AP Government Midterm
Which of the following constitutional provisions gives Congress and the president expressed power over the national defense?
1 2
Why might states prefer receiving a grant-in-aid as opposed to an unfunded mandate?
A grant-in-aid would provide at least some funding for the policy initiative, whereas an unfunded mandate requires the states to implement national policy with their own state budgets.
Suppose the subjects of a totalitarian government have successfully overthrown their leader and are planning a new form of government that will grant them greater personal and economic freedom and prevent future tyranny. Which element should they include in their new government?
A list of basic rights
Which type of state would have been in favor of the proposed Virginia Plan?
A state with a relatively large population
What is federalism?
A system that divides power between the state and national governments
Who was it that noted the uniquely American phenomenon of diverse citizens joining like-minded groups in the 1830s?
Alexis de Tocqueville
In recent elections, the Electoral College has been attacked as undemocratic by many Americans. How might someone rebut this argument about the Electoral College?
America is not a pure democracy, but rather a constitutional republic, and the Electoral College is another system of representation.
Which of the following arguments would a proponent of the pluralist system of political participation most likely make?
American democracy is furthered when groups representing all points of view help make public policy.
Which system of government was America under prior to declaring independence from Great Britain and adopting the Constitution?
Authoritarian
A group of students is debating about whether or not America would benefit from a different form of government. One group of students believes that the Constitution gives the federal government too much power. Which paper supports that group's argument?
Brutus No. 1.
How does the Preamble of the United States Constitution establish the notion of popular sovereignty?
By declaring that the people of the United States of America are the ones granting the government its power.
How did Thomas Jefferson and other signers of the Declaration of Independence believe the King of England was violating the colonists' right to liberty?
By imposing unfair and damaging taxes
How do federal systems of government prevent one level of government from encroaching on the powers of the other?
By instituting constitutional protections
How does Bill Clinton's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) compare to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)?
Clinton's TANF placed greater restrictions and limitations on social welfare programs and gave more authority to the states than Roosevelt's AFDC.
Which state permits the use of marijuana for recreational purposes?
Colorado
After the Revolutionary War, but prior to the adoption of the Constitution, the United States was under which system of government?
Confederal
Many Americans believed that the federal law might shift to favor the legalization of medical marijuana under which president?
Donald Trump
The following question(s) refer to the passage.The idea of a [unitary] government involves in it, not only an authority over the individual citizens, but an indefinite supremacy over all persons and things, so far as they are objects of lawful government. . . . In [that] case, all local authorities are subordinate to the supreme; and may be controlled, directed, or abolished by it at pleasure. In [a federal system], the [regional] authorities form distinct and independent portions of the supremacy, no more subject, within their respective spheres, to the general authority, than the general authority is subject to them, within its own sphere. —James Madison, Federalist No. 39 Which constitutional concept is best reflected in the passage? You Answered
Dual federalism
Two students are debating the role the federal government should play in education. One student argues that education has traditionally been handled by the states and should continue as such. How should the student in favor of federal involvement in education respond?
Federal policy ensures that all students receive an equal education regardless of where they live.
What is the significance of the data on the graph, and how do the data relate to American government and politics?
For over fifty years, the federal government has become increasingly involved in state and local governmental affairs.
The provision that anyone born in the United States is an American citizen can be found in the
Fourteenth Amendment
Following Bridget Mergens' struggle to form a Bible study club at her school, which other group also experienced resistance from their school when attempting to form a club?
GSA
Suppose a free speech advocacy group is attempting to stop legislation that would infringe upon American citizens' First Amendment rights, but they lack money to donate to a pro-free speech candidate's campaign. What is another way this group might be able to influence this legislation?
Get supporters to participate in a campaign to contact representatives and voice their opinion.
A student is asked to provide an example of a Supreme Court case that highlights the conflicts that arise between state and federal governments when it comes to the system of federalism in America. Which Supreme Court case should the student name as the BEST example?
Gonzales v. Raich
How does John Locke's concept of a social contract compare to the form of government that existed in Great Britain at the time?
Great Britain's government at the time stated that kings were granted the right to rule by God, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract dictated that leaders were granted the right to rule by the people.
A high school sophomore who belongs to his school's chapter of a Gay-Straight Alliance feels he is being discriminated against in the classroom by a teacher due to his membership in the group. How can this student utilize the political process to make quick and effective change? Correct!
He can seek legal assistance and file a lawsuit against the school or teacher.
How do the ideas of John Locke and David Hume complement one another?
Hume's idea of limiting government to prevent greed coincides with Locke's belief that people have the right to replace a government that grows too powerful.
How does the Supreme Court's decision on Gonzales v. Raich differ from its decision on United States v. Lopez?
In Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court upheld the argument that marijuana cultivation and use reasonably fell under the authority of the federal government as part of the commerce clause, whereas it struck down such a claim in United States v. Lopez.
How does joining a civil society group impact participatory democracy?
It increases the likelihood that American citizens will participate in political processes.
What was the Antifederalists' most compelling argument against the Constitution?
It lacked a bill of rights to protect the rights of individuals.
How did the Great Depression threaten American federalism?
It shifted the balance of power between the federal and state governments towards the federal government.
Which argument did the Drug Enforcement Agency make at the Supreme Court to justify their actions against Diane Monson?
It stated that their actions were in accordance with federal law and their authority.
How would the proposed Virginia Plan have created a stronger federal government?
It would have expanded the legislature and given states additional representatives.
Which ideas form the foundation of American political culture?
Liberty, equality, and rights
Suppose Congress has passed legislation that would ban American citizens from purchasing or owning firearms of any kind. The law is brought to the Supreme Court, where it is deemed a violation of the Second Amendment. The ability of the Supreme Court to make such a decision was established in
Marbury v. Madison
The graph supports which of the following conclusions?
Over the past four decades, America's wealthiest individuals have been earning a larger share of America's national income.
In 2008, Congress authorized the Troubled Asset Relief Program to bail out the nation's banks to keep them functioning through the 2008 financial crisis. Although this program was criticized by many as an overreach of the federal government into private institutions, Congress had precedent to do so via
President Roosevelt's New Deal programs.
Suppose you want to start an after-school club at your high school for pro-life Christians. Your school administrators say you can meet with fellow classmates after school but cannot use school facilities or be a formal club. Which argument would be the MOST effective to convince the administrators to make your club official?
Prohibiting the club from becoming official goes against the precedent set by Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens.
After the Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution to prevent the president from committing the U.S. to a military conflict without the consent of Congress. Which constitutional principle was this law based on?
Separation of powers
Which grievance listed in the Declaration of Independence is an example of the King of England infringing upon the inalienable right to life?
Standing armies threatened colonists.
The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State. The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security. As the former periods will probably bear a small proportion to the latter, the State governments will here enjoy another advantage over the federal government. The more adequate, indeed, the federal powers may be rendered to the national defense, the less frequent will be those scenes of danger which might favor their ascendancy over the governments of the particular States. — James Madison, Federalist No. 45 Which of the following best summarizes Madison's argument inFederalistNo. 45?
State power is protected by a strong national defense.
Why did the economy fail to thrive under the Articles of Confederation?
States hindered commerce by imposing trade restrictions on one another.
Which of the following statements best describes the viewpoint expressed in the political cartoon?
Supreme Court decisions do not resolve long-standing disagreements over social policy issues
In 1993, Congress enacted the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, mandating that anyone seeking to buy a firearm must first undergo a federal background check. One provision in that act required state law enforcement officials to conduct those background checks. In Printz v. United States (1997), the Supreme Court declared that portion of the act to be unconstitutional, reasoning, "The Federal Government may not compel the States to enact or administer a federal regulatory program." Which constitutional provision most logically and directly supports the Court's conclusion in the quoted language?
Tenth Amendment
Which argument does James Madison make in Federalist No. 10?
That the key to mitigating the dangers of factions is a republican government.
Which of the following statements best describes the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?
The Court ruled that the necessary and proper clause allows the national government to create banks, strengthening national power.
Which group represented Bridget Mergens in her fight to form a Christian Bible study club at her high school?
The National Legal Foundation
Which piece of legislation is an example of the federal government devolving authority to the state?
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
Following the Civil War, how was the concept of federalism applied to the rights of African Americans?
The Supreme Court supported the rights of states to take their own action regarding the rights of African Americans but did not provide protection for African Americans at the national level.
Which amendment of the United States Constitution might a Supreme Court Justice reference when deciding on a case that they believe would otherwise grant Congress too much authority over the states?
The Tenth Amendment
Which measures are included in the Constitution that establish the American system of federalism?
The Tenth Amendment and concurrent powers
Suppose that the Civil War has just ended and some plantation owners in Georgia are still engaged in the trade and exploitation of enslaved African Americans. Georgia is in direct violation of which amendment?
The Thirteenth Amendment
Which inference is most clearly drawn from the graph?
The category receiving the largest federal funding has shifted over time from "Education, training, employment, and social services" in 1975 to "Health" in 2011.
What is the primary difference between a civil society group like a charitable church organization and an interest group like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)?
The charitable church organization acts in the interest of the common good, whereas the AARP advocates for its own interests.
What was an outcome of Plessy v. Ferguson?
The concept of separate but equal
Which aspect of the Constitution would you use to support a decision on McCulloch v. Maryland that rules in favor of the state instead of the national government?
The concurrent powers that grant both the state and national governments the right to charter banks and levy taxes.
No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time. — Federalist No. 10 Which of the following principles is reflected in the quote?
The danger of factions
Why was Shays's Rebellion an effective way for James Madison to lure George Washington back into public life?
The events that happened during Shays's Rebellion demonstrated how broken the system under the Articles of Confederation was.
A group of women's rights advocates believes women are not being paid equally to men in the workplace and are concerned that federal anti-discrimination laws are not being effectively carried out. Which branch of government should be blamed for the lack of enforcement of such laws?
The executive branch
How did President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal programs reflect the practice of cooperative federalism?
The federal government worked with state governments to provide financial aid to those in need and give jobs to those who were unemployed.
The table supports which of the following statements?
The first four states that ratified the Constitution did so by wider margins than did the final four.
How does the case of the Boyd County High School Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) demonstrate the tension between the two visions of liberty?
The freedom of the students to form a club infringed upon the teachers' freedom from being subject to beliefs they may not agree with,
Given that Switzerland is governed by a direct democracy, which is a critique a Federalist would have of the Swiss government?
The government is susceptible to the dangers of factions.
Which factor did the Supreme Court consider when making its decision on Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens?
The maturity of high school students
Which part of the Constitution did Chief Justice John Marshall cite in justification of the Supreme Court decision in McCulloch v. Maryland?
The necessary and proper clause
Which portion of the Constitution creates the potential for the legislative branch to grow too powerful?
The necessary and proper clause
Why did smaller, less-populous states prefer the New Jersey Plan?
The plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation.
How do the powers granted to the federal government compare to the powers granted to the state governments?
The powers granted to the state governments are generally those that can be more efficiently and effectively implemented at the state level.
Which of the following best describes a constitutional democracy?
The powers of government are both described and limited by the Constitution.
The following question(s) refer to the passage.The idea of a [unitary] government involves in it, not only an authority over the individual citizens, but an indefinite supremacy over all persons and things, so far as they are objects of lawful government. . . . In [that] case, all local authorities are subordinate to the supreme; and may be controlled, directed, or abolished by it at pleasure. In [a federal system], the [regional] authorities form distinct and independent portions of the supremacy, no more subject, within their respective spheres, to the general authority, than the general authority is subject to them, within its own sphere. —James Madison, Federalist No. 39 Which of the following statements best describes the author's perspective and reasoning?
The powers that the Constitution would grant to the national government will not intrude upon the power of state governments.
Suppose the president has nominated someone for a vacancy on the Supreme Court, but a senator in the opposing party does not approve of the president's choice. What can that senator do to change the situation?
The senator may vote against the president's chosen nominee during the confirmation hearing.
Who holds the power in a confederal system of government?
The states
How does Bridget Mergens' experience with forming a Bible study group at her high school compare to the experience of the Boyd County High School students who wanted to form a Gay-Straight Alliance?
The students at Boyd County High School experienced far more backlash than Mergens but achieved greater change within their school district.
Why was a letter to Boyd County High School from the American Civil Liberties Union that referenced the Equal Access Act insufficient in addressing the issue of the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance?
The students who formed the Gay-Straight Alliance were harassed, and all groups were shut down.
By holding that Congress may regulate activity that is neither interstate nor commerce under the Interstate Commerce Clause, the Court abandons any attempt to enforce the Constitution's limits on federal power . . . —Justice Clarence Thomas, dissenting opinion, Gonzales v. Raich Which of the following statements best describes the viewpoint conveyed in the quotation?
The system of federalism is threatened by the national government's expansion of power under the commerce clause.
If Angel Raich and Diane Monson's case were reversed and marijuana use was legal at the federal level but prohibited in their state of California, how would the outcome of their case be different?
Their use of marijuana would be permitted based on the supremacy clause within the Constitution.
Suppose a group of women's rights activists in America are pushing for the reconsideration and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Under the constitutional republic, how can these activists achieve their goal?
They can vote for Congressional representatives who can set the amendment process in motion.
0 / 1 pts Why was the Antifederalists' position more difficult than that of the Federalists during the debates over the ratification of the Constitution?
They had to prove that the proposed government was more dangerous than the existing one.
Why might small farmers and those from rural areas opposed the Federalist position?
They were generally distrustful of political elites and a distant central government.
What was the main function of the Riot Act?
To absolve sheriffs and officers from prosecution for killing rioters.
What was the main function of Article V of the Articles of Confederation?
To establish a unicameral legislature
Why might a group of veterans during Shays's Rebellion have focused their efforts on local courthouses?
To prevent them from operating effectively.
Which was a function of the Social Security Act of 1935?
To provide assistance programs to the elderly
What is the primary purpose of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970?
To regulate the use and possession of certain drugs and other dangerous substances
How many votes are required in the House and Senate to propose an amendment to the Constitution?
Two-thirds in both the House and the Senate
What was the main argument made in Federalist No. 51?
Tyranny will be prevented by establishing a system of separation of powers.
How does the concept of popular sovereignty compare to other forms of sovereignty?
Under popular sovereignty, the people grant the government the right to rule, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty.
Cuba is a Communist dictatorship run by a single leader, where the citizens have no say in how the country is run. Cuba is an example of which system of government?
Unitary
A student who is studying important Supreme Court cases that re-established the balance of state and federal government power in America's system of federalism might include which case in their studies?
United States v. Lopez
Federal nutrition guidelines require public schools to serve healthy lunches to students and limit the amount of "junk food" available in vending machines. A state seeking to challenge these nutrition rules should cite which of the following cases?
United States v. Lopez
Which Supreme Court case first recognized the legality of same-sex marriage?
United States v. Windsor
Which of the following concepts was not included in the original Constitution as drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
How did Congress justify the passage of the Controlled Substances Act?
With the commerce clause of the Constitution
Why might more and more states be willing to legalize the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes despite it being illegal at the federal level?
With the growing number of people using marijuana, the federal government would have to expend its resources to jail citizens who would otherwise be considered law-abiding citizens.
Would the students of Boyd County High School have been successful in forming a Gay-Straight Alliance if Bridget Mergens had lost her case at the Supreme Court?
Yes, because the American Civil Liberties Union initially cited the Equal Access Act and was successful.
Suppose the Department of Energy has decided to provide funds to state governments for the purpose of researching, establishing, and implementing any number of clean energy sources in any way the state sees fit. This is an example of
a block grant.
Assume the federal government has decided to provide funding to each state to build charging stations throughout public parks with the condition that the charging stations do not impede on the environment too severely, have at least five charging ports, and are functional within two years. This is an example of
a categorical grant.
Suppose the federal government has just passed a law that will require all public schools to provide students with enclosed lockers that students can lock with a padlock. The federal government is requiring states to implement this policy with their own funds, making it
an unfunded mandate.
Despite China allowing private businesses to operate within the country, the government has increased its control over the way its citizens communicate and act within society, making it
authoritarianism
The Federalists and the Antifederalists disagreed upon which major issue?
bill of rights
Which of the following pairs of statements correctly describes both federal and unitary systems?
d
In 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions granted each individual U.S. Attorney the power to decide whether or not to prosecute someone with regards to the use of marijuana. This is an example of
devolving federal power.
Someone who believes that the authority of Congress may be greatly expanded to fulfill its duties listed in the Constitution would likely
disagree with the decision made in United States v. Lopez.
A state that sets its own testing standards and develops its own curriculum standards for education without any direction or interference from the national government is an example of
dual federalism.
Concerns that large companies like the e-commerce giant Amazon are not paying enough in taxes reflects which theory of democracy?
elitist
A candidate running for the House of Representatives has promised constituents that she will push for legislation to reform campaign finance laws so that the wealthy elites and business owners do not have greater influence on policies than American citizens. Such legislation is based on which theory?
elitist theory
What is the primary function of the president as outlined in the Constitution?
enforce the laws written by Congress
According to John Locke, it is the government's job to
ensure order and functionality of society
Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 on the basis that the commerce clause in the Constitution permitted them to regulate the transaction and transport of goods across state lines, including drugs and harmful substances. This is an example of Congress exercising its
expressed powers.
The current U.S. Senate is similar to the unicameral legislature under the Articles of Confederation in that both
favor less populous states over more populous ones.
The ability of an American citizen to enact change by getting either Congress or their state legislature to pass legislation is an example of
federalism
Suppose it is 2019 and a same-sex couple has decided to move to a different state to be closer to family. After they move, they find that the state they have moved to refuses to recognize their marriage. The state is in clear violation of the
full faith and credit clause of the Constitution.
President Richard Nixon attempted to reduce the authority of the national government by
funding policies with block grants.
Exclusive powers can be defined as powers that are
granted to the national government and not to subnational governments.
Democracy can be defined as a system of government
in which people hold the power
Who proposed the concept that some rights cannot be provided or taken away by governments?
john Locke
The "league of friendship" created by the Articles of Confederation was meant to address issues between states concerning
land.
What would James Madison argue is the best check on the power of the current political parties in the United States?
large size and diversity
A political scientist living in the American colonies during the late 1700s believes it is the duty of the people to hold their government accountable and replace a tyrannical government if necessary. Who would this political scientist likely agree with?
locke
We should remember that the Declaration of Independence is not merely a historical document. It is an explicit recognition that our rights derive not from the King of England, not from the judiciary, not from government at all, but from God. —Mark Levin The quotation best represents which concept?
natural rights
A political activist who supports gun control legislation believes that interest groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) have too much money and influence over lawmakers in Congress. Such a belief is characteristic of which theory?
pluralist theory
The power of like-minded groups to impact the policymaking process is known as
pluralist theory
In a debate about the scope of the American government providing social welfare programs, one student argues that such programs are conducive to helping Americans realize the American Dream, while the other argues that such programs run contrary to the inherent right to
pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set.
Suppose a teacher's union has organized a nationwide boycott of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) since they believe it is harmful, not beneficial, to students' education. In an effort to stop the boycotts from happening, representatives in Congress have agreed to make changes to the existing legislation. To make the most effective change, Congress should
remove the requirement for standardized testing.
Which issue was sent to a Grand Committee to decide upon during the Constitutional Convention?
representation
Citizens of a small American town have been dissatisfied with their elected representative in the House of Representatives and are planning to vote for a different candidate in the next election. Which form of government allows the citizens to take such an action?
representative
Suppose that in an upcoming presidential election, a state that historically votes Democratic has decided to leave the Independent candidate off the ballot. This is an example of the state exercising its
reserved powers.
An increasing federal deficit will likely put an end to
revenue sharing.
If the Supreme Court were to hear a case regarding the issue of firearm ownership in California and decided that the legislation in question violated the Second Amendment and that no state may infringe upon the Second Amendment, this would be an example of
selective incorporation.
A political scientist who was dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation might attend the Annapolis Convention with the hope that
significant changes would be made to the government
A new amendment has passed a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Where should activists supporting ratification of the amendment focus their lobbying efforts?
state legislature
The case of Angel Raich and Diane Monson using medical marijuana within the state of California, where it is legal, while it is illegal at the federal level is an example of the
tensions and complications that can arise under the American system of federalism.
The students at Boyd County High School who were prevented from forming a Gay-Straight Alliance received legal assistance from
the American Civil Liberties Union
States like California, Alaska, and Oregon have legalized marijuana despite it being illegal at the federal level. This discrepancy between state laws that have legalized marijuana and the federal law is an example of
the conflicting nature of American federalism.
Minnesota does not charge sales tax on clothing purchases. If Minnesota were to pass a law that allows businesses to charge sales tax on clothing purchases made by visitors from other states, Minnesota would be in violation of
the privileges and immunities clause.
What was the main purpose of the Equal Access Act of 1984?
to prevent public high schools from excluding religious extracurricular clubs.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Nazi Germany ruled its people with unlimited power and is an example of which system of government?
totalitarianism
