ap gov midtermy
Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution most concerns Madison according to the passage? (A) Article I, Section 10" (B) Article II, Section 1 (C) Article III, Section 1 (D) Article I, Section 2
Article I, Section 2—"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature."
Which of the following is empowered to create new federal courts and specify the number of judges who will sit on them? (A) The Supreme Court (B) Congress (C) The President (D) The Department of Justice (E) The attorney general
Congress
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the arguments made in The Federalist 10 and Brutus 1 ? A) Factions are inevitable with popular sovereignty. A strong national government is needed. (B) Factions are most dangerous at the local level. Small republics are best for stable governments. (C) Power should be concentrated in the executive branch to address factions. National government is too far from the people. (D) The effects of factions cannot be controlled. Popular sovereignty leads to anarchy.
Factions are most dangerous at the local level. Small republics are best for stable governments
Under the Articles of Confederation, which of the following were true? I. Congress could not tax the states directly. II. The executive branch of government exercised more power than Congress. III. Congress was a unicameral body. IV. States were represented in Congress proportionally according to population.
I and III
Of the following, which has been used most to expand the power of the national government? (A) The commerce clause of the Constitution (B) The habeas corpus clause of the Constitution (C) The bill of attainder clause of the Constitution (D) The First Amendment (E) The Fifth Amendment
The commerce clause of the Constitution
the process shown in the diagram is outlined in which of the following parts of the united states constitution
article v
Which of the following is the most likely consequence of divided government? (A) Reorganization of the federal bureaucracy (B) Conflicts between states (C) Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees (D) Conflicts between national government and states (E) Elimination of the seniority rule in Congress
delays in confirmation of federal court nominees
congress adopted the war powers resolution to (A) give the president additional powers in case of military emergencies (B) delineate a clear chain of command in the event of nuclear war (C) criticize the president for declaring war without authorization from Congress (D) enable the president to commit troops to United Nations peacekeeping forces (E) limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas
limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas
Which of the following is most likely an effect of the trend in the line graph? (A) An increase in accountability of the bureaucracy (B) A decrease in the length of regulatory bills passed by Congress (C) A decrease in congressional oversight as a mechanism to control the bureaucracy (D) An increase in the authority of the House of Representatives over the bureaucracy
A decrease in congressional oversight as a mechanism to control the bureaucracy
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances? (A) An unpopular Supreme Court ruling can be overturned by a majority vote of both houses of Congress. (B) A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. (C) A filibuster in the Senate can be ended with a cloture motion that has the support of 60 senators. (D) A treaty negotiated by the president with a foreign government must be approved by a majority vote of the House.
A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
which of the following is argued by James Madison in the Federalist paper number 10? (A) A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism. (B) Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics. (C) The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities. (D) Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny. (E) The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.
A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism
The decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) reflected new ideas about federalism at the time that can be best characterized by which of the following? (A) A consolidation of power in the national government based on national supremacy (B) Acknowledgement of the limitations of national power and a recognition of the reserved power of the states. (C) A delegation of power from the state governments to the federal government, increasing the power of the United States government (D) An increase in cooperative federalism,
Acknowledgement of the limitations of national power and a recognition of the reserved power of the states.
Which of the following describes the origin of the United States court system presented in the diagram? (A) Article II of the Constitution established the three-tiered court system and the jurisdiction of each court in each tier. (B) McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) allowed the Supreme Court to establish other federal courts. (C) Article III of the Constitution established a Supreme Court, while other federal courts were established by Congress. (D) Marbury v. Madison (1803) allowed Congress to create other federal courts.
Article III of the Constitution established a Supreme Court, while other federal courts were established by Congress.
Based on The Federalist 21, which of the following arguments about government would Hamilton likely agree with? (A) The national government, by natural right, has more power than the state governments. (B) Separation of powers means that the national government is limited to passing only legislation that all the states want. (C) Under federalism, the states retain more power than the national government. (D) As a practical matter, the laws of the national government ought to have supremacy over state laws.
As a practical matter, the laws of the national government ought to have supremacy over state laws.
Which of the following pair of Supreme Court cases best illustrates how views of federalism have shifted in the United States? A Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) Baker v. Carr (1962) B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) United States v. Lopez (1995) C Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2010) McDonald v. Chicago (2010) D Schenck v. United States (1919) New York Times v. United
Case 1: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Case 2: United States v. Lopez (1995)
Which of the following statements best explains the diagram? (A) The United States District Court is the starting place for all cases going to the United States Supreme Court. (B) State supreme courts have the final say in all cases arising in the states. (C) Cases arising at both the state and federal level may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court. (D) The number of federal courts is greater than the number of state courts.
Cases arising at both the state and federal level may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Which of the following is a consequence of having concurrent powers within a federal system of government? (A) The executive branch can expand its control of the policy agenda. (B) States can pass laws that override the laws of the federal government. (C) Citizens and interest groups seeking policy change can choose from multiple access points. (D) Members of Congress can cultivate close relationships with power brokers in their regions.
Citizens and interest groups seeking policy change can choose from multiple access points.
In 1998, Goodyear employee Lilly Ledbetter filed suit against her employer for pay discrimination based on her gender. Though Ledbetter was initially successful, Goodyear appealed the decision and the case went to the Supreme Court. In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (2007), the Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that sex discrimination complaints must be made within 180 days "after the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred," which Ledbetter had failed to do. Which of the following actions could be taken to reverse the impact of the decision? (A) Ledbetter could renew her appeal by seeking additional Supreme Court review. (B) The president could sign an executive order to alter the Civil Rights Act. (C) Ledbetter could pursue her case using the same arguments in state courts. (D) Congress could enact legislation to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Congress could enact legislation to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
which of the following scenarios best illustrates delegated discretionary authority (A) Congress giving the Environmental Protection Agency the power to establish national pollution standards (B) The chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce appointing the chair of the Environment subcommittee (C) The House of Representatives establishing the jurisdiction for the Committee on Energy and Commerce (D) The president nominating the attorney general of Ohio to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Congress giving the Environmental Protection Agency the power to establish national pollution standards
Based on the passage above, which of the following constitutional provisions would the author most likely identify as a solution to the problem of the imperial presidency? (A) Congress exercising the power to regulate commerce (B) Congress insisting that it declare war prior to the use of international force (C) The president making stronger use of bureaucratic discretion (D) Congress creating term limits for all members of government
Congress insisting that it declare war prior to the use of international force
On February 9, 2016, President Barack Obama released his budget proposal for the 2017 fiscal year..... Which of the following most accurately explains the interaction between the president and the Congress regarding the defense budget? (A) The Congress has the enumerated power to raise revenue, but it is forced to work with the president because the president has the power to determine spending for each department in the upcoming fiscal year. (B) The president can create a budget for defense spending, but Congress has the power to execute laws and operate the government, which can affect how much money is actually spent. (C) Congress passes a budget for the entire federal government, including defense, but it must consider the president's proposal because the president may veto the bill. (D) The president introduces a specific budget bill for defense spending, but Congress
Congress passes a budget for the entire federal government, including defense, but it must consider the president's proposal because the president may veto the bill
Which of the following is a consequence of the dynamic competition among branches of government described in the passage? (A) Many states have the decision-making powers of the legislative and executive branches fused together. (B) The executive branch tends to increase at the expense of other branches. (C) Effective policy change among governmental levels and branches occurs with little long-term abuse of authority. (D) Many states do not have significant policy-making power since the federal government is effective in making policy for them.
Effective policy change among governmental levels and branches occurs with little long-term abuse of authority.
which of the following accurately characterizes the main difference between elite theories and pluralist theories of politics in the United States? (A) Elite theories concentrate on the role of interest groups; pluralist theories emphasize the role of individuals. (B) Elite theories argue that a single minority dominates politics in all policy areas; pluralist theories argue that many minorities compete for power in different policy areas. (C) Elite theories argue that social status is the major source of political power; pluralist theories argue that wealth is the major source. (D) Elite theories emphasize the multiple access points that interest groups have to public officials; pluralist theories stress the limits in the number and effectiveness of such access points. (E) Elite theories view government as efficient; pluralist theories view it as slow and wasteful.
Elite theories argue that a single minority dominates politics in all policy areas; pluralist theories argue that many minorities compete for power in different policy areas.
Which of the following accurately compares the formal and informal powers of the president? A Vetoing legislation to prevent a bill from becoming law Using a pocket veto to prevent a bill from becoming law B Using the bully pulpit to influence public opinion Appointing ambassadors and receiving diplomats from other nations C Acting as commander in chief of the military Signing executive agreements with foreign nations D Using the power of the purse to support government programs Using signing statements to shape legislation
Formal power: acting as commander in chief of the military Informal power: signing executive agreements with foreign nations
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate? A) The majority and minority parties control legislative scheduling and rules equally. Minority party members can threaten to filibuster a bill the majority party wants to pass. (B) The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people. The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states. (C) Most legislative work takes place in the standing committees. Based on its size, it tends to have stricter rules affecting the legislative process. (D) Members serve two-year terms with a term limit of up to twelve years. Members serve six-year terms with no term limits.
House of Representatives: the constitutions framers intended it to reflect the will of the people Senate: the constitutions framers designed it to represent the interests of the states
Which of the following are differences between the legislative process in the House of Representatives and that in the Senate? I. Debate is more restricted on the House floor than on the Senate floor. II. The amendment process is more restricted in the House than in the Senate. III. Bills are more likely to bybass committee consideration in the House than in the Senate. IV. A Rules Committee sets the guidelines for floor debate in the House but not in the Senate.
I, II, and IV
In which of the following ways could the president try to limit the impact of a Supreme Court decision? (A) Calling for the removal of the Supreme Court justices (B) Instructing the Department of Justice to delay the implementation of a provision of the decision (C) Passing legislation that overrides the Court's opinion (D) Changing the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
Instructing the Department of Justice to delay the implementation of a provision of the decision
Which of the following is generally true of the gerrymandering of congressional districts? (A) It results in more Democrats being elected to the House. (B) It results in more Republicans being elected to the House. (C) It guarantees that all minority parties will be equally represented. (D) It creates districts that favor one political party over another. (E) It violates the principle of one-person, one-vote.
It creates districts that favor one political party over another.
On September 29, 2020, after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, ----- (A) Life tenure for appointed justices alongside the power of judicial review increases the stakes in the confirmation process for nominees to the Supreme Court. (B) Judicial appointees tend to make controversial statements on important policy issues during their confirmation hearings to get confirmed. (C) The merit system for hiring members of the bureaucracy extends to the vetting process for nominations to the Supreme Court. (D) Presidents usually request that the
Life tenure for appointed justices alongside the power of judicial review increases the stakes in the confirmation process for nominees to the Supreme Court.
In which of the following decisions did the Supreme Court use an argument most similar to the one in The Federalist No. 78 ? (A) McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) (B) Schenck v. United States (1919) (C) Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) (D) Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Which of the following best describes pork barrel politics? (A) The Office of Management and Budget negotiates with Congress to get the president's budget proposal passed. (B) Senators from states with agricultural economies promote farm price supports. (C) Voters in rural areas support different issue positions than do voters in metropolitan areas. (D) Members of Congress negotiate bills so that individual districts get money for projects that do not benefit the nation as a whole. (E) Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee refuse to endorse the president's nominees to the federal courts.
Members of Congress negotiate bills so that individual districts get money for projects that do not benefit the nation as a whole.
The majority party in the Senate is concerned that the Supreme Court has made a number of ideologically dangerous and controversial rulings. Which of the following actions could be taken by the Senate to limit the Supreme Court's power? (A) Replace the chief justice of the Supreme Court with someone with whom they agree with ideologically (B) Pass legislation already passed by the House that would limit the impact of the Supreme Court's recent rulings (C) Ratify a constitutional amendment limiting the Supreme Court's power (D) Enforce term limits for justices on the Supreme Court
Pass legislation already passed by the House that would limit the impact of the Supreme Court's recent rulings
Which of the following statements best reflects James Madison's beliefs about political representation as expressed in the passage? (A) People would be best served by having a strong leader to make the decisions. (B) People will not truly have a voice in government until they can vote on laws directly. (C) People are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues. (D) People should elect political representatives who are wealthy enough to avoid corruption.
People are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues.
Which of the following is a model of democracy that emphasizes the role of interest groups in advocating for public policy? (A) Participatory democracy (B) Elitist democracy (C) Majoritarian democracy (D) Pluralist democracy
Pluralist democracy
The vice of the groupist theory is that it conceals the most significant aspects of the system. The flaw in the pluralist --- Which of the following best captures the author's argument regarding the forms of democracy? (A) Pluralist democracy, which seeks to shield elites from popular opinion, functions best when individual citizens do not participate in the process. (B) Participatory democracy, which emphasizes limited participation, marginalizes those who do not have the economic means to participate. (C) Pluralist democracy, though it involves groups at different stages of the process of developing policy, excludes a significant portion of the population. (D) Participatory
Pluralist democracy, though it involves groups at different stages of developing policy, excludes a significant portion of the population
Which of the following statements describes the author's main argument in the passage? (A) Congress must reassert its responsibility to declare war in order to ensure a balance of power. (B) Presidential power in foreign policy has expanded since the beginning of the twentieth century. (C) The Korean War was a turning point in presidential power. (D) The acquisition of the Panama Canal gave the president undisputed power over foreign policy.
Presidential power in foreign policy has expanded since the beginning of the twentieth century.
Which of the following is a difference between the power of nineteenth-century presidents and that of the modern president according to the passage? (A) Presidents in the nineteenth century had to contend with congressional committees, which had significant powers in foreign affairs. (B) Modern presidents have acquired the power of the purse, which allows them to spend freely on foreign affairs. (C) Modern presidents must win wars in order to keep members of Congress from criticizing their foreign policy. (D) Presidents in the nineteenth century were more likely to support intervention in foreign affairs.
Presidents in the nineteenth century had to contend with congressional committees, which had significant powers in foreign affairs.
Which of the following committees of the House of Representatives sets the conditions for debate and amendment of most legislation? (A) Ways and Means (B) Appropriations (C) Judiciary (D) Rules (E) Government Operations
Rules
In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the United States Supreme Court ruled that a Georgia law violated the U.S. Constitution. In response to Chief Justice John Marshall's majority opinion, President Andrew Jackson said, "John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it." Which of the following ideas regarding government does President Jackson's statement exhibit? (A) Since the Supreme Court has no enforcement mechanism, the executive and legislative branches can restrict its decisions by delaying their implementation. (B) When the Supreme Court takes an activist approach to decision making, it can influence policy. (C) Constitutional amendments have granted the Supreme Court greater power to enforce its decisions. (D) Unpopular Supreme Court Justices can be removed by a two-thirds vote in Congress and a presidential signature.
Since the Supreme Court has no enforcement mechanism, the executive and legislative branches can restrict its decisions by delaying their implementation.
Based on the passage and your knowledge, which of the following most likely explains how Adam Smith might react to the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ? (A) Smith would approve of the court's decision that limited the scope of the federal government's regulatory authority. (B) Smith would disapprove of the court's decision to expand the federal government's power to regulate the economy. (C) Smith would disapprove of the court's decision allowing private businesses to make unlimited contributions to political campaigns. (D) Smith would approve of the court's decision to expand the power of the federal government to promote economic growth.
Smith would disapprove of the court's decision to expand the federal government's power to regulate the economy.
which of the following statements is supported by the data on the map? (A) Michigan (MI) has a higher rate of uninsured people than Mississippi (MS). (B) Alaska (AK) has a lower rate of uninsured people than Hawaii (HI). (C) Wyoming (WY) has a lower rate of uninsured people than Idaho (ID). (D) Texas (TX) has a higher rate of uninsured people than New Jersey (NJ).
Texas (TX) has a higher rate of uninsured people than New Jersey (NJ)
If a bill reaches the floor for debate and a member of the minority party opposes the bill, which of the following provides greater leverage to a senator than to a member of the House to block passage of the bill? (A) The Senate allows for unlimited floor debate that can hold up a vote, while the House has strict limits on debate. (B) The Senate is more collegial than the House, so members can easily gain support from the opposing party. (C) The Senate allows for discharge petitions that force the bill out of committee, while the House does not. (D) The Senate is much less likely than the House to have party-line votes, so nonpartisan coalitions are more likely to form.
The Senate allows for unlimited floor debate that can hold up a vote, while the House has strict limits on debate.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a case being decided based on precedent? (A) The Supreme Court bases its decision in a case involving the commerce clause on one of its earlier decisions involving the commerce clause. (B) The Supreme Court overturns a lower court decision in a case dealing with voter identification laws. (C) A state passes a law which contradicts federal law, causing the Supreme Court to rule in favor of the federal government. (D) The chief justice of the Supreme Court disagrees with the
The Supreme Court bases its decision in a case involving the commerce clause on one of its earlier decisions involving the commerce clause.
Which of the following explains why the author believes presidential power has expanded? (A) Congress has passed legislation requesting that the president take on a stronger leadership role in foreign affairs. (B) The media has influenced public opinion to support the president's unrestrained control of foreign policy. (C) The United States has emerged as a global power, which has enhanced the power of the president in foreign affairs. (D) The chief executive's role as defender of freedom and democracy has promoted support for a more active presidency.
The United States has emerged as a global power, which has enhanced the power of the president in foreign affairs.
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. (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.
The department of transportation can write stronger regulates on freight volume
Which of the following was a likely result of the decision in Wickard v. Filburn that contributed to the Court's later decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) ? (A) The Supreme Court is not elected, so unpopular decisions such as in the Wickard case cannot be overturned unless Congress acts upon it. (B) Laws passed by Congress are required to undergone judicial review by the Supreme Court to ensure that the commerce clause and other parts of the Constitution are interpreted correctly. (C) The expansive interpretation of the commerce clause by the Supreme Court which greatly extended the power of Congress drew criticism that eventually led to a narrower interpretation. (D) Rather than be regulated by Congress, many citizens and corporations opt instead to find loopholes so that the law does not apply to them.
The expansive interpretation of the commerce clause by the Supreme Court which greatly extended the power of Congress drew criticism that eventually led to a narrower interpretation.
In the passage, Hamilton is concerned that under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government does not have sufficient constitutional powers to gain compliance from state governments. Which of the following is a way that the Constitution allows the federal government to address this problem? (A) The state governments have reserved powers under the Tenth Amendment. (B) The federal government is not permitted to coin money. (C) The federal government can pass laws that allow it to fine or tax individuals directly. (D) A Bill of Rights was added to the United States Constitution to protect individual civil liberties.
The federal government can pass laws that allow it to fine or tax individuals directly.
Which of the following statements about Congress is true? (A) Members of Congress only occasionally are interested in and pay attention to constituents. (B) The legislative process is frequently lengthy, decentralized, and characterized by compromise and bargaining. (C) Lobbyists and political action committees (PAC's) successfully induce most members of Congress to trade their votes for campaign contributions. (D) The growth in the size of Congress as an organization is the principal cause of growth in the federal budget deficit. (E) Debate in both houses is structured by elaborate rules enacted by leaders of the majority party.
The legislative process is frequently lengthy, decentralized, and characterized by compromise and bargaining.
Which of the following statements is best supported by the line graph? (A) The number of vetoes has generally increased since 1945, even though the number of bills passed by Congress has decreased. (B) The number of vetoes has generally decreased since 1945, but so has the number of bills passed by Congress. (C) The number of vetoes has generally decreased since 1945, but the number of bills passed by Congress has increased. (D) The number of vetoes has generally increased since 1945, but so has the number of bills passed by Congress.
The number of vetoes has generally decreased since 1945, but so has the number of bills passed by Congress.
Which of the following statements is a correct implication of the author's argument? (A) The modern president has abused the power of the executive branch through the use of the bully pulpit. (B) Federal courts play a substantial role in the American political system, but they have been unable to check the executive. (C) The perception of multiple crises has led to the growth of an executive branch that is undermining the separation of powers in the government. (D) The Constitution has failed to protect the separation of powers by giving the executive branch and the president too much power.
The perception of multiple crises has led to the growth of an executive branch that is undermining the separation of powers in the government.
Which of the following situations best reflects the author's concern about an "imperial" presidency? (A) The Senate ratifying treaties without executive approval (B) The president issuing an increasing number of executive agreements (C) Congress declaring war independent of the president (D) The president appointing a new secretary of education
The president issuing an increasing number of executive agreements
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances, as established by the Constitution? (A) A requirement that states lower their legal drinking age to eighteen as a condition of receiving funds through federal highway grant programs (B) Media criticism of public officials during an election campaign period (C) The Supreme Court's ability to overturn a lower court decision (D) The requirement that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court be approved by the Senate (E) The election of the President by the electoral college rather than by direct election
The requirement that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court be approved by the Senate
Based on your knowledge and the diagram, which of the following is true regarding the leadership structure of Congress? (A) The role of the minority leader in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is to coordinate a strategy for the minority party. (B) The vice president is responsible for creating and setting the legislative agenda for the Senate. (C) The Speaker of the House has very little power to control members of the majority party in the House of Representatives. (D) The majority leaders in both chambers work to ensure that a bipartisan agenda is passed in the Congress.
The role of the minority leader in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is to coordinate a strategy for the minority party.
Which of the following best defines the term "judicial activism"? (A) The demands on judges to hear large numbers of cases (B) The efforts of judges to lobby Congress for funds (C) The attempts by judges to influence election outcomes (D) The unwillingness of judges to remove themselves from cases in which they have a personal interest (E) The tendency of judges to interpret the Constitution according to their own views
The tendency of judges to interpret the Constitution according to their own views
In the 1780s, proponents of the new Constitution cited Shays' Rebellion as an example in support of which of the following criticisms of the national government under the Articles of Confederation? (A) The national government did not provide sufficient protection of individual rights. (B) The lack of a centralized judiciary made enforcement of national laws difficult. (C) States with larger populations were underrepresented in Congress. (D) There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.
There was a lack of a national military power to address security concerns.
Which of the following best describes Madison's primary concern about representative government? (A) Those who seek to represent the people may be tempted to act in their own interests instead. (B) A truly representative government will quickly become too large to function effectively. (C) Local government is ineffective because there are not enough competitive factions. (D) Long term lengths may lead to political representatives who are disengaged from their constituents.
Those who seek to represent the people may be tempted to act in their own interests instead.
Which of the following is a correct comparison between the United States Constitution and the Articles of Confederation? A Favored stronger national government Favored a federal system B Granted Congress the power to levy taxes Granted states alone the power to levy taxes C Required approval by three-fourths of Congress for a constitutional amendment Required unanimity of Congress to amend D Granted Congress the power to declare war Granted the Congress power to regulate trade
US Constitution: granted congress the power to levy taxes articles of confederation: granted states alone the power to levy taxes
In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the Supreme Court used the power of judicial review established in Marbury v. Madison (1803) to strike down a Georgia state law that regulated the relationship between citizens of Georgia and members of the Cherokee Nation. This example illustrates which of the following? (A) The president can approve or veto decisions made by the Supreme Court. (B) States are not required to follow the decisions of the national Supreme Court. (C) Congress can prevent Supreme Court decisions from being enforced by appropriating money to the Department of Justice. (D) Unpopular Supreme Court decisions can lead to debate about the court's power.
Unpopular Supreme Court decisions can lead to debate about the court's power.
Which of the following ideals of democracy is reflected in the procedure for apportionment in the House of Representatives? (A) The federal government represents states equally. (B) Government is based on the consent of the governed. (C) Leaders in Congress are among the most well-informed in society. (D) Political power is distributed between the national government and state governments.
Which of the following ideals of democracy is reflected in the procedure for apportionment in the House of Representatives?
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the text by Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 ? (A) While Schlesinger views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, The Federalist 70 views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness. (B) While The Federalist 70 views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, Schlesinger views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness. (C) Both Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 view centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous. (D) Both Schlesinger and The Federalist 70 view centralization of power in the presidency as vital to the presidency's effectiveness.
While Schlesinger views centralization of power in the presidency as dangerous, The Federalist 70 views it as vital to the presidency's effectiveness.
All of the following statements pertaining to the presidential veto are true EXCEPT: (A) Congress overrides fewer than ten percent of presidential vetoes. (B) A vetoed bill is often revised and passed in another form. (C) Presidents often threaten to veto bills to increase their leverage with Congress. (D) A President may veto part of a bill. (E) Congress often places provisions the President wants into a bill the President dislikes to make a veto less likely.
a president may veto part of a bill
The framers of the Constitution intended to establish (A) a representative republic (B) a direct democracy (C) an authoritarian state (D) a socialist democracy (E) a parliamentary republic
a representative republic
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) a political action committee (B) an iron triangle (C) a social movement (D) an independent expenditure
an iron triangle
The legislative process at the national level reflects the intent of the framers of the Constitution to create a legislature that would (A) be less powerful than the executive (B) be cautious and deliberate (C) involve as many citizens as possible (D) ensure that all groups be equally represented (E) allow majorities virtually unlimited control over policy
be cautious and deliberate
which of the following statements accurately summarizes the reasoning for the decision in Baker V Carr (1962) (A) Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law. (B) To ensure equal protection under the law, there should be an equal number of rural and urban districts in a state. (C) There should be redistricting every ten years at the federal level, but the state can choose not to redistrict at the state and local levels. (D) Congressional redistricting
because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, baker was denied equal protection under the law
Which of the following forms of financial aid from the national government gives the states the broadest discretion in the spending of money?
block grants
which of the following policies would the states most likely prefer according to the political cartoon (A) Federal mandates (B) Regulatory preemption (C) Block grants (D) Categorical grants
block grants
Which of the following powers allows both the federal and state governments to make policies involving taxation? (A) Concurrent powers (B) Exclusive powers (C) Implied powers (D) Enumerated powers
concurrent powers
When a bill passes the House and the Senate in different versions, the bill is resolved by which of the following types of committee? (A) Conference (B) Select (C) Reconciliation (D) Rules (E) Standing
conference
Which of the following is an example of a power exclusively granted to the Senate in Article II of the Constitution? (A) Declaring war (B) Overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority veto (C) Confirming ambassadors (D) Creating spending bills
confirming ambassadors
Which of the following accurately compares the powers of Congress and the president? A Judicial appointments Foreign policy B Budgetary policy Cabinet appointments C The bureaucracy Fiscal policy D Military leadership Foreign treaties
congress controlled: budgetary policy president controlled: cabinet appointments
which of the following possible actions illustrates a way Congress interacts with the bureaucracy to address the problem shown in the infographic? (A) Congress could raise money through gasoline taxes to address the issues shown in the infographic. (B) Congress could request that an iron triangle be formed to ensure that all bureaucratic solutions are heard prior to taking action. (C) Congress could remove the members of the cabinet who work on issues related to transportation. (D) Congress could have members of the Department of Transportation testify before a committee to discuss the issue and potential solutions.
congress could have members of the department of transportation testify before a committee to discuss the issue and potential solutions
Which of the following most accurately depicts a member of Congress adhering ---- A A member of the House votes to impeach an unpopular president. A senator chooses to join the Senate majority in confirming a president's judicial nominee even though the nominee is not the Senator's favorite choice. B A senator from a landlocked state votes against a bill to increase funding for beaches. A member of the House sponsors a bill because they receive influential letters from voters. C A member of the House votes for a bill based on positive polling results about the bill in their district. A member of the House votes against a bill that is popular in their district because they believe it violates their own morals. D A senator consistently consults national opinion polls before deciding how to vote. A senator believes they will be reelected no matter how they vote on a controversial bill.
delegate model: A member of the House votes for a bill based on positive polling results about the bill in their district. trustee model: A member of the House votes against a bill that is popular in their district because they believe it violates their own morals.
Diversity of public policy throughout the United States is primarily a consequence of (A) federalism (B) separation of powers (C) innovation within bureaucratic agencies (D) decentralization in the Senate (E) lack of party discipline in the House
federalism
which of the following characteristics best explains the data on the map (A) The exclusive powers granted to the states in the Constitution allow them to determine health-care policy. (B) Federalism creates differences between states on the implementation of health-care policy. (C) The Tenth Amendment instructs Congress to make laws but guarantees the rights of states to implement federal policies, such as health-care policy. (D) The incorporation of the Fourteenth Amendment has allowed the federal government to guarantee health care to all citizens, but some citizens may opt out
federalism creates differences between states on the implementation of health-care policy
Which of the following is a correct comparison of formal and informal powers of the president? (A) Delivering the State of the Union to Congress Issuing a pardon to a person convicted of a federal crime (B) Negotiating treaties with leaders of other nations Appointing ambassadors and receiving diplomats from other nations (C) Using the veto to block legislation Issuing executive orders to bureaucratic agencies without having to gain approval from Congress (D) Using executive privilege to withhold information from Congress Using signing statements to interpret various provisions of legislation
formal power: using the veto to bloc legislation informal power: issuing executive orders to bureaucratic agencies without having to gain approval from congress
Which of the following is the most accurate comparison of the processes that generally facilitate gridlock and those that facilitate governmental action? A Gerrymandering Partisanship B Ideological news sources Bicameral legislature C Bully pulpit Judicial review D Checks and balances Executive orders
gridlock: checks and balances action: executive orders
in general, congress is most likely to defer to the president (A) in the area of foreign policy (B) in the area of fiscal policy (C) in the area of social policy (D) late in the President's term (E) When the economy is strong
in the area of foreign policy
The largest source of federal revenue is the (A) capital gains tax (B) Social Security tax (C) property tax (D) income tax (E) sales tax
income tax
Federal benefits that must be funded by Congress and must be paid to all citizens who meet eligibility criteria are called (A) discretionary appropriations (B) individual entitlements (C) tax expenditures (D) distributive benefits (E) continuing appropriations
individual entitlements
which of the following is true about the pocket veto? (A) It is used to strike down a provision of a bill that the President finds disagreeable. (B) It may be overridden by a two-thirds vote in Congress. (C) It occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned. (D) It is used when the President expects to reach a compromise with Congress about how a bill should be modified. (E) It is used when both houses of Congress pass separate versions of the same bill.
it occurs when the president takes no action on a bill for ten days during which congress is adjourned
The data illustrate that most conservatives believe that the United States Constitution (A) is a living document and the Supreme Court should consider public opinion and contemporary values when interpreting constitutional provisions (B) outlines a framework for government that the Supreme Court should apply strictly regardless of the political or personal preferences of judges (C) establishes a shared set of political values flexible enough to empower the Supreme Court to apply its own personal judgment to their interpretation (D) gives judges the power to overrule the other two branches of government in
outlines a framework for government that the Supreme Court should apply strictly regardless of the political or personal preferences of judges
All of the following are formal or informal sources of presidential power EXCEPT (A) presidential authority to raise revenue (B) presidential access to the media (C) precedents set during previous administrations (D) public support (E) the Constitution
presidential authority to raise revenue
which of the following best illustrates the point being made in the cartoon above? (A) The influence of presidents on the Supreme Court is limited because the Senate often rejects their nominees. (B) The terms of Supreme Court justices should be reduced from their current forty years. (C) Presidents can have an influence on public policy far beyond their terms of office. (D) The opinions of Supreme Court justices remain very similar over long periods of time. (E) Supreme Court justices seldom issue dissenting opinions.
presidents can have an influence on public policy far beyond their terms of office
The term "pork barrel" refers to legislation specifically designed to (A) encourage a balanced federal budget (B) ensure the careful inspection of farm goods and other foodstuffs (C) distribute excess produce to the poor (D) provide funding for local projects that are intended to benefit constituents (E) equalize representation between farming and nonfarming states
provide funding for local projects that are intended to benefit constituents
After a constitutional amendment has been proposed by both houses of Congress, its adoption requires (A) official filing with the secretary of state (B) support by a majority vote of the people (C) signature by the president (D) ratification by three-fourths of the states (E) publication in the Federal Register
ratification by three-fourths of the states
Most of the bills introduced in the House and the Senate are then (A) passed by one chamber but not the other (B) passed by both chambers but vetoed by the President (C) referred to committee but never sent to the full Congress (D) voted down during the amendment stage of the floor debate (E) killed in the Rules Committee
referred to committee but never sent to the full Congress
A new president has been elected after running on a campaign of lowering taxes and reducing spending on discretionary programs but now must work with Congress to ensure legislation passes which achieves those goals. Which of the leaders in the diagram plays the most crucial role in shaping the legislation that the president wants passed? (A) President pro-tempore (B) Vice president (C) Speaker of the House (D) House majority leader
speaker of the house
An example of a discretionary item in the federal budget is (A) interest on the public debt (B) spending on national parks (C) Social Security payments (D) veterans' pensions (E) liquidation of prior obligations
speaking on national parks
which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of the political cartoon? (A) State governments have used the Tenth Amendment to override the federal government's mandates. (B) State governments are unwilling to share their budgetary surpluses with other states. (C) State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent. (D) The fiscal irresponsibility
state governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent
which of the following is true of the seniority system of congress in relation to committee leadership and committee staffing? (A) Members of Congress with the longest continuous service are assured the chairmanship of major congressional committees. (B) Members of Congress must be elected from safe seats to accrue committee seniority. (C) Members of congressional committees are the most senior members of the body's majority party. (D) The oldest members of Congress have the most seniority. (E) The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.
the chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the bodys majority party
The framers of the Constitution designed which of the following to be LEAST responsive to public opinion? (A) The office of the president (B) The courts (C) Congress (D) The electoral college (E) Political parties
the courts
the doctrine of original intent holds that (A) Supreme Court justices must emphasize independent and original thinking in considering constitutional matters (B) the meaning of the Constitution depends on the intention of the framers (C) cases selected for review by the Supreme Court must address an original and new concern not previously addressed by the Court (D) Supreme Court justices should avoid bias by documenting their original impressions of a case (E) the Supreme Court should review all treaties that alter previously established foreign policy
the meaning of the Constitution depends on the intention of the framers
The House Appropriations Committee disagrees with a proposal in the president's annual budget request to increase the number of people eligible for food stamps, consequently leading to the House of Representatives passing a budget that does not increase funding for the program. This ability to check presidential actions is best described as (A) the bully pulpit (B) the power of the purse (C) the oversight function (D) the line-item veto
the power of the purse
Members of Congress who have adopted the delegate role of representation normally cast their votes based on which of the following? (A) The preferences of the majority of their constituents (B) Their judgment of what is best for their constituency (C) The instructions of their political party's leadership (D) Their political party's most recent policy platform (E) The advice of congressional staffers and political consultants
the preferences of the majority of their constituents
cabinet departments differ from independent regulatory agencies in which of the following ways (A) The President can use an executive order to create a cabinet department but not to create an independent regulatory agency. (B) The President can dismiss cabinet officers, but not commissioners of independent regulatory agencies. (C) The President seeks appointees who reflect administration views in making cabinet appointments but not in making appointments to independent regulatory agencies. (D) Through the appropriations process, Congress can exert control over the cabinet departments but not over independent regulatory agencies. (E) The courts can overrule regulations issued by cabinet departments, but not those issued by independent regulatory agencies.
the president can dismiss cabinet officers, but not commissioners of independent regulatory agencies
the constitution states that all revenue bills must originate in (A) a White House budget resolution (B) the Congressional Budget Office (C) the United States Senate (D) the United States House of Representatives (E) the Office of Management and Budget
the united states house of representatives
Despite concerns raised by her constituents, a member of the House of Representatives votes in favor of a bill, believing that in the long term it is in the best interest of her constituents. This is an example of which of the following models of representation? (A) Delegate (B) Politico (C) Trustee (D) Virtual
trustee
an advantage that the bureaucrats in federal government have over the president in the policymaking process is that bureaucrats (A) control the budgetary process (B) have an independence from the President that is guaranteed by the Constitution (C) find it easier to marshall public support than does the President (D) usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks (E) have better access to the media than does the President
usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the president lacks
All of the following issues were decided at the Constitutional Convention EXCEPT (A) representation in the legislature (B) voting qualifications of the electorate (C) method of electing the President (D) congressional power to override a presidential veto (E) qualifications for members of the House and Senate
voting qualifications of the electorate
