AP Gov Unit 2 Study Guide
"Whoever attentively considers the different departments of power must perceive, that, in a government in which they are separated from each other, the judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them. The Executive not only dispenses the honors, but holds the sword of the community. The legislature not only commands the purse, but prescribes the rules by which the duties and rights of every citizen are to be regulated. The judiciary, on the contrary, has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment; and must ultimately depend upon the aid of the executive arm even for the efficacy of its judgments." -Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper: No. 78 (1788) Which of the following best describes what Hamilton means in the excerpt above when he says that the judiciary has no influence over "the sword"?
The judiciary must rely on the executive to enforce its decisions
The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 has been a boon to bureaucratic watchdogs in their effort to monitor the actions of federal agencies. Which of the following statements best summarizes a description of this legislation?
The legislation gives citizens the right to inspect all government records except those that contain information about military of intelligence activities trade secrets or private personnel records
A presidents exercise of informal powers most closely parallels congressional exercise of
The necessary and proper clause
Consider the chart below that presents the data about the presidential executive order use over time. Use the date and your knowledge of US government and politics to answer the question Orders per year in office by president George Washington 1.0 Chester Arthur 27.8 FDR 290.6 Barack Obama 33.6 Which of the following statements is supported by the data in the chart
The new deal era witnessed the peak of executive order use
There is an idea which is not without its advocates that a vigorous executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government. The enlightened well wishers to this species of government must at least hope that the supposition is destitute of foundation since they can never admits its truth without at the same time admitting the condemneation of their own principles. Energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition of faction and of anarchy. Every man the least conversant in roman history knows how often that republic was obliged to take refuge in the absolute power of a single man under the ormidable title of dictator as well against the intrigues of ambitious individuals who aspired to the tyranny An opponent of Hamilton's argument in the passage above would likely be supportive of which of the following
The new jersey plan
Which of the following accurately summarizes the entities involved in Baker v. Carr (1962)?
The plaintiff was the former mayor of a small town near Memphis, and the defendant was the Tennessee Secretary of State
Which of the following statements characterizes on way the president can independently hold a federal bureaucratic agency accountable for its performance
The president can enlist the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to evaluate the performance of a bureaucratic agency
The agenda of the president and Congress are often at odds with each other. What power does the president have to persuade Congress to follow his/her policy agenda rather than their own?
The president can utilize social media to increase public pressure on Congress to follow his policy agenda.
Which of the following situations would the presidnet be exercising an informal power over foreign policy
The president enters into an executive agreement with Mexico regarding the use of troops to combat drug cartels
Imagine a congress in which both houses of Congress are controlled by the Democratic Party and the president is a Republican. Which of the following scenarios would most likely interfere with policy agenda of this congress?
The president issues an executive order to open additional lands of Arctic National Wildlife Reserve for oil exploration to lower the high price of gasoline in America
Which of the following describes the excercise of a formal power by the president
The president vetoes legislation that authorizes an increase in spending for infrastructure projects
Which of the following best describes the message in the political cartoon
The presidential use of the formal power of the veto to increase the power of his office
In which of the following situations is a president most likely to be successful in getting his legislative agenda passed by congress
The presidents approval rating among likely voters is over 70 percent
Which of the following statements accurately describes why many are in favor of divided government?
The proliferation of undesirable legislation and excessive spending can be kept to a minimum.
Which of the following is most clearly states the outcome of Baker v. Carr (1962)?
The redistricting of state legislative districts is justiciable by the Federal Courts
A member of the House of Representatives has introduced a bill to protect undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States with their parents, but it has been killed in the House Rules Committee. Which of the following is the best course of action to get the bill of vote on the floor of the House?
The representative should rally support behind a discharge petition to pull it out of the House Rules Committee.
Which of the following anti-federalist authors inspired the writing of Federalist No. 78?
"Brutus"
The primary purpose of which of the following amendments was to limit the impact of a specific decision of the supreme court and does act as a check on the judiciary?
16th amendment
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. "Amendment 22 United States Constitution Which of the following Constitutional amendments also limits a president's ability to remain in office
25th amendment
In the Supreme Court Decision Loving v. Virginia (1967), the Supreme Court ruled that a Virginia anti miscegenation statute, which banned interracial marriages was unconstitutional. "Under our Constitution," wrote Chief Justice Earl Warren, "the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual, and cannot be infringed by the State." Which type of case below would represent the best use of Loving v. Virginia as a precedent before the Supreme Court?
A case before the court on a state law that bans same sex marriage
The views expressed in Federalist No. 78 are best seen as evidence of which of the following in late 18th century American society?
A concern that disagreements between the states which occurred during the Confederation necessitated the creation of a national judiciary.
"The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority;--to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls;--to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction;--to controversies to which the United States shall be a party;--to controversies between two or more states;--between a state and citizens of another state;--between citizens of different states;--between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states, and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress shall make." -U. S. Constitution Article III, Section 2 Based on the constitutional provision above, in which of the following cases would federal courts have jurisdiction?
A lawsuit brought by the national government
Which of the following statements accurately describes a legislator exhibiting the trustee model of representation?
A legislator casts his or her vote against the wishes of his or her constituency but to satisfy the national interest
Which of the following statements accurately describes a legislator exhibiting the delegate model of representation?
A legislator sends his or her constituency a questionnaire about their views on important issues so as to guide his or her vote.
But quitting the dim light of historical research, and attaching ourselves purely to the dictates of reason and good sense, we shall discover much greater cause to reject than to approve the idea of plurality in the executive, under any modification whatever."Wherever two or more persons are engaged in any common enterprise or pursuit, there is always danger of difference of opinion.. Whenever these happen, they lessen the respectability, weaken the authority, and distract the plans and operations of those whom they divide. If they should unfortunately assail the supreme executive magistracy of a country, consisting of a plurality of persons, they might impede or frustrate the most important measures of the government in the most critical emergencies of the state. And what is still worse, they might split the community into the most violent and irreconcilable factions, adhering differently to the different individuals who composed the magistracy." Alexander Hamilton- Federalist No. 70 Which of the following best summarizes Hamilton's argument
A single chief executive is the most efficient and most sensible approach to governance
Hamiltons Fed 70 There is an idea which is not without its advocates that a vigorous executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government. The enlightened well wishers to this species of government must at least hope that the supposition is destitute of foundation since they can never admits its truth without at the same time admitting the condemneation of their own principles. Energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition of faction and of anarchy. Every man the least conversant in roman history knows how often that republic was obliged to take refuge in the absolute power of a single man under the ormidable title of dictator as well against the intrigues of ambitious individuals who aspired to the tyranny Which of the following statements is most consistent with Hamilton's argument in the passage above
A strong executive is needed to preserve the nation in a time of war
In which of the following scenarios is a president not exercising one of her or his formal powers
After Congress passes a defense funding bill, the president signs it into law and issues a signing statement to provide commentary about how he intends to implement the law.
Which of the following instances can the Supreme Court utilize the power of judicial review?
After an executive order is issued and challenged in the courts.
Which of the following actions of the president may be taken to limit the regulatory power of the environmental protection agency
Appoint a new head of the EPA that shares similar beliefs on regulations
In 1973 congress passed the war powers act to compel the president to seek congressional approval before committing the nation to armed conflict. This act may be viewed as a reassertion of
Article I section 8 of the US constitution
There is an idea which is not without its advocates that a vigorous executive is inconsistent with the genius of republican government. The enlightened well wishers to this species of government must at least hope that the supposition is destitute of foundation since they can never admits its truth without at the same time admitting the condemneation of their own principles. Energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition of faction and of anarchy. Every man the least conversant in roman history knows how often that republic was obliged to take refuge in the absolute power of a single man under the ormidable title of dictator as well against the intrigues of ambitious individuals who aspired to the tyranny Which of the following sections in the us constitution places the most sever brake on Hamilton's beliefs about the powers of the presidency as argued in the passage above
Article II section 4
In 1971, President Richard Nixon attempted to thwart the publishing of the Pentagon Papers, classified documents leaked by RAND Corporation analyst Daniel Ellsberg outlining the history of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. The Nixon administration sued the New York Times arguing that it had the prerogative through executive authority to prevent the publishing of documents that could be injurious to national security. In its ruling New York Times v. United States (1971), the Supreme Court upheld the sanctity of freedom of the press, even when national security issues were a factor to be considered. Nixon responded to this setback by
Attempting to discredit Ellsberg's credibility by questioning his psychiatric condition.
Which of the informal powers of the president would most likely have been used by president Wilson to achieve the policy agenda shown in the cartoon above
Bargaining and persuasion
One of the most controversial Supreme Court decisions during President Obama's administration was the case of Citizen's United v. Federal Elections Commission which allowed corporations to spend money on political causes without limit. Which presidential action could President Obama have taken as an appropriate way to potentially overturn this decision?
Be patient and wait for a vacancy in the court and appoint liberal nominee
Imagine the following congressional makeup before a midterm election Democrats House 199 Senate 45 Republicans House 236 Senate 51 Independents House 0 Senate 4 And then this congressional makeup after the midterm election Democrats House 220 Senate 49 Republicans House 215 Senate 49 Independents House 0 Senate 2 If the sitting president is a republican which of the following is the most accurate explanation of the results above
Before the mid term the president has a greater chance of fulfilling his/her policy agenda than after the election
The concept of stare decisis and judicial precedent have long been used by the Supreme Court to adjudicate cases brought before the court. Which of the which supreme court case below represents a break with both of these processes in which the court became a change agent to address problems in American society?
Brown v. Board
Congress passed the Hatch Act in 1939 to limit certain political activities of federal government employees. In which of the following ways do these restrictions increase the effectiveness of the bureaucracy
By increasing public trust in bureaucrats who are now seen as more politically neutral.
Imagine the following scenario The president is a republican with an open seat on the Supreme Court to fill. The president has a voter approval rating of 40%. the midterm election if 60 days away. Congress has the following party breakdown Democrats House - 199 Senate - 47 Republicans House- 236 Senate-51 Independent House 0 Senate 2 If you were a political strategist employed by the president what advice would you give the president to best enable his/her policy agenda to have the best chance of success after the election
Campaign vigorously for republicans in the senate facing re-election to maintain your ability to seat a justice of your choice on the court
Which of the following best describes an exercise of the authority of the Federal election commission
Citing the campaign of a candidate that fails to file timely disclosures of campaign contributions.
Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests - including foreign corporations - to spend without limit in our elections. Well I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that's why I'm urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong." President Barack Obama - 2010 State of the Union Address Sometimes presidents use speeches like the State of the Union to address national concerns. Which Supreme Court case below is the subject of President Obama's comments above?
Citizen's United v FEC
Which of the following is a potential consequence of the trend illustrated in the chart (Line graphs with trump way ahead of Hillary, Bernie, LeBron, ESPN, and the New York Times)
Communication directly with the American public from presidents should be expected as people turn to Twitter for information
The Constitution provides multiple methods through which the branches of the government can limit the power of other branches. Which of the following represents one of the methods by which the impact of a Supreme Court decision can be limited by another branch?
Congress can propose a constitutional amendment.
In United States v. Lopez, the Supreme Court limited Congress' use of the commerce power by declaring that Congress could not use the power to make it a federal crime to possess guns in schools. In which of the following ways did Congress use its constitutional powers to limit the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling in this case?
Congress passed a slightly modified guns-free school zones act
Which of the following was influenced by the ambiguity in Article III?
Court packing
A member of House of Representatives has introduced a bill that would require the Department of State and Secretary of State to report back on current government support for the state of Israel. If the bill is approved by Congress, which of the following is the best course of action for the President to take to ensure that diplomacy has flexibility and is kept under control of the executive while also ensuring that the United States continues to support their ally in Israel?
Create a signing statement voicing support for israel and the independence of the executive to perform diplomacy with the bureaucracy
Which of the following is an accurate description of the information in the pie chart?
Discretionary spending was projected to be less than half of the overall federal budget.
In response to the landmark Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education (1954), southern state governments
Drafted interposition resolutions
Opponents to the controversial Roe v. Wade (1973) decision have pinned their hopes for its reversal on
Electing presidents who will reshape the composition of the supreme court
Which of the following events led directly to the Marbury v. Madison court case?
Election of Thomas Jefferson
Use the data in the chart below and your knowledge of US government and politics to answer the question below March 76% I 21% Feb 77% I 17% Aug 72 I 23% Which of the following would the respondents who constitute the majority in this survey least likely support
Executive orders
"The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority;--to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls;--to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction;--to controversies to which the United States shall be a party;--to controversies between two or more states;--between a state and citizens of another state;--between citizens of different states;--between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states, and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress shall make." -U. S. Constitution Article III, Section 2 The above excerpt from Article III references "cases" and "controversies" in which the federal courts have jurisdiction. As a result of the Constitution's use of this language,
Federal courts have to follow the principle of stare decisis
Use the data in the chart below and your knowledge of US government and politics to answer the question below March 76% I 21% Feb 77% I 17% Aug 72 I 23% Which of the following foundational documents would respondents who constitute the minority in this survey most likely favor
Federalist No. 70
A senator is deeply opposed to the current measure that is being presented on the floor of the senate. In order to raise his opposition argument and get more media attention towards his point of you, what tactic would be the best strategy for the senator to take?
Filibuster
Which of the following is the most effective strategy for the executive branch to use to end an investigation by another federal department
Fire the head of that department.
After john Adams was defeated by Thomas Jefferson in the election of 1800 he attempted to leave a lasting federalist legacy by issuing several last minute judgeships in what would become known as the midnight judges. Which of the following presidents acted in a way that was similar to john Adams and his midnight judge appointments
Franklin D Roosevelt
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. "Amendment 22 United States Constitution The term of office for which president below became the impetus for the passage of the 22nd Amendment?
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Which of the following is one of the duties of the president specified by the constitution
From time to time the president must give information to the congress and make recommendations for their consideration
Which of the following best illustrates an example of the department of veterans affairs fulfilling the responsibilities it was given by congress
Guaranteeing housing loans for those who have served in the military.
Which of the following best reflects Madison's perspective in the Marbury v. Madison court case?
He was following orders from President Thomas Jefferson
Which of the following would be the direct result for a justice if he or she were to break the "good behavior "requirement of Article III of the Constitution?
Impeachment
The Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison and McCullough v. Maryland are similar in that
Implied powers of the federal government were established
But quitting the dim light of historical research, and attaching ourselves purely to the dictates of reason and good sense, we shall discover much greater cause to reject than to approve the idea of plurality in the executive, under any modification whatever."Wherever two or more persons are engaged in any common enterprise or pursuit, there is always danger of difference of opinion.. Whenever these happen, they lessen the respectability, weaken the authority, and distract the plans and operations of those whom they divide. If they should unfortunately assail the supreme executive magistracy of a country, consisting of a plurality of persons, they might impede or frustrate the most important measures of the government in the most critical emergencies of the state. And what is still worse, they might split the community into the most violent and irreconcilable factions, adhering differently to the different individuals who composed the magistracy." Alexander Hamilton- Federalist No. 70 Based on the excerpt above, which statement below would the author most likely agree with?
Including a constitutional provision to include a council that had to approve presidential actions would be a mistake
Which of the following is a consequence of partisan gerrymandering?
Incumbents for the House of Representatives are more likely to have very safe seats without much competition from challengers
Which of the following best summarizes the debate reflected in Baker v. Carr (1962)?
Is the redistricting of state legislative districts a justiciable question?
In which of the following ways can the president less than the impact of a federal court decision?
Issue an executive order to the justice department limiting its enforcement
In which of the following ways did the Pendleton civil service reform act of 1883 change the federal bureaucracy
It provided for the selection of most government employees based on a competitive exam rather than political affiliation.
Groups the advocate for which of the following would be most likely to oppose the expansion of judicial review implied by Marbury v. Madison?
Judicial Restraint
"It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases must, of necessity, expound and interpret that rule. If two laws conflict with each other, the Courts must decide on the operation of each. So, if a law be in opposition to the Constitution, if both the law and the Constitution apply to a particular case, so that the Court must either decide that case conformably to the law, disregarding the Constitution, or conformably to the Constitution, disregarding the law, the Court must determine which of these conflicting rules governs the case. This is of the very essence of judicial duty." -Marbury v. Madison (1803) Which constitutional principle is best embodied in Marshall's statement that "[i]t is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is"?
Judicial Review
By declaring two of the major programs of Roosevelts New Deal unconstitutional, the AAA and the NIRA, the Supreme Court sought to check the power of the executive branch through its use of
Judicial Review
Which of the following led to the development of the federal court system after the ratification of the Constitution?
Judiciary Act of 1789
Which of the following most directly led to the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury V Madison?
Judiciary Act of 1789
Which of the following correctly identifies an implication of graph?
Laws creating entitlements limit Congress' ability to decrease the federal deficit.
In the landmark decision Martin v. Hunter's Lessee (1816), the Supreme Court ruled that it retained ultimate authority over state courts in civil matters of federal law. Which type of case below would most likely trigger the application of this decision?
Legal proceedings regarding state restrictions on abortion access
Which of the following political groups would have been most likely to support the decisions of the warren court from 1953 to 1969?
Liberals
Which of the following cases reaffirmed Hamilton's feelings towards judicial review is found in Federalist No. 78?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Which of the following best reflects Marbury's perspective in the Marbury v. Madison court case?
Marbury wanted Madison to do his job and deliver his commission
Which of the following Supreme Court decisions under the leadership of Chief Justice Roberts goes against the current ideological makeup of the Court?
Massachusetts v. EPA (2007) in which the Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases, which effectively backed the belief that these emissions are tied to global warming.
Millennials and Baby boomers: a generational divide in sources relied on for political news Millennial 61% Facebook Local TV 37% Baby boomer 39% Facebook 60% local TV Which of the following statements represent the best comparison of the data shown in the graph above
Millennials receive most of their news that is specifically by their online behavior
Which of the following has most significantly contributed to the professionalization of the bureaucracy
Most bureaucrats receive their positions based on qualifications rather than political loyalty
Which of the following represents the exercise of a constitutional check by another branch that limited the power of the president
New York Times Company v. United States
Which of the following tasks would fall within the authority of the department of Homeland security
Patrolling the land and water borders of the United States.
Which of the following best characterizes the political environment prior to the Marbury v. Madison case?
Politically polarized
Obama Facebook likes (1,124,175) Twitter retweets (150,106) YouTube comments/likes/views (835,933) Romney Facebook likes (633,597) Twitter retweets (8,601) YouTube comments/likes/views (399,225) Which of the following describes the information presented in this graph
President Obama received more social media attention and response that Mitt Romney during the 2012 election
Obama social media usage Facebook 27 Twitter 404 Youtube 21 Website blog 106 Romney social media usage Facebook 34 Twitter 16 Youtube 10 Website blog 55 Which of the following is an accurate conclusion based on that of the chart and your knowledge of the 2012 election
President Obama was more able to utilize social media to gain attention during the campaign
Which of the following statements can be inferred from the political cartoon above?
President Roosevelt's scheme to alter the composition of the supreme court is a threat to democracy in the US
Which of the following is a source of the presidents power to issue executive orders
Presidential vesting clause
In which of the following ways does the president have the greatest influence on judicial decisions?
Presidents generally appoint judges with whom they share political ideologies
Which of the following represents an excerise of the discretionary authority of the department of transportation
Prohibiting passengers from bringing weapons in carry on luggage on airplanes
Which of the following most clearly states the outcome of Shaw v. Reno (1993)?
Redistricting plans based on race must be held to a high standard of scrutiny under the Fourteenth Amendment and ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Which of the following best illustrates the discretionary authority of the department of education
Reducing the income qualifications for educational grants to attend college.
Based on Federalist No. 78 and your knowledge of the New Deal era, which of the following best describes President Franklin Roosevelt's relationship with the Supreme Court?
Roosevelt home to refresh on the composition of the Supreme Court to make it more amenable to his New Deal agenda
The Supreme Court occasionally issues decisions that are unpopular or cause significant controversy. Which comparison below is the most accurate description of how presidents have responded in these types of situations?
Row A (Brown v Board)
Which of the following Supreme Court cases offers the best comparison between judicial activism and judicial restraint?
Row B (Brown v. Board / Gibbons v. Ogden)
There exists an ongoing debate regarding judicial activism v. judicial restraint in the United States. Which comparison below is the most accurate description of the difference between judicial activism and judicial restraint.
Row B (When judges issue decisions based on personal opinion, rather than on existing law / When judges base their decisions on the intent of legislation and a strict interpretation of the Constitution)
Formal powers a) the president signs an executive order to raise tariffs on steam B) the president calls for his party to vote against a bill C) the president orders SEAL team 6 to raid a known terrorist camp D) the president gives televised address asking the American people to support a multinational arms treaty Informal powers A) the president holds an economic summit with foreign leaders B) the president vetoes a bill C) the president informs congress within 48 hours of his order to SEAL team 6 to raid a known terrorist camp D) the president unilaterally withdraws the United States from a multi national arms agreement Which of the following is an accurate comparison of actions taken by the president that best represents the formal and informal powers of the presidency
Row C
The Supreme Court has at times, issued decisions that are quite controversial. Which Congress and blow best represents congressional support of a controversial supreme court decision?
Row C (Brown v. Board)
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the Speaker of the House and the President pro Tempore?
Row C — Makes rulings about house procedures and manages the behavior of its members (Speaker) / Is a very symbolic position with very little power over the Senate (President)
Formal powers A) set a legislative agenda B) construct congressional coalitions C) build up national morale D) pardon individuals who commit a federal crime Informal powers A) serve as commander in chief of the armed forces B) nominate ambassadors C) negotiate treaties D) build international coalitions Which of the following is an accurate comparison of formal and informal powers of the president
Row D
Which of the following statements provides an accurate comparison of a numerate it an implied powers of Congress as specified by the US Constitution?
Row D — Congress institutes Formal Copyright law (enumerated) / Congress establish is the national park system (implied)
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the representation in the US Senate and House of Representatives?
Row D — Membership per state stays constant overtime (Senate) / Membership per state can change over time (House)
Formal Informal powers A) veto Executive order B) head of his or her political party Chief diplomat C) appointments of federal judiciary Presidential pardons D) chief executive Commander in chief Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the formal and informal powers of the presidency
Row a
Which of the following describes an example of policy development within a iron triangle
Scientists from the sierra club successfully petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service to declare fruit bats an endangered species
In its decision U.S. v. Nixon (1973), the Supreme Court ruled that President Richard Nixon could not withhold evidence vital for a criminal investigation by merely invoking executive privilege. Subsequent Supreme Courts have looked at this precedent in formulating decisions concerning contemporary invocations of executive privilege. This process of looking back to precedent is referred to as
Stare Decisis
When a lawyer prepares a case before the Supreme Court he/she will reference cases that are believed to support the claim of their client. Which judicial concept does the lawyer want the court to consider as a result?
Stare Decisis
In which of the following ways was the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education limited in the years following its ruling?
States refused to desegregate schools despite the ruling
Consider the chart below that presents the data about the presidential executive order use over time. Use the date and your knowledge of US government and politics to answer the question Orders per year in office by president George Washington 1.0 Chester Arthur 27.8 FDR 290.6 Barack Obama 33.6 If the trend illustrated in the chart holds which of the following is most likely to occur as it relates to presidential executive orders
Strict constructionists of executive power will grow more satisfied
The speaker of the house is not explicitly responsible for...
Tallying how party members plan to vote on a bill
But quitting the dim light of historical research, and attaching ourselves purely to the dictates of reason and good sense, we shall discover much greater cause to reject than to approve the idea of plurality in the executive, under any modification whatever."Wherever two or more persons are engaged in any common enterprise or pursuit, there is always danger of difference of opinion.. Whenever these happen, they lessen the respectability, weaken the authority, and distract the plans and operations of those whom they divide. If they should unfortunately assail the supreme executive magistracy of a country, consisting of a plurality of persons, they might impede or frustrate the most important measures of the government in the most critical emergencies of the state. And what is still worse, they might split the community into the most violent and irreconcilable factions, adhering differently to the different individuals who composed the magistracy." Alexander Hamilton- Federalist No. 70 Which of the following constitutional provisions would replace a division of executive power into a plurality of executives to check the power of single chief executive
The "advise and consent" power given to the US Senate in Article II, section 2 of the constitution
In Dred Scott v. Sandford, Chief Justice Taney stated that slaves, or descendants of slaves, were not citizens and could not become naturalized citizens. In which of the following ways was the decision in this case ultimately limited?
The 14th amendment define citizenship to include all those born or naturalized in the United States
The bureaucracy is often empowered by Congress to enforce specific legislation. Which of the following best represents the bureaucracy's use of enforcement powers
The EPA imposes fines on an electric power company for its violation of air pollution standards
The broad grants of power to implement legislation given to the bureaucracy by Congress often include powers which are classified as quasi-legislative. Which of the following represents an example of the bureaucracy exercising quasi-legislative powers?
The EPA imposes regulations on businesses that are designed to limit air pollution.
As is often the case, overlapping functions of bureaucratic agencies can serve as a constraint on the independence of any single agency. For example, the Customs Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI are all involved in controlling the trafficking of drugs, making the activities of the agencies interdependent. Which of the following groups of agencies share overlapping functions?
The Federal bureau of investigation the national security agency and the centra intelligence agency
Which of the following is not one way that the legislative process is slowed down?
The House of Representatives' cloture procedure
Citing an increasing cost of entitlement programs, Congress cut spending on scientific research. In this scenario, discretionary spending of this table continue to decrease unless which of the following occurs?
The Medicare budget is reduced
Which of the following statements accurately describes how the selection of chairpersons to both standing committees and select special committees empowers the speaker of the house in the policy-making process?
The Speaker of the House can satisfy the majority party by making sure that the bills they submit are passed in a timely fashion.
Which of the following best describes a scenario in which Congress is exercising his constitutional powers to limit the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court declares legislation unconstitutional, and Congress response by eliminating federal court jurisdiction over future cases involving the same issues
"To enable the Court to issue a mandamus to compel the delivery of the commission of a public office by the Secretary of State, it must be shown that it is an exercise of appellate jurisdiction, or that it be necessary to enable them to exercise appellate jurisdiction. It is the essential criterion of appellate jurisdiction that it revises and corrects the proceedings in a cause already instituted, and does not create the cause. "Marbury v. Madison (1803) The courts' power of judicial review was established by the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison. As referenced in the excerpt from Marbury above, which provision of the Constitution did the Court find that the Judiciary Act of 1789 had violated ?
The ability of Congress to change the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction
The house committee on appropriations has concerns about the extravagant spending taken by the department of defense on an expanse of new tanks. Which of the following is the best course of action for the committee to take in investigating this matter
The committee can bring in the Secretary of Defense for a hearing to ask questions on the new tanks.
The president and the Defense Department have made it a major priority to increase the size of the fleet to counter new threats in the Pacific. To this end, the administration secured congressional funding for a new class of destroyers. The Armed Services Committee has heard rumors that these new ships undergoing construction have been incurring tremendous cost overruns and that this fact is being concealed. Which of the following strategies would best suit the Armed Services Committee in its oversight role of the military?
The committee should launch an independent, Government Accounting Office (GAO) investigation of the defense contractor.
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. "Amendment 22 United States Constitution Which of the following roles of the president changed the most due to the passage of the 22nd amendment
The concept of being a lame duck became ingrained in the presidential process
What was one of the short-term affects of Federalist No. 78?
The creation of the federal court system by Congress through the Judiciary act of 1789
Based on Federalist No. 51 and your knowledge of the Vietnam War era, which of the following best describes the impact of the War Powers Act (1973)?
The declaration was created to check the president's power to commit troops to a conflict not sanctioned by the Congress.
Although the subject matter of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) and Roe v. Wade (1973) differs significantly, both of these Supreme Court decisions upheld Bill of Rights protections guaranteed by which clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?
The due process clause
The issue of congressional redistricting has drawn the interest of the Supreme Court in recent years. In two cases, Baker v. Carr (1962) and Shaw v. Reno (1993) decisions concerning congressional redistricting have hinged on which clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?
The equal protection clause
"Whoever attentively considers the different departments of power must perceive, that, in a government in which they are separated from each other, the judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them. The Executive not only dispenses the honors, but holds the sword of the community. The legislature not only commands the purse, but prescribes the rules by which the duties and rights of every citizen are to be regulated. The judiciary, on the contrary, has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment; and must ultimately depend upon the aid of the executive arm even for the efficacy of its judgments." -Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper: No. 78 (1788) Which of the following is the concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution that Hamilton is responding to with his argument in the excerpt above?
The extent of the powers of the unelected members of the judiciary
Which of the following best describes the message in the political cartoon?
The ideological make up of the court can affect the outcome of precedent-setting decisions
When the Warren Court overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, the decision led to a serious backlash. Which public reaction at the time challenged the legitimacy of the Court's action in overturning the "separate but equal" precedent in favor of "separate is inherently unequal?"
The increase of private schools in the south to circumnavigate the courts decision to integrate schools
Which of the following best describes a reason that a president might choose to make an executive agreement with a foreign nation rather than a treaty
The senate is evenly split between the presidents party and opposition party
"It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is. Those who apply the rule to particular cases must, of necessity, expound and interpret that rule. If two laws conflict with each other, the Courts must decide on the operation of each. So, if a law be in opposition to the Constitution, if both the law and the Constitution apply to a particular case, so that the Court must either decide that case conformably to the law, disregarding the Constitution, or conformably to the Constitution, disregarding the law, the Court must determine which of these conflicting rules governs the case. This is of the very essence of judicial duty." -Marbury v. Madison (1803) Which of the following best represents the court's use of the power described by John Marshall in the excerpt above?
The supreme court rules that a state law violates the Constitution and is therefore unenforceable
The chart above supports which of the following conclusions?
The vice president's power of casting tie-breaking votes as the president of the Senate is seldom used
Which of the following notable American leaders would come to question Alexander Hamilton's view about the power of the national judiciary?
Thomas Jefferson
Which of the following gives the best justification for the Supreme Court's power of judicial review as established by the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison?
Vested Power
The president] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States..." -Article II, Section 2 the United States Constitution Which of the following scenarios would make confirmation of a president's Supreme Court nominee most difficult?
When the president is a lame duck and the opposition party controls the US senate
"[The president] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States..." -Article II, Section 2 the United States Constitution Which of the following scenarios would make confirmation of a president's Supreme Court nominee most difficult
When the president nominates a candidate with no political experience to be his/her chief of staff
Which of the following statement most accurately describes the outcome of president Roosevelt's efforts to influence the Supreme Court in 1937?
While president Roosevelt attempt to reshape the Supreme Court was met by strong resistance and ultimately did not come to pass, the remaining elements of the new deal survived further legal challenge
Which of the following groups would most likely support the expansion of judicial review?
advocates of judicial activism
Which of the following is a constitutional method by which Congress can limit the powers of the federal judiciary?
alter the appellate jurisdiction of the federal courts
A presidential candidate campaigned with the promise to have the federal bureaucracy build a wall on the southern border. Upon election which of the following actions would be the best course of action for the president to quickly get the federal bureaucracy working on this measure
an executive order could be signed authorizing homeland security to divert funds for border security to research and plan the building of a wall while awaiting further funding
In which of the following ways can a president best increase the likelihood that a nominee to the supreme court will be confirmed?
appoint someone who is not ideologically extreme
As the political institution that provides the bureaucracy with its authority and the necessary funding to carry out its responsibilities, congress maintains the power to oversee its activities. Which of the following represents an example of Congress exercising oversight?
congress holds hearings in which the federal reserve chairperson testifies about recent changes in monetary policy
Which of the following is a congressional power to limit the Supreme Court?
congress may pass modified legislation if the supreme court finds earlier legislation unconstitutional
Which of the following represents the securities and exchange commission exercising its discretionary authority
imposing a fine on an individual who has traded stocks based on insider information
In Federalist No. 78, Alexander Hamilton claims that
lifelong appointments will increase the independent nature of the judiciary
Which of the following falls within the discretionary authority of the environmental protection agency
reducing the fuel efficiency standards for most automobiles to 20 miles per gallon
A political scientist would most likely use Federalist No. 78 to illustrate which of the following?
the independent nature of the national judiciary
Which of the following best describes a major assumption made by Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 78?
the judiciary would remain the weakest of the three branches of the national government
The administrative procedure act of 1946 requires administrative agencies to publish proposed regulations at least 30 days prior to implementation. How has this affected the policy making process of the bureaucracy
the public is kept more aware of the bureaucratic policy-making process
Based on Article III of the Constitution which of the following best describes the likely intent of the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
to allow the supreme court to reconsider lower court decisions