11-17 Flashcards
1
Q
The Great Compromise successfully resolved differences between ________.
large and small states slave and non-slave states the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution the House and the Senate
A
large and small states
2
Q
While each state has two senators, members of the House are apportioned ________.
according to the state’s geographic size based on the state’s economic size according to the state’s population based on each state’s need
A
according to the state’s population
3
Q
The process of redistricting can present problems for congressional representation because ________.
districts must include urban and rural areas states can gain but never lose districts districts are often drawn to benefit partisan groups states have been known to create more districts than they have been apportioned
A
districts are often drawn to benefit partisan groups
4
Q
Which of the following is an implied power of Congress?
the power to regulate the sale of tobacco in the states the power to increase taxes on the wealthiest one percent the power to put the president on trial for high crimes the power to override a presidential veto
A
the power to regulate the sale of tobacco in the states
5
Q
Senate races tend to inspire ________.
broad discussion of policy issues narrow discussion of specific policy issues less money than House races less media coverage than House races
A
broad discussion of policy issues
6
Q
The saying “All politics is local” roughly means ________.
the local candidate will always win the local constituents want action on national issues the local constituents tend to care about things that affect them the act of campaigning always occurs at the local level where constituents are
A
the local constituents tend to care about things that affect them
7
Q
A congressperson who pursued a strict delegate model of representation would seek to ________.
legislate in the way he or she believed constituents wanted, regardless of the anticipated outcome legislate in a way that carefully considered the circumstances and issue so as to reach a solution that is best for everyone legislate in a way that is best for the nation regardless of the costs for the constituents legislate in the way that he or she thinks is best for the constituents
A
legislate in the way he or she believed constituents wanted, regardless of the anticipated outcome
8
Q
The increasing value constituents have placed on descriptive representation in Congress has had the effect of ________.
increasing the sensitivity representatives have to their constituents demands decreasing the rate at which incumbents are elected increasing the number of minority members in Congress decreasing the number of majority minority districts
A
increasing the number of minority members in Congress
9
Q
House leaders are more powerful than Senate leaders because of ________.
the majoritarian nature of the House—a majority can run it like a cartel the larger size of the House the constitutional position of the House the State of the Union address being delivered in the House chamber
A
the majoritarian nature of the House—a majority can run it like a cartel
10
Q
A select committee is different from a standing committee because ________.
a select committee includes member of both chambers, while a standing committee includes only members of the House a select committee is used for bill reconciliation, while a standing committee is used for prosecutions a select committee must stay in session, while a standing committee goes to recess a select committee is convened for a specific and temporary purpose, while a standing committee is permanent
A
a select committee is convened for a specific and temporary purpose, while a standing committee is permanent
11
Q
Stopping a filibuster requires that ________.
a majority of senators agree on the bill the speaker steps away from the podium the chamber votes for cloture the Speaker or majority leader intervenes
A
the chamber votes for cloture
12
Q
Saying a bill is being marked up is just another way to say it is being ________.
tabled neglected vetoed amended
A
amended
13
Q
The key means of advancing modern legislation is now ________.
committees the actions of the leadership the budget process the filibuster
A
the actions of the leadership
14
Q
Many at the Continental Congress were skeptical of allowing presidents to be directly elected by the legislature because ________.
they were worried about giving the legislature too much power they feared the opportunities created for corruption they knew the weaknesses of an electoral college they worried about subjecting the commander-in-chief to public scrutiny
A
they feared the opportunities created for corruption
15
Q
Which of the following is a way George Washington expanded the power of the presidency?
He refused to run again after serving two terms. He appointed the heads of various federal departments as his own advisors. He worked with the Senate to draft treaties with foreign countries. He submitted his neutrality proclamation to the Senate for approval.
A
He appointed the heads of various federal departments as his own advisors.
16
Q
How did the election of 1824 change the way presidents were selected?
Following this election, presidents were directly elected. Jackson’s supporters decided to create a device for challenging the Electoral College. The election convinced many that the parties must adopt the king caucus as the primary method for selecting presidents. The selection of the candidate with fewer electoral votes triggered the rise of party control over nominations.
A
The selection of the candidate with fewer electoral votes triggered the rise of party control over nominations.
17
Q
Which of the following is an unintended consequence of the rise of the primary and caucus system?
Sometimes candidates unpopular with the party leadership reach the top. Campaigns have become shorter and more expensive. The conventions have become more powerful than the voters. Often incumbent presidents will fail to be renominated by the party.
A
Sometimes candidates unpopular with the party leadership reach the top.
18
Q
The people who make up the modern president’s cabinet are the heads of the major federal departments and ________.
must be confirmed by the Senate once in office are subject to dismissal by the Senate serve two-year terms are selected base on the rules of patronage
A
must be confirmed by the Senate
19
Q
A very challenging job for new presidents is to ______.
move into the White House prepare and deliver their first State of the Union address nominate and gain confirmation for their cabinet and hundreds of other officials prepare their first executive budget
A
nominate and gain confirmation for their cabinet and hundreds of other officials
20
Q
President Theodore Roosevelt’s concept of the bully pulpit was the office’s ________.
authority to use force, especially military force constitutional power to veto legislation premier position to pressure through public appeal ability to use technology to enhance the voice of the president
A
premier position to pressure through public appeal
21
Q
The passage of the Tenure of Office Act of 1867 was just one instance in a long line of ________.
struggles for power between the president and the Congress unconstitutional presidential power grabbing impeachment trials arguments over presidential policy
A
struggles for power between the president and the Congress
22
Q
Which of the following is an example of an executive agreement?
The president negotiates an agreement with China and submits it to the Senate for ratification. The president changes a regulation on undocumented immigrant status without congressional approval. The president signs legally binding nuclear arms terms with Iran without seeking congressional approval. The president issues recommendations to the Department of Justice on what the meaning of a new criminal statute is.
A
The president signs legally binding nuclear arms terms with Iran without seeking congressional approval.
23
Q
The Supreme Court’s power of judicial review ________.
is given to it in the original constitution enables it to declare acts of the other branches unconstitutional allows it to hear cases establishes the three-tiered court system
A
enables it to declare acts of the other branches unconstitutional
24
Q
The Supreme Court most typically functions as ________.
a district court a trial court a court of original jurisdiction an appeals court
A
an appeals court
25
In Federalist No. 78, Alexander Hamilton characterized the judiciary as the ________ branch of government.
most unnecessary
strongest
least dangerous
most political
least dangerous
26
Of all the court cases in the United States, the majority are handled ________.
by the U.S. Supreme Court
at the state level
by the circuit courts
by the U.S. district courts
at the state level
27
Both state and federal courts hear matters that involve ________.
civil law only
criminal law only
both civil and criminal law
neither civil nor criminal law
both civil and criminal law
28
A state case is more likely to be heard by the federal courts when ________.
it involves a federal question
a governor requests a federal court hearing
it involves a criminal matter
the state courts are unable to come up with a decision
it involves a federal question
29
Besides the Supreme Court, there are lower courts in the national system called ________.
state and federal courts
district and circuit courts
state and local courts
civil and common courts
district and circuit courts
30
In standing by precedent, a judge relies on the principle of ________.
stare decisis
amicus curiae
judicial activism
laissez-faire
stare decisis
31
The justices of the Supreme Court are ________.
elected by citizens
chosen by the Congress
confirmed by the president
nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate
nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate
32
The Supreme Court consists of ________.
nine associate justices
one chief justice and eight associate justices
thirteen judges
one chief justice and five associate justices
one chief justice and eight associate justices
33
A case will be placed on the Court’s docket when ________ justices agree to do so.
four
five
six
all
four
34
One of the main ways interest groups participate in Supreme Court cases is by ________.
giving monetary contributions to the justices
lobbying the justices
filing amicus curiae briefs
protesting in front of the Supreme Court building
filing amicus curiae briefs
35
The lawyer who represents the federal government and argues cases before the Supreme Court is the ________.
solicitor general
attorney general
U.S. attorney
chief justice
solicitor general
36
When using judicial restraint, a judge will usually ________.
refuse to rule on a case
overrule any act of Congress he or she doesn’t like
defer to the decisions of the elected branches of government
make mostly liberal rulings
defer to the decisions of the elected branches of government
37
When a Supreme Court ruling is made, justices may write a ________ to show they agree with the majority but for different reasons.
brief
dissenting opinion
majority opinion
concurring opinion
concurring opinion
38
Which of the following is a check that the legislative branch has over the courts?
Senate approval is needed for the appointment of justices and federal judges.
Congress may rewrite a law the courts have declared unconstitutional.
Congress may withhold funding needed to implement court decisions.
all of the above
all of the above
39
________ dictate the terms and conditions state governments would have to meet in order to qualify for financial assistance in a specific policy area.
Categorical grants
Block grants
Unfunded mandates
Crossover sanctions
Categorical grants
40
The Tenth Amendment created a class of powers exclusive to state governments. These powers are referred to as ________.
enumerated powers
implied powers
reserved powers
none of the above
reserved powers
41
Dillon’s Rule gives local governments the freedom and flexibility to make decisions for themselves.
True
False
False
42
In a ________ political culture, the government is seen as a mechanism for maintaining the existing social order or status quo.
moralistic
individualistic
traditionalistic
nativistic
traditionalistic
43
Under a ________ political culture, citizens will tend to be more tolerant of corruption from their political leaders and less likely to see politics as a noble profession in which all citizens should engage.
moralistic
individualistic
traditionalistic
nativistic
individualistic
44
________ was the first state to institute all mail-in voting and automatic voter registration.
California
Oregon
Washington
New York
Oregon
45
A ________ is an officeholder who represents the will of those who elected him or her and acts in constituents’ expressed interest.
delegate
trustee
politico
citizen
delegate
46
In a ________ legislature, members tend to have low salaries, shorter sessions, and few staff members to assist them with their legislative functions.
professional
citizen
hybrid
unicameral
citizen
47
A(n) ________ veto allows the governor to cross out budget lines in the legislature-approved budget, while signing the remainder of the budget into law.
amendatory
line-item
reduction
Frankenstein
line-item
48
Under consecutive term limits, legislators can serve one time for the number of years allotted and are not permitted to ever compete for the office again.
True
False
False
49
The most common term limit across the states that have imposed them is ________ years.
four
six
eight
twelve
eight
50
When term limits have been overturned, the most common method was ________.
a bill passed by the state legislature
a decision by the state Supreme Court
a voter referendum
a governor’s decree
a decision by the state Supreme Court
51
Term limits have produced a statistically significant increase in the number of women serving in state legislatures.
True
False
True
52
Currently, ________ states have term limits in place.
five
ten
fifteen
twenty
fifteen
53
Under the mayor-council system, the ________.
legislative and executive responsibilities are separated
political and administrative functions are separated
mayor chairs the city council
city council selects the mayor
legislative and executive responsibilities are separated
54
Which of the following is not one of the three forms of county government?
the commission system
the council-elected executive system
the mayor-council system
the council-administrator system
the mayor-council system
55
During George Washington’s administration, there were ________ cabinet positions.
four
five
six
seven
four
56
The “spoils system” allocated political appointments on the basis of ________.
merit
background
party loyalty
specialized education
party loyalty
57
Two recent periods of large-scale bureaucratic expansion were ________.
the 1930s and the 1960s
the 1920s and the 1980s
the 1910s and the 1990s
the 1930s and the 1950s
the 1930s and the 1960s
58
The Civil Service Commission was created by the ________.
Pendleton Act of 1883
Lloyd–La Follette Act of 1912
Hatch Act of 1939
Political Activities Act of 1939
Pendleton Act of 1883
59
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 created the Office of Personnel Management and the ________.
Civil Service Commission
Merit Systems Protection Board
“spoils system”
General Schedule
Merit Systems Protection Board
60
Which describes the ideal bureaucracy according to Max Weber?
an apolitical, hierarchically organized agency
an organization that competes with other bureaucracies for funding
a wasteful, poorly organized agency
an agency that shows clear electoral responsiveness
an apolitical, hierarchically organized agency
61
Which of the following models of bureaucracy best accounts for the way bureaucracies tend to push Congress for more funding each year?
the Weberian model
the acquisitive model
the monopolistic model
the ideal model
the acquisitive model
62
An example of a government corporation is ________.
NASA
the State Department
Amtrak
the CIA
amtrak
63
The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 helps citizens exercise oversight over the bureaucracy by ________.
empowering Congress
opening government records to citizen scrutiny
requiring annual evaluations by the president
forcing agencies to hold public meetings
opening government records to citizen scrutiny
64
When reformers speak of bureaucratic privatization, they mean all the following processes except ________.
divestiture
government grants
whistleblowing
third-party financing
whistleblowing
65
Which of the following is not an example of a public policy outcome?
the creation of a program to combat drug trafficking
the passage of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
the passage of tax cuts during the George W. Bush administration
none of the above; all are public policy outcomes
none of the above; all are public policy outcomes
66
Public policy ________.
is more of a theory than a reality
is typically made by one branch of government acting alone
requires multiple actors and branches to carry out
focuses on only a few special individuals
requires multiple actors and branches to carry out
67
Toll goods differ from public goods in that ________.
they provide special access to some and not all
they require the payment of a fee up front
they provide a service for only the wealthy
they are free and available to all
they require the payment of a fee up front
68
Which type of policy directly benefits the most citizens?
regulatory policy
distributive policy
redistributive policy
self-regulatory policy
distributive policy
69
Social Security and Medicare are notable for their assistance to which group?
the poor
young families starting out
those in urban areas
the elderly
the elderly
70
Setting aside Social Security and Medicare, other entitlement programs in the U.S. government ________.
constitute over half the budget
constitute well under one-quarter of the budget
are paid for by the states with no cost to the Federal government
none of the above
constitute over half the budget
71
Which stage of the public policy process includes identification of problems in need of fixing?
agenda setting
enactment
implementation
evaluation
agenda setting
72
Policy analysts seek ________.
evidence
their chosen outputs
influence
money
evidence
73
A deficit is ________.
the overall amount owed by government for past borrowing
the annual budget shortfall between revenues and expenditures
the cancellation of an entitlement program
all the above
the annual budget shortfall between revenues and expenditures
74
Entitlement (or mandatory) spending is ________.
formula-based spending that goes to individual citizens
a program of contracts to aerospace companies
focused on children
concentrated on education
formula-based spending that goes to individual citizens
75
1.
Why are foreign policy issues more complicated than domestic policy issues?
They are more specific.
They are more complex.
The international environment is unpredictable.
They are more expensive.
The international environment is unpredictable.
76
Which of the following is not a foreign policy type?
trade policy
intelligence policy
war-making
bureaucratic oversight
bureaucratic oversight
77
The goals of U.S. foreign policy include ________.
keeping the country safe
securing access to foreign markets
protecting human rights
all the above
all the above
78
A sole executive agreement is likely to be in effect longer than is a treaty.
true
false
false
79
All the following are examples of sharply focused foreign policy outputs except ________.
presidential summits
military uses of force
emergency spending measures
international agreements
presidential summits
80
The War Powers Resolution ________.
strengthened congressional war powers
strengthened presidential war powers
affected the presidency and congress equally
ultimately had little impact on war-making
ultimately had little impact on war-making
81
The federal budget process matters in foreign policy for all the following reasons except ________.
Congress has the power of the purse, so the president needs its approval
the budget provides the funding needed to run the foreign policy agencies
the budget for every presidential action has to be approved in advance
the budget allows political institutions to increase funding in key new areas
the budget for every presidential action has to be approved in advance
82
In terms of formal powers in the realm of foreign policy, ________.
the president is entirely in charge
the president and Congress share power
Congress is entirely in charge
decisions are delegated to experts in the bureaucracy
the president and Congress share power
83
Why do House members and senators tend to be less active on foreign policy matters than domestic ones?
Foreign policy matters are more technical and difficult.
Legislators do not want to offend certain immigrant groups within their constituency.
Constituents are more directly affected by domestic policy topics than foreign ones.
Legislators themselves are not interested in foreign policy matters.
Constituents are more directly affected by domestic policy topics than foreign ones.
84
Neoconservativism is an isolationist foreign policy approach of a nation keeping to itself and engaging less internationally.
true
false
false
85
President George W. Bush was a proponent of liberal internationalism in his foreign policy.
true
false
false
86
The U.S. policy of containment during the Cold War related to keeping ________.
terrorism from spreading
rogue countries like North Korea from developing nuclear weapons
communism from spreading
oil prices from rising
communism from spreading
87
The use of drones within other countries’ borders is consistent with which school of thought?
liberal internationalism
neoconservativism
neo-isolationism
grand strategy
neoconservativism
88
