Gov Final Study Guide
Baker v. Carr (1962)
"One man, one vote." Ordered state legislative districts to be as near equal as possible in population; Warren Court's judicial activism.
VOTER X: "I worked my way up from poverty to become the successful business owner I am today. I get frustrated when I think that my tax money goes to support people who won't help themselves. I think part of the blame belongs with the media; they promote all the wrong values." Which of the following political ideologies would this voter be cahracterized as? A. Conservative B. Liberal C. Libertarian D. Radical
A
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Abortion rights fall within the privacy implied in the 14th amendment
What was the purpose of the Constitution? A. Justify a permanent break with England B. Establish a stronger central government C. Argue for the adoption of a new government D. Place limits on the powers of the govt
B
According to James Madison, the republican form of government addresses the tyranny of the majority through....? A. regionalism B. factionalism C. pluralism D. limited government E. democracy
C
Twenty-Fourth Amendment
Prohibits poll tax in federal elections
First Amendment
5 freedoms: speech, press, religion, assembly, petition
Evidence suggests that the single greatest factor determining political opinion is..... A. Family influences B. A teacher C. Experience D. A religious mentor E. A close personal friend
A
In The Federalist 10, James Madison argued that the new constitution would help control faction by doing which of the following? A. By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate. B. The new constitution had significant limits on the freedom of expression, thereby limiting the ability of factions to organize. C. The new constitution gave political parties specific powers in the government which limited their influence. D. The use of the electoral college and the indirect election of senators would limit the influence that factions could wield.
A
The Constitution differs from the Declaration of Independence in that Constitution does not focus on the individual rights of the governed, but rather on...... A. the structure and function of government B. the combination of government and citizenry C. the rights of the government D. the promotion of a pure democracy E. the elimination of state government authority
A
The main intent of "motor voter" laws is to A. increase voter registration and hopefully voter turnout B. increase voter turnout by providing transportation to polls for people without cars C. increase the rate at which incumbents are reelected to office D. allow sixteen year olds to vote if they have a valid driver's license
A
What best describes a linkage institution? a. a channel through which people's concerns become a political agenda b. a location to express a political opinion c. the formation of a special interest group d. an environment where one learns about the political process e. a gathering of people to represent a public opinion
A
When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner. Again, there is no liberty, if the judiciary power be not separated from the legislative and executive. Were it joined with the legislative, the life and liberty of the subject would be exposed to arbitrary control; for the judge would be then the legislator. Were it joined to the executive power, the judge might behave with violence and oppression. There would be an end of everything, were the same man or the same body, whether of the nobles or of the people, to exercise those three powers, that of enacting laws, that of executing the public resolutions, and of trying the causes of individuals.-The Spirit of the Laws_ Baron de Montesquieu Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage? A. The separation of powers helps ensure liberty B. The separation of powers helps ensures domestic tranquility and international peace C. People will rise up in protest after experiencing a dictator's oppression D. Governments where one person wields legislative, executive and judicial powers are always corrupt and fail.
A
Which of the following forms of financial aid from the national government gives the states the broadest discretion in the spending of money? A. Block Grants B. Categorical Grants C. Formula Grants D. Project Grants
A
Citizens United v. FEC (2010)
A 2010 decision by the United States Supreme Court holding that independent expenditures are free speech protected by the 1st Amendment and so cannot be limited by federal law. Leads to creation of SuperPACs & massive rise in amount of third party electioneering (Citizens for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow)
Sixth Amendment
A constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.
Fifth Amendment
A constitutional amendment designed to protect the rights of persons accused of crimes, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.
Fourteenth Amendment
A constitutional amendment giving full rights of citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, except for American Indians. Equal Protection Clause
Twelfth Amendment
An amendment to the Constitution, adopted in 1804, that specifies the separate election of the president and vice president by the electoral college.
"Ambition must be made to counteract ambition." This line from Federalist 51 implies which of the following ideals? A. factions must be allowed to check the power of other factions B. there must be separate branches within our government to counteract each other C. the amount of poor people and rich must remain in balance D. There needs to be more then one political party
B
"Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall... proceed to reconsider it. If after such reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a law.... If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it...--Article I, Section 7, U.S. Constitution, 1787 According to the Constitution, how can a bill become a law without the president's signature? a. The Vice President can sign it as the president of the Senate. b. Congress can override a veto with a ⅔ vote in both houses.c. Congress can demand a bill become a law if a majority of both houses voted for it. d. Congressional committees can sign bills into law
B
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and then in the next place oblige it to control itself."- Federalist 51 This quote demonstrates the need of what constitutional principle?(A) The Amendment Process (B) Check and balances (C) Federalism (D) Limited majority control (E) Congressional oversight
B
"The first question that presents itself on the subject is, whether a confederated government be the best for the United States or not? Or in other words, whether the thirteen United States should be reduced to one great republic, governed by one legislature, and under the direction of one executive and judicial; or whether they should continue thirteen confederated republics, under the direction and controul of a supreme federal head for certain defined national purposes only?" -Brutus IThe above quote was used as part of which of the following arguments? A. There is a major need to have separate and independent branches of government to prevent abuses of power B. The more powerful central government of the U.S. Constitution will be a major threat to rights of the people C. True democracies are the answer for ensuring no major group takes control of the government D. The Bill of Rights is necessary for the U.S. to protect the rights of the people
B
A member of Congress votes in favor of a bill as a result of receiving many letters of support for the bill from constituents. Which form of democratic representation best describes this voting decision? A. Trustee B. Delegate C. Elite D. Pluralist
B
According to studies, the strongest factors that indicate VOTER TURNOUT are..... A. Race and Religion B. Age and Education C. Income and Occupation D. Geography and Income E. Age and Gender
B
All of the following were compromises reached at the Constitutional Convention except.... A. 3/5's formula B. implementation of the income tax C. representation in the legislature D. selection of the President via Electoral College
B
The Great Compromise focused on reconciling ideas from the Virginia and New Jersey Plans concerning the organization and powers of ....? A. the executive B. the legislature C. the judiciary D. the bureaucracy
B
The higher a voter's level of education, ..... A. the less likely to vote in elections B. more likely to vote in elections C. equally likely to vote as those with low level D. none of the above
B
The last two legislative sessions have seen a small push to eliminate the straight-ticket option. . . . Especially in Texas—as independent-minded as we are, with the spirit of independence we have in Texas—we ought to be voting for individuals. —Texas state senator Jeff Wentworth Which of the following is a potential outcome if the proposal referred to above becomes law? A. More third-party candidates will be elected B. Divided government may occur more frequently. C. The Republican Party in Texas will win more legislative seats.Voter turnout will decrease. D. All of the above
B
The main issue in the case McCulloch vs Maryland was....... A. whether the federal government could ban hand guns from a school zone B. whether the states could tax part of the federal government C. whether the federal government could ban doctor assisted suicides allowed by states D. whether states had the right to choose whether they were a free or slave state
B
What is the point of view the cartoonist is trying to portray in the above political cartoon? A. These are the most important states in the electoral system because they are the largest states B. These states have the most power in the system because they are either swing states or they come earliest in the schedule C. These states are the only states that are able to select the President D. Most money for presidential elections come from these states, thus they have all the power and influence
B
Which of the following is commonly identified as a failure of the Articles of Confederation? A. The executive branch was granted too much power over the legislature. B. The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue. C. The federal government had too much control over interstate commerce. D. The standing army demanded too much money in order to operate
B
Which of the following statements is the thesis of Federalist 10? A. "By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." B. ".....Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens."C. "Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an ailment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it impacts to fire its destructive agency." D. "Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been a short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths."
B
Which of the following best defines the constitutional interpretation of federalism? A. The federal government and the states each have separate and mutually exclusive roles and responsibilities; neither controls the other. B. The states have some powers reserved to them which they may exercise if the Supreme Court permits. C. The federal government and the states have separate but overlapping powers; where these powers conflict the federal government prevails. D.The states may only exercise those powers delegated to them by Congress. E. The federal government may exercise only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution.
C
Which of the following groups is most responsible for the content of the political cartoon above? A. Super PACs B. 527 groups C. 501c groups D. Federal PACs
C
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the two court cases? A. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Declared an act of Congress unconstitutional, United States v. Lopez (1995) Recognized the importance of state sovereignty and local control B. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Decided that Congress had implied powers, United States v. Lopez (1995) Ruled that state laws were supreme to national laws C. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Led to an increase in power for the national government, United States v. Lopez (1995) Established limits to Congress' power under the commerce clause D. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Decided that a state had the power to tax a national bank, United States v. Lopez (1995) Declared the Gun-Free School Zones Act unconstitutional
C
Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) ? A. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was upheld as constitutional because regulating arms is an enumerated power. B. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was upheld as constitutional because any interstate commerce is implied in the commerce clause. C. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down as unconstitutional because it exceeded the commerce clause. D. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down because it exceeded the state's power to regulate guns.
C
Which of the following statements both demonstrate what LIBERALS believe? A. More Government Economically, More Government Socially B. Skeptical about Government, Favors Supply Side Economics C. Internationalist about World View, Favors Church State Separation D. Isolationist about World View, Racist, Sexist beliefs
C
Twenty-Sixth Amendment
Changed the legal voting age from 21 to 18.
United States v. Lopez (1995)
Commerce clause of Constitution does not give Congress the power to regulate guns near state-operated schools
Twentieth Amendment
Constitutional amendment moving presidential inauguration from March to January 20
The Americans with Disabilities Act and The No Child Left Behind Act were controversial at the time because.... A. They expanded the power of the federal government B. They diluted the power of the federal government C. Polls suggested that most Americans were against these bills D. They were federal mandates but the government provided no funding for them
D
The Anti-Federalists' opposition to the Constitution was predicated on the belief that a strong central government would....? A. empower the general public and undermine government officials B. create states that were free to act in their own interests C. not to be an effective way to deal with other nations D. strip states and individuals of their rights and the authority to make laws E. none of the above
D
The main issue in the case U.S. vs Lopez was ...... A. whether the federal government could require states to raise drinking age in return for grants B. whether the states could tax part of the federal government C. whether the federal government could ban doctor assisted suicides allowed by states D. whether Congress had the right to regulate state gun laws by using the Commerce Clause
D
The major difference between categorical grants and block grants are ..... A. with categorical grants the federal govt. puts little to no restrictions on their use whereas block grants are restricted B. block grants can be used with almost no restrictions by the recipient states and localities C. categorical grants are based on need and block grants are given on the basis of competitive proposals D. block grants have few restrictions on how the money can be spent by state and local govt. whereas categorical grants are restricted to specific categories such as technology training for teachers E. the restrictions on categorical grants make the aid conditional
D
Which of the following was a direct outcome of the Three-Fifths Compromise? A. The number of senators increased in slaveholding states. B. Slavery quickly declined, especially in larger cities in the South. C. Slaveholding states were able to count slaves to determine their number of senators. D. The number of representatives in the House of Representatives from slaveholding states increased.
D
Seventeenth Amendment
Direct election of senators
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Established national supremacy; established implied powers; use of elastic clause; state unable to tax fed. Institution; John Marshall; "the power to tax involves the power to destroy."
Eighth Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Extends to the defendant the right of counsel in all state and federal criminal trials regardless of their ability to pay.
Ninteenth Amendment
Gave women the right to vote
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)
Guaranteed a student's right to protest (wearing armbands).
New York Times Co v. United States (1971)
If the government wishes to censor information before it is printed or published, it must be proven in court that the information will endanger national security.
McDonald v. Chicago
Incorporated the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to the states
Twenty-Second Amendment
Limits the president to two terms in office
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
NO racial gerrymandering; race cannot be the sole or predominant factor in redrawing legislative boundaries; majority-minority districts.
Schneck v. US (1919)
Oliver Wendell Holmes; clear and present danger test; shouting "fire" in a crowded theater; limits on speech, esp. in wartime.
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Prohibited state-sponsored recitation of prayer in public schools by virtue of 1st Amendment's establishment clause and the 14th Amendment's due process clause; Warren Court's judicial activism.
Fourth Amendment
Protects against unreasonable search and seizure
Twenty-Fifth Amendment
Ratified in 1967, this amendment permits the vice president to become acting president if the vice president and the president's cabinet determine that the president is disabled, and it outlines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job.
Second Amendment
Right to bear arms
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
The Court ruled that Wisconsin could not require Amish parents to send their children to public school beyond the eighth grade because it would violate long-held religious beliefs.
Fifteenth Amendment
The constitutional amendment adopted in 1870 to extend suffrage to African Americans Men.
Tenth Amendment
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.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Unanimously held that the racial segregation of children in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Brown claimed that Topeka's racial segregation violated the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause because the city's black and white schools were not equal to each other and never could be. Overruled Plessy v. Ferguson's "separate but equal" doctrine and would eventually led to the desegregation of schools across the South
Twenty-Third Amendment
Washington DC is not a state, but gets 3 electoral votes.
Ninth Amendment
states that people's rights are not limited to just those listed in the Constitution.
Based on the data in the chart, which of the following best explains a likely impact of third-party votes in the 2016 election? A. The third-party vote in the three states depicted in the chart helped Donald Trump acquire enough electoral votes to win the election. B. The third parties were able to gain seats in Congress because of the large number of votes they received in the three states depicted in the chart. C. The third-party vote counts in the three states depicted in the chart forced the election to a tie, forcing the House of Representatives to cast the deciding vote. D. The third-party vote counts forced the three states depicted in the chart into runoff elections to decide who would be the winner of each state.
A
Based on the graphic above, what point is the illustration attempting to point out? A. That North Carolina's redistricting efforts could result in either party attaining a majority for their party or an even split B. No matter how the redistricting efforts go, the Democrats will have the advantage in all scenarios C. All efforts to redistrict will likely lead to another Supreme Court case D. The Republican have the advantage in a majority of the scenarios that could play out Selected
A
Shaw v. Reno, 509 U.S. 630 (1993)To comply with § 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965—which prohibits a covered jurisdiction from implementing changes in a "standard, practice, or procedure with respect to voting" without federal authorization—North Carolina submitted to the Attorney General a congressional reapportionment plan with one majority-black district. The Attorney General objected to the plan on the ground that a second district could have been created to give effect to minority voting strength in the State's south-central to southeastern region. The State's revised plan contained a second majority-black district in the north-central region. The new district stretches approximately 160 miles along Interstate 85 and, for much of its length, is no wider than the I-85 corridor. Appellants, five North Carolina residents, filed this action against appellee state and federal officials, claiming that the State had created an unconstitutional racial gerrymander in violation of, among other things, the Fourteenth Amendment. They alleged that the two districts concentrated a majority of black voters arbitrarily without regard to considerations such as compactness, contiguousness, geographical boundaries, or political subdivisions, in order to create congressional districts along racial lines and to assure [sic] the election of two black representatives. Shaw v. Reno established that _____. a. Gerrymandering cannot be done for racial reasons alone. b. Districts have to be as compact as possible. c. Districts have to be drawn based only on geographical and political divisions. d. All redistricting has to be approved by federal courts. Selected:
A
The importance of Shays' Rebellion to the development of the United States Constitution was that it....? A) indicated that a strong, constitutionally designed national government was needed to protect property and maintain order B) revealed the necessity of both adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution and creating a new system of checks and balances C) demonstrated the intensity of antiratification sentiment within the thirteen states D) convinced the delegates of the Constitutional Convention to accept the New Jersey plan
A
What is the viewpoint being expressed by the political cartoon above? A. The Democrats benefitted the most from gerrymandering in Illinois B. Both the Republican and Democratic parties engage in gerrymandering equally C. Gerrymandering can benefit state government and is good D. The Supreme Court has banned this type of political activity
A
What was the compromise between the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan? A. Connecticut compromise B. 3/5 compromise C. Presidential Term compromise D. Bill of Rights compromise
A
What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?A. Justify a permanent break with England B. Establish a strong central government C. Argue for the adoption of a new government D. Place limits on the powers of the govt
A
Which amendment to the Constitution alieved the worries of those who believed the position of President is dangerous because the President can be in power for an extreme amount of time according to the original Constitution? A. the 22 Amendment B. the 12th Amendment C. the 10th Amendment D. the 25th Amendment
A
Which of the following accurately describes congressional committees? I. The committee chairperson always belongs to the majority party II. Seats on each committee are divided between the 2 major parties in exact 50/50 proportions III. They recommend whether Congress should pass various pieces of legislation and their recommendation is always taken IV. When a committee ties in voting, the Vice President comes to break the tie A. I only B. II only C. I & III D. II & IV
A
Which of the following explains how the bureaucracy can address a problem shown in the infographic? a. The Department of Transportation can write stronger regulations on freight volume.This answer is correct. b. The president can negotiate a treaty that would allow for increased imports of oil. c. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce can hold a hearing on the cost of fuel. d. The Supreme Court can overturn laws that regulate fuel economy.
A
Which of the following groups would NOT be part of the Democratic Party? A. Evangelical Christians B. Minorities C. Unions/Labor D. Women
A
Which of the following is a major difference between a democracy and a republic: A. The percentage of people making decisions in a democracy is greater than in a republic B. The percentage of people making decisions in a republic is greater than in a democracy C. Democracies are appointed, republics are elected D. There is no difference the terms are synonyms
A
Which of the following situations would involve using the War Powers Resolution? A. the placement of U.S. Marines in Bosnia during a civil war B. the amount of financial aid to give to the Northern Alliance against the Taliban C. the giving of intelligence to our NATO partners D. the appointment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff E. the giving of guns and airplanes to Israel
A
Which of the following statements is accurately describing congressional spending? A. Discretionary Spending is made up of Military / Non Military Spending, Mandatory Spending is made up of Entitlement Spending B. Discretionary Spending makes up of 2/3 of the total budget, Mandatory Spending makes up 1/3 of the total budget C. Discretionary Spending is controlled by the House, Mandatory Spending is controlled by the Senate D. Discretionary Spending tracks government spending to ensure equality, Mandatory Spending has total control over taxes and entitlement spending
A
Which statement best explains why critics have called for a change in the electoral college system? A. A person who did not receive the largest percentage of popular votes can be elected President. B. The system is a threat to the two-party system. C. Electors often vote for candidates not listed on the ballot. D. States with larger populations have greater influence on Presidential elections than less populated states do.
A
With which statement would a Seventeenth Amendment supporter agree? A. Direct elections are always preferable to indirect election B. Legislators should be representative bodies. C. A senatorial hold is a device to guarantee democracy. D. State governments, not the federal government, should elect senators
A
The Constitution requires that the president be ...... (Choose as many as needed) A. a natural born citizen of the United States B. 30 years of age C. a resident of the United State for at least 14 years D. a registered voter in the state he resides in E. 35 years of age F. U.S. citizen for 9 years
A, C, E
"We find that the licenses of the CBS Network Stations.....aired program material....during the halftime entertainment show of the NFL's Super Bowl XXXVIII, that apparently violates the federal restrictions regarding broadcast of the indecent material. Based upon our review of the facts and circumstances of this case, Viacom Inc. as the licensee of ultimate parent of the licensees of the Viacom Stations, is apparently liable for a monetary forfeiture on the amount of $550,000, which represents the maximum of $27,500 for each Viacom station that broadcast the material." -FCC, Notice of Apparent Liability, 2004 Which of the following statements best reflects the role of the FCC in this instance? A. The FCC is acting to uphold the 1st Amendment and endorse what was broadcast during the Super Bowl B. The FCC is fining Viacom for the actions of one of its companies that violated broadcast regulations C. The FCC is punishing Viacom and CBS, but courts determine the amount of the fines D. The FCC does not require television broadcasters to be responsible for what performers might do on their broadcasts.
B
All of the following are examples of the various functions of Congress EXCEPT... A. passing a law to ban assault rifles B. declaring an action of the president is unconstitutional C. holding hearings and voting on a presidential appointment to the Courts D. voting to bring a multimillion-dollar dam project to a region
B
Fundamental flaws in the operations and management of FEMA became evident in its response to four hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004; yet by 2005, when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Congress had not yet held hearings to pinpoint and resolve FEMA's problems. Similarly, Congress missed the fact that various agencies with responsibility for supervising the banking industry were negligent in identifying looming financial problems that led to the recession of 2008-2009. These incidents represent failures of _____. (A) Judicial fragmentation (B) Congressional Oversight (C) The informal organization of Congress (D) The seniority system
B
Lobbyists from the Airlines for America, an advocacy group that represents commercial airlines, work with members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and officials from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss a new policy that addresses issues of airline safety. This scenario best illustrates a. issue networks b. iron triangles c. line item veto d. beaucratic independence
B
Membership in an American political party is voluntary and based upon party identification. Which factors influence party identification I. EDUCATION II. GENDER III. PUBLIC OPINION A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I & II E. I & III
B
Representation in the House of Reps. is determined by the use of.... A. polling B. a census C. party registration D. all of the above
B
The concept of realignment refers to changes in A. the United States system of international alliances B. the changing and shifting social bases of the parties' voting support C. the media's criticism of the president and Congress D. the changing rate of voter participation
B
The discretionary power of bureaucratic agencies refers to which of the following? A. Agency heads have the discretionary power to select members of their civil service B. Bureaucratic agencies have the discretionary power to ramp up or ramp down regulations C. The President has the discretionary power to allocate budget money to any agency D. Bureaucratic agencies have the discretionary power to reorganize themselves
B
The guiding principle that governs legislative apportionment according to Baker v Carr is... A. racial gerrymandering is illegal B. one man, one vote; equality in districts C. establishment of majority/minority districts D. districts are created by governors
B
The most common criterion that people use when voting for a presidential candidate is the candidate's..... A. views on 1-2 specific issues B. party identification C. personal appearance D. fiscal or international policy
B
Using the graphs above, which of the following statements would be most correct? A. American society is going to be getting more conservative in the near future B. In the future, American may support greater government involvement in the lives of its citizens C. Americans are likely to adopt politcies that benenfit big business D. Republican politicians should be able to dominate in American elections for the next 25 years
B
Which of the following descriptions is accurate for both Cabinet Departments and Executive Agencies? A. Cabinet-Regulate sections of our economy or society, Executive-Businesses run by the government B. Cabinet-Presidential advisors; carry out broad tasks, Executive-Narrow area of responsibility C. Cabinet-Has all 3 powers of the government at its disposal, Executive-Works with the President on a daily basis D. Cabinet-Helps implement Presidential agenda and policies, Executive-Has all 3 powers of the government at their disposal
B
Which of the following descriptions is accurate for both vetoes and line item vetoes? A. Veto ruled unconstitutional, line item veto ruled constitutional. B. Veto allows for entire bill to be rejected, line item veto allows for parts of bills to be rejected. C. Veto ruled legal by NY v Clinton, line item veto ruled illegal by NY v Clinton D. Veto can be changed by a law, line item veto can be changed only by an amendment
B
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of Federalist and Antifederalist beliefs A. Federalist-Supported the Art of Confed. and its continuation, Anti-Supported the Constitution and its ratification B. Federalist-Supported indirect elections, Anti-Supported direct elections C. Federalist-Supported frequent elections, Anti-Supported infrequent elections D. Federalist-Supported the Bill of Rights, Anti-Thought the Bill of Rights unnecessary
B
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the process of bureaucratic rule making? a. The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs considers the credentials of a person nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits. b. The Department of Veterans Affairs rewrites its regulations regarding compensation and pensions into plain language that is easier for beneficiaries to understand. c. The president signs Executive Order 13777 intended to "lower regulatory burdens on the American people by implementing and enforcing regulatory reform." d. The Supreme Court denies a writ of certiorari in Freddie H. Mathis v David J. Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, which focused on veterans' disability claims.
B
Which of the following statements explains a trend shown in the above chart? A. Democrats have always maintained a majority over Republicans B. For most of the time period displayed in the graph, Independents have been the largest group identified by voters C. Republicans have always maintained a majority over Democrats D. There are more Republican states than Democratic states in the U.S. as of 2013
B
Which powers of the President are shared with the Senate? A. Veto and Appointment B. Appointment and Treaty making C. Treaty making and Commander-in-Chief D. State of the Union & Calling special sessions of Congress
B
"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." -George Washington Farewell Address In his farewell statement, George Washington is making what argument about political parties? A. Political Parties are a necessary element to the operation of government B. Political parties never work and should be abandoned C. Political parties can be manipulated and could cause harm to our government D. Political parties need to be protected by the Constitution
C
A federal agency has been accused of not enforcing laws that it is charged with enforcing. Which is the most likely action the House/Senate committee will first take? A. Fire and replace the director of the agency B. Repeal the law the creates the governs the agency C. Call for an oversight hearing to better understand the problem D. Increase the federal appropriation for the agency
C
According to the bar graph, which of the following statements will be true in the year 2060? A. The percentage of those identifying as Asian alone will be less than it was in 2012. B. Those identifying as White alone will remain a majority. C. Those identifying as Hispanic will be 31% of the population. D. The percentage of those identifying as Black alone will be less than it was in 2012.
C
Advocates of shifting the task of drawing United States House districts from state legislatures to independent commissions are likely to claim which of the following as an advantage of independent commissions? A. House districts drawn by independent commissions are immune from challenges by the United States Department of Justice. B. Independent commissions are more likely to create majority-minority districts where they are appropriate. C. Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of partisan gerrymandering in the redistricting process. D. Independent commissions are more likely to create districts where minor parties can be victorious.
C
All of the following are common steps to a passage of a bill EXCEPT which of the following? A. introduction into the House and Senate B. referral to standing committees C. presidential approval of committee referral D. House and Senate debate E. House and Senate compromises
C
Based on the data, which of the following is the most likely consequence for the legislative process in Congress? A. More competitive races for House seats in the general election B. A decrease in party-line voting on important legislation introduced in the House C. An increase in gridlock and failure to compromise on legislation D. Greater cooperation between Congress and the president on nominations
C
Based on the graph, what is true? a. The Senate is currently more polarized than the House of Representatives. b. Both chambers are less polarized than they were 50 years ago. c. The House is often more polarized than the Senate. d. The House has become less polarized and the Senate more polarized over time.
C
DIVIDED GOVERNMENT can only occur in which type of governmental system? A. Republics B. Democracies C. Presidential D. Parliamentary
C
Mr. Anderson is the mayor of Nerdsville, MO. He is not a very good mayor and often makes mistakes that cost the town thousands of dollars. Citizens' taxes have been raised as a result of his numerous mistakes. Which of the following would be the BEST method of attempting to remove Mr. Anderson as mayor? A. Citizens could begin an initiative against Mr. Anderson B. Citizens could begin a referendum against Mr. Anderson C. Citizens could begin a recall of Mr. AndersonD. Citizens could begin a party expulsion of Mr. Anderson
C
Question 5 Which of the following statements are an accurate comparison of the U.S. House of Reps and Senate ? A. HOR allows filibusters until a majority vote defeats the filibuster, Senate is a 101 member body, as the Vice President can vot to break ties. B. HOR has committee chairs that are from the minority party, Senate is first in the lawmaking process when it comes to money bills C. HOR has more rules of procedures to guide its lawmaking functions, Senate has authority over the ratification of treaties with other nations D. HOR is solely in charge of declaring war, Senate has sole power of impeachment
C
The chart supports which of the following conclusions? A. Jewish voters were more likely to vote for Obama than black Protestants. B. Among those who attend church every week, white Catholics were more likely to vote for McCain than white evangelical Protestants. C. Unaffiliated believers were more likely to vote for Obama than McCain. D. Hispanic and other minority Catholics were more likely to vote for Obama than black Protestants.
C
The importance of the case Citizens United vs FEC can be summed up as..... A. allowing Congress to limit outside contributions to federal candidates B. upholding the restrictions placed on federal campaigns by the McCain Feingold legislation C. allowing unions and corporations to donate unlimited amount of money to campaign advertising D. eliminating the line item veto
C
The majority and minority whips are very important in the Congress. Which of the following are duties assigned to a party whip? A. Helping to coordinate party positions on legislation B. Acting as a liaison between the party members and the leadership C. Persuading wavering representatives to vote with the party D. Conducting informal surveys to check the likely outcome of votes
C
VOTER #1: "I really don't care what other people do in their free time, as long as they don't bother me. I sure don't like it when the government tells me what to do with my money or in my own home. I'm certainly not going to turn around and do the same thing to my neighbors." Which of the following political ideologies would this voter subscribe to? A. Conservative B. Liberal C. Libertarian D. Reactionary
C
When reapportionment, or redistricting, is accomplished with a distinct political purpose (i.e. Republican/Democratic control within certain areas) it is called.....? A. meandering B. strict reapportionment C. gerrymandering D. devolving
C
Which of the following descriptions is accurate for both Formal and Informal powers? A. Formal Power-Using the veto to kill a bill, Informal Power-Using the pocket veto to kill a bill B. Formal Power-Using the bully pulpit to influence public opinion, Informal Power-Appointing ambassadors and receiving diplomats from other nations C. Formal Power-Acting as commander in chief of the military Informal Power-Signing executive agreements with foreign nations D. Formal Power-Using the power of the purse to support government programs, Informal Power-Using signing statements to shape legislation
C
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the demographic characteristics of a typical Democratic versus a typical Republican voter? A. Democrat-over 65, Republican-under 30 B. Democrat-African-American, Republican-non-Cuban Hispanics C. Democrat-urban, Republican-rural D. Democrat-Evangelical Christian, Republican-Jewish
C
Which of the following is an action Congress can take if the Supreme Court declares a federal law unconstitutional? A. Congress can override Supreme Court decisions with a 2/3 vote B. Congress can request that the President veto the court decision C. Congress can propose to amend the Constitution through the Amendment process D. Congress can vote to have the federal appeals court start the case back through the court system E. Congress can vote to have the Supreme Court rehear the case
C
Which of the following statements accurately describes the connection between the beliefs of John Locke and the Declaration of Independence? A. John Locke had no true influnce on the Dec. of Independence B. John Locke borrowed many ideas from the writers of the Dec. of Independence C. The Dec. of Independence borrowed many ideas from the beliefs of John Locke D. John Locke and the writers of the Dec of Independence equally influenced each other
C
Which of the following statements reflects a pluralist theory of American politics? A. American politics is dominated by a small elite B. Public policies emerge from cooperation among elites in business, labor, and government C. Public policies emerge from compromises reached among competing groups D. American politics is dominated by cities at the expense of rural areas E. The American political arena is made up of isolated individuals who have few group affiliations outside the family
C
Which of the follwing statements are true concerning Congressional incumbents who run for reelection? A. Incumbent senators are more likely to be reelected than incumbent Representatives B. Incumbents are required by law to spend exactly the same amount of money on their campaigns as their challenger C. Incumbents have a great advantage over their challenger because often they are better known and can raise more money for their campaign D. Ever since 1996, most incumbents lose their reeletion efforts
C
"Energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks...to the steady administration of the laws, to the protection of property...to justice; [and] to the security of liberty...." This line from Federalist #70 helps make the argument that...... A. Factions must be destroyed in order to make our government operate at full capacity B. Checks and Balances are a necessity for strong and effective government C. A limited President with few powers will provide for a safe and problem free government D. A strong President who utilizes his powers will protect the people and ensure the government works effectively and properly.
D
"Some of those who have entered the U.S. 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 crime in the U.S.....the unrestricted entry into the U.S. of nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen would be detrimental to the interests of the U.S. I therefore direct that the entry into the U.S. of nationals of those countries be suspended for 90 days from the effective date of this order, subject to the limitations, waivers and exceptions set forth..." -Pres. Donald Trump, Exec. Order, March 6, 2017 Which type of power did President Trump exert in issuing this executive order? A. Reserved B. Formal C. Implied D. Informal
D
A major difference between the House and the Senate is.... A. that the House uses the subcommittee to mark up a bill and the Senate uses the original committee for mark up B. that the House requires all amendments be relevant to the bill it is being attached to, whereas the Senate is looser with its requirements C. that members of the House use filibusters to frequently kill bills D. the rules for debate in the Senate are not as strict as in the House
D
According to the following situation, which candidate would become president of the United States if the election were held today? Candidate A- 25,056,743 / 260 Electoral Votes / 25 states won Candidate B- 24,956,345 / 222 Electoral Votes / 17 states won Candidate C- 4,674,765 / 56 Electoral Votes / 8 states won A. Candidate A- it goes to the winner of the electoral vote B. Candidate B- won in the most states C. a runoff election is held between the top 2 candidates D. the House of Reps decides
D
All of the following powers are granted to the President through the Constitution EXCEPT which one? A. leading our armed forces and military B. addressing Congress on the state of the union C. granting pardons and reprieves for federal offenses D. forming new cabinet-level departments
D
How does Article I, Section 7 exemplify the concept of checks and balances? a. Congress does not need to involve other branches in lawmaking. b. States, through their congressional representatives, are involved in lawmaking. c. The Constitution mandates that Congress establish committees. d. The Congress and President have abilities to stop the other from having their total way in passing laws.
D
In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld? A. The President has the support of the Supreme Court B. The President is in a second term, removed from partisan politics. C. The proposed legislation enjoys widespread bipartisan support. D. Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.
D
Ms. Avia Kaiser is a 37 year old lawyer that lives in St. Louis County, which is in the MO 2nd Congressional district. She has lived at that location for the last 15 years. She was originally born in Australia and moved to the U.S. when she was 10 years old. She became a U.S. citizen when she turned 21 years old. She also became a registered voter at the same time as her citizenship was granted. Can she run for the House of Representative seat in District 2? A. No; she is not a natural born citizen which is required B. No; she is not old enough yet C. No; she has not lived in the district long enough D. Yes; she meets all of the requirements
D
Presidential primaries.... A. are required by the Constitution B. used in all the states C. used to select the members of the electoral college D. are an alternative to caucuses to select party delegates/party nominees
D
Presidents have had the most success in changing the direction of decisions of the federal judiciary by A. threatening to ask Congress to impeach specific judges B. using the media to build consensus for the President's position C. requesting that Congress reduce the term of office that judges may serve D. using the appointment process to select judges with judicial philosophies similar to those of the President E. pressuring Congress to pass the appropriate legislation to override judicial opinions
D
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... The Declaration of Independence The statement from The Declaration of Independence reflects the democratic principle of ..... a. federalism b. judicial review c. due process of law d. popular sovereignty
D
The "Elastic Clause" of the Constitution..... A. held the union together by setting up a bicameral Congress—a compromise between large and small states that allowed equal representation in one house and representation based on population in the other houseB. provides that a state's representation in Congress will go up or down every ten years based on a new national census C. states that powers not specifically given to the national government are reserved to the states or the people D. states that the national government's powers include implied powers not specifically listed in the Constitution
D
The Rules Committee is considered among the most powerful in the House of Reps. because it has great power over the A. ethical conduct of House members B. selection of federal judges C. number of subcommittees a that a standing committee mat create D. scheduling of votes and conditions under which bills are debated and amended
D
The authors of the Articles of Confederation established a decentralized political system mainly to A. cancel state debts incurred during the Revolutionary War B. assist the southern states in their efforts to gain a manufacturing base C. promote the common goal of national sovereignty D. prevent the abuses of power that had existed under British rule
D
The fundamental source of power for the federal bureaucracy and its parts lies in its.... A. ability to move legislation out of committees in Congress B. role in mediating interstate conflicts C. ability to sway public opinion in its favor on a majority of issues D. ability to set regulations and guidelines regarding the American society and economy
D
The largest portion of the federal busget covers the costs of....... A. the Defense Dept B. interest on the national debt C. tax collection costs D. entitlement programs
D
The primary function of the PAC (political action committee) is to.... A. serve as a fund raising organization for challengers of politicians already in office B. provided members of Congress unbiased, non partisan, information and advice C. consult with the President on improving the election process and fund raising D. raise campaign funds and donate to favorable candidates
D
The table best supports which of the following statements about party identification and voting behavior? A. There is no consistent relationship between party identification and voting behavior. B. People with weak party identification tend to vote for opposing party candidates. C. People who most resist party identification tend to vote for Republican candidates. D. People with strong Democratic party identification tend to vote for the Democratic party.
D
The term "budget deficit" refers to the... A. annual increase in federal spending for the military B. difference between the initial budget proposals made by the president and Congress C. period after the fiscal year ends during which the government operates without an official budget D. amount the government spends in excess of its revenues
D
The united states, in congress assembled, shall never engage in a war, nor grant letters of marque and reprisal in time of peace, nor enter into any treaties or alliances, nor coin money, nor regulate the value thereof nor ascertain the sums and expenses necessary for the defence and welfare of the united states, or any of them, nor emit bills, nor borrow money on the credit of the united states, nor appropriate money, nor agree upon the number of vessels of war to be built or purchased, or the number of land or sea forces to be raised, nor appoint a commander in chief of the army or navy, unless nine states assent to the same." -The Articles of Confederation Which of the following statements best illustrates the central idea of this excerpt from the Articles of Confederation? A. States kept their sovereignty under the Articles of Confederation B. States had the authority to declare war without the apporival of the national government C. Congress was the only branch of government D. A majority of states had to agree on major decisions affecting the new nation.
D
WE HAVE BEFORE US ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTIES OF THE U.S. SENATE AND OF THE U.S. CONGRESS, AND THAT IS TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL BE INVOLVED IN WAR. I THINK IT IS INEXCUSABLE THAT THE DEBATE OVER WHETHER WE INVOLVE THIS COUNTRY IN WAR, IN ANOTHER COUNTRYS CIVIL WAR, THAT THIS WOULD BE DEBATED AS APART OF A SPENDING BILL AND NOT AS PART OF AN INDEPENDENT, FREE STANDING BILL...... I THINK IT IS A SAD DAY FOR THE U.S. SENATE. IT GOES AGAINST OUR HISTORY. IT GOES AGAINST THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY. -SEN RAND PAUL (R), SEPT 14 2014 Which of the following statements best summarizes the ideas of the Senator? A. The U.S. should not become involved in another countrys war B. The President should not have war-making authority except in an emergency C. The military intervention the U.S. is considering is unconstitutional D. The U.S. Senate should decide on war-line actions on the merits, not along with other legislation
D
Which of the following beliefs would most likely be held by a Conservative? A. government needs to be heavily involved in regulation B. the government should attempt to redistribute the wealth C. religious and ethnic minorities are the cause of most social problems today D. political power is best held at the state and local level.
D
Which of the following generally results when the Senate and the House of Representatives pass different versions of a bill? A. The president chooses which version he/she prefers and signs it B. The bill goes back to the House and Senate committee it started at and must restart the entire legislative process C. All amendments are cancelled and the original bill goes to the President D. The 2 houses form a conference committee
D
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of pluralist and elite theories? A. Pluralist Theory-A majority of people determine policy on a particular issue. Elite Theory-Many groups are strong and have influence over government at the same time. B. Pluralist Theory-There is a hierarchical structure, impersonality, standardized procedures, and specialized division of labor. Elite Theory-The wealthiest people influence government. C. Pluralist Theory-No one group dominates on every issue, but groups compete for power. Elite Theory-The civil liberties and civil rights of minorities are protected by the majority. D. Pluralist Theory-Certain groups have power on certain topics but not all groups are equally powerful. Elite Theory-There is a powerful but limited group of leaders who strongly influence governmental decisions.
D
Which of the following is an accurate statement about the information concerning the Voting Rights Act of 1965? A. VA saw the largest increase in voter registration in white and black voters B. it actually lowered registration percentages from 1965-1967 with both white and black voters C. it raised white voter registration and lowered black voter registration D. it raised registration percentages for black voters from 1965-1967
D
Which of the following is the president required to do by the Constitution? A. the President must open the first session of Congress and the Supreme Court B. the President must submit all financial records before running for reelection C. the President must sign a contract with America D. the President must provide to Congress a state of the union address
D
Which of the following statements best describes the organization of the two major political parties in the United States? (A) Parties have no organizations except at the traditional level (B) Parties are centrally organized to provide a smooth transition from one national campaign to the next (C) Parties are organized much like a large corporation, in that decisions flow from national to state and local levels (D) Separate and largely independent party organizations exist at the national, state and local levels
D
All of the following powers are considered checks on either the Legislative or Judicial EXCEPT which one? A. the veto power B. the appointment power C. calling special sessions of Congress D. the pardon/reprieve power E. the judicial review power
E
Which of the following form an "iron triangle"? A. President, Congress, Supreme Court B. President, House majority leader, Senate majority leader C. Interest group, Senate majority leader, House majority leader D. Executive department, House majority leader, President E. Executive agencies, Congressional committees, interest groups
E
Which of the following is a characteristic of the electoral college? A. It mandates presidential electors to vote for the candidate they are pledged to B. It establishes a power base for 3rd party candidates C. It has resulted in a majority of elections where the president won the electoral vote but not the popular vote D. It became part of the Constitution to give more power to the voters E. In majority of states, it gives the winner of the state's popular vote all of the electoral votes
E
Which of the following responsibilities belongs to the House and NOT the Senate? A. Ratifying treaties with foreign nations B. Approving nominees to the Federal Courts C. Sending the annual budget to the OMB D. approving ambassadors E. Impeaching elected officials
E
Which of the following would NOT be a step that a proposed bill would encounter on its journey through Congress? A. The bill is debated. B. The bill is voted on, at which time it may pass or be defeated. C. The bill may be assigned to a subcommittee. D. The bill is numbered. E. The bill is introduced by a member of the Congress or by a member of the judicial department
E
Which statement below best describes an open primary? A. The election is open to all candidates who want on the ballot, not just those approved by the party leadership. B. Voters can't cross party lines voting for candidates of different parties in the primary election. C. The voting booths are open and the secret ballot is not used. D. It is a primary election in which voters can vote during a specified period of time rather than just on Election Day. E. Voters can choose which party's primary election ballot they want to use to vote.
E
