AP Government Final

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While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option. Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist 15 Which of the following excerpts from Article I of the United States Constitution resolves a problem described by the author? A "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;" B "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time." C "The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States." D "The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it."

A "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;"

Which of the following is an accurate summary of James Madison's argument in The Federalist 10? A A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other. B A large republic makes it possible to abolish factions and concentrate all power at the national level. C A large republic allows the federal government to dominate the state governments through the necessary and proper clause. D A large republic is a direct democracy where the people have a direct vote in policy matters, which controls factions.

A A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other.

"Presidents tend to assert their power and if Congress does not claim its duty to check and balance the executive, then the balance tilts heavily toward the executive branch. For example, the congressional resolution authorizing the United States to respond to the al-Qaeda attacks against the United States in 2001 was applied far beyond the initial campaign in Afghanistan. It was interpreted by George W. Bush's administration as justifying findings that the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war did not apply in the war on terrorism; that harsh interrogation tactics were permissible . . . ; and that the use of intercepts of telephone conversations between American citizens and people abroad was condoned. . . . When, after the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 . . . that the Bush administration was in fact violating the Geneva Conventions, . . . Congress was compelled to pass new laws on detainee treatment. Bush signed the law but then added a separate 'signing statement.' . . . President Bush declared that he would implement the law 'in a manner consistent with the constitutional authority of the President to supervise the unitary executive branch and as Commander in Chief . . . [in order to protect] the American people from further terrorist attacks.'" Sean Kay, America's Search for Security: The Triumph of Idealism and the Return of Realism, 2014 According to the passage, an attempt by Congress to place limitations on presidential power through legislation led to which of the following? A A signing statement by the president that declared that the legislation would not limit presidential power B A Supreme Court decision that ruled in favor of the power of Congress to check the president C A declaration of war against al-Qaeda as a result of the September 11 attacks D An impeachment proceeding against the president for abuse of power and violation of a treaty

A A signing statement by the president that declared that the legislation would not limit presidential power

Which of the following best describes the holding in Baker v. Carr (1962) ? A Congressional redistricting is subject to judicial review. B Congressional districts must be compact and contiguous. C Diluting minority representation by confining their majority to one or two districts is unconstitutional. D Racial gerrymandering is allowed in certain circumstances.

A Congressional redistricting is subject to judicial review.

Which of the following is the correct pairing of procedures or rules of each house of the legislative branch? A House of Representatives - Has a Rules Committee that decides how long debate will be on most bills; Senate - Has use of the filibuster and cloture, which can help the minority to defeat a bill. B House of Representatives - Approves all revenue bills Senate - Initiates all revenue bills C House of Representatives - Can pass articles of impeachment against a president or member of the federal courts; Senate - Can remove presidential appointees to the cabinet. D House of Representatives - The Speaker of the House is the most powerful member of the chamber; Senate - The vice president can vote on most bills.

A House of Representatives - Has a Rules Committee that decides how long debate will be on most bills; Senate - Has use of the filibuster and cloture, which can help the minority to defeat a bill.

The House and the Senate have some different constitutional responsibilities. Which of the following pairs correctly matches House and Senate constitutional responsibilities? A House of Representatives - Initiates revenue bills; Senate - Ratifies treaties B House of Representatives - Drafts articles of impeachment; Senate - Elects the president if there is not a majority of votes in the electoral college C House of Representatives - Confirms federal judges; Senate - Has limited debate D House of Representatives - Can call on the vice president to break ties on votes; Senate - Confirms cabinet appointments

A House of Representatives - Initiates revenue bills; Senate - Ratifies treaties

On July 31, 2018, the United States Department of Education announced in the Federal Register its intention to establish a committee focusing on the implementation of federal programs. Which is the likely product of this committee's work? A Rule-making B Legislation C Executive agreements D Executive orders

A Rule-making

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the separation of powers is integral to the Constitution not to preserve the prerogatives of each branch of government but to divide governmental powers among the branches so as to keep power diffused—and thereby limited and protective of personal freedom. . . . Thus, even if one branch of government consented to ceding an essential power to another branch, such a giveaway would be unconstitutional. . . . Can the president legally use military force to attack a foreign land without a serious threat or legal obligation or a declaration of war from Congress? In a word: No. Here is the back story. . . . . . . [A] bipartisan group of senators offered legislation supported by the president that . . . would permit a president to strike whomever and wherever he pleases. The president would be restrained only by a vote of Congress—after hostilities have commenced. Such a statute would give the president far more powers than he has now, would directly violate Congress' war-making powers by ceding them away to the president, would defy the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of giving away core governmental functions, would commit the U.S. to foreign wars without congressional and thus popular support, and would invite dangerous mischief by any president wanting to attack any enemy—real or imagined, old or new—for foreign or domestic political purposes, whether American interests are at stake or not. Andrew Napolitano, "At War with the Separation of Powers," The Washington Times, 2018. Which of the following principles of government is most related to the author's argument in the passage? A Separation of powers is necessary to our constitutional system to limit the power of the three branches and guarantee limited government. B The president's power is constitutionally permitted to expand during times of crisis, which can lead to the use of force without permission from Congress. C As the legislative branch, Congress is authorized to change the constitutional balance of power whenever it deems necessary. D Separation of powers guarantees that each branch can focus on what it does best, but in some cases one branch may voluntarily cede power to another branch.

A Separation of powers is necessary to our constitutional system to limit the power of the three branches and guarantee limited government.

When deciding Marbury v. Madison (1803), which of the following excerpts from The Federalist No. 51 could best be used to help Chief Justice John Marshall write the argument in favor of judicial review? A "In a free government the security for civil rights must be the same as that for religious rights. It consists in the one case in the multiplicity of interests, and in the other in the multiplicity of sects." B "But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others." C "In a single republic, all the power surrendered by the people is submitted to the administration of a single government; and the usurpations are guarded against by a division of the government into distinct and separate departments." D "As the weight of the legislative authority requires that it should be thus divided, the weakness of the executive may require, on the other hand, that it should be fortified."

B "But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department, consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others."

Which of the following quotes from the Federalist Papers best supports the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) ? A "But the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society." B "Liberty is to faction what air is to fire. . . . But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency." C "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." D "If, then, the courts of justice are to be considered as the bulwarks [defensive walls] of a limited Constitution against legislative encroachments, this consideration will afford a strong argument for the permanent tenure of judicial offices, since nothing will contribute so much as this to that independent spirit in the judges, which must be essential to the faithful performance of so arduous a duty."

B "Liberty is to faction what air is to fire. . . . But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency."

At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, delegates from larger states argued that each state's representation in the legislature should be proportional to its population. Smaller states argued that each state should have equal representation, regardless of population. The disagreement over representation threatened to derail the ratification of the United States Constitution. Which statement accurately describes the compromise that led to both sides reaching agreement? A A bicameral legislature with an upper house selected by the lower house and the lower house representation proportional to each state's population B A bicameral legislature with an upper house representing each state equally and a lower house with representation proportional to each state's population C A unicameral legislature with equal representation for every state D A unicameral legislature with representation proportional to each state's population.

B A bicameral legislature with an upper house representing each state equally and a lower house with representation proportional to each state's population

On June 27, 1989, President George H.W. Bush called for the Flag Desecration Amendment, which would prohibit desecration of the American flag. Bush's comments were in response to the United States Supreme Court's 5—4 decision in Texas v. Johnson, which held that a state law banning desecration of the flag was in violation of the First Amendment. Which of the following explains why the president asked for a constitutional amendment to be passed? A A constitutional amendment would provide guidance to the Supreme Court in its efforts to engage in judicial activism. B A constitutional amendment would force the Supreme Court to accept the constitutionality of the anti-flag burning laws in subsequent cases. C A constitutional amendment would be needed in order for the Supreme Court to rule on flag desecration cases. D A constitutional amendment would permit the Supreme Court to exercise judicial review of state laws on constitutional issues.

B A constitutional amendment would force the Supreme Court to accept the constitutionality of the anti-flag burning laws in subsequent cases.

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the principle of stare decisis? A A Senator raises opposition to a proposed bill by speaking on the floor of the Senate for eight hours. B A majority opinion of the United States Supreme Court dealing with school segregation states that the decision follows the precedent established in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954). C A president orders the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to begin an initiative to send manned spacecraft to Mars. D Four members of the United States Supreme Court agree to hear an appeal on a death penalty case from a state supreme court.

B A majority opinion of the United States Supreme Court dealing with school segregation states that the decision follows the precedent established in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954).

In 1973, the United States Supreme Court handed down the controversial Roe v. Wade decision striking down state laws banning abortion. In response, many pro-life groups have organized to have the decision overturned. Which of the following represents an action that these groups are most likely to take to achieve their goal? A Pressure the president to issue an executive order changing the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in order to prevent similar decisions in the future B Become more actively involved in presidential campaigns so that presidential candidates will pledge to appoint justices who favor overturning Roe v. Wade. C Organize a campaign to pressure members of the Supreme Court to change Roe v. Wade. D Request that the Senate remove the chief justice of the Supreme Court who issued the majority opinion in Roe v. Wade.

B Become more actively involved in presidential campaigns so that presidential candidates will pledge to appoint justices who favor overturning Roe v. Wade.

Executive Orders 1945-2016: Which of the following statements is supported by the data in the information graphic? A The use of executive orders has increased since 1945. B Democratic presidents issued more executive orders than Republican presidents did between 1945 and 2016. C The use of executive orders peaked in the 1970s and has since decreased. D Presidents have tended to prefer executive orders to signing statements since 1945.

B Democratic presidents issued more executive orders than Republican presidents did between 1945 and 2016.

As a compromise, the framers agreed on a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives elected by popular vote within states and the Senate selected by state legislatures. The direct election method conforms most to which of the following democratic ideals? A The social contract is an agreement between citizens and government. B Government should be based on the consent of the governed. C Policy makers should be the most well-informed elites in society. D State power should be respected in a federal constitution.

B Government should be based on the consent of the governed.

"In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...." Brutus 1 Which of the following statements would the author of the passage most likely agree with? A Average citizens cannot be trusted to vote because of low levels of education. B Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government. C The federal government should have greater authority than state legislatures. D A small federal legislature is the best way to represent the will of the people in a large country.

B Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government.

B Participatory democracy and elite democracy

"Presidents tend to assert their power and if Congress does not claim its duty to check and balance the executive, then the balance tilts heavily toward the executive branch. For example, the congressional resolution authorizing the United States to respond to the al-Qaeda attacks against the United States in 2001 was applied far beyond the initial campaign in Afghanistan. It was interpreted by George W. Bush's administration as justifying findings that the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war did not apply in the war on terrorism; that harsh interrogation tactics were permissible . . . ; and that the use of intercepts of telephone conversations between American citizens and people abroad was condoned. . . . When, after the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 . . . that the Bush administration was in fact violating the Geneva Conventions, . . . Congress was compelled to pass new laws on detainee treatment. Bush signed the law but then added a separate 'signing statement.' . . . President Bush declared that he would implement the law 'in a manner consistent with the constitutional authority of the President to supervise the unitary executive branch and as Commander in Chief . . . [in order to protect] the American people from further terrorist attacks.'" Sean Kay, America's Search for Security: The Triumph of Idealism and the Return of Realism, 2014 According to the passage, which of the following occurred as a direct result of the congressional resolution authorizing action against al-Qaeda? A The Supreme Court authorized the use of force against al-Qaeda. B President Bush interpreted it broadly to allow him to conduct the war on terrorism without much further consultation with Congress. C Members of Congress passed a law that declared that the Geneva Conventions were not applicable to the war on terrorism. D President Bush issued a signing statement regarding the Geneva Conventions.

B President Bush interpreted it broadly to allow him to conduct the war on terrorism without much further consultation with Congress.

Which of the following is the best example of a president using technology to communicate and obtain public support for a public policy agenda? A President Ronald Reagan reassuring the nation in a televised address after the Challenger disaster B President John F. Kennedy outlining Cold War challenges and urging Americans to civic action in his inaugural address C President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressing a joint session of Congress to seek a declaration of war after the attack on Pearl Harbor D President Richard Nixon claiming executive privilege to protect the recorded conversations he made in the White House

B President John F. Kennedy outlining Cold War challenges and urging Americans to civic action in his inaugural address

Shield Laws in the United States: Shield laws protect journalists' right to refuse to testify against their sources while gathering information in their role as journalists. There is no shield law at the federal level. Which of the following statements is best supported by the information on the map? A Some states are more interested in cooperating with the federal government than others are. B Some states prioritize freedom of the press over criminal prosecutions. C Some states receive more federal funding for shield law programs than other states do. D Some states adhere to the exclusionary rule of the First Amendment more than other states do.

B Some states prioritize freedom of the press over criminal prosecutions.

While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option. Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist 15 Which of the following is a difference between the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution that is a response to a problem expressed in the passage? A The Articles of Confederation lacked federal executive and judicial branches, whereas the United States Constitution did not. B The Articles of Confederation allowed for the federal government to request revenues from states but did not permit it to tax citizens directly, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government could tax citizens directly. C Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were paid by the state governments, whereas under the United States Constitution they were paid by the federal government. D Under the Articles of Confederation, members of the national legislature were not able to regulate currency, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government regulates currency.

B The Articles of Confederation allowed for the federal government to request revenues from states but did not permit it to tax citizens directly, whereas under the United States Constitution the federal government could tax citizens directly.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Martin Luther King, Jr., "I Have a Dream" speech, August 28, 1963,© 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., © renewed 1991 Coretta Scott King Which of the following legislative acts best relates to the passage? A Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 B The Civil Rights Act of 1964 C The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 D The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990

B The Civil Rights Act of 1964

The police searched a suspect's smartphone without getting a warrant and found photo evidence of criminal activity. After a thorough investigation, the suspect was charged and the evidence obtained from the smartphone was used in the trial. Which of the following amendments contains the Bill of Rights protections that were most likely violated in this scenario? A The Third Amendment B The Fourth Amendment C The Seventh Amendment D The Eighth Amendment

B The Fourth Amendment

While [opponents of the Constitution] admit that the government of the United States is destitute of energy, they contend against conferring upon it those powers which are requisite to supply that energy. They seem still to aim at things repugnant and irreconcilable; at an augmentation of federal authority, without a diminution of State authority; at sovereignty in the Union, and complete independence in the members. . . . This [requires that] a full display of the principal defects of the Confederation [is] necessary, in order to show that the evils we experience do not proceed from minute or partial imperfections, but from fundamental errors in the structure of the building, which cannot be amended otherwise than by an alteration in the first principles and main pillars of the fabric. . . . [T]he United States has an indefinite discretion to [plead for] for men and money; but they have no authority to raise either, by regulations extending to the individual citizens of America. The consequence of this is, that though in theory their resolutions concerning those objects are laws, constitutionally binding on the members of the Union, yet in practice they are mere recommendations which the States observe or disregard at their option. Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist 15 Which of the following experiences most likely influenced the perspective conveyed in the passage? A The increased centralization of power in the national legislature under the Articles of Confederation B The debt crisis of the 1780s which the national government was unable to address due to lack of authority C The tension between states relying on commerce and those relying on agriculture D Passage of the Stamp Act and other taxes during the revolutionary period

B The debt crisis of the 1780s which the national government was unable to address due to lack of authority

In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), the Supreme Court ruled that corporations and labor unions could spend unlimited amounts of money supporting political candidates under certain circumstances. Which of the following was the basis for the Court's ruling? A The freedom of assembly in the First Amendment B The freedom of speech in the First Amendment C The due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment D The equal protection clause in the Fourteenth Amendment

B The freedom of speech in the First Amendment

"Finally, there are the legal and moral arguments. Health care is considered a human right in every other developed nation. By not providing Medicare to all Americans, the government is not providing equal protection under the law: those with Medicare have more protection against the devastating effects of illness and injury, get more help overcoming or living with disabilities, and are protected against financial ruin. People say that single-payer would cost too much. Not true. We could provide health care for all our citizens for no more than we are currently spending on our very dysfunctional, fragmented and unfair system. How is this possible? Currently almost half of every health care dollar is spent on something other than health care: profit for insurance companies; multi-million-dollar salaries of their CEOs; money spent on advertising, processing (and rejecting) claims; and creating mountains of paperwork and endless hassles for doctors and patients." Dr. Ann Toy, Marin Voice, August 27, 2018. Which of the following most likely explains how the views of moderates would be affected by this passage? A The passage might convince a moderate to support a single-payer system and passage of a constitutional amendment that allows Congress to create a single-payer health-care system. B The passage might convince a moderate to oppose a single-payer system of health care and contact their representatives in Congress to indicate their opposition. C The passage might convince a moderate to oppose a single-payer system of health care and vote for a member of Congress who supports defunding Medicare entirely. D The passage might convince a moderate to support a single-payer system of health care and a proposal that would double income taxes to pay for it.

B The passage might convince a moderate to oppose a single-payer system of health care and contact their representatives in Congress to indicate their opposition.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Martin Luther King, Jr., "I Have a Dream" speech, August 28, 1963,© 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., © renewed 1991 Coretta Scott King Which of the following explains the most significant long-term consequence of the ideas expressed in the passage? A Affirmative action was adopted as a measure to address long-term inequality. B The value of "all men are created equal" was reaffirmed both in law and in American political culture. C African Americans migrated to the South in search of the American dream. D Congress passed an amendment to the United States Constitution to include the notion of equality in American law.

B The value of "all men are created equal" was reaffirmed both in law and in American political culture.

Prior to his confirmation, Democrats on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions questioned President Trump's Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price about the ethics of some of his investments. He was eventually confirmed with support of Republicans in the Senate. This check on presidential power illustrates that A the process of selecting Cabinet members is usually negotiated by making concessions to the minority party in the Senate B the process of confirming members of the president's Cabinet can lead to conflict with members of the Senate C presidents rely on the bully pulpit to get members of Congress to act on confirmations D even when an executive order is issued, members of the opposing party in the Senate can work to block them

B the process of confirming members of the president's Cabinet can lead to conflict with members of the Senate

Which of the following is the best example of a president using the bully pulpit? A A wartime president writing a condolence letter to the mother of a son lost in combat B A president convening a cabinet meeting to address an economic crisis C A president making a televised speech to gain public support for a policy initiative D A president responding to questions about a scandal during a press conference

C A president making a televised speech to gain public support for a policy initiative

In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the Supreme Court reached the following conclusion: "[I]n the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the [protections of the Fourteenth Amendment]." What generally does the Fourteenth Amendment provide for? A Free expression and freedom of religion B Limits on unreasonable searches and seizures by governmental actors C Equal protection of the laws and due process D The right to vote for African American males over the age of twenty-one

C Equal protection of the laws and due process

Which of the following is an example of affirmative action? A The president submits a report to Congress forty-eight hours after he deployed troops in an overseas conflict. B The United States Department of Education offers low-interest college student loans to all financially qualified students. C Harvard Medical School actively recruits highly qualified minorities and female applicants for its residency program. D The state of Virginia awards an infrastructure contract to the company with the lowest bid.

C Harvard Medical School actively recruits highly qualified minorities and female applicants for its residency program.

"The Second Amendment . . . like other cherished texts, is not as clear as many make it out to be. The amendment reads: 'A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.' . . . "'Americans have been thinking about the Second Amendment as an individual right for generations,' said Adam Winkler, a law professor at UCLA. . . . 'You can find state supreme courts in the mid-1800s where judges say the Second Amendment protects an individual right.' But for the 70 years or so before a Supreme Court decision in 2008, he said, 'the Supreme Court and federal courts held that it only applied in the context of militias, the right of states to protect themselves from federal interference.' "In 2008, the Supreme Court decided the District of Columbia v. Heller. . . . The conservative justice Antonin Scalia wrote the opinion in narrow but unprecedented terms: for the first time in the country's history, the Supreme Court explicitly affirmed an individual's right to keep a weapon at home for self-defense. . . . "'People look at the same record and come to wildly different conclusions about what the view was in the eighteenth century, in the nineteenth century,' said Nicholas Johnson, a Fordham University law professor who argues against Winkler's view of twentieth-century case law. . . . Carl Bogus, a law professor at Roger Williams University, has argued that James Madison wrote the Second Amendment in part to reassure his home state of Virginia. . . . The federalist Madison's compromise . . . was to promise a bill of rights. After weeks of tense debate, his federalists narrowly won the vote to ratify the Constitution. 'He writes an amendment that gives the states the right to have an armed militia, by the people arming themselves.' "A year later, the federal government passed a law requiring every man eligible for his local militia to acquire a gun and register with authorities." Alan Yuhas, "The Right to Bear Arms: What Does the Second Amendment Really Mean?," The Guardian, October 5, 2017 Which of the following is used as evidence to support the author's argument? A People in the United States agree that the Second Amendment protects the rights of the individual. B The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review to determine whether state gun control laws are consistent with the United States Constitution. C Historical records show that the Second Amendment was supposed to protect the right of individuals to own a gun, and not just for the purpose of supporting militias. D The Second Amendment does not protect an individual right, but was written by the founders to ensure that militias would have access to needed armaments.

C Historical records show that the Second Amendment was supposed to protect the right of individuals to own a gun, and not just for the purpose of supporting militias.

Iron Triangle: Which of the following explains the role of interest groups in the iron triangle diagram? A Interest groups pass public policies to benefit the industries that they represent. B Interest groups pass regulations and issue rulings on industries or groups. C Interest groups work with Congress and the bureaucracy to determine how best to regulate an industry. D Interest groups contact the bureaucracy on behalf of voters who need problems solved

C Interest groups work with Congress and the bureaucracy to determine how best to regulate an industry.

A person accused of a crime cannot afford an attorney, so the state provides the accused with a public defender. Which of the following amendments in the Bill of Rights best applies in this scenario? A The Third Amendment B The Fifth Amendment C The Sixth Amendment D The Seventh Amendment

C The Sixth Amendment

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the separation of powers is integral to the Constitution not to preserve the prerogatives of each branch of government but to divide governmental powers among the branches so as to keep power diffused—and thereby limited and protective of personal freedom. . . . Thus, even if one branch of government consented to ceding an essential power to another branch, such a giveaway would be unconstitutional. . . . Can the president legally use military force to attack a foreign land without a serious threat or legal obligation or a declaration of war from Congress? In a word: No. Here is the back story. . . . . . . [A] bipartisan group of senators offered legislation supported by the president that . . . would permit a president to strike whomever and wherever he pleases. The president would be restrained only by a vote of Congress—after hostilities have commenced. Such a statute would give the president far more powers than he has now, would directly violate Congress' war-making powers by ceding them away to the president, would defy the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of giving away core governmental functions, would commit the U.S. to foreign wars without congressional and thus popular support, and would invite dangerous mischief by any president wanting to attack any enemy—real or imagined, old or new—for foreign or domestic political purposes, whether American interests are at stake or not. Andrew Napolitano, "At War with the Separation of Powers," The Washington Times, 2018. Which of the following political processes would best solve the problem regarding the system of checks and balances, as articulated by the author in the passage? A The president agrees to lift sanctions and signs a peace treaty with another country without waiting for the approval from Congress. B Congress cuts the budget from the Armed Forces without getting presidential approval to prevent the president from sending troops abroad. C The Supreme Court rules on a suit brought by an interest group that legislation permitting the president to launch military strikes without congressional approval is unconstitutional. D The Supreme Court refuses to take a case on legislation that permits the president to launch military strikes without congressional approval.

C The Supreme Court rules on a suit brought by an interest group that legislation permitting the president to launch military strikes without congressional approval is unconstitutional.

Proposed Cuts by Present Versus the Budget Passed by Congress: Which of the following statements about the relationship between Congress and the executive branch is best illustrated by the bar chart? A The budget process shows how the president is able control the policy agenda of Congress. B The executive departments are able to use discretionary power to increase their funding. C The budget process enables Congress to check the power of the executive branch. D The executive departments operate independently of congressional oversight.

C The budget process enables Congress to check the power of the executive branch.

In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the Supreme Court struck down racial segregation in public schools, finding that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." What constitutional clause did the Court rely most heavily on to reach this decision? A The due process clause B The necessary and proper clause C The equal protection clause D The free exercise clause

C The equal protection clause

"Presidents tend to assert their power and if Congress does not claim its duty to check and balance the executive, then the balance tilts heavily toward the executive branch. For example, the congressional resolution authorizing the United States to respond to the al-Qaeda attacks against the United States in 2001 was applied far beyond the initial campaign in Afghanistan. It was interpreted by George W. Bush's administration as justifying findings that the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war did not apply in the war on terrorism; that harsh interrogation tactics were permissible . . . ; and that the use of intercepts of telephone conversations between American citizens and people abroad was condoned. . . . When, after the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 . . . that the Bush administration was in fact violating the Geneva Conventions, . . . Congress was compelled to pass new laws on detainee treatment. Bush signed the law but then added a separate 'signing statement.' . . . President Bush declared that he would implement the law 'in a manner consistent with the constitutional authority of the President to supervise the unitary executive branch and as Commander in Chief . . . [in order to protect] the American people from further terrorist attacks.'" Sean Kay, America's Search for Security: The Triumph of Idealism and the Return of Realism, 2014 Which of the following is likely to occur as a result when Congress refuses to act as a check on the power of the president, according to the main idea of the passage? A The Supreme Court will intervene to check the power of the president. B The American people will vote in new members of Congress during the next election. C The president will be able to push the limits of constitutional authority. D Treaties, such as the Geneva Convention, will be treated as executive agreements.

C The president will be able to push the limits of constitutional authority.

"The Second Amendment . . . like other cherished texts, is not as clear as many make it out to be. The amendment reads: 'A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.' . . . "'Americans have been thinking about the Second Amendment as an individual right for generations,' said Adam Winkler, a law professor at UCLA. . . . 'You can find state supreme courts in the mid-1800s where judges say the Second Amendment protects an individual right.' But for the 70 years or so before a Supreme Court decision in 2008, he said, 'the Supreme Court and federal courts held that it only applied in the context of militias, the right of states to protect themselves from federal interference.' "In 2008, the Supreme Court decided the District of Columbia v. Heller. . . . The conservative justice Antonin Scalia wrote the opinion in narrow but unprecedented terms: for the first time in the country's history, the Supreme Court explicitly affirmed an individual's right to keep a weapon at home for self-defense. . . . "'People look at the same record and come to wildly different conclusions about what the view was in the eighteenth century, in the nineteenth century,' said Nicholas Johnson, a Fordham University law professor who argues against Winkler's view of twentieth-century case law. . . . Carl Bogus, a law professor at Roger Williams University, has argued that James Madison wrote the Second Amendment in part to reassure his home state of Virginia. . . . The federalist Madison's compromise . . . was to promise a bill of rights. After weeks of tense debate, his federalists narrowly won the vote to ratify the Constitution. 'He writes an amendment that gives the states the right to have an armed militia, by the people arming themselves.' "A year later, the federal government passed a law requiring every man eligible for his local militia to acquire a gun and register with authorities." Alan Yuhas, "The Right to Bear Arms: What Does the Second Amendment Really Mean?," The Guardian, October 5, 2017 The author cites the case District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) in order to A illustrate that the Supreme Court has incorrectly upheld restrictions on the right to bear arms B show that the author's perspective is supported by recent decisions made by the Supreme Court C illustrate that the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Second Amendment has recently changed D make the case that the power of government needs to be expanded with regard to the right to bear arms

C illustrate that the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Second Amendment has recently changed

In order to appease both Federalists and Anti-Federalists, it was agreed at the Constitutional Convention that a group of delegates would be charged with selecting the president. This would ensure that A the process would be controlled directly by the citizens B the winner of the national popular vote would be the president C the most capable individuals would decide which candidate would be president D Congress would select the electors who would cast the official vote for president

C the most capable individuals would decide which candidate would be president

"In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed. This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few. If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people; for if they do not know, or are not disposed to speak the sentiments of the people, the people do not govern, but the sovereignty is in a few. Now, in a large extended country, it is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government...." Brutus 1 Which of the following excerpts from the passage best describes the author's reason for opposing an expansion of the scope of the federal government? A "In every free government, the people must give their assent to the laws by which they are governed." B "This is the true criterion between a free government and an arbitrary one. The former are ruled by the will of the whole, expressed in any manner they may agree upon; the latter by the will of one, or a few." C "If the people are to give their assent to the laws, by persons chosen and appointed by them, the manner of the choice and the number chosen, must be such, as to possess, be disposed, and consequently qualified to declare the sentiments of the people..." D "... [I]t is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government."

D "... [I]t is impossible to have a representation, possessing the sentiments, and of integrity, to declare the minds of the people, without having it so numerous and unwieldy, as to be subject in great measure to the inconveniency of a democratic government."

Which of the following clauses of the Constitution could the Supreme Court have used when deciding the case Marbury v. Madison (1803) ? A "The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during times of good behavior." B "The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed." C "In all other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact." D "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."

D "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."

Which of the following parts of the United States Constitution is incorporated to the states based on the ruling in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) ? A "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." B "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated." C "No person shall . . . be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself." D "[T]he right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

D "[T]he right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the separation of powers is integral to the Constitution not to preserve the prerogatives of each branch of government but to divide governmental powers among the branches so as to keep power diffused—and thereby limited and protective of personal freedom. . . . Thus, even if one branch of government consented to ceding an essential power to another branch, such a giveaway would be unconstitutional. . . . Can the president legally use military force to attack a foreign land without a serious threat or legal obligation or a declaration of war from Congress? In a word: No. Here is the back story. . . . . . . [A] bipartisan group of senators offered legislation supported by the president that . . . would permit a president to strike whomever and wherever he pleases. The president would be restrained only by a vote of Congress—after hostilities have commenced. Such a statute would give the president far more powers than he has now, would directly violate Congress' war-making powers by ceding them away to the president, would defy the Supreme Court on the unconstitutionality of giving away core governmental functions, would commit the U.S. to foreign wars without congressional and thus popular support, and would invite dangerous mischief by any president wanting to attack any enemy—real or imagined, old or new—for foreign or domestic political purposes, whether American interests are at stake or not. Andrew Napolitano, "At War with the Separation of Powers," The Washington Times, 2018. Which of the following describes a possible method that can check the power of the president who willingly violates the constitutional balance of power as described in the passage? A Congress can pass a law that removes the president from office. B The Supreme Court can rule that the presidential election results are null and void based on the actions of the president. C States can recall the president through a special election process. D Congress can impeach and remove a president who is unable or unwilling to perform his or her official functions.

D Congress can impeach and remove a president who is unable or unwilling to perform his or her official functions.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in United States v. Lopez (1995) ? A The necessary and proper clause did not allow Congress to create the Bank of the United States. B Congress may regulate commerce between the states. C State governments can declare federal statutes unconstitutional if they conflict with state law. D Congress may not use the commerce clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime.

D Congress may not use the commerce clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime.

"Finally, there are the legal and moral arguments. Health care is considered a human right in every other developed nation. By not providing Medicare to all Americans, the government is not providing equal protection under the law: those with Medicare have more protection against the devastating effects of illness and injury, get more help overcoming or living with disabilities, and are protected against financial ruin. People say that single-payer would cost too much. Not true. We could provide health care for all our citizens for no more than we are currently spending on our very dysfunctional, fragmented and unfair system. How is this possible? Currently almost half of every health care dollar is spent on something other than health care: profit for insurance companies; multi-million-dollar salaries of their CEOs; money spent on advertising, processing (and rejecting) claims; and creating mountains of paperwork and endless hassles for doctors and patients." Dr. Ann Toy, Marin Voice, August 27, 2018. Which of the following explains how the role of government in health-care policy would be influenced if the policy proposal in the passage were to be implemented? A Because it is a single-payer system, the federal government would be able to cut taxes and still fund healthcare for everyone in the country. B Due to the nature of the single-payer system, the federal government would provide health-care plans only to people who were unable to afford their own plans. C Because it is a single-payer system, the federal government would let private insurance companies take over administering health-care plans. D Due to the nature of single-payer health-care systems, the federal government would be responsible for funding and administering a Medicare-for-all system.

D Due to the nature of single-payer health-care systems, the federal government would be responsible for funding and administering a Medicare-for-all system.

Writing for the court in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), a case weighing whether or not race can be considered in college admissions, Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell wrote that " . . . Race or ethnic background may be deemed a 'plus' in a particular applicant's file, yet it does not insulate the individual from comparison with all other candidates for the available seats." Which of the following legal concepts is Justice Powell considering in his statement? A The exclusionary rule B Selective incorporation C Time, place, and manner restrictions D Equal protection clause

D Equal protection clause

Which of the following is an accurate pair of descriptions of the two chambers of Congress? A House of Representatives - Formal debate; Senate - Votes scheduled by vice president B House of Representatives - Initiates revenue bills; Senate - Representation based on state population C House of Representatives- Led by the House majority leader; Senate - Uses committees to organize legislative work D House of Representatives - Serves 2-year terms; Senate - Serves 6-year terms

D House of Representatives - Serves 2-year terms; Senate - Serves 6-year terms

In Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) how did the Supreme Court's decision address state interests and individual rights? A It ruled that the state had an overarching right to compel students of all ages to attend public school through the twelfth grade. B It ruled that the state had no justifiable interest to compel students of all ages to attend public school through the twelfth grade. C It balanced the state's interest in compulsory education with the students' free speech rights. D It balanced the state's interest in compulsory education with the students' free exercise rights.

D It balanced the state's interest in compulsory education with the students' free exercise rights.

Article I, Section 9 of the United States Constitution lists several powers that are denied to the federal government, such as granting titles of nobility and passing ex post facto laws. This best demonstrates which of the following ideals of democracy? A Natural rights B Popular sovereignty C Social contract theory D Limited government

D Limited government

Which of the following correctly describes the facts in Shaw v. Reno (1993)? A A lawsuit was filed by an individual living in an urban area who argued that his vote was less important than that of someone living in a rural area. B The gerrymandered district was challenged because state lawmakers were not involved in the drawing of the district lines. C The redistricting process was challenged after it merged two districts together, causing two incumbents to compete for the seat. D Redistricting in order to confine minority voters to a majority in one district was challenged under the Fourteenth Amendment.

D Redistricting in order to confine minority voters to a majority in one district was challenged under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Which of the following is a doctrine based on the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution that was used in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) to limit the power of states and protect the right to keep and bear arms? A Symbolic speech B Equal protection C Judicial review D Selective incorporation

D Selective incorporation

A large national survey of young Americans recently released by CIRCLE shows young Obama and Romney voters had strikingly similar levels of political knowledge. The survey also shows a clear relationship between respondents' high school civics education experiences and their knowledge of campaign issues and political participation in the 2012 presidential election. However, taking high school civics had little or no relationship with young adults' choice between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. "Young people who recalled experiencing more high-quality civic education practices in schools were more likely to vote, to form political opinions, to know campaign issues, and to know general facts about the US political system," said Peter Levine, director of CIRCLE. "Civics education was not related to partisanship or choice of candidate. These results should allay political concerns about civic education being taught in schools." Source: CIRCLE, 2013. The students mentioned in the passage did not have a strong preference in candidates or increased levels of partisanship, despite their exposure to civics education. Which of the following explains this type of political socialization? A Political socialization does not include the formation of political beliefs but rather refers only to the likelihood of participation. B Younger people are less likely to understand politics; therefore, the civics courses were unlikely to lead to strong preferences regarding partisanship or candidates. C Public schools are prohibited by law from discussing political issues and current events, which limits the effect of political socialization. D Some life experiences that socialize individuals into politics affect specific behaviors but not partisanship or ideology.

D Some life experiences that socialize individuals into politics affect specific behaviors but not partisanship or ideology.

In the case Randall v. Sorrell (2006), Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer argued that following judicial precedent "avoids the instability and unfairness that accompany disruption of settled legal expectations. For this reason, the rule of law demands that adhering to our prior case law be the norm. Departure from precedent is exceptional and requires special justification." Justice Breyer is referring to which of the following legal principles? A Selective incorporation B Judicial activism C Judicial review D Stare decisis

D Stare decisis

On September 23, 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation mandating the use of Arkansas National Guard members and federal armed forces to enforce the United States Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Which limitation on judicial power is demonstrated in this scenario? A Constitutional amendments can modify the impact of the Supreme Court's decisions. B Congressional legislation can impact the scope of the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. C Judicial appointments can influence the decisions made by the Supreme Court. D State and local government can refuse to enforce Supreme Court decisions.

D State and local government can refuse to enforce Supreme Court decisions.

The United States Supreme Court reviewed state-mandated racial segregation in public schools. The Court stated that the separate schools "involved have been equalized, or are being equalized, with respect to buildings, curricula, qualifications and salaries of teachers, and other 'tangible' factors. Our decision, therefore, cannot turn on merely a comparison of these tangible factors [among the] schools involved in each of the cases. We must look instead to the effect of segregation itself on public education." Which of the following rules or clauses did the Supreme Court use to address the issue of racial segregation in public schools? A The "one person one vote" rule in Baker v. Carr (1962) B The free exercise clause in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) C The First Amendment's establishment clause in Engel v. Vitale (1962) D The Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

D The Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Martin Luther King, Jr., "I Have a Dream" speech, August 28, 1963,© 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., © renewed 1991 Coretta Scott King The text in the passage likely inspired Congress to act based on which of the following clauses of the United States Constitution? A The free exercise clause of the First Amendment B The commerce clause in Article I, Section 8 C The reserved powers clause of the Tenth Amendment D The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

D The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

Proposed Cuts by Present Versus the Budget Passed by Congress: Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the data in the bar chart? A The president has greater influence on foreign policy than does Congress. B Congress' proposal would lower taxes, which is more popular with taxpayers. C The executive branch usually asks for more funding than it needs since Congress is likely to reduce the amount when they approve the budget. D The president is not supportive of the EPA, but members of Congress have checked the president's power by not approving a cut in funding for the agency.

D The president is not supportive of the EPA, but members of Congress have checked the president's power by not approving a cut in funding for the agency.

In its 2003 decision, McConnell v. Federal Election Commission (2003), the Supreme Court upheld the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act's (BCRA) restriction on independent campaign spending by corporations and unions. However, in a 5-4 decision in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), the Supreme Court overturned this decision when it ruled that the government cannot ban independent political spending by a corporation or union because it is protected by the First Amendment. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the Supreme Court's deciding to overturn the precedent it established just 7 years earlier? A The results of the 2010 midterm election led to a new majority party controlling the House of Representatives. B The justices in the majority of the Citizens United opinion followed the principle of stare decisis. C Changes in public opinion regarding campaign finance reform influenced justices to overturn precedent in the Citizens United decision. D There were ideological changes in the composition of the members of the Supreme Court due to presidential appointments.

D There were ideological changes in the composition of the members of the Supreme Court due to presidential appointments.

The Gun-Free School Zones Act made it illegal for individuals knowingly to carry a gun in a school zone. The Supreme Court determined this act to be an unconstitutional stretch of the commerce clause in A McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) B Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) C New York Times Company v. United States (1971) D United States v. Lopez (1995)

D United States v. Lopez (1995)

Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1932 after running on the Democratic Party platform that included an expansion of federal programs aimed at pulling the United States out of the Great Depression. The expansion plan, known as the New Deal, substantially increased the voting base of the Democratic Party. As a result, the Democratic Party dominated Congress and many state governments for the next half century. The election of 1932 is considered a critical election because it A caused voters to abandon both political parties B replaced the two-party system with a three-party system C introduced a new method of presidential campaigning D changed the base of support in each party

D changed the base of support in each party

Which of the following cases addresses the issue of mandatory public school prayer? A Engel v. Vitale (1962) B Schenck v. United States (1919) C Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) D Shaw v. Reno (1993)

A Engel v. Vitale (1962)

United States Budget Deficits and Surpluses, 1990-2022 (projected): In which year did the federal government experience its highest surplus based on the bar graph? A 1997 B 2000 C 2009 D 2016

B 2000

Increases in the amount of money spent on national defense and security contracts, such as those that occurred after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and during the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, would most likely have which of the following consequences? A There would be an increase in the number of ideological social movements that seek to influence the federal budget. B Defense contractors would increase their lobbying efforts in order to improve their chances of winning a contract. C A single-issue group would form to take out political ads opposing increased federal spending. D A political party realignment would occur, shifting more voters into the Democratic Party.

B Defense contractors would increase their lobbying efforts in order to improve their chances of winning a contract.

A citizen cast her vote for the candidate in a congressional election based on the candidate's promise to reform the health care system. Which voting behavior model best characterizes the citizen's choice? A Party-line voting B Prospective voting C Rational-choice voting D Retrospective voting

B Prospective voting

Which of the following best characterizes the general argument made in Brutus 1? A A large republic would be preferable to a small one because more people could participate. B A small republic would pose more danger to individual liberty than a large republic. C A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states. D A small republic is more susceptible to corruption than a large republic.

C A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states.

Which of the following cases involves a state law that prevents women who are pregnant from seeking abortions? A Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) B Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) C Schenck v. United States (1919) D Roe v. Wade (1973)

D Roe v. Wade (1973)

Shield Laws in the United States: Shield laws protect journalists' right to refuse to testify against their sources while gathering information in their role as journalists. There is no shield law at the federal level. Which of the following states has the greatest protection for freedom of the press based on the information on the map? A New York (NY) B Missouri (MO) C Wyoming (WY) D Georgia (GA)

A New York (NY)

Iron Triangles: One key interaction that Congress has with the bureaucracy as part of the iron triangle is to A increase the budget and authority of the bureaucracy to regulate industry B fire civil servants who refuse to implement policies that regulate industry C lobby on behalf of regulations that it wants the bureaucracy to implement D conduct research on public policy issues for the bureaucracy

A increase the budget and authority of the bureaucracy to regulate industry

Which of the following best demonstrates how political parties serve as linkage institutions? A Party leaders organize a legislative agenda and work to gain support from members to pass bills. B Parties may organize activities to identify supporters, increase registration, and get out the vote. C Parties establish interest groups to promote a specific issue. D Parties adapt over time to social changes and sometimes adopt new positions on issues.

B Parties may organize activities to identify supporters, increase registration, and get out the vote.

Projected Spending for Major Budget Categories: Social Security will account for how about much of projected spending in 2024, according to the line graph? A Two percent B Four percent C Six percent D Eight percent

C Six percent

"The Second Amendment . . . like other cherished texts, is not as clear as many make it out to be. The amendment reads: 'A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.' . . . "'Americans have been thinking about the Second Amendment as an individual right for generations,' said Adam Winkler, a law professor at UCLA. . . . 'You can find state supreme courts in the mid-1800s where judges say the Second Amendment protects an individual right.' But for the 70 years or so before a Supreme Court decision in 2008, he said, 'the Supreme Court and federal courts held that it only applied in the context of militias, the right of states to protect themselves from federal interference.' "In 2008, the Supreme Court decided the District of Columbia v. Heller. . . . The conservative justice Antonin Scalia wrote the opinion in narrow but unprecedented terms: for the first time in the country's history, the Supreme Court explicitly affirmed an individual's right to keep a weapon at home for self-defense. . . . "'People look at the same record and come to wildly different conclusions about what the view was in the eighteenth century, in the nineteenth century,' said Nicholas Johnson, a Fordham University law professor who argues against Winkler's view of twentieth-century case law. . . . Carl Bogus, a law professor at Roger Williams University, has argued that James Madison wrote the Second Amendment in part to reassure his home state of Virginia. . . . The federalist Madison's compromise . . . was to promise a bill of rights. After weeks of tense debate, his federalists narrowly won the vote to ratify the Constitution. 'He writes an amendment that gives the states the right to have an armed militia, by the people arming themselves.' "A year later, the federal government passed a law requiring every man eligible for his local militia to acquire a gun and register with authorities." Alan Yuhas, "The Right to Bear Arms: What Does the Second Amendment Really Mean?," The Guardian, October 5, 2017 Which of the following best characterizes the debate regarding the Second Amendment according to the author of the passage? A The Second Amendment debate underscores the broader constitutional mission to balance the individual rights of citizens and the need for rule of law. B The Second Amendment debate has been clouded by powerful interest groups who are influential at the federal level. C The rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment, like those guaranteed by the First Amendment, require practical limitations, but striking the appropriate level of regulation has historically been a challenge. D The Second Amendment is viewed by some as an individual rights issue but by others as a states' rights issue.

D The Second Amendment is viewed by some as an individual rights issue but by others as a states' rights issue.

Federal Contracts and Small Businesses: Which of the following best explains why Congress has used its power to help certain types of businesses obtain federal contracts, as shown in the table? A Congress is attempting to find ways to decrease overall federal expenditures. B Congress is ensuring that the bureaucracy is accountable to groups other than large corporations. C Congress is using block grants to help the states have access to government contracts. D Congress is using its legislative power to reorganize the federal bureaucracy.

B Congress is ensuring that the bureaucracy is accountable to groups other than large corporations.

Which of the following was the ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993) ? A Creating districts where a minority is the majority does not violate the Ninth Amendment. B Racial gerrymandering violates the Fourteenth Amendment. C Districts must be equal in population size because of the Fourteenth Amendment. D Districts drawn in unusual shapes or sizes violate the Ninth Amendment.

B Racial gerrymandering violates the Fourteenth Amendment.

A voter has seen his income increase by 3% over the past four years. He is encouraged that unemployment is down and the price of gas has remained relatively low. On Election Day, by voting for the incumbent presidential candidate, he has engaged in which type of voting? A Rational-choice voting B Retrospective voting C Prospective voting D Party-line voting

B Retrospective voting

In the case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), the Supreme Court ruled that school segregation was unconstitutional. Following the ruling, schools were ordered to desegregate, but at a high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, the governor ordered the state's National Guard to prevent African American students from entering the school. Only when President Eisenhower placed the National Guard under federal control and ordered troops to protect the students were they permitted to enter. This scenario illustrates which of the following? A Segregation is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment only if law sanctions the segregation. B Controversial decisions by the court are often challenged and action is sometimes required to ensure enforcement by other branches of government. C The executive branch has to decide whether to uphold a court decision or veto it and President Eisenhower's federalizing troops in Arkansas signaled his response. D States have the authority under the Tenth Amendment to ignore federal court decisions.

B Controversial decisions by the court are often challenged and action is sometimes required to ensure enforcement by other branches of government.

Shield Laws in the United States: Shield laws protect journalists' right to refuse to testify against their sources while gathering information in their role as journalists. There is no shield law at the federal level. Based on the map and your knowledge, which of the following is a major difference between the issue of shield laws and the issue of prior restraint? A The Supreme Court has ruled that shield laws are incorporated to the states to decide on their own, while the issue of prior restraint applies only to the federal government. B The issue of shield laws does not apply to the federal government because criminal prosecutions occur only at the state level. On the other hand, the issue of prior restraint arises only in situations in which the president is invoking executive privilege to prevent information from being reviewed. C The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment protects against prior restraint by the government. However, protections for journalists and their sources are not as strong, as evidenced by the many states with weak or no shield laws. D The First Amendment supports freedom of the press, which requires that each state develop guidelines for shield laws. However, the issue of prior restraint is not incorporated to the states because it is not related to freedom of the press.

C The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment protects against prior restraint by the government. However, protections for journalists and their sources are not as strong, as evidenced by the many states with weak or no shield laws.

On January 30, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring that for each new regulation added, at least two existing regulations be eliminated. Which combination of government actors has the power to fulfill President Trump's executive order? A Standing committees and subcommittees in Congress B White House staff and the Executive Office of the President C Party leadership and party committees in Congress D Bureaucratic departments and agencies

D Bureaucratic departments and agencies

During a television interview on July 1, 2018, Senator Lindsey Graham stated that "one of the concepts that really means a lot in America is stare decisis. That means you don't overturn precedent unless there's a good reason." About which ongoing debate was Senator Graham sharing his position? A State jurisdiction versus federal jurisdiction B Judicial activism versus judicial restraint C Executive orders versus executive agreements D Reserved powers versus delegated powers

B Judicial activism versus judicial restraint

Which of the following cases expanded the powers of Congress by defining the necessary and proper clause more broadly? A United States v. Lopez (1995) B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) C Marbury v. Madison (1803) D Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

In The Federalist 10, which of the following did James Madison argue would best control the negative effects of factions? A A law that prohibits factions B A small direct democracy C A large unitary government D A large federal republic

D A large federal republic

Which of the following cases was most likely to derive the basis of its decision from the argument presented in The Federalist No. 78 that states: "that, accordingly, whenever a particular statute [contradicts] the Constitution, it will be the duty of the judicial tribunals to adhere to the latter and disregard the former"? A Marbury v. Madison (1803) B McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) C Shaw v. Reno (1993) D United States v. Lopez (1995)

A Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Which of the following scenarios is an example of a constitutional application of affirmative action? A A high school athletic program adds a women's basketball team in addition to its existing men's basketball team. B A federal contractor actively recruits qualified minorities and women for positions in the company. C A company providing a public service is required to serve all customers regardless of race or religion. D A person who cannot afford an attorney is provided one by the state.

B A federal contractor actively recruits qualified minorities and women for positions in the company.

Which of the following best explains the role of parties in Congress? A Parties form to facilitate elections and have little influence on the structure and function of legislatures. B Parties organize government by selecting chamber leadership and determining committee membership. C Parties raise money to fund spending on important bills in Congress. D Parties determine the presidential primary schedule.

B Parties organize government by selecting chamber leadership and determining committee membership.

The Declaration of Independence cites specific reasons for separating from British rule, including the British imposing taxes and maintaining a standing army without consent. Which of the following principles or ideas would these grievances be most related to? A Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property B The authority to create a centralized military among the colonies C The incorporation of checks and balances among the branches of government D Concurrent powers allowing the colonies to draft their own laws

A Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property

Students at a public university hold a peaceful protest to demonstrate against an increase in the cost of college tuition. Which of the following constitutional protections best applies to this scenario? A The First Amendment B The Second Amendment C The Sixth Amendment D The Ninth Amendment

A The First Amendment

Presidential Vetoes By Control of Congress: Which of the following is a trend based on the data? A The more chambers of Congress the president's party controls, the less likely the president is to veto a bill. B A bill is most likely to be vetoed by the president when one party controls the House and another party controls the Senate. C The percentage of presidential vetoes overturned by Congress increases when the opposition party controls both chambers. D The president is most likely to veto a bill when the president's party controls both chambers of Congress.

A The more chambers of Congress the president's party controls, the less likely the president is to veto a bill.

Percentage of International Agreements That Were Executive Agreements: Which of the following statements about the use of executive agreements by presidents is supported by the data in the pie charts? A The percentage of international agreements that were executive agreements has increased since 1839. B The percentage of international agreements that were executive agreements has decreased since 1839. C The percentage of international agreements that were executive agreements has decreased since 1989. D The percentage of international agreements that were executive agreements has increased since 1989.

A The percentage of international agreements that were executive agreements has increased since 1839.

Improper Payments Made by Large Benefits Programs, 2005-2015: Which of the following is an action that Congress would most likely take to address the issues illustrated by the data in the table? A Congress can hold the bureaucracy accountable by working with the federal judicial branch to prosecute individuals and groups receiving illegal payments. B Congress can hold the bureaucracy accountable by calling on leaders from departments and agencies responsible for the improper payments to testify before committees. C Congress can hold the bureaucracy accountable by removing cabinet secretaries responsible for the departments and agencies that made improper payments. D Congress can hold the bureaucracy accountable for improper payments by creating rules that eliminate pork barrel projects in spending bills.

B Congress can hold the bureaucracy accountable by calling on leaders from departments and agencies responsible for the improper payments to testify before committees.

Which of the following is a likely response by another branch of government to a controversial decision such as Engel v. Vitale (1962) which declared that school-sponsored prayer was a violation of the First Amendment? A The House of Representatives can impeach members of the Supreme Court in response to the decision. B The president can propose a constitutional amendment that will be ratified by the Senate. C Congress could strip the Supreme Court of appellate jurisdiction on cases dealing with prayer in school. D The Senate could refuse to confirm future federal court appointees until the case is overturned.

C Congress could strip the Supreme Court of appellate jurisdiction on cases dealing with prayer in school.

In a press briefing, the White House press secretary issues a statement criticizing members of Congress who refuse to act on the president's judicial nominees to the federal courts. This scenario best illustrates which of the following? A Congress does not consider judicial nominations important enough to act on. B Judicial nominees must pass both chambers of Congress, which slows down the process. C Members of the White House staff are strategically used to help the president pass an agenda. D Cabinet members have a tendency to clash with members of the opposing party.

C Members of the White House staff are strategically used to help the president pass an agenda.

Projected Spending for Major Budget Categories: According to the line graph, which budget category will account for the least spending in 2024? A Social Security B Health care programs C Net interest D All other programs

C Net interest

Using social media, individuals are increasingly able to communicate their political views to a wide audience. However, some messages over social media have led to certain individuals being arrested for making credible threats. This issue is most related to which of the following cases? A Engel v. Vitale (1962) B United States v. Lopez (1995) C Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District (1969) D Schenck v. United States (1919)

D Schenck v. United States (1919)

On February 13, 2016, following the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement that the Supreme Court vacancy should be left to the next president of the United States, who would be elected that November. Nonetheless, President Obama nominated circuit judge Merrick Garland to fill the vacancy. The Senate judiciary committee never held a hearing nor was a vote scheduled on the nomination. The scenario demonstrates that A the Senate prefers to pick members of the Supreme Court B there are very few qualified individuals who can serve as Supreme Court justices C because the judicial branch is elected, the Supreme Court must be responsive to public opinion D because federal judges are lifetime appointments, Senate confirmation can oftentimes be challenging

D because federal judges are lifetime appointments, Senate confirmation can oftentimes be challenging

The case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) upheld the standard of "separate but equal" in American law. Which of the following explains how this case relates to Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) ? A Plessy established a precedent that was eventually overturned in the Brown case. B The decision in Plessy was used to support the ruling in Brown. C The "separate but equal" principle was established in Plessy and used in Brown. D The "separate but equal" principle was upheld in Brown but not in Plessy.

A Plessy established a precedent that was eventually overturned in the Brown case.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was a law passed by Congress prohibiting discrimination based on sex. Which of the following describes how the policy is being implemented? A The bureaucracy will create rules for enforcement and will have the discretion to implement those rules. B Congress will issue an order for states to comply with the law. C The Supreme Court will issue a ruling on the constitutionality of the law if a case naturally arises. D The president will veto sections of the bill but will enforce other sections.

A The bureaucracy will create rules for enforcement and will have the discretion to implement those rules.

President Theodore Roosevelt took his case directly to the American people to gain public support for his progressive reform initiatives by appearing in a movie newsreel. This type of presidential communication is an example of which of the following? A Using the bully pulpit B Making use of a formal power C Drafting a signing statement D Issuing an executive order

A Using the bully pulpit

In the case Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964), the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had the power under the commerce clause to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Which of the following explains how this case is similar to Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) ? A Both cases challenged the authority of Congress to pass legislation that addressed local segregation. B Both cases upheld the power of the federal government to ensure equal protection under the law. C Both cases decided that actions taken by the president to end segregation were unconstitutional. D Both cases were about the application of the Thirteenth Amendment to the states.

B Both cases upheld the power of the federal government to ensure equal protection under the law.

In Roe v. Wade (1973), the United States Supreme Court used what provision of the United States Constitution to extend the right to privacy to women seeking abortions? A The due process clause of the Fifth Amendment B The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment C The equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment D The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

B The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

Proposed Cuts by Present Versus the Budget Passed by Congress: Which of the following is an accurate conclusion based on the data illustrated in the bar chart? A Presidents are able to use the power of the bully pulpit to pressure Congress to address their priorities. B The president's advisers are more concerned about an economic recession than are members of Congress. C Despite the increased power of the president, the budget authority is still a major feature of congressional power. D Presidential efforts to increase spending will result in increased authorizations without any action from members of Congress.

C Despite the increased power of the president, the budget authority is still a major feature of congressional power.

Iron Triangles: Which of the following best explains the concept of the iron triangle, as illustrated in the diagram? A To show how interest groups work to increase the size of their membership B To show how bureaucratic agencies and Congress gather public feedback on proposed regulations C To show how interest groups, Congress, and the bureaucracy interact in a public policy area D To show the process that both houses of Congress use to pass new public policies

C To show how interest groups, Congress, and the bureaucracy interact in a public policy area

In the 1950s Southern states attempted to prevent integration of their public schools. In return, the National Guard was sent to force states to implement federal regulations. This scenario illustrates which of the following about the relationship between the state and national governments? A Most issues regarding education are settled at the state level. B The Constitution gives state governments the exclusive power to interpret federal laws. C The power of the national government to enforce state policy had been struck down by the Supreme Court. D The debate over the role of the central government and state powers is ongoing.

D The debate over the role of the central government and state powers is ongoing.

In McDonald v. Chicago (2010), the Court ruled that the Second Amendment right to bear arms was applicable to the states. Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution did the Supreme Court use to support its ruling? A Executive Privilege under Article II, holding that the president is "commander-in-chief" B States' rights under the Tenth Amendment, holding that such powers were "not delegated to the United States by the Constitution" and, thus, "reserved to the States respectively" C The equal protection clause under the Fifth Amendment, holding that one cannot "be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law" D The doctrine of selective incorporation through the Fourteenth Amendment, holding that state action limiting gun rights deprived persons of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law"

D The doctrine of selective incorporation through the Fourteenth Amendment, holding that state action limiting gun rights deprived persons of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law"

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