did not want laws to be passed based on the populace's fleeting desires.
Which statement summarizes the issue of free riders?
They enjoy collective goods without contributing to the groups who help achieve those goods.
Why was the Antifederalists' position more difficult than that of the Federalists during the debates over the ratification of the Constitution?
They had to prove that the proposed government was more dangerous than the existing one.
The cartoon demonstrates which viewpoint about the founding fathers?
They trusted Americans to use good judgment in interpreting the Constitution in the future.
Which statement describes third parties in the United States?
Third parties tend to be a minor political party that competes with the two major parties.
Why do those who have received less education tend to participate less in elections?
Those who have lower levels of educational attainment tend to find the registration process difficult.
Which statement explains the idea behind party realignment?
Those who support one political party shift their allegiance to a different political party.
What was the main function of the Riot Act?
To absolve sheriffs and officers from prosecution for killing rioters
What is the main purpose of a government interest group?
To act on behalf of a government regarding laws and regulations that impact their area
What is the function of the iron triangle?
To coordinate the implementation of policies that will be beneficial for the bureaucracy, interest groups, and Congress
What was the primary function of the Three-Fifths Compromise?
To count an enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of calculating a state's representation
Which of the following describes the purpose of Article I, Section 4 of the United States Constitution?
To devolve some power over elections to the states
What is the main purpose of a public interest group?
To enact policies that will benefit society as a whole
What is the primary function of the president as outlined in the Constitution?
To enforce the laws written by Congress
What is the function of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?
To ensure that campaigns are operating lawfully and using money appropriately
What is the function of having voter registration requirements in place?
To ensure that only those who are eligible and legally allowed to vote in their state of residence are registered to vote
Why do candidates hire professional consultants for their campaigns?
To ensure that their messages are reaching voters and determine where to campaign
What was the main function of Article V of the Articles of Confederation?
To establish a unicameral legislature
What is the purpose of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment?
To establish the line of succession should a president become incapacitated
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
To fix the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger national government
Which of the following describes the goals of single-issue groups?
To focus on a specific area of public policy that will alleviate a social issue
What is the main goal of infotainment?
To gain viewers by blending information and entertainment
According to James Madison, what is the function of voting in America?
To hold elected officials accountable to their constituents and guard against the dangers of factions
What is the primary purpose of an amicus curiae brief?
To influence how laws will be interpreted in the future
What is the main function of a select committee?
To investigate specifics related to a scandal or to handle a crisis within the federal government
What was the primary purpose of the 1842 Apportionment Act?
To mandate single-member districts in the House of Representatives
Which of the following describes the main purpose of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)?
To place strict limits on how much money individuals and PACs could contribute to a campaign
What was the main purpose of the Equal Access Act of 1984?
To prevent public high schools from excluding religious extracurricular clubs
Why might a group of veterans during Shays's Rebellion have focused their efforts on local courthouses?
To prevent them from operating effectively
Which was a function of the Social Security Act of 1935?
To provide assistance programs to the elderly
What is the main function of a political action committee?
To raise money for candidates running for the House of Representatives
What is the main purpose of a political action committee?
To raise money in support of or opposition to a candidate's political campaign
What is the primary purpose of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970?
To regulate the use and possession of certain drugs and other dangerous substances
What is the function of the Radio Act of 1927?
To regulate who can broadcast on certain frequencies
What is the main purpose of a delegate?
To represent voter preferences for a candidate at a convention
What is the primary purpose of the War Powers Resolution?
To restrict the president's ability to maintain troops in combat
Which statement describes the main goal of a political party?
To work with voters and party officials to get a candidate elected to public office
In the 1930s and 1940s, Nazi Germany ruled its people with unlimited power and is an example of which system of government?
Totalitarian
Which method of political participation, other than voting in an election, is the MOST common among Americans?
Trying to influence how friends, family, and peers vote
Term limits were placed on the president through the
Twenty-Second Amendment.
What was the main argument made in Federalist No. 51?
Tyranny will be prevented by establishing a system of separation of powers.
How does the concept of popular sovereignty compare to other forms of sovereignty?
Under popular sovereignty, the people grant the government the right to rule, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty.
Cuba is a Communist dictatorship run by a single leader, where the citizens have no say in how the country is run. Cuba is an example of which system of government?
Unitary
A student who is studying important Supreme Court cases that re-established the balance of state and federal government power in America's system of federalism might include which case in their studies?
United States v. Lopez
What precedent would a president be able to cite if they were faced with Congressional demands to release recorded phone calls, transcripts, or records and did not want to hand them over to Congress?
United States v. Nixon
Which Supreme Court case first recognized the legality of same-sex marriage?
United States v. Windsor
Which statement describes the outcome of New York Times Co. v. United States?
Unless national security is at risk, the government may not censor a story before publication.
What did Hillary Clinton's presidential candidacy in 2016 reveal about the voting behaviors of women?
Voter turnout among women does not increase when there is a female on the ballot.
How does voter turnout in the United States compare to the voter turnout in other democratic nations?
Voter turnout in the United States is among the lowest compared to other democratic nations.
Which of the following describes retrospective voting?
Voting for a candidate based on a proven track record of effective legislation
15th Amendment
Voting rights (gave people of color the right to vote)
Which of the following concepts was not included in the original Constitution as drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
An incumbent candidate running for Senate, who has a generally positive track record with her constituents and loyal donors contributing to her campaign, has a challenger who is new to politics altogether. How would this incumbent candidate likely fare in the election?
Well, since the senator has the advantage of name recognition and experience
Which of the following describes grassroots lobbying?
Which of the following describes grassroots lobbying?
A Republican candidate campaigning for president would likely spend more time campaigning in which state?
Wisconsin, a state with 10 electoral votes that recently has been won by both Democratic and Republican candidates
How did Congress justify the passage of the Controlled Substances Act?
With the commerce clause of the Constitution
Why might more and more states be willing to legalize the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes despite it being illegal at the federal level?
With the growing number of people using marijuana, the federal government would have to expend its resources to jail citizens who would otherwise be considered law-abiding citizens.
Suppose a presidential candidate is running for the first time on a platform that includes promises of sweeping health care reform and the public is generally in favor of the proposed ideas. If the candidate wins the election, when should they try to pass health care reform legislation?
Within the first six months of their election
Suppose you are president of the United States during wartime. How do you interpret your authority as commander in chief?
You expand your role as president to make swift, strong decisions.
During a presidential election, suppose recent poll numbers show that voters in Michigan are pretty evenly split when asked whether they would vote for the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate. According to these poll numbers, Michigan is likely
a battleground state.
Suppose the Department of Energy has decided to provide funds to state governments for the purpose of researching, establishing, and implementing any number of clean energy sources in any way the state sees fit. This is an example of
a block grant.
Suppose in the year 2018, the United States generated $21.5 trillion and spent $19.5 trillion. In that year, the United States would have
a budget surplus.
Assume the federal government has decided to provide funding to each state to build charging stations throughout public parks with the condition that the charging stations do not impede on the environment too severely, have at least five charging ports, and are functional within two years. This is an example of
a categorical grant.
A woman who is looking to get involved with her community decides to join a local knitting group that knits hats, mittens, and scarves for the homeless. This knitting group is an example of
a civil society group.
In 2013, Texas Senator Ted Cruz gave a 21-hour speech that interfered with a planned vote on healthcare reforms, which would be considered
a filibuster.
Suppose the student government at a college is hosting an on-campus event to inform students about the policy positions of each candidate, let them know the voting requirements for their state, and get students excited about participating in the upcoming election. This event would be considered
a get out the vote effort.
Partisan polarization manifests itself during the end of a president's term in the form of
a lame duck period.
Karla is passionate about women's rights, including equal pay and reproductive rights. If Karla were to vote for a candidate in an upcoming election based on who she believes will best represent her own interests, she will likely vote for
a liberal female candidate who has made women's rights a key part of her agenda.
In 2012, a neighborhood watch man shot and killed an unarmed African American teenager, Trayvon Martin. The man was acquitted of killing Martin, which sparked outrage among the African American community and led to the creation of Black Lives Matter, which seeks to bring attention to racism within law enforcement and the brutal treatment of unarmed black men by police officers. Black Lives Matter can thus be considered
a social movement.
Elizabeth is considered an elite member and leader of the Democratic Party who has been asked to voice her support for the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election. Although her state's primaries have indicated clear support for one candidate, Elizabeth prefers a different candidate and states as much. Elizabeth's status and authority makes her
a superdelegate.
In past presidential elections, Ohio has supported George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and most recently, Donald Trump. This voting pattern would make Ohio
a swing state.
Congress may override a veto with
a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.
Suppose a state's legislature has enlisted a commission to redraw its congressional district boundaries, but upon review notices that the districts each have significantly uneven numbers of constituents. Such redistricting would be
a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Voting that is completed and submitted before Election Day without having to go to the polls is done via
an absentee ballot.
In 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to free the slaves who were not living in the Union. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation unilaterally due to the increased tension and division within the United States, making it
an executive order.
In 2018, President Donald Trump made a unilateral decision without congressional approval that banned a firearm accessory known as a bump stock via
an executive order.
Greg has decided to join the National Rifle Association because he is a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and wants to contribute to a group he feels will stand up for his rights and get policies passed that benefit firearms owners in America. Greg has joined
an interest group.
Suppose the federal government has just passed a law that will require all public schools to provide students with enclosed lockers that students can lock with a padlock. The federal government is requiring states to implement this policy with their own funds, making it
an unfunded mandate.
The process of deciding on the number of representatives each state gets based on most recent census data is known as
apportionment.
When a political party holds an event to raise money and educate voters about the issues facing the community and how a certain candidate can address those issues, the party is acting
as an organization.
Despite China allowing private businesses to operate within the country, the government has increased its control over the way its citizens communicate and act within society, making it
authoritarian.
According to the cartoon, the founding fathers wrote the Constitution to achieve which goal?
balance liberty with the protection of social order
A president may use the State of the Union Address as a tool for
bargaining and persuasion in Congress.
Nancy prefers to listen to the radio to get her news and information about current events because she can do housework without having the television on to distract her easily and does not need to have her phone near her. Nancy's preference is for
broadcast media.
Donald Trump's campaign for president was not widely supported by establishment Republicans, and he did not gain much support from the party's elites. To counter the lack of support from the traditional Republicans and party elite, Trump campaigned across America and appealed to working-class Americans who were largely dissatisfied with how the country had been run, making Trump's campaign
candidate-centered.
When a new law is created by the legislative branch, the constitutional legality of the bill can be questioned by the Supreme Court. This scenario is an example of
checks and balances.
At the end of 2018, the United States government was embroiled in the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, and the House Democrats did not permit the president to issue a State of the Union Address until the government shutdown was ended. Denying the president his ability to give a State of the Union Address impaired his ability to act as
chief legislator.
Following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, some members of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement engaged in looting, rioting, and other forms of violence to draw national attention to the racial injustice within law enforcement. These actions can be classified as
civil disobedience.
When social movements intentionally break the law to bring attention to injustice, they are engaging in
civil disobedience.
Suppose there is an upcoming election and Bruce wants to participate in his state's primary to voice his opinion on who should be the Democratic Party nominee. Bruce does some research about his state's primary and finds that he is required to have an established political party affiliation in order to participate. Bruce's state therefore holds
closed primaries.
When President Bush mobilized reserve troops to fight against the terrorist threat in Afghanistan in 2001, he was acting as
commander in chief.
Anyone who wants to run for president must first
conduct opinion polls, raise money, and reach out to potential voters.
A push by activist groups to encourage ethnic minorities, women, and the less-wealthy to run for political office would likely be an effort in favor of
descriptive representation.
In 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions granted each individual U.S. Attorney the power to decide whether or not to prosecute someone with regards to the use of marijuana. This is an example of
devolving federal power.
Suppose Congress presents a bill to the president that would limit the rights of Americans to speak freely. The president vetoes the bill and upon reconsideration, the bill fails in a vote to override the veto. In this case, the bill
dies and does not become law.
Someone who believes that the authority of Congress may be greatly expanded to fulfill its duties listed in the Constitution would likely
disagree with the decision made in United States v. Lopez.
A motion that is filed by a member of Congress for a bill to be moved out of a committee and onto the floor for consideration is called a
discharge petition.
Defense spending is considered
discretionary spending.
In the 2018 election, Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives, but Republicans maintained control in the Senate and served under Republican President Donald Trump. This is an example of the continuing trend of
divided government.
A state that sets its own testing standards and develops its own curriculum standards for education without any direction or interference from the national government is an example of
dual federalism.
Suppose a senator has proposed a budget measure that would direct money to his district for the purpose of improving parks. This would be an example of
earmarks.
The Radio Act of 1927 and the Communications Act of 1934 can be classified as
efforts to regulate communications channels.
12th Amendment
electoral college
According to John Locke, it is the government's job to
ensure an orderly and functioning society.
The authority of the president to act as commander in chief of the United States army is an example of the president's
enumerated powers.
Someone who has an optimistic view of American democracy might believe that
everyday citizens can make effective change by joining civil society groups.
The president of the United States acts as the head of the
executive branch.
Suppose the president has signed an executive order that bans a certain type of speech and the Supreme Court determines that the president's executive order is unconstitutional. This is an example of the Supreme Court
exercising judicial review.
Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 on the basis that the commerce clause in the Constitution permitted them to regulate the transaction and transport of goods across state lines, including drugs and harmful substances. This is an example of Congress exercising its
expressed powers.
The current U.S. Senate is similar to the unicameral legislature under the Articles of Confederation in that both
favor less populous states over more populous ones.
The ability of an American citizen to enact change by getting either Congress or their state legislature to pass legislation is an example of
federalism
This question refers to the following quote.The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. — United States Constitution, Article V Which of the following principles is reflected in Article V?
federalism
Suppose New Mexico wants to get a jump start on its primaries and decides to push them from June to March. This is an example of
front-loading.
Suppose it is 2019 and a same-sex couple has decided to move to a different state to be closer to family. After they move, they find that the state they have moved to refuses to recognize their marriage. The state is in clear violation of the
full faith and credit clause of the Constitution.
President Richard Nixon attempted to reduce the authority of the national government by
funding policies with block grants.
Suppose that a Midwestern state has recently redrawn its districts in a way that benefits the interests of agricultural farmers. Such redistricting is known as
gerrymandering.
Taylor has spent the past year working with her local community to educate other women about their rights and how they can enact change, and has decided to participate in the Women's March to advocate for equality of women in the workplace and against domestic violence against women. Taylor's participation in the Women's March is an example of
getting involved with a social movement.
President Donald Trump is well known for his frequent and sometimes tactless use of the social media platform, Twitter. President Trump's announcements of policy initiatives and plans on Twitter is an example of
going public.
Exclusive powers can be defined as powers that are
granted to the national government and not to subnational governments.
A political scientist who is studying the effects of increased partisan polarization might focus on
gridlock.
In order for someone to be considered a candidate for the United States Senate, he or she must
have at least nine years of citizenship.
A natural-born American citizen may only run for president if
he or she is at least 35 years old.
Suppose a Democratic candidate is running for president and is not a traditional candidate, in that he speaks off the cuff most times and does not exactly use politically correct language. The media, much to the candidate's dismay, has decided to report on his use of insensitive language during a speech instead of the policies he discussed in the speech. This type of news story would be considered
horse-race journalism.
Treason and bribery are considered valid reasons for Congress to
impeach the president or any other civil officer of the United States.
Kirpa does not believe that Internet providers should be charging customers more to access certain types of content online that use up more bandwidth and thinks that by doing so, Internet providers are unfairly favoring wealthy companies who can afford to pay that extra charge. Given that information, Kirpa is likely
in favor of net neutrality.
In the late 1700s, a wealthy educated male would have most likely been
in favor of the newly proposed Constitution.
Democracy can be defined as a system of government
in which the people hold the power.
Kim is writing an article for her online magazine that discusses the issue of criminal justice reform as it relates to the popular Kardashian family. Kim's article is an example of
infotainment.
Maggie is a reporter for a newspaper who has been given an assignment that involves doing some deep research into the background of an up-and-coming political candidate. If Maggie accepts the assignment and starts to do some digging, she will be doing
investigative journalism.
The "league of friendship" created by the Articles of Confederation was meant to address issues between states concerning
land
Jose is discussing party identification and political values with friends from his American History class and says that he sees himself as socially liberal Republican, which means he likely supports
legalizing marijuana.
22th Amendment
limits presidency to 2 terms
Tom is a high school graduate, but since then he has been working full time in a variety of relatively low-skilled jobs to make ends meet. It is a presidential election year, but Tom decides to skip voting because he does not think that his vote will help make any effective change in American politics. Tom's decision not to participate in the election is based on his
low political efficacy.
Suppose a member of the House of Representatives has spent the past week discussing upcoming legislation with other members of the House and has been working hard to convince members to vote in favor of the legislation. This person would be considered the
majority whip.
Attempts to increase descriptive representation in Congress might include trying to increase the
membership of women or minorities.
President Obama introduced several new pieces of legislation during his presidency, expanded the government by gaining more power as president from Congress and making unilateral decisions during wartime, received a lot of positive media attention, and worked with a large staff. Such characteristics would make President Obama a
modern president.
The American Broadcasting Company, or ABC, covers important events via television and internet sources, making it
news media.
Suppose a member of Congress is part of a committee that ensures funds are being spent efficiently and elected officials are acting in accordance with the law. This member of Congress is participating in
oversight.
Issues like raising the minimum wage, reproductive rights for women, and universal health care are all components of the Democratic
party platform.
The power of like-minded groups to impact the policymaking process is known as
pluralist theory.
The executive, legislative, and judicial branches are examples of
political institutions.
Nancy is an active member of her community and believes herself to be well-informed when it comes to local politics. Nancy knows that an upcoming bill in the House of Representatives would likely harm her state's economy, and decides to call and write to her representative and urge him to vote "no" on the bill. This is an example of
political participation.
Those who participated in Shays's Rebellion were most likely to be
poor farmers.
In Norway, citizens vote for parties instead of individuals, and the parties are represented in the legislature based on the percentage of votes they received, making Norway's election system
proportional.
Suppose a presidential election is coming up and Sue wants a change from the current president, who she believes is doing a poor job with domestic policies. One of the new candidates running for president has built an agenda based on bringing jobs back to America, lowering taxes for all Americans, and improving education. If Sue decides to vote for this candidate based on his agenda, she will be voting
prospectively
The students of a high school have decided to stage a walk-out to draw attention to the need for stricter gun laws to stop school shootings in America. This walk-out would be considered
protest
In a debate about the scope of the American government providing social welfare programs, one student argues that such programs are conducive to helping Americans realize the American Dream, while the other argues that such programs run contrary to the inherent right to
pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set.
Suppose a teacher's union has organized a nationwide boycott of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) since they believe it is harmful, not beneficial, to students' education. In an effort to stop the boycotts from happening, representatives in Congress have agreed to make changes to the existing legislation. To make the most effective change, Congress should
remove the requirement for standardized testing.
A system in which the government's power comes from the people is known as
republicanism.
The Supreme Court's decision in Baker v. Carr
required congressional districts to have roughly the same number of constituents.
Suppose that in an upcoming presidential election, a state that historically votes Democratic has decided to leave the Independent candidate off the ballot. This is an example of the state exercising its
reserved powers.
An increasing federal deficit will likely put an end to
revenue sharing.
If the Supreme Court were to hear a case regarding the issue of firearm ownership in California and decided that the legislation in question violated the Second Amendment and that no state may infringe upon the Second Amendment, this would be an example of
selective incorporation.
The primary goal of the #MeToo movement is to bring attention to
sexual harassment and inequality against women.
A political scientist who was dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation might attend the Annapolis Convention with the hope that
significant changes would be made to the government.
Bruno is contemplating running for Congress, but he does not identify as either Republican or Democrat and believes his best option would be to run as an Independent third-party candidate. However, Bruno lives in California and knows he does not have a chance at winning as an Independent due to the
single-member plurality system.
Many average citizens share news stories and opinions about current events via
social media.
Rogelio is at the voting booth and is trying to decide who to vote for as president and who to vote for as a state representative. He has supported the Republican candidate for president since he believes the federal government should be run a bit more conservatively, but he thinks the incumbent Democratic candidate for his state representative is doing a great job so far. If Rogelio decides to vote for a Republican and a Democrat, he will be
split-ticket voting.
The case of Angel Raich and Diane Monson using medical marijuana within the state of California, where it is legal, while it is illegal at the federal level is an example of the
tensions and complications that can arise under the American system of federalism.
Benjamin believes that the federal government should not get involved with private business or banking, but does support the government providing some form of Social Security for those in need. Benjamin's positions would be characteristic of
the Tea Party.
States like California, Alaska, and Oregon have legalized marijuana despite it being illegal at the federal level. This discrepancy between state laws that have legalized marijuana and the federal law is an example of
the conflicting nature of American federalism.
Marta is an immigrant from Mexico who lives with her granddaughter in a rural town and works several low-income jobs. Marta does not speak English very well and still relies mostly on translating newspapers she gets from the gas station to keep up with current events in America. Marta's situation is an example of
the digital divide.
The Supreme Court's decision to uphold certain parts of President Trump's travel ban on immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries while striking down other parts of it as unconstitutional is an example of
the judicial branch checking the executive branch.
The formal process by which parties choose their candidates for political office is called
the nomination process.
Minnesota does not charge sales tax on clothing purchases. If Minnesota were to pass a law that allows businesses to charge sales tax on clothing purchases made by visitors from other states, Minnesota would be in violation of
the privileges and immunities clause.
Millennials are getting most of their political news
through Facebook.
Suppose evidence has come to light that the president has provided financial assistance to violent non-state actors in foreign countries to assist in a plot to harm the American people. The House of Representatives may issue articles of impeachment on the grounds that the president has committed
treason.
John believes that despite most journalists having personally liberal points of view, many produce news that is relatively unbiased and based on facts instead of political views, and he does not think that there is a partisan bias in the news. John is MOST likely to
trust news media.
Suppose the state of California has elected an incumbent representative to the House of Representatives who has suggested that he knows what is best for the citizens of California in his district and will use his experience and knowledge to achieve his goals. This representative is playing the
trustee role.
When the president is trying to get members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to support his or her policies and programs through direct appeals like phone calls, the president is
using bargaining and persuasion.
When were the Articles of Confederation formally ratified?
1781
Suppose you are the first spouse to the newly-elected president and want to continue the work of First Lady Michelle Obama and champion healthy lifestyles for children and teens. Which initiative do you decide to champion as first spouse?
A campaign to lower barriers of entry into after-school sports programs
Which is an example of a collective good?
A city's construction of flood barriers near a river
Who would be MOST likely to participate in a presidential election?
A college-educated woman over age 40 with a modest income
Suppose a new bill has been introduced that would make changes to existing education policies and roll back the federal government's involvement in public education. Which type of committee should be established to work out the different versions of the bill from the House and Senate?
A conference committee
How do critical elections impact the American political system?
A critical election generally means the major parties will go through realignment.
Why might states prefer receiving a grant-in-aid as opposed to an unfunded mandate?
A grant-in-aid would provide at least some funding for the policy initiative, whereas an unfunded mandate requires the states to implement national policy with their own state budgets.
Which of the following describes a party coalition?
A group of voters who support a political party over time
Suppose the subjects of a totalitarian government have successfully overthrown their leader and are planning a new form of government that will grant them greater personal and economic freedom and prevent future tyranny. Which element should they include in their new government?
A list of basic rights
How many votes are necessary for the whole impeachment process in Congress?
A majority in the House and two-thirds vote in the Senate
How does a plurality of votes differ from a majority of votes?
A majority of votes would mean that a candidate received over half of the votes, while a plurality means that a candidate has the most votes.
Which organization is responsible for enacting the policy positions of its members?
A political party
Which of the following describes a closed primary?
A primary election where only those eligible voters who are a registered affiliate with a party may vote
Yuri is passionate about the environment and taking steps to lessen the carbon footprint of humans. He is specifically interested in new, clean energy options and is part of a group that educates people about the benefits and facts surrounding nuclear energy as a viable alternative to coal and gas. Which type of group is Yuri part of?
A public interest group
How was President Nixon able to win the election in 1972 so decisively?
A realignment shifted southern white voters from the Democratic to the Republican Party.
What is federalism?
A system that divides power between the state and national governments
What happens after articles of impeachment have been successfully passed in the House of Representatives?
A trial is held in the Senate to convict or acquit the accused official.
For most of American history, the United States has used which type of party system?
A two-party system
Which scenario would be an example of a political party acting in the electorate?
A voter who decides to vote for the Republican candidate since he has always voted Republican
24th Amendment
Abolishes poll taxes
13th Amendment
Abolition of slavery
Veronica has been growing more and more frustrated with the federal government in recent years, especially after the longest government shutdown in American history. Veronica sees the gridlock and failure to successfully enact any policies as a problem with both sides of the aisle and does not feel like her values are being represented by either side. What might Veronica likely decide to do as a result?
Adopt an Independent party identification
How does the campaign strategy for a candidate during the nomination process differ from the strategy for a candidate after the national party conventions?
After the nomination process, candidates must balance their campaign to appeal to independent and undecided voters without alienating their party base.
A political scientist who believes that the key to a good executive branch leader is energy and the ability to take strong, swift action would likely agree with
Alexander Hamilton.
Who was it that noted the uniquely American phenomenon of diverse citizens joining like-minded groups in the 1830s?
Alexis de Tocqueville
16th Amendment
Allows the federal government to collect income tax
What is the relationship between the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment and the ratification of the Twenty-Fourth Amendment?
Although the Fifteenth Amendment extended the right to vote to African Americans, full suffrage was not realized until the ratification of the Twenty-Fourth Amendment.
In recent elections, the Electoral College has been attacked as undemocratic by many Americans. How might someone rebut this argument about the Electoral College?
America is not a pure democracy, but rather a constitutional republic, and the Electoral College is another system of representation.
Which conclusion could be accurately made regarding the 2016 election of President Donald Trump?
America's traditional party coalitions began to fracture on socioeconomic issues.
Why are entitlement programs classified as mandatory spending and are locked into the federal budget year after year?
Americans depend upon the receipt of such benefits, and as such, the programs cannot be cut.
Which statement reflects the difference between an incumbent congressional campaign and the campaign of a new congressional candidate?
An incumbent campaign will generally focus on connecting more with individual constituents, whereas a new candidate would spend more time generating name recognition and fundraising.
Which of the following constitutional provisions gives Congress and the president expressed power over the national defense?
Articles I and II
How would you classify someone who supported lower taxes, smaller government, and a strong military in the 1980s and had supported the Democratic Party?
As a Reagan Democrat
How can one classify the act of straight-ticket voting according to the role political parties play in American representative democracy?
As a political party acting in the electorate
How would you classify the March for Our Lives, which sought to bring attention to issues of gun violence in America by marching in cities across the nation?
As a social movement utilizing protest
Which system of government was America under prior to declaring independence from Great Britain and adopting the Constitution?
Authoritarian
The President of the United States has the authority to use military force against terrorists and their associates under the
Authorization for Use of Military Force Act.
Suppose the president of the United States suspects an American citizen of going to Syria to join a terrorist network and create propaganda to be used in the United States against more Americans. The president has precedent to take which action against the citizen?
Authorizing a drone strike to attack them
Anita considers herself a progressive Democrat who believes in health care for everyone, zero-tuition college, and a high federal minimum wage. Which candidate would Anita have supported during the 2016 presidential election?
Bernie Sanders
A group of students is debating about whether or not America would benefit from a different form of government. One group of students believes that the Constitution gives the federal government too much power. Which paper supports that group's argument?
Brutus No. 1
How did the War on Terror expand the power of the executive branch?
By appealing to the looming threat of terrorism against Americans, the president implemented policies and measures without the approval of Congress to combat those threats.
How would an average American citizen get a bill introduced in Congress that would require public schools to provide before- and after-school daycare?
By contacting their representatives and pressuring them to introduce such legislation
How does the Preamble of the United States Constitution establish the notion of popular sovereignty?
By declaring that the people of the United States of America are the ones granting the government its power
Why would efforts to improve substantive representation be more beneficial than efforts to improve descriptive representation?
By focusing on substantive representation, Congress would better reflect the interests of American citizens as a whole.
According to some political scientists, how might a focus on substantive representation help alleviate the negative effects of partisan polarization?
By focusing on the interests and policy preferences of Americans, members of Congress are better able to represent their constituents instead of political parties as a whole.
How did Thomas Jefferson and other signers of the Declaration of Independence believe the King of England was violating the colonists' right to liberty?
By imposing unfair and damaging taxes
How did President Bush violate the rights of Yaser Hamdi in 2001?
By imprisoning him without notifying him of his crimes or due process
How do federal systems of government prevent one level of government from encroaching on the powers of the other?
By instituting constitutional protections
Despite not having the ability to formally introduce and write legislation, how is the president able to influence the legislative process?
By threatening to veto a bill before it even comes across his desk
Which statement might a congressperson make to argue that Social Security benefits should remain classified as mandatory spending?
Changing benefits or the taxes to pay for them would produce a political backlash against lawmakers.
What is the function of the Electoral College?
Choosing the president
How does Bill Clinton's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) compare to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)?
Clinton's TANF placed greater restrictions and limitations on social welfare programs and gave more authority to the states than Roosevelt's AFDC.
Which state permits the use of marijuana for recreational purposes?
Colorado
This question refers to the following excerpt from James Madison's March 18, 1786, letter to Thomas Jefferson.The States are every day giving proofs that separate regulations are more likely to set them by the ears, than to attain the common object. When Massachusetts set on foot a retaliation of the policy of Great Britain, Connecticut declared her ports free. New Jersey served New York in the same way. And Delaware I am told has lately followed the example in opposition to the commercial plans of Pennsylvania. A miscarriage of this attempt to unite the States in some effectual plan will have another effect of a serious nature. . . . I almost despair of success.Which provision in the Constitution most specifically addresses the problems described in the excerpt?
Commerce clause
After the Revolutionary War, but prior to the adoption of the Constitution, the United States was under which system of government?
Confederal
27th Amendment
Congressional pay
23rd Amendment
DC gets 3 electoral votes
Based on what you know about news media, what is causing consolidation?
Decreased regulation and decreased readership
Assume you are part of the Congressional Budget Office and are responsible for finding areas of the federal budget to cut back on to reduce federal spending. Which area of the budget can you reasonably suggest?
Defense spending
Which was a primary reason Democrats were unable to gain seats in the House, Senate, and in state legislatures during President Obama's two terms?
Democrats tend to turn out in lower numbers during midterm elections.
Many Americans believed that the federal law might shift to favor the legalization of medical marijuana under which president?
Donald Trump
At which point are the nominees for president chosen?
During the national conventions
How is the American system of federalism BEST reflected in the voting process today?
Each state has the ability to set its own terms for holding elections.
Which argument would you make to defend the reinstatement of earmarks in Congress?
Earmarks allow Congress to better advocate for their constituency.
Rebecca is a member of a group that consistently donates large amounts of money to candidates who campaign on the promise of passing legislation that will reform taxes, which will benefit her and other members of her group. Which type of interest group is Rebecca part of?
Economic
Concerns that large companies like the e-commerce giant Amazon are not paying enough in taxes reflects which theory of democracy?
Elitist
A candidate running for the House of Representatives has promised constituents that she will push for legislation to reform campaign finance laws so that the wealthy elites and business owners do not have greater influence on policies than American citizens. Such legislation is based on which theory?
Elitist theory
14th Amendment
Equal rights, Citizenship
17th Amendment
Established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state legislatures)
Which statement provides an accurate distinction between establishment Republicans and those who supported Donald Trump in 2016?
Establishment Republicans were primarily wealthy businessowners, while many who supported Donald Trump were blue-collar workers with a distrust of government.
Which outlet would be considered an interactive media outlet?
What was the main point James Madison made in Federalist No. 10?
Factions would be inevitable, but the size of the United States would prevent factions from growing too powerful.
Two students are debating the role the federal government should play in education. One student argues that education has traditionally been handled by the states and should continue as such. How should the student in favor of federal involvement in education respond?
Federal policy ensures that all students receive an equal education regardless of where they live.
Those who supported the new Constitution and wanted a stronger national government were known as
Federalists.
The provision that anyone born in the United States is an American citizen can be found in the
Fourteenth Amendment.
Despite the Supreme Court's ruling on Hamdi v. Rumsfeld, which stated that, even during times of war, a president may not violate the Constitutional rights of Americans, the National Security Agency continued to engage in surveillance programs on U.S. citizens, which some argue violated the
Fourth Amendment.
1st Amendment
Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
Which condition allowed for President Barack Obama to push through billions of dollars in aid to banks and the automobile industry during his first term as president?
From 2008 to 2010, President Obama had a Democratic majority in the House and the Senate.
Suppose you have decided to run for president and are planning out your campaign strategy. Which factor should you focus most of your attention on as you just start out?
Fundraising for campaign donations
19th Amendment
Gave women the right to vote
Following Bridget Mergens' struggle to form a Bible study club at her school, which other group also experienced resistance from their school when attempting to form a club?
Gay-Straight Alliance
Who was the first president to authorize a drone strike that killed an American citizen?
George W. Bush
Suppose a free speech advocacy group is attempting to stop legislation that would infringe upon American citizens' First Amendment rights, but they lack money to donate to a pro-free speech candidate's campaign. What is another way this group might be able to influence this legislation?
Get supporters to participate in a campaign to contact representatives and voice their opinion.
Suppose you are a policy advisor to the president who wants to get education reform legislation passed, a policy that is popular with most Americans. Since Congress is controlled by the opposing party, however, passing legislation is more difficult than usual. Which tactic do you suggest to the president that will have the best chance of enacting the desired policy without damaging public opinion?
Going public as a way to urge Americans to put pressure on their representatives in Congress
A student is asked to provide an example of a Supreme Court case that highlights the conflicts that arise between state and federal governments when it comes to the system of federalism in America. Which Supreme Court case should the student name as the BEST example?
Gonzales v. Raich
What was the main purpose of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment?
Granting women's suffrage
How would you characterize an interest group's efforts to enact a policy by urging members to contact their representatives in Congress to pressure them to support or oppose a certain policy?
Grassroots lobbying
How does John Locke's concept of a social contract compare to the form of government that existed in Great Britain at the time?
Great Britain's government at the time stated that kings were granted the right to rule by God, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract dictated that leaders were granted the right to rule by the people.
Which candidate serves as an example of how the winner-take-all system is biased toward Republican and Democratic candidates?
H. Ross Perot
Which statement BEST describes the "Obama effect"?
Having an African American candidate on the ballot increased voter turnout among African Americans.
Why was it important to Alexander Hamilton that there be only one executive leader?
Having two leaders would weaken the ability to protect the nation.