Poli Sci study guide 2

15. The federal judiciary is a passive and reactive branch, meaning that __________. a. it is reluctant to reverse prior court decisions b. it cannot initiate cases or conduct its own investigations c. it is reluctant to exercise the power of judicial review d. it only acts after the president and Congress have made their intentions clear -- Consider This: Regardless of the actions of the president and Congress, the federal judiciary must wait until cases are initiated to issue rulings and opinions.

... b. it cannot initiate cases or conduct its own investigations

30. Federal courts have writ of __________ jurisdiction, or the power to release persons from custody if a judge determines they are not being detained constitutionally. a. amicus b. curiae d. in forma pauperis e. habeas corpus c. certiorari-- Consider This: While the writ of certiorari, an acknowledgement of judicial error, might result in the release of a person in custody, the rule in question does not relate to mistakes in the process; rather it spells out a legal right afforded to citizens

... e. habeas corpus

23. A(n) __________ brief is submitted by someone who is not a party to the case. a. amicus curiae b. appellate c. habeas corpus d. outsider e. coram nobis-- Consider This: Writs of coram nobis concern judicial corrections to prior rulings and are not filed by "friends of the court."

...a. amicus curiae

18. Which of the following is the authority vested in a particular court to hear and decide the issues in a particular case? a. jurisdiction b. judicial review c. jurisprudence d. confirmation e. filibuster

...a. jurisdiction

34. Although the Court resolves many issues, it also sometimes __________ the case, sending it back to the lower court with instructions to act in accordance with its opinion. a. remands c. rejects d. discards e. recommends b. denies-- Consider This: In the situation described, the Supreme Court does not deny the case but rather considers the way in which it was determined before requiring that the inferior court redecide the case using the Court's standards.

...a. remands

31. You are an attorney representing a defendant in a criminal case at the state level. Your client was convicted and would like to appeal. On what basis could your client appeal the case to a federal court? a. on the basis that the case concerned a federal issue b. on the basis that the client's constitutional rights had been violated during the investigation c. on the basis that the client believes this is a wrongful conviction -- Consider This: In order to obtain a federal appeal, it is not sufficient to believe the conviction is wrongful. Some issue related to federal jurisdiction must be at play, including issues related to habeas corpus or the violation of rights. d. on the basis that the state law in question violated the state's constitution

...b. on the basis that the client's constitutional rights had been violated during the investigation

45. In court rulings, reliance on past decisions to formulate decisions in new cases is known as which of the following? a. per curiam b. stare decisis c. coram nobis d. amicus curiae e. common law

...b. stare decisis

56. Who heads the entire federal judiciary? a. the president b. the attorney general c. the solicitor general d. the Supreme Court clerk of courts e. the chief justice of the Supreme Court

...b. the attorney general

29. Proponents of which of the following believe that judges should use their power broadly to further justice? a. judicial restraint c. judicial activism d. judicial originalism e. judicial implementation b. judicial constructionism-- Consider This: Unlike judicial constructivism, which rejects judicial policymaking and encourages deference to Congress, the philosophy in question encourages bold policy decisions by judges.

...c. judicial activism

44. If you sue your neighbor over damage to your property, how are you referred to in the legal documents? a. defendant b. prosecutor c. plaintiff d. adversary e. initiator-- Consider This: While you may initiate the civil case, you do more than simply start the legal process; you issue a formal complaint.

...c. plaintiff

50. According to the principle of __________, a court should not overturn precedent unless it is absolutely necessary. a. original intent b. judicial review c. stare decisis d. prior restraint e. judicial privilege

...c. stare decisis

47. Which of the following is true of the philosophy of judicial restraint? a. It is the favored approach of legal scholars. b. It is the favored approach of conservatives. -- Consider This: Judicial restraint and originalism, a conservative approach to interpreting the Constitution, are often viewed as synonymous but are not the same. Judicial restraint encourages judges to strike down actions of the elected branches only if they violate the Constitution while the originalist philosophy seeks to apply the original intent or meaning of laws to their interpretation. c. It is the favored approach of liberals. d. It has been advocated by both liberals and conservatives.

...d. It has been advocated by both liberals and conservatives.

59. What could denying a writ of certiorari by the Supreme Court mean? a. Justices wish to establish precedent. b. Justices agree with the decision of a lower court. c. Justices are united on an issue. d. Justices may wish to avoid a political hot potato. e. Justices may not want an issue to "percolate" in the federal courts.

...d. Justices may wish to avoid a political hot potato.

28. Who attempted to expand the number of Supreme Court justices in 1937? a. Chief Justice Warren b. President Hoover-- Consider This: The individual in question sought to prevent additional New Deal legislation from being overturned through the appointment of additional judges favorable to the polies c. Chief Justice Marshall d. President Roosevelt e. President Wilson

...d. President Roosevelt

46. You are a judicial nominee who is being questioned by the Senate Judiciary Committee. A senator asks you to state your position on abortion. To have the greatest chance of being confirmed, how should you respond? a. by candidly explaining your personal views about abortion b. by discussing whether you agree or disagree with the Court's legal reasoning in abortion cases such as Roe v. Wade c. by offering an opinion on abortion that you believe most members of the committee would endorse -- Consider This: Party control of the Senate is no guarantee that a nomination will succeed. d. by refusing to answer the question

...d. by refusing to answer the question

52. Which of the following can modify a decision of the Supreme Court? a. executive order -- Consider This: While the president is constitutionally permitted to issue such orders, they hold the legislative weight and not the authority to alter a decision of the Supreme Court. b. federal statute c. lower court decision d. constitutional amendment e. writ of certiorari

...d. constitutional amendment

38. Which of the following is within the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? a. federal criminal matters-- Consider This: Because the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land," the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court exists when there are disputes between entities operating under both federal law and the laws of another entity. b. tax disputes c. military tribunals d. controversies between the states e. property disputes

...d. controversies between the states

25. The U.S. courts of appeals are divided into __________ judicial circuits in the states and U.S. territories; another court of appeal is located in the District of Columbia. a. nine b. twelve d. eleven e. six c. thirteen-- Consider This: Most of the circuit courts are determined by geography and hear appeals from federal district courts located in the states that make up that circuit.

...d. eleven

35. In 1869, Republicans altered the Court's appellate jurisdiction in order to prevent Supreme Court review of the constitutionality of which type of legislation? a. anti-slavery b. prohibition d. reconstruction e. income tax c. voter's rights-- Consider This: In the years after the Civil War, Radical Republicans in Congress passed significant and wide-reaching legislation to promote the rights of recently freed slaves. Their alterations to the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction were aimed at keeping that legislation in place.

...d. reconstruction

46. In a process known as __________, presidents generally allow senators from the state in which a judicial vacancy occurs to block the nomination. a. advice and consent b. presidential deference c. judicial review d. senatorial courtesy e. Senate confirmation

...d. senatorial courtesy

5. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court first claim the right of judicial review? a. Chishom v. Georgia b. Brown v. Board of Education c. United States v. Nixon d. Dred Scott v. Sandford e. Marbury v. Madison

...e. marbury v madison

47. The Supreme Court has __________ jurisdiction, the authority to hear a case essentially as a trial court would, only in cases involving ambassadors and other consuls, and cases in which a state or states are a party. a. appellate b. circuit c. district d. constitutional e. original

...e. original

40. Just because judges make independent decisions does not mean they are free to do whatever they wish; which of the following concepts constrains judicial activism? a. the rule of four b. judicial review d. originalism e. the rule of precedent c. supremacy-- Consider This: The Constitution is considered the "supreme law of the land," but this notion is meant to resolve disputes between state and federal law, not to constrain federal judges. Constraints on judicial decision-making include the influence of previously-held cases.

...e. the rule of precedent

26. The ruling in which of the following cases struck down state-mandated segregation in public schools? a. Gideon v. Wainwright b. McCulloch v. Maryland c. Brown v. Board of Education d. Marbury v. Madison e. Plessy v. Ferguson-- Consider This: The case in question overturned the ruling in Plessy, which stated that separate but equal public accommodations were constitutional.

.c. Brown v. Board of Education

4. __________ is the process of allotting congressional seats to each state according to its proportion of the population. A. apportionment b. Appropriations c. Delegation-- Consider This: This is a term for assigning tasks to others. d. Gerrymandering e. Redistricting

A. apportionment

62. Appropriations committees help determine the programs that will be funded, while authorizations committees determine the amount of monies to be distributed.

F

63. When a bill is sent to Congress, the president is not allowed to encourage specific members of Congress to vote for the bill.

F

64. Litigants have an automatic right of appeal to the Supreme Court.

F

67. A rider is an addendum to a bill. It must be related to the bill, and intended to secure or defeat its passage.

F

68. If a president does not sign or veto a bill within ten days after receiving it, the bill does not become law.

F

70. Because the bureaucracy is so complex and full of red tape, citizens do not have much recourse when they are dissatisfied with public policy other than voting to change their representatives.

F

71. Regulations are usually created by Congress.

F

71. The Framers included a two-term limit to the presidency in the Constitution.

F

71. The Supreme Court regularly exercises its original jurisdiction.

F

71. The vast majority of bills receive a subcommittee hearing, but not full passage.

F

74. Joan O'Leary wants to run for president. She is a natural-born citizen of the United States. She is 45 years old. She has been a resident of the United States for 10 years. Therefore, she meets the requirements to become president.

F

74. The Constitution stipulates that each House member must reside in the district he or she represents.

F

75. If Barack Obama wants to disapprove individual items within a spending bill rather than the bill in its entirety, he can use the line-item veto.

F

75. The U.S. Constitution enumerates the powers of Congress as specific and limited rather than implied.

F

True-False Questions 61. The House currently has 435 members, but this number increases every ten years with the taking of the census, as mandated by the Constitution.

F

True-False Questions 65. An incremental policy causes a dramatic change in the government's role, whereas a punctuating policy makes only a small adjustment in an existing program.

F

3. The __________ Act of 1789 established the basic three-tiered structure of the federal court system. a. Federal Courts b. Appellate c. Confirmation d. Interpretation e. Judiciary

Judiciary

63. "Markup" refers to pencil marks left on a bill after a committee or subcommittee finishes modifying or amending it.

T

66. Congress has the sole authority to declare war.

T

66. The Framers purposely rigged Congress to be inefficient.

T

67. A parliamentary government elects prime ministers from the parliament.

T

67. There is a constitutional right to a jury at all state and federal trials.

T

69. The Framers originally decided that the vice president would be the presidential candidate who received the second most Electoral College votes.

T

69. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over cases involving ambassadors and cases in which a state or states are a party.

T

72. The policy process does not vary greatly throughout the world other than in the level of influence citizens have on the process.

T

73. Appellate jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to review decisions of other federal courts and agencies and appeals from state supreme court decisions that raise questions of federal law.

T

74. The United States has a dual system of justice.

T

True-False Questions 62. The president may grant pardons to anyone convicted of a federal crime for any reason.

T

rue-False Questions 62. The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the federal circuit courts and district courts.

T

54. Which example best demonstrates a legislator acting as a trustee of his or her constituency? a. A legislator considers public opinion, refining it with information and careful thought. b. A legislator does whatever is best for his or her reelection. c. A legislator follows the public opinion of his or her constituency. -- Consider This: Legislators follow other dictates or interests/concerns besides the expressed will of their constituents. d. A legislator heeds public opinion in every case, except in matters of personal conscience. e. A legislator may follow his or her conscience unless public opinion is clear.

a. A legislator considers public opinion, refining it with information and careful thought.

26. __________ committees pass the laws that set policy, whereas __________ committees determine funding levels. a. Authorizing, appropriations b. Authorizing, oversight c. Authorizing, revenue d. Budget, appropriations e. Budget, revenue-- Consider This: These are general terms that address the essential idea in this process.

a. Authorizing, appropriations

57. How have the ideological positions of the two parties in Congress shifted over the last two decades? a. Both Republicans and Democrats have become more conservative. b. Both Republicans and Democrats have become more liberal. -- Consider This: Revisit the legislation and prevalent attitude expressed in this context. c. Both Republicans and Democrats have become more moderate. d. Both Republicans and Democrats have stayed the same ideologically. e. Republicans have become more liberal and Democrats have become more conservative.

a. Both Republicans and Democrats have become more conservative.

39. How do government corporations differ from private companies? a. Government corporations perform activities that private companies cannot. b. Government corporations cannot borrow money, whereas private companies can. c. Government corporations cannot sell stock, whereas private companies can. d. Government corporations can borrow money, whereas private companies cannot. e. Government corporations need less government oversight than private companies.

a. Government corporations perform activities that private companies cannot.

26. Which of the following is an example of a distributive policy? a. Social Security b. welfare program c. Head Start d. job-training program e. food stamps

a. Social Security

22. How does the United States judicial system differ from those of most other countries? a. The United States has both federal and state courts, whereas most countries have a single national judiciary. b. The United States has both federal and state courts, whereas most countries have decentralized judicial systems. -- Consider This: The US system decentralizes power through the maintenance of both federal and state courts, while the system in most countries does not provide for the same kind of specialization. c. Unlike most other countries, the United States offers justices life tenure. d. Unlike most other countries, the United States grants the judicial branch the power of judicial review.

a. The United States has both federal and state courts, whereas most countries have a single national judiciary.

55. How does the White House staff differ from the president's Cabinet? a. The White House staff has greater access to and more influence on the president than the Cabinet. b. The Cabinet has more access to the president than the White House staff—Consider This: The president and the cabinet meet infrequently. c. The president can fire the White House staff but only Congress can dismiss a member of the Cabinet. d. The Cabinet is less democratic and less accountable than the White House staff. e. The White House staff has less specialized policy knowledge than the Cabinet.

a. The White House staff has greater access to and more influence on the president than the Cabinet.

52. The Gulf oil spill of 2010 highlighted what central problem in the relationship between government agencies and the industries they regulate? a. The agency in charge of setting safety standards for oil and gas drilling also issued permits to the oil industry, which created a conflict of interest. b. British Petroleum was contributing large amounts of money to the campaign of the congressional representatives in charge of setting safety standards for oil and gas drilling, which created a conflict of interest. c. The political appointee who headed the agency in charge of issuing permits held stock in the oil and gas industry and used his influence to push the department in charge of safety standards to look the other way. d. A member of the oil industry served on the independent regulatory commission that set safety standards for oil and gas drilling, which created a conflict of interest Consider This: The primary concern with the 2010 oil spill involved administrative regulation and oversight being centered in the same department. e. The Department of the Interior, which set safety standards for oil and gas drilling, did not properly supervise the agency in charge of issuing permits, and that agency and BP had a close relationship.

a. The agency in charge of setting safety standards for oil and gas drilling also issued permits to the oil industry, which created a conflict of interest.

50. What distinguishes the modern presidency from the institution originally envisioned by the Framers of the Constitution? a. The modern presidency has become the central focus of American politics since the 1930s, supplanting Congress as the "first branch" of government. b. The modern presidency is less involved in the development of foreign policy than the Framers intended. c. Modern presidents exhibit a greater level of deference to Congress in budgetary matters than the Framers intended. d. Modern presidents are much less democratic than the Framers intended. e. Modern presidents are more cautious in advocating for their legislative agendas than the Framers intended.

a. The modern presidency has become the central focus of American politics since the 1930s, supplanting Congress as the "first branch" of government.

8. The only way to stop a Senate filibuster is with __________. a. a cloture vote b. a party caucus c. a pocket veto-- Consider This: This is a presidential or executive function. d. the closed rule e. the open rule

a. a cloture vote

7. The Constitutional Convention settled on what form of legislature? a. bicameral b. direct c. unified d. unicameral -- Consider This: This was the previous approach in the Articles of Confederation

a. bicameral

24. What role was Thomas Jefferson performing as president when he made the Louisiana Purchase? a. chief executive b. chief diplomat c. chief legislator d. commander in chief e. chief of state/head of state

a. chief executive

25. What role does a president play when celebrating a national holiday? a. chief of state/head of state b. chief of staff c. chief diplomat d. chief legislator e. chief executive

a. chief of state/head of state

16. Members of Congress who vote based on the preferences of their constituents are acting as __________. a. delegates b. logrollers c. politicos d. riders e. trustees-- Consider This: Acting in faith yet this term implies a different capacity for freedom of voting action.

a. delegates

6. In which court do federal cases generally begin? *a. district c. Supreme Court d. state b. appellate -- Consider This: Appellate courts have the authority to review decisions made by the lower courts. These lower courts have original jurisdiction in the federal judicial system as the starting point for cases.

a. district

24. One purpose of the Administrative Procedure Act is to __________. a. ensure opportunities for public participation in the rule-making process b. give federal agencies greater discretion in the rule-making process c. streamline bureaucratic activities in the rule-making process d. give the president greater control over the rule-making process-- Consider This: The Administrative Procedure Act was designed to facilitate citizen involvement, it does not emphasize greater executive control or discretion. e. discourage agencies from drafting new regulations

a. ensure opportunities for public participation in the rule-making process

9. Based on the Constitution's Take Care clause, __________ direct specific actions by government as a whole or individual departments or agencies, but do not have the force of law. a. executive memoranda b. executive agreements c. signing statements d. executive orders—Consider This: Executive orders are signed by the president, published in the Federal Record, and subject to judicial review.

a. executive memoranda

31. According to the delegate model of representation, legislators are __________. a. expected to represent the views of their constituents b. free to vote as they please, whether constituents like it or not c. obligated to follow a strict interpretation of the Constitution d. obliged to use their personal opinions in decision making e. trusted to follow a strict interpretation of the Constitution

a. expected to represent the views of their constituents

38. Packing and cracking both draw district lines in the favor of the majority party, and thus, are two types of __________. a. gerrymandering b. lawmaking c. logrolling d. oversight e. reapportionment

a. gerrymandering

24. In making the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Thomas Jefferson drew on the claim of __________. a. inherent powers b. a presidential mandate -- Consider This: Mandates come from perceptions following a presidential election. c. war power d. executive privilege

a. inherent powers

6. Which law designates the steps that federal agencies must follow in issuing rules and regulations? a. the Administrative Procedure Act b. the Freedom of Information Act c. the Hatch Act-- Consider This: The Hatch Act regulates the political activities of bureaucrats. d. the Pendleton Act e. the Privacy Act

a. the Administrative Procedure Act

12. Superior officers of government are appointed by __________ and confirmed by __________. a. the president; the Senate c. the president; the Supreme Court d. the Senate; the president b. the president; the House of Representatives-- Consider This: While the House of Representatives can scrutinize presidential appointments, the House plays no formal role in the confirmation process. e. the House of Representatives; the Supreme Court

a. the president; the Senate

27. A unanimous consent agreement specifies __________. a. when a bill will be taken up on the House floor, what amendments will be considered, and when a vote will be taken b. when a bill will be taken up on the Senate floor, what amendments will be considered, and when a vote will be taken c. whether a bill reaches the House floor under a closed rule, restricted rule, or open rule d. whether a bill reaches the Senate floor under a closed rule, restricted rule, or open rule e. whether a bill reaches the Senate floor without a discharge petition

a. when a bill will be taken up on the House floor, what amendments will be considered, and when a vote will be taken

5. You are an adviser to a president who was just elected to her first term in office. She has asked your advice about when to introduce major legislative proposals. Based on what you know about historical patterns of public approval for presidents, what would you suggest? a. Wait at least six months before suggesting any major legislation. b. Begin working to persuade Congress right after taking office. c. Save the most important priorities for the beginning of the second term as president. d. Save the most important priorities for the end of the first term as president.—Consider This: Presidents often enjoy a honeymoon period with Congress and the American public.

b. Begin working to persuade Congress right after taking office.

9. __________ refers to the authority of administrators in the federal bureaucracy to make choices concerning the best way to implement policies. a. Adjudication b. Discretion c. Division of labor d. Independence e. Rule-making

b. Discretion

53. Why was it significant that George Washington was the first person elected to the presidency? a. His ambitions greatly expanded the powers of the presidency. b. His early actions served to establish important precedents that greatly increased the political legitimacy of the office. c. His military leadership as president was critical during the War of 1812. d. His ambitions set up an early struggle between Congress and the presidency-Consider This; The conflicts between Congress and the presidency were a product of deliberate institutional design. e. His early actions served to weaken the office of the presidency, making it subservient to Congress for much of American history.

b. His early actions served to establish important precedents that greatly increased the political legitimacy of the office.

26. The __________ counsels the president on how much money should be distributed to each government agency and reports on each agency's effectiveness. a. secretary of the treasury—Consider This: The president meets with members of the cabinet infrequently. b. Office of Management and Budget c. secretary of commerce d. chief of staff

b. Office of Management and Budget

41. Which of the following statements best characterizes the nature of the conflict between presidents and Congress? a. The conflict is a by-product of the weakening of American political parties. b. The conflict is integral to the design of the Constitution, deliberately intended by the authors of the constitution. c. The conflict is a by-product of the recent polarization of the American party system —Consider This: Separation of powers spurs a great deal of institutional conflict in the United States. d. The conflict is a by-product solely of divided government. e. The conflict intensifies when Republicans control the presidency and Democrats control Congress.

b. The conflict is integral to the design of the Constitution, deliberately intended by the authors of the constitution.

33. Which statement best describes what political scientists call a nondecision in the public policy process? a. The policy problem was based on a false assumption. b. The process stops before final action. c. The process is completed but policy is never implemented. d. No policy problem is identified. e. The process does not begin. -- Consider This: Political Science analysis of the policy process system is focused on solutions and actions rather than on events that do not take place or fail to develop.

b. The process stops before final action.

28. What did the Framers do to avoid tyranny or monarchy in the executive branch? a. They made the president directly elected by the people.—Consider This: The president is selected indirectly through the Electoral College. b. They included separation of powers in the Constitution. c. They did not allow the president to have military responsibility. d. They limited the number of terms a president can serve.

b. They included separation of powers in the Constitution.

2. Which institutional resource is closest to the president? a. Executive Office of the President b. White House staff c. the Cabinet—Consider This: The cabinet and the president meet infrequently. d. the vice president e. Joint Chiefs of Staff

b. White House staff

29. What are the three sides of an iron triangle? a. a federal department or agency, the president, and a set of interest groups b. a federal department or agency, a set of interest groups, and a House and/or Senate committee c. a set of interest groups, a House and/or Senate committee, and a public opinion group d. a federal department or agency, a House and/or Senate committee, and the president e. a House and/or Senate committee, a set of interest groups, and a set of campaign contributors

b. a federal department or agency, a set of interest groups, and a House and/or Senate committee

1. The __________ is a form of organization that delivers goods and services at the lowest cost through specialization of jobs, close supervision of employees, and uniform regulations and procedures. a. administration b. bureaucracy d. civil service e. iron triangle c. cabinet-- Consider This: The cabinet is the highest level of the bureaucracy and does not account for all government employees that provide goods and services.

b. bureaucracy

40. A special joint committee created to reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate is called a(n) __________ committee. a. arbitration b. conference c. negotiation d. select/special e. standing

b. conference

12. Democrats who created the Blue Dog Coalition to work for budget cuts and increased defense spending were primarily responding to which influence? a. constituent b. ideology c. interest group d. party e. president-- Consider This: Other driving forces are more pressing than executive influence.

b. ideology

6. Earmarks aid the district of a member of Congress by __________. a. diverting unallocated funds to the service sector b. increasing jobs and revenue with federally funded projects c. increasing revenue through private market investment -- Consider This: Revenue sources come from taxed income. d. taxing corporations less so they provide health insurance for employees

b. increasing jobs and revenue with federally funded projects

45. Which of the following groups is likely to have the most influence over the construction of regulations during the rule-making stage of the policy process? a. citizens b. interest groups c. Congress d. the president e. a department or agency

b. interest groups

14. What is known as the power to interpret the Constitution? a. adversary system b. judicial review c. common law d. justiciable dispute e. constitutional law

b. judicial review

8. What does the Twenty-Second Amendment do? a. requires that presidents are natural-born citizens b. requires that presidents serve no more than two full terms c. requires the president to be a resident of the United States for two years d. requires the president to be at least 35 years old—Consider This: The age requirement for the president was set at the time of the founding.

b. requires that presidents serve no more than two full terms

35. When Abraham Lincoln imposed a blockade of Confederate shipping, he claimed inherent powers under which constitutional requirement? a. war power b. take care clause c. pardon power d. veto power e. vesting clause

b. take care clause

30. You are a federal employee who has recently learned that a newly hired staff member in your agency may have been chosen based on criteria other than qualifications for the position. What body should you take this information to? a. the Department of Labor -- Consider This: The Department of Labor monitors labor trends and work place regulations, it does not serve as a judicial body making decisions regarding employment scenarios. r b. the Merit Systems Protection Board c. Congress d. the Government Accountability Office

b. the Merit Systems Protection Board

52. What was the turning point that gave rise to the modern institutional presidency? a. the social strife arising from the civil rights movement b. the economic and social turmoil of the Great Depression c. the demands of managing a modern army during World War I—Consider This: Franklin Roosevelt is most closely associated with the rise of the modern president. d. the rise and importance of television as a mechanism that brought the president into the living rooms of American citizens e. the rapid contraction of government following the conclusion of World War II

b. the economic and social turmoil of the Great Depression

57. The Twenty-Fifth Amendment to the Constitution was adopted to clear up ambiguities over the constitutional provisions surrounding __________. a. presidential powers to conduct war b. the role of the vice president should the president die or become incapacitated c. the president's powers to negotiate treaties. d. the separate election of the vice president—Consider This: This problem was solved with the ratification of the Twelfth Amendment in 1803 e. the separation of powers between the executive branch and the legislative branch

b. the role of the vice president should the president die or become incapacitated

46. You are an adviser to the president, who recently revealed to you and other members of the White House staff that he is considering compiling "kill lists" of suspected terrorists. The president is concerned, however, that this action might be overstepping the bounds of presidential power. What constitutional provision could you advise the president to draw upon in justifying this action? a. the vesting clause b. the war power d. the head-of-state power c. the take care clause—Consider This: The take care clause requires that the laws be faithfully executed.

b. the war power

3. Which of the following is a nongovernmental organization that seeks to influence public policy through research and education? a. citizen action group b. think tank c. special-interest group d. political party e. independent regulatory commission

b. think tank

27. Which of the following is an example of a government corporation? a. the Food and Drug Administration b. the Federal Elections Commission c. Amtrak d. the Occupational Safety and Health Administration e. the Environmental Protection Agency

c. Amtrak

40. How are independent regulatory commissions similar to independent stand-alone agencies? a. Both are headed by a single administrator. e. Both perform activities that private investors cannot. b. Both are part of the president's Cabinet-- Consider This: Regulatory commissions are independent of the traditional bureaucracy and do not report to the president like most departments or agencies.. c. Both operate outside of executive department control. d. Both are allowed to charge for their services.

c. Both operate outside of executive department control.

50. Which response best reflects the dilemma of earmarks? a. Earmarks are beneficial to taxpayers but detrimental to reelection. b. Earmarks favor federal employees at the expense of state employees. c. Earmarks favor one district at the expense of all American taxpayers. d. Earmarks are always wasteful expenditures but are useful to politicians. e. Earmarks are typically beneficial to districts but allow the federal government to collect an undue share of tax revenue.

c. Earmarks favor one district at the expense of all American taxpayers.

32. Which is true of the War Powers Resolution (1973) as written? a. It runs counter to the intentions of the Framers by diminishing the separation of powers between the two branches of government in favor of Congress. b. It gives Congress the power to wage war without the president's consent.—Consider This: Congress has the sole power to declare war against a foreign power. c. It gives the president the power to wage short-term wars without congressional approval. d. It gives the president absolute discretion in allocating how funds are used in war.

c. It gives the president the power to wage short-term wars without congressional approval.

56. How does an iron triangle work in creating change in public policy? a. Members of Congress protect their constituencies and interest groups; constituencies reelect the congressional representatives and give money to interest groups; and interest groups support members of Congress and their constituencies. b. Interest groups provide funds to members of Congress and their constituencies, who in turn pressure the president to push through policies the interest groups want, at which point constituencies will give their economic support to interest groups. c. Members of Congress protect agencies and interest groups; agencies give special services to interest groups and congressional representatives' constituencies; and interest groups support members of Congress and agencies. d. Agencies supply services to the public and in return the public supports agency activities, which puts pressure on Congress to pass laws in favor of the agencies-- Consider This: The iron triangle starts with congressional protection of policies, programs, and agencies. e. Members of Congress from the same political party as the president support the president's policies and protect agencies that do the same; in return, the agencies help both when election time comes around.

c. Members of Congress protect agencies and interest groups; agencies give special services to interest groups and congressional representatives' constituencies; and interest groups support members of Congress and agencies.

5. __________ are rules created by government agencies that determine how laws are implemented. a. Policies-- Consider This: While policies may contain rules created by government agencies, they also include other elements of legislation and rule making b. Procedures c. Regulations d. Standards e. Statutes

c. Regulations

25. __________ committees exist in both the House and Senate, may be temporary or permanent, and usually have a focused responsibility. a. Conference b. Joint c. Select/special d. Standing e. Temporal

c. Select/special

13. What has to happen in Congress before the president can be impeached? a. The House can impeach the president by a simple majority; the Senate does not have a vote—Consider This: The process to remove the president illustrates the system of checks and balances in American politics. b. The Senate can impeach the president by a simple majority; the House does not have a vote. c. The House can impeach the president by a simple majority; the Senate needs a two-thirds majority to convict. d. The Senate can impeach the president with a two-thirds majority; the House does not have a vote. e. The House and Senate must both have a two-thirds majority.

c. The House can impeach the president by a simple majority; the Senate needs a two-thirds majority to convict.

58. Which of the following is a major concern surrounding current congressional-presidential relations? a. Presidents are delegating too many constitutional powers to Congress. b. The principle of the separation of powers is eroding in favor of expanded congressional power. c. The principle of the separation of powers is eroding in favor of expanded presidential power. d. Congress is overriding presidential vetoes too easily, effectively ending the Madisonian system of checks and balances. e. Congressional oversight over the bureaucracy is making it impossible for presidents to carry out executive functions.

c. The principle of the separation of powers is eroding in favor of expanded presidential power.

43. How has the office of vice president changed over the years? a. The vice president is no longer trusted as he once was. b. The vice president, who once was very involved, is now frozen out of the policy-making process. c. The vice president has been more involved in the policy-making process in recent years than in the past—Consider This: The vice presidency has become institutionally more important in recent years. d. The vice president used to be involved in important tasks, but now spends most of his time acting as a figurehead. e. The vice presidency has become a prerequisite for the presidency.

c. The vice president has been more involved in the policy-making process in recent years than in the past—Consider This: The vice presidency has become institutionally more important in recent years.

42. Which of the following statements best describes contemporary relationships between presidents and Congress? a. They are always passive, with Congress dominating the executive branch.—Consider This: The separation of powers embedded in the constitutional order increases the potential for institutional struggles in American politics. b. They are consensual in times of economic growth. c. They are generally antagonistic. d. They are generally antagonistic but only during periods of unified government.

c. They are generally antagonistic.

47. Which of the following would be an example of a redistributive policy? a. an increase in defense spending to build more ships-- Consider This: A redistributive policy takes from one group to provide for another, it does not involve a shared good or service. b. an improvement program for national parks c. an educational program for poor minority high school students d. an educational program to provide additional training for air traffic controllers e. funding to build a new cross-country interstate

c. an educational program for poor minority high school students

53. Which of the following public policy approach might result from a view that hard work does not necessarily pay off? a. support for privatization of Social Security b. an increase in the interest on student loans c. an expansion of job training programs d. trade agreements to open new markets overseas e. reductions in the food stamp program-- Consider This: A reduction in food stamps would generally require dependent families to work more

c. an expansion of job training programs

7. __________ law governs relations between individuals and defines their legal rights. a. Criminal-- Consider This: In a criminal law case, the offense may be harmful to an individual or to society whereas the case in question involves a dispute between two parties. b. Judicial c. Civil d. Tort e. Adversary

c. civil

20. The use of __________ in foreign matters is an example of the president acting as a global leader. a. pocket vetoes b. executive privilege—Consider This: Executive privilege allows presidents to claim the right to refuse to provide information to other branches of government. c. executive agreements d. executive orders e. signing statements

c. executive agreements

60. What was the origin of the dispute resulting in the 2012 Super Committee? a. constitutional prohibition on raising the debt ceiling b. constitutional prohibition on federal borrowing c. inability to balance the budget d. Democrat desire to cut social program funding e. Republican desire to raise taxes

c. inability to balance the budget

46. What is the typical trajectory of a bill in the House of Representatives? a. introduction, committee referral, rules committee, subcommittee, full committee report, full House vote, conference committee, send to president b. introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, full committee report, rules committee, conference committee, send to president, full House vote c. introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, full committee report, rules committee, full House vote, conference committee, send to president d. introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, rules committee, full committee report, conference committee, full House vote, send to president e. introduction, subcommittee, committee referral, full committee report, rules committee, full House vote, conference committee, send to president

c. introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, full committee report, rules committee, full House vote, conference committee, send to president

21. The president pro tempore __________. a. has the power to nullify legislation with a pocket veto-- Consider This: A pocket veto is a presidential or executive capacity. b. has the power to select the majority leader c. is an honorific office awarded to the senior senator of the majority party d. is a role bequeathed to the vice president by the Constitution e. personally presides over the Senate floor when it is in session

c. is an honorific office awarded to the senior senator of the majority party

59. The House Ways and Means Committee is so powerful because __________. a. it has the power to reconcile different versions of a bill b. it has the power to set the terms of floor debate -- Consider This: This is beyond the scope of this committee. c. it both authorizes spending and appropriates funds d. it both raises and authorizes spending

c. it both authorizes spending and appropriates funds

53. Which kind of committee can be convened to conduct a special investigation in the event of a major scandal? a. conference b. investigative c. joint d. judiciary-- Consider This: Committee is derived from legislative branch members. e. standing

c. joint

45. This individual keeps close contact with all members of his or her party, counts votes for key legislation, prepares summaries of bills, and acts as a communications link within the party. a. committee chairperson b. majority/minority leader c. majority/minority whip d. president pro tempore e. Speaker of the House

c. majority/minority whip

5. Which of the following is a classic form of gerrymandering? a. markup b. overriding c. packing e. redistricting d. reapportionment-- Consider This: This is the process of adjusting for population changes and representation.

c. packing

36. Who among the following is never allowed to introduce a bill in Congress? a. a party whip b. the president pro tempore c. the president d. the Senate majority leader e. the Speaker of the House

c. the president

49. In crafting the executive branch, what was the motive behind the decisions of the Constitution's Framers? a. to create an effective national leader directly tied to the citizens—Consider This: The framers deliberately designed the institution with a fear of majority tyranny in mind. b. to create a strong national leader who would have direct ties to state governors c. to create a leader with enough authority to protect the nation from domestic and foreign threats but not so strong that he or she would jeopardize liberty d. to create a weak national leader that could easily be dominated by Congress

c. to create a leader with enough authority to protect the nation from domestic and foreign threats but not so strong that he or she would jeopardize liberty

51. Under what circumstance are bureaucrats most likely to exercise discretion? a. when an agency is creating environmental regulations-- Consider This: While many complain that environmental regulations rely more on discretion than other areas, there is no evidence to demonstrate that environmental decisions rely more on discretion. b. when an agency is under congressional investigation c. when an agency is implementing a law that contains ambiguity d. when an agency is elevated to the status of a Cabinet department e. when an agency is proposing legislation

c. when an agency is implementing a law that contains ambiguity

19. Which of the following is an example of the rally-round-the-flag effect? a. George H. W. Bush was reelected after winning the first Gulf War—Consider This: Winning an election is not enough to demonstrate a rally point. b. Jimmy Carter gained respect during his handling of the Iranian hostage crisis. c. During the Watergate investigation, Richard Nixon's approval ratings soared. d. George W. Bush's popularity was boosted following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. e. Ronald Reagan's approval rating increased sharply during the Iran-Contra scandal.

d. George W. Bush's popularity was boosted following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

60. What is a possible problem of the War Powers Resolution (1973) as written? a. It makes Congress too powerful in the conduct of war. b. It runs counter to the intentions of the Framers by diminishing the separation of powers between the two branches of government in favor of Congress. c. It gives Congress the power to wage war without the president's consent. d. It gives the president the power to wage short-term wars without congressional approval. e. It gives the president too much discretion in allocating how funds are used in war.

d. It gives the president the power to wage short-term wars without congressional approval.

2. Which statement is true of the House of Representatives? a. Members are elected every four years and apportioned to states based on geographic size. b. Members are elected every four years and apportioned to states based on population. -- Consider This: Elections are more frequent. c. Members are elected every two years and apportioned to states based on geographic size. d. Members are elected every two years and apportioned to states based on population. 277

d. Members are elected every two years and apportioned to states based on population.

4. Which of these became an official presidential qualification in 1951 with the ratification of the Twenty-Second Amendment? a. natural born citizen b. at least 35 years old c. resident of the United States for two years d. a maximum of two terms e. a college degree

d. a maximum of two terms

18. Which of the following is one way Congress can exercise control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy? a. by issuing executive orders b. by issuing reports through the Office of Management and Budget c. by nominating appointees to key positions in federal agencies -- Consider This: Congress has confirmation powers, it possesses no independent nomination powers. d. by confirming appointees to key positions in federal agencies

d. by confirming appointees to key positions in federal agencies

2. What are the four broad types of departments and agencies for which federal employees work? a. federal departments, state departments, independent agencies, and independent regulatory commissions b. departments, cabinets, independent agencies, and independent regulatory commissions-- Consider This: The cabinet represents only departments and not the three other broad types of agencies c. departments, administrations, independent agencies, and independent regulatory commissions d. departments, independent stand-alone agencies, independent regulatory commissions, and government corporations e. federal departments, state departments, agencies, and government corporations

d. departments, independent stand-alone agencies, independent regulatory commissions, and government corporations

3. What best explains the overwhelming advantage incumbents possess in seeking reelection? a. additional financial support from constituent taxes b. additional financial support from the federal government campaign fund c. congressional staff in home districts and access to district taxes d. name recognition, access to media, and useful connections e. name recognition, free postage, and access to district taxes-- Consider This: The role of popular exposure is crucial.

d. name recognition, access to media, and useful connections

4. How many justices currently serve on the Supreme Court? a. five-- Consider This: While an odd number of justices is widely considered preferable because it prevents tie decisions, there have never been fewer than six justices on the Court b. six c. twelve d. nine e. eight

d. nine

14. What is one of the surest ways to kill a bill? a. attach it as a rider b. discharge petition c. let it die in conference committee d. pocket veto e. presidential veto

d. pocket veto

41. Congressional Member Organizations, or member caucuses, are __________. a. allowed to introduce legislation b. not allowed to be bipartisan c. not allowed to cross House-Senate lines d. promoters of shared legislative interests e. rarely bipartisan

d. promoters of shared legislative interests

19. Impeachment of the president is one of the checks on government set out by the Constitution that __________. a. allows the House or Senate to charge the president with "high crimes and misdemeanors" -- Consider This: Only the House of Representatives may bring charges of impeachment. b. is so rare, it has only been used three times in history of the United States c. requires a majority vote in the Senate to convict *d. requires a trial of the accused in the Senate to determine guilt or innocence 276

d. requires a trial of the accused in the Senate to determine guilt or innocence

52. How are committee chairs selected in the House? a. a subject knowledge test b. interviews to determine party loyalty c. joint decision of the majority and minority leaders d. seniority within the committee e. seniority within the party

d. seniority within the committee

15. Which of the following represents the federal government in the Supreme Court? a. attorney general b. president c. Speaker of the House d. solicitor general e. chief prosecutor

d. solicitor general

47. Which is an example of logrolling in Congress? a. awarding a government contract to a campaign supporter b. introducing and sponsoring a bill c. sponsoring a bill in exchange for federal monies-- Consider This: Consider another example of internal collusion. d. supporting a bill in exchange for support of one's own bill e. working to get federal monies for an interstate highway

d. supporting a bill in exchange for support of one's own bill

32. Appointing which group is the first major job for the president-elect? a. the White House staff b. the Executive Office of the President c. the National Security Council d. the Cabinet e. the Supreme Court

d. the Cabinet

47. Which factor helps explain the growing resistance that presidents of recent years have faced in all their respective roles? a. the fact that foreign policy dominates their attention b. the fact that Americans care only about pocketbook issues, which presidents cannot affect c. the fact that Americans, who have a persistent sense that Congress should be the center of government, are hostile to presidential leadership—Consider This: Presidents are often viewed as the most important institution at the national level. d. the fact that Americans have a persistent sense that politicians can do nothing right, which constrains the ability of presidents to lead

d. the fact that Americans have a persistent sense that politicians can do nothing right, which constrains the ability of presidents to lead

1. The Constitution gives __________ the power to draw House district lines. a. the Senate -- Consider This: This is an item for districts. b. the House c. the Supreme Court d. the states

d. the states

13. When are bills introduced in Congress most likely to meet their demise? a. after being read into the congressional record b. after the final floor debate c. after they arrive on the president's desk -- Consider This: Signing or vetoing represents activity that often keeps bills authorized or alive. d. upon referral to a committee or subcommittee

d. upon referral to a committee or subcommittee

39. Why does the perception of a mandate matter in presidential politics? a. Since public approval has become much more important to modern presidents, most presidents rely on the mandate and the polls to measure their popularity and increase their approval ratings. b. The presidential mandate claimed by modern presidents makes it easier for them to get their choices of Supreme Court justices approved than in the past. c. Because Congress sees the president as holding a mandate of the people, the legislators do not block the president's agenda as vehemently as legislators in the past did. d. The president's mandate consists of the modern perception among members of Congress that, by virtue of having been elected, the president has the ability to manage the bureaucracy. e. Because modern presidents are more dependent on the people for election and more involved in policy making than early presidents, they are prone to claim the mandate of the people when governing.

e. Because modern presidents are more dependent on the people for election and more involved in policy making than early presidents, they are prone to claim the mandate of the people when governing.

57. Iron triangles have been replaced by issue networks for which of the following reasons? a. The increase in corporate-sponsored interest groups made one corner of the iron triangle too powerful-- Consider This: While some interest groups are corporate-sponsored the major changes focuses on the sophistication and specialization rather than where the money is coming from. b. Because interest groups no longer have the kinds of influence they once had, public opinion as gleaned through polls has taken their place. c. Fewer numbers of small, highly specialized groups has made one corner of the iron triangle less functional. d. Issue networks consist of large numbers of individuals who are specialized in different fields and can provide Congress with needed information that the members of the iron triangle could not. e. Increasing numbers of small, highly specialized groups have made one corner of the iron triangle harder to fill with a steady occupant.

e. Increasing numbers of small, highly specialized groups have made one corner of the iron triangle harder to fill with a steady occupant.

21. Which of the following best describes the distinction between the policy agenda and problems? a. Problems are a result of physical realities, while the agenda comes from people. b. The agenda comes from many sources, while problems generally come from one. c. The agenda is a direct product of politics, while problems are distinct from politics. d. The agenda arises from events, while problems are difficulties caused by those events. e. Problems are created when policy makers put them on the agenda, which is a list of a political party's goals.

e. Problems are created when policy makers put them on the agenda, which is a list of a political party's goals.

18. Why are there currently 435 members in the House of Representatives? a. The Constitution requires a specific ratio of representatives to constituents. b. The Constitution stipulates this number. c. The number has changed to reflect gerrymandering. d. The number has grown each decade, according to census data. e. The number is fixed at this limit by a statute.

e. The number is fixed at this limit by a statute.

44. Charged with the responsibility to __________, the __________ is almost certainly the most powerful committee in either chamber of Congress. a. set targets for spending and taxes, the House Budget Committee b. investigate the performance of government, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee c. make decisions about money for authorized programs, the Senate Appropriations Committee d. oversee nominations and the Department of Justice, Senate Judiciary Committee e. grant and set procedural rules, House Rules Committee

e. grant and set procedural rules, House Rules Committee

51. One example of the Framers' intent to insulate the Senate from the tyranny of the majority was to __________. a. give members lifetime appointments c. give the Senate authority to overturn a Supreme Court decision b. give the Senate authority to overturn a presidential veto without House ratification-- Consider This: The Senate is unable to commit this action. d. have members appointed by incumbent senators e. have members appointed by their respective state legislatures

e. have members appointed by their respective state legislatures

55. The Jack Abramoff bribery scandal prompted Congress to enact new ethics rules, starting in 2007. Under these new rules, members of Congress ___________. a. may accept meals, but not gifts, from lobbyists b. may accept payment for making speeches and attending events— Consider This: This distinction was revised following this scandal. c. may accept small gifts from lobbyists, but they must be reported d. may not accept free travel for any reason e. may not accept gifts, travel, or meals from lobbyists

e. may not accept gifts, travel, or meals from lobbyists

48. You are a member of the House of Representatives, and wish to introduce a bill. What do you do? a. announce the bill on the floor after a motion to the presiding officer b. announce the bill on the floor and by memo to your colleagues c. offer the bill as an amendment to pending legislation d. offer the bill to the Speaker of the House e. place the bill in the hopper

e. place the bill in the hopper

1. What is executive privilege? a. the ability to refuse to spend money appropriated by Congress b. the ability to veto programmatic requests in a bill c. the power to declare war or initiate a police action d. the right to direct the policy of federal agencies e. the right to keep communications confidential to the presidency

e. the right to keep communications confidential to the presidency

16. On what basis are people hired to be part of the Senior Executive Service? a. their loyalty to the president b. their party affiliation c. their length of service in government-- Consider This: senior executives are leaders and managers, while some may come from within the bureaucracy most come from outside of government. d. their experience in international diplomacy e. their leadership and management skills

e. their leadership and management skills

58. Although most incumbents are reelected with ease, the price may be the necessity ___________. a. to caucus with the opposing party b. to forego running for leadership positions-- Consider This: This possibility runs contrary to visibility and presence in the Congress. c. to give up seniority d. to resign from a committee assignment e. to run a permanent campaign

e. to run a permanent campaign

15. Throughout most of its history, which was considered an insignificant office? a. attorney general b. chief of staff c. secretary of state—Consider This: In the early years of the Republic this office was considered a stepping stone to the presidency. d. Speaker of the House e. vice president

e. vice president