AP Government Final Review
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?
"... [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 excerpts from Article I of the United States Constitution resolves a problem described by the author?
"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;"
Those who believe that the Supreme Court in its rulings should defer to the elective institutions of government are advocating
"judicial restraint"
For which of the following tasks would using the bar graph as currently designed be the LEAST helpful?
Calculating the election cycle spending based on the intervals shown on the vertical axis
The number of justices on the United States Supreme Court is set by
Congress
Which of the following principles protects a citizen from imprisonment without trial?
Due process
Which of the following constitutional clauses was most relevant in the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade (1973) ?
Due process clause
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?
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.
In 2005, the Utah legislature passed a law that allowed school districts to ignore parts of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), a law passed by Congress in 2001 that supported standards-based education reform. Utah did this despite the fact that it endangered losing $76 million in federal aid to Utah public schools. Which of the following statements best explains why Utah took this action?
Educational policy is not mentioned in the Constitution, which has created debate about the proper role for the national government in educational policy.
What generally does the Fourteenth Amendment provide for?
Equal protection of the laws and due process
The facts of which of the following cases are most related to the political cartoon?
New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
Which of the following statements can best be supported by the survey data displayed in the bar graphs?
Republicans with a low level of political efficacy are the most likely group to say that government needs major reforms.
Which of the following legislative acts best relates to the passage?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Which of the following statements best describes the Supreme Court's actions with respect to disputes between Congress and the President?
The Court generally has tried to avoid deciding conflicts between Congress and the President.
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?
The First Amendment
Which of the following political parties would be most likely to oppose reduced sentencing for nonviolent felony offenders?
The Republican Party
The quote points to which of the following amendments to the United States Constitution as a basis to limit state action?
The Second Amendment
Which of the following is a possible limitation depicted by the data presented in the chart?
The chart does not account for the segments of the population that identify as Independents.
Which of the following best explains how the format affected the polls?
The closed-ended format limited respondents to fewer options, which forced respondents to focus on the most important issue of those options.
Which of the following elements of polling likely created the difference in the poll results?
The formats of the survey questions are different.
Which of the following explains how the passage could influence policy trends in health care?
The passage could convince more members of Congress to support Medicare for all.
Which of the following features of the United States Constitution would most concern the author of Brutus 1?
The supremacy clause, which gives the federal government supremacy over states
The polling in the summer of 2016 shows a sharp increase in popular support for Clinton, followed by a sharp increase in popular support for Trump. Which of the following factors most likely accounts for these increases in popular support?
The timing of political events covered by the news which temporarily influenced preferences
In the 2016 election, Donald Trump won the election despite losing the popular vote by about two percent. The line graph illustrates which of the following about presidential election polling?
The trend appears to indicate that Clinton is more likely to win, but factors such as margin of error and the electoral system also need to be taken into account.
Which of the following explains the most significant long-term consequence of the ideas expressed in the passage?
The value of "all men are created equal" was reaffirmed both in law and in American political culture.
Brutus was an example of an Anti-Federalist because he
believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights
To influence policy making by the federal courts, the president may do all of the following EXCEPT
fire and replace federal judges
The free-exercise clause protects
voluntary prayer by student groups before school
According to the clear and present danger test, speech may be restricted
when it incites violent action
Which of the following parts of the United States Constitution is incorporated to the states based on the ruling in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) ?
"[T]he right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
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 bicameral legislature with an upper house representing each state equally and a lower house with representation proportional to each state's population
Which of the following scenarios is an example of a constitutional application of affirmative action?
A federal contractor actively recruits qualified minorities and women for positions in the company.
In The Federalist 10, which of the following did James Madison argue would best control the negative effects of factions?
A large federal republic
Which of the following best characterizes the general argument made in Brutus 1?
A large republic is dangerous to personal liberty and undermines the states.
Which of the following would most likely be protected by the First Amendment?
A student wears a black armband at school to protest government involvement in a war.
Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution is most related to the case Marbury v. Madison (1803) ?
Article III
Which of the following is the correct pairing of powers found in the Articles of Confederation and powers found in the Constitution?
Articles of Confederation: Unicameral legislature :: United States Constitution: Bicameral legislature
Based on The Federalist 21, which of the following arguments about government would Hamilton likely agree with?
As a practical matter, the laws of the national government ought to have supremacy over state laws.
Which of the following best describes how the generations view themselves in regards to the idealistic trait?
Baby-Boomer respondents are more likely to consider themselves idealistic than Generation X respondents.
Which of the following cases is most similar to Shelley v. Kraemer (1948) ?
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
To enforce the Fourteenth Amendment more clearly, Congress passed the
Civil Rights Act of 1964
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?
Congress can impeach and remove a president who is unable or unwilling to perform his or her official functions.
Which of the following provides the most accurate explanation of how consumer-driven media increases partisan polarization?
Consumer-driven media reinforces existing political biases in individuals.
Which of the following is an example of affirmative action?
Harvard Medical School actively recruits highly qualified minorities and female applicants for its residency program.
Which of the following is used as evidence to support the author's argument?
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.
Which of the following public policies would Democrats be most likely to support?
Increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans
In Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) how did the Supreme Court's decision address state interests and individual rights?
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?
Limited government
Which of the following Supreme Court cases is most relevant to the topic of the article?
McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
Which of the following best explains how parties link citizens to the electoral process?
Parties send volunteers to knock on doors to register voters.
Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the graphs?
Political efficacy is a major factor in shaping political views about government, but political ideology also plays a role.
Which of the following concepts is most closely related to the passage?
Political socialization
Which of the following public policies would Republicans be most likely to support?
Reducing government funding to organizations that provide reproductive services
The data in the chart is too limited to support which if the following generalizations?
Republicans believe climate change is a priority for state governments rather than the federal government.
Senator Hoffman is campaigning for reelection in her state. Her campaign message emphasizes how the policies she has supported have benefited her constituents. She has spotlighted job creation and an overall improvement in the standard of living in the state in the past six years. Senator Hoffman is hoping to appeal to which of the following voting behavior models?
Retrospective voting
Which of the following cases involves a state law that prevents women who are pregnant from seeking abortions?
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Which of the following public policies would Democrats be most likely to support?
Securing a universal health care system
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?
Selective incorporation
Which of the following principles of government is most related to the author's argument in the passage?
Separation of powers is necessary to our constitutional system to limit the power of the three branches and guarantee limited government.
Which generation group is most likely to oppose a protest of national symbols or ceremonies?
Silent
In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the United States Supreme Court ruled that a Georgia law violated the U.S. Constitution. In response to Chief Justice John Marshall's majority opinion, President Andrew Jackson said, "John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it." Which of the following ideas regarding government does President Jackson's statement exhibit?
Since the Supreme Court has no enforcement mechanism, the executive and legislative branches can restrict its decisions.
Which of the following is a principle underlying the Bill of Rights?
Some rights are fundamental and should not be subject to majoritarian control.
Which of the following explains how the scenario described in the passage relates to political behavior?
Taking part in civic education affects whether or not an individual participates politically.
In 2002, Congress passed the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act in an effort to regulate campaign finance by limiting the ability of corporations and unions to spend their general treasury funds on election communications. In 2010, the Supreme Court invalidated this provision of the act. Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority decision of the case?
The First Amendment allows corporations and unions to make independent expenditures regarding candidates for office.
The United States Supreme Court has used which of the following to incorporate the Bill of Rights into state law?
The Fourteenth Amendment
Which of the following rules or clauses did the Supreme Court use to address the issue of racial segregation in public schools?
The Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
Which of the following amendments to the Constitution most likely provides the basis for a driver to challenge the constitutionality of police use of sobriety checkpoints in enforcing drunk driving laws?
The Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure
Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) ?
The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 was struck down as unconstitutional because it exceeded the commerce clause.
Which of the following parties would be most likely to support requiring voters to show photo identification when going to the voting booth?
The Republican Party
Which of the following best characterizes the debate regarding the Second Amendment according to the author of the passage?
The Second Amendment is viewed by some as an individual rights issue but by others as a states' rights issue.
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?
The Sixth Amendment
Which of the following did the most to expand civil rights in the 1950's?
The Supreme Court decision declaring state-mandated school segregation to be unconstitutional
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?
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.
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?
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.
Which of the following best explains the data in the line graph?
The economy is likely the most important issue because it is a broader category that is more open to individual interpretation than both jobs and the budget deficit.
What constitutional clause did the Court rely most heavily on to reach this decision?
The equal protection clause
The text in the passage likely inspired Congress to act based on which of the following clauses of the United States Constitution?
The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment
Using both maps, which of the following best explains why support for the death penalty is concentrated in the southern and middle parts of the United States?
The maps show that the southern and middle parts of the United States have conservative views on social issues.
Which of the following most likely explains how the views of moderates would be affected by this passage?
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.
Based on the data in the chart, which of the following best explains a likely impact of third-party votes in the 2016 election?
The third-party vote in the three states depicted in the chart helped Donald Trump acquire enough electoral votes to win the election.
Which of the following best describes Madison's primary concern about representative government?
Those who seek to represent the people may be tempted to act in their own interests instead.
Which of the following cases decided whether a state could compel children to attend school beyond eighth grade even if it violated the students' sincerely held religious beliefs?
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
A writ of habeas corpus refers to
a person's right to know the reasons for his or her imprisonment
The practice of "microtargeting" described in the passage is an even more powerful campaign tool for parties if they are able to
collect and manage large databases of information on specific groups of voters
The author cites the case District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) in order to
illustrate that the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Second Amendment has recently changed
The process of extending the protections of the Bill of Rights by means of the Fourteenth Amendment to apply to the actions of state governments is known as
incorporation
The Supreme Court established the incorporation doctrine when the Court
interpreted the Fourteenth Amendment as extending most of the requirements of the Bill of Rights to the states as well as the federal government
The idea that judges ought to freely strike down laws that are inconsistent with their understanding of the Constitution is known as
judicial activism
Supreme Court justices were given tenure subject to good behavior by the framers of the Constitution in order to ensure that
justices are free from direct political pressures
Jim Crow laws, still in place in the early 1960s in the South, were outlawed by the
passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act
Which of the following scenarios, related to the First Amendment, best illustrates the "right . . . to petition the Government . . ." ?
A citizen calls a member of Congress to persuade her to vote yes on a bill.
Which of the following scenarios best represents an example of party-line voting?
A citizen casts votes for all Republicans based solely on the candidates' affiliation with the Republican Party.
The decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) reflected new ideas about federalism at the time that can be best characterized by which of the following?
A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty
Which of the following is an accurate summary of James Madison's argument in The Federalist 10?
A large republic presents more opportunities for groups to participate, compete, and limit each other.
If a researcher were interested in understanding how much the NRA spent in each state, what visual could be created to accurately display this information in the bar graph?
A map showing the dollar amounts spent by the NRA in each state since 1992
The bar graph shows the National Rifle Association's spending on Democratic and Republican candidates over several decades of election cycles in support of gun ownership rights. How could a visual best be created to better understand how the spending of the NRA compares to that of gun control proponents?
A pie chart that tallies total spending by both the NRA and gun control proponents since 1992
Which of the following best describes an exit poll?
A poll that asks voters at randomly selected voting places whom they voted for so that election results can be predicted more quickly
Which of the following applications of affirmative action would the United States Supreme Court likely consider unconstitutional?
A state university refuses acceptance of any new applicants from a specific race.
Which of the following examples describes the core value of equality of opportunity?
A student gains admittance to a university solely based on academic performance.
Which of the following public policies is best supported by the notion of free enterprise?
After a review, the Federal Trade Commission approving a corporate merger of cable providers
Which of the following scenarios is most related to the Twenty-Sixth Amendment?
An eighteen-year-old votes in a presidential election.
Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution most concerns Madison according to the passage?
Article I, Section 2—"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature."
A school district in Seattle used the race of students as a tie-breaking factor to determine which students would be admitted to the more popular schools in an attempt to maintain racial diversity. In the case Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 (2007), the Supreme Court ruled this plan unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. Which of the following statements offers the most accurate comparison between this case and the decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) ?
Both cases ruled against the school district based on the equal protection clause.
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) ?
Both cases upheld the power of the federal government to ensure equal protection under the law.
Which of the following best explains how the view of the author of the passage compares with The Federalist 51 regarding separation of powers and checks and balances?
Both the author of the passage and The Federalist 51 assert that the structure of government helps control ambitions among the branches in such a way as to promote effective government.
In The Federalist 10, James Madison argued that the new constitution would help control faction by doing which of the following?
By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate.
The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC, has raised over $50 million dollars, which it plans to spend on advertising in the next midterm election. It plans to target its spending in competitive districts in the days leading up to Election Day. Which of the following court cases decision is most likely to protect the right of the group in the scenario?
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
The experience of those who lived through 9/11 needs to create which of the following outcomes, according to the author of the passage?
Citizens should not let their fear of another terror attack override the country's ability to adhere to the civil liberties protections outlined in the Constitution.
According to the quote, what is the likely effect of the Court's ruling in the Bakke case?
Colleges can consider race but cannot use strict racial quotas in admission practices.
Which of the following is empowered to create new federal courts and specify the number of judges who will sit on them?
Congress
In 1998, Goodyear employee Lilly Ledbetter filed suit against her employer for pay discrimination based on her gender. Though Ledbetter was initially successful, Goodyear appealed the decision and the case went to the Supreme Court. In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (2007), the Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that sex discrimination complaints must be made within 180 days "after the alleged unlawful employment practice occurred," which Ledbetter had failed to do. Which of the following actions could be taken to reverse the impact of the decision?
Congress could enact legislation to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in United States v. Lopez (1995) ?
Congress may not use the commerce clause to make possession of a gun in a school zone a federal crime.
Which of the following is likely true about the 2018 midterm elections based on the data in the line graph?
Economic issues are less likely to be discussed in the 2018 midterm elections than in the 2012 presidential elections.
Which of the following is a consequence of the dynamic competition among branches of government described in the passage?
Effective policy change among governmental levels and branches occurs with little long-term abuse of authority.
Which of the following cases addresses the issue of mandatory public school prayer?
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Which of the following cases arose from a state law that mandates public schools to begin the school day with the reading of a nondenominational prayer by a school official?
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Which of the following legal concepts is Justice Powell considering in his statement?
Equal protection clause
Most of the individual protections of the Bill of Rights now apply to the states because of the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution's
Fourteenth Amendment
A chief executive officer (CEO) of a corporation believes that the Republican candidate for president will enact policies that are more beneficial to her business. The CEO donated the maximum amount allowed by law directly to the candidate's campaign fund. To increase the candidate's chances for election, the CEO also directed her corporation to donate funds to an independent political action committee to create ads criticizing the opposing candidate. According to the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which provision of the Constitution protects her actions?
Freedom of speech in the First Amendment
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?
Government should be based on the consent of the governed.
Which two principles are addressed in the excerpt above? I. The incorporation doctrine II. The concept of eminent domain III. The exclusionary rule IV. The "wall of separation" doctrine
I and III
Protection of the legal rights of women has been facilitated by the passage of which of the following? I. The Equal Rights Amendment II. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 III. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 IV. The Education Amendments Act of 1972
II, III, and IV only
In the case Twining v. New Jersey (1908), the Supreme Court held that the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination is not applicable to the states. In 1964 the Supreme Court overruled the decision in Malloy v. Hogan (1964) and held that the right was incorporated to the states. This scenario illustrates which of the following?
Ideological changes to the Supreme Court can lead to the overturning of precedent.
Which of the following explains how The Federalist 10 relates to the decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) ?
In both, a limited approach to government regulation was argued for.
A person loses his job and refuses to accept any government assistance to get back on his feet, instead relying on savings and seeking a new job immediately. Which of the following core values would this person most relate to?
Individualism
The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) urges its members to take action in support of what they term "animal friendly" legislation through their website. In addition to providing information about important issues that legislators may vote on, the nonprofit organization also describes the best ways to contact a legislator and tips on how best to interact with lawmakers. Which of the following is being illustrated in the scenario?
Interest groups sometimes form around a narrow set of issues with the goal of impacting policy making.
Which of the following is a way Congress can influence the federal judiciary?
It can change appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.
The doctrine of stare decisis is significant for which of the following reasons?
It is the principle that affirms that courts are bound by prior decisions.
In Engel v. Vitale (1962), which of the following provides the legal reasoning behind the Supreme Court's ruling?
It ruled that the state had no justifiable interest to compel students to listen to a nondenominational prayer led by public school teachers, finding a clear establishment clause violation.
Which of the following statements are supported by the data in the table?
Liberals are more likely than moderates to agree that global warming is a crisis.
In 1974, the House of Representatives approved a resolution granting the Judiciary Committee authority to investigate impeachment of President Nixon for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. Which constitutional ideal of democracy is demonstrated in this scenario?
Limited government
The idea of having a constitution, which includes a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances, promotes which of the following core American values?
Limited government
The National Education Association (NEA) is an organization of teachers, administrators, and other educators who work together to advance the interests and impact of public education. One of the NEA's goals is to support public education by ending government funding of voucher programs that promote school privatization. Vouchers give parents financial incentives to send their children to private schools rather than having children attend local public schools. Which of the following strategies would be the most effective way to achieve the NEA's goal of furthering the interest of public education?
Lobby members of congressional committees to vote against all legislation that would support school voucher programs.
Based on the data in the chart, which of the following strategies would best help third-party candidates like Jill Stein and Gary Johnson increase their chances of winning elected office?
Lobbying state legislatures to shift from a winner-take-all system to a proportional voting system
In The Federalist 78, Alexander Hamilton states, "A constitution is, in fact, and must be regarded by the judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore belongs to them to ascertain its meaning." Which of the following Supreme Court cases is most relevant to this statement?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Which of the following cases expanded the powers of Congress by defining the necessary and proper clause more broadly?
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Which of the following statements are illustrated by the data in table?
Millennials are more likely to say they have become more liberal politically over time than Baby Boomers.
The card shown above was issued as a consequence of which of the following Supreme Court decisions?
Miranda v. Arizona
Which of the following are supported by the data in the table?
More people become more socially conservative over time than more socially liberal.
Which of the following explanations is least supported by information on the chart?
Most Democrats and Republicans surveyed believe that an increase in social security taxes is needed to address social security deficits.
Which of the following statements would the author of the passage most likely agree with?
Nations with extended territory cannot fairly represent their citizens in a republican form of government.
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court decided the case Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which ruled that states must recognize same sex couples' right to marry. Which of the following ideals of democracy would the attorneys for the same sex couple most likely put forth as their argument?
Natural rights of life and liberty include the right to marry whom you choose.
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?
Natural rights such as life, liberty, and property
Which of the following states has the greatest protection for freedom of the press based on the information on the map?
New York (NY)
Which of the following headlines is most relevant to the political cartoon?
Nixon Administration Goes to Court to Stop Pentagon Papers Release
A United States Supreme Court justice has announced his retirement at the end of the current Supreme Court term. What is the most likely presidential action in response to this announcement?
Nominate a federal judge who shares the president's ideology
Which of the following public policies would Republicans be most likely to support?
Opening public lands for ranching and oil exploration
In the passage, Brutus is most concerned with the conflict between which of the following political ideas?
Participatory democracy and elite democracy
In which of the following ways do political parties primarily rely on to finance their election activities?
Parties solicit funds from private donors who oftentimes contribute large sums of money.
Which of the following statements best reflects James Madison's beliefs about political representation as expressed in the passage?
People are best represented by a few politicians chosen to voice their issues.
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) ?
Plessy established a precedent that was eventually overturned in the Brown case.
Based on the twin studies data shown in the bar graph, which of the following political traits are most influenced by genetics?
Political knowledge
Which of the following best explains how most candidates are recruited to run for office?
Political parties usually recruit and train people at the local level they believe are most fit to run for office.
Which of the following scenarios reflects the most direct effect of the practice described in the passage on the electoral process?
Political parties will rely increasingly on social media advertising to reach different coalitions of voters.
According to the bar graph, which of the following statements is true about the influence of family on political traits?
Political party identification is about 70 percent influenced by family.
An advertisement airs on television attacking a candidate running for office. The advertisement was produced and distributed by a group that was not affiliated with nor funded by any political campaign. Which of the following statements explains why this expenditure is not prohibited by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 ?
Political spending by groups not directly affiliated with a campaign is a form of protected speech.
The Declaration of Independence states "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This was a revolutionary change from the system of British monarchy, which was based on the divine right of kings. For which of the ideals of democracy does this quote provide a foundation?
Popular sovereignty
The establishment clause in the First Amendment does which of the following?
Prohibits the setting up of a state church.
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of rights protected and not protected by the First Amendment?
Protected by the First Amendment: The right to burn a flag:: Not Protected by the First Amendment: Obscenity
Which of the following best defines civil liberties?
Provisions in the Bill of Rights that provide guarantees against arbitrary interference by government
Which of the following is a likely public policy result of the data on the line graph?
Public policies that create jobs but increase the deficit, such as tax cuts or infrastructure spending, will likely be prioritized over paying down the national debt.
During his confirmation hearing, Chief Justice John Roberts stated that Roe v. Wade (1973) "is the settled law of the land." This statement suggests that in a case that challenges the constitutionality of legislation restricting privacy and reproductive rights, which of the following should be a key factor in the court's ruling?
Reliance on legal precedent
The author explains that the powers given to each branch "sometimes appear to swing like a pendulum" from one branch to another. Which of the following best describes how these shifts ensure that constitutional government is functional?
Separation of powers divides responsibilities and authority between branches, which allows each branch to be checked by the other two branches to ensure accountability.
In 1980, a small group of parents personally affected by drunk driving formed the group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Over the past four decades, they have grown in number and have lobbied on state and local levels promoting legislation such as stricter limits on blood alcohol levels for drivers. MADD is an example of which of the following?
Single-issue group with the goal of impacting policy making
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?
Some life experiences that socialize individuals into politics affect specific behaviors but not partisanship or ideology.
Which of the following statements is best supported by the information on the map?
Some states prioritize freedom of the press over criminal prosecutions.
Using both maps, which of the following best explains how states without the death penalty voted in the 2016 presidential election?
States without the death penalty were more likely to cast their ballots for the Democrat, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 election.
Which of the following policies would an individual who identifies as a Democrat most likely support?
Strengthening anti-discrimination policies for married gay couples
Which of the following was an argument used by the Supreme Court in upholding federal statutes outlawing segregation in public accommodations?
Such segregation affected interstate commerce, and Congress therefore had the authority to outlaw it.
There is an ongoing debate over the role of money in elections. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 banned soft money and restricted advertisements in the weeks before an election. Parts of this act were challenged and struck down in the Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010). Which of the following was a consequence of that ruling?
Super PACs may spend unlimited funds on advertisements that are not coordinated with the campaign because they are protected by the freedom of speech.
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?
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.
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?
The Fourth Amendment
Which of the following statements accurately describes the selection of the caseload for the United States Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court is free to choose the cases it hears with only a few limitations.
When a lower court decision is appealed to the Supreme Court, which of the following is most likely to occur?
The Supreme Court will not hear the appeal.
Which of the following is the best example of the core value of limited government?
The United States Constitution delegating specific powers to Congress
The framers of the Constitution designed which of the following to be LEAST responsive to public opinion?
The courts
The Supreme Court has ruled which of the following concerning the death penalty?
The death penalty is not necessarily cruel and unusual punishment.
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?
The debate over the role of the central government and state powers is ongoing.
Which of the following experiences most likely influenced the perspective conveyed in the passage?
The debt crisis of the 1780s which the national government was unable to address due to lack of authority
Which of the following sections of the United States Constitution did the Supreme Court use to support its ruling?
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"
In McDonald v. Chicago (2010), the United States Supreme Court stated, "that the [Constitution] protects the right to possess a handgun in the home for the purpose of self-defense" and that the Second Amendment applied to the states through which of the following constitutional clauses?
The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment
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?
The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment
If voters are acting according to the retrospective model of voting, which of the following will be the most important consideration in their decision?
The effect of recent economic conditions on the voters
A public school district implemented a policy that allowed students to vote on whether they wanted a student-led prayer to be read at football games. This policy was later found to be unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. Which of the following clauses did the policy most likely violate?
The establishment clause
Which of the following was a likely result of the decision in Wickard v. Filburn that contributed to the Court's later decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) ?
The expansive interpretation of the commerce clause by the Supreme Court which greatly extended the power of Congress drew criticism that eventually led to a more narrow interpretation.
In the passage, Hamilton is concerned that under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government does not have sufficient constitutional powers to gain compliance from state governments. Which of the following is a way that the Constitution allows the federal government to address this problem?
The federal government can pass laws that allow it to fine or tax individuals directly.
Which of the following scenarios illustrates a solution for the problem of getting states to comply with federal government policies, as described in the passage?
The federal government can withhold highway funds from states that do not raise the age to drink alcohol to 21.
Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ?
The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.
In the early part of the twenty-first century, public opinion polls showed that a majority of Americans believed it should be illegal to burn the American flag. As a result, many members of Congress introduced amendments to make it illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Which of the following statements best explains why these efforts have been unsuccessful?
The framers made the amendment process difficult in order to protect individual rights.
According to the bar graph, which of the following is true about the influence of the general environment on political traits?
The general environment accounts for about 20 percent of the influence on political party identification in twins.
Which of the following statements accurately explains a limitation of the line graph?
The line graph does not illustrate differences along party lines regarding the perception of the Federal Reserve.
Using both of the maps, which of the following best explains the role that ideology has played in the shaping of corporate tax rates?
The maps indicate that states that have high corporate tax rates are more likely to enact liberal policies.
Using both maps, which of the following explains how states with the death penalty voted in the 2016 election?
The maps show that states with the death penalty were more likely to vote for the Republican, Donald Trump, in the 2016 election.
Using both the maps, which of the following best explains how states with the highest corporate tax rates voted in the 2016 election?
The maps show that states with the highest corporate tax rates were more likely to vote for the Democrat, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 election.
A member of Congress is arrested and convicted of failing to pay the proper amount of income tax. Which of the following core American values is most relevant to this case?
The rule of law
In Baker v. Carr (1962), the Supreme Court ruled that a state legislature would have to redraw their representative districts in order to comply with the Constitution. Which of the following potential difficulties could have resulted from this decision?
The state legislature could have refused to implement the decision, leading to a crisis in the legitimacy of the Supreme Court's authority.
Under Roe v. Wade (1973), as originally decided, when may the state largely prohibit women from having abortions?
The state's interest in prohibiting abortions is greatest during the third trimester of the pregnancy; thus, the state may prohibit women from seeking abortions in some conditions.
All of the following serve as checks on the power of the federal courts EXCEPT:
The voters can oust federal judges in national elections.
Which of the following best explains how the passage relates to the political process?
There are important political and cultural events that can cause the development of lasting political beliefs across groups of people in society.
Which of the following is true of nominees for federal judgeships?
They are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Concurrent powers have which of the following effects on the United States political system?
They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.
According to the bar graph, which of the following statements will be true in the year 2060?
Those identifying as White alone will remain a majority.
The data from the two polls, which ask the same question, illustrate which of the following?
Those making inferences from polling results should understand the methods used by pollsters.
Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the data in the graphs?
Those with greater political efficacy have a more positive view of government; as a result, they are more likely to vote in elections.
Which of the following Supreme Court decisions allows public school students to wear T-shirts protesting a school board decision that eliminates funding for high school arts programs?
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)
Based on the data in the chart and your knowledge of presidential elections, which of the following is the best strategy that Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump could have used to pull votes away from the third-party candidates, Jill Stein and Gary Johnson?
Trump or Clinton could have adopted issues that were popular with Stein's and Johnson's voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as part of their campaigns.
Which of the following actions can Congress take if the Supreme Court finds a federal law unconstitutional?
Try to amend the Constitution.
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
United States v. Lopez (1995)
Which of the following is the best conclusion a polling group might draw from the results of the two polls?
Using an agree-or-disagree format encourages respondents to agree with the position
Which of the following political processes or behaviors is most directly affected by the development described in the passage?
Voter mobilization
Which of the following newspaper headlines best summarizes the excerpt from Washington's Farewell Address?
Washington Warns of Dangerous Party Factions
In which of the following situations would the Supreme Court be most likely to utilize the doctrine of selective incorporation?
When an individual claims that a right protected by the Bill of Rights is infringed upon by a state
The Supreme Court addressed the admissions policy of the University of Michigan Law School in Grutter v. Bollinger (2003). Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote for the court, "in the context of its individualized inquiry into the possible diversity contributions of all applicants, the Law School's race-conscious admissions program does not unduly harm nonminority applicants." The primary issue of controversy in the Grutter v. Bollinger decision involves
affirmative action
The trend in late October and early November showing Clinton ahead but an increase in support for Trump most likely would be
described as momentum by the trailing Trump campaign to encourage supporters to vote
The "wall of separation" doctrine refers to the
division of church and state
The clear-and-present danger test devised by the Supreme Court was designed to define the conditions under which public authorities could
limit free speech
The difference between an appellate court and a district court is that an appellate court
reviews previous court decisions
With respect to prayer in public schools, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that
state-sponsored prayer violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment
A state government places security cameras facing a popular site of protest in a public square in front of its statehouse. This scenario illustrates
the balance of promoting stability and ensuring civil liberties
Throughout most of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, most African Americans were prevented from voting in many Southern states despite the Fifteenth Amendment, which extended the right to vote to African American males. Southern states were able to take this action because
the framers allowed the individual states to create voting processes and voter qualifications
The doctrine of original intent holds that
the meaning of the Constitution depends on the intention of the framers
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
the most capable individuals would decide which candidate would be president