Government Flashcards
Which of the following best describes the separation of powers?
Founders and revolutionaries
Liberty and order
higher and lower
executive, legislative, and judicial branches
4.
The founders established a republican form of government. Why did they do this?
- They wanted the government to be as “conservative” as possible.
- They believed elected officials could represent citizens and could be kept in check through elections
- They believed the self-interest of the politicians needed to be restrained
2.
If you were to read about a country whose government allows their president to declare war on another country, and individually coin money to fight the war without the consent of any other government official. Which of the following would best describe this system as compared with the government in the United States?
- In the United States, only Congress can officially declare but the president must fund it.
- In the United States the president can only declare war, but cannot fund it.
- It is the same in the United States.
- In the United States the president can neither declare nor fund a war without the vote of Congress.
4.
You are writing a speech for school about the need for citizens to participate in their political system. Who would you quote as the earliest proponent of this notion? Plato Aristotle Alexis de Tocqueville John Locke
Aristotle
Which political thinker wrote The Prince, where he justified popular sovereignty, revolution, and a separation of religious and secular government? Cicero Hobbes Machiavelli Aristotle
Machiavelli
If a country has a political system where some decisions are made in local legislatures and others are made in the national legislature. Whose government would this most likely be compared to?
- the British system under the Magna Charta
- the system of government advocated by Plato
- the Articles of Confederation
- the U.S. system of government created in Philadelphia
4.
Classical republicanism is principally concerned with ____________ while classical liberalism is concerned with _______________.
liberty; order
liberty; order and security
equality; property
liberty; order
How does the Constitution divide power between the three branches?
- Power is completely separated, allowing each branch to act and follow through without interference from the other two branches.
- Power is not completely separated, allowing each branch to limit the other branches’ exercise of power.
- Power is not clearly separated, so it is difficult to determine who has what power or check on the other branches.
- Power is separated, but in such a way that two branches can easily work together to out vote the efforts of the third branch to exercise its powers.
2.
As discussed in the chapter, what term is used to describe each branch of government’s separate and distinct sphere of power? checks and balances separate but equal limited government separation of powers
4.
Who was considered to be the inventor of philosophy? Machiavelli Aristotle Plato Cicero
Plato
What does unit 1 say is perhaps the most complex form of human interaction? government discussion liberty politics
Politics
According to Tocqueville, civic virtue means simply that individuals have interests and desires that are not solely focused on themselves. Rather, they are willing to give up some of the things they want in order to promote the common good. What did he mean by this?
- The more the economy grows, the more prosperous and happy everyone will be.
- People would build businesses that would help others by employing community members.
- People should help one another because the welfare of others affects individual welfare.
- People who don’t know the issues and who cannot articulate their self-interest should not vote.
3.
According to Hobbes, what would life be like without limits on an individual's behavior or if living in a state of nature? Joyful Amazing Mundane Perilous
Perilous
Which of the following is not one of the three types of government outlined by Montesquieu? Republican government Democracy Monarchy Despotism
Democracy
What does civilian control of the military mean?
- Military leaders do not have any independent authority but are the servants of the elected representatives of the people.
- The military is simply run by the people. They do what they are told.
- The civilians have to be a part of the military.
1.
Which of the following IS NOT an example of checks and balances in the United States Constitution?
- The Supreme Court can review laws passed by congress and declare them unconstitutional if they deem them inconsistent with the Constitution.
- The president can veto laws passed by Congress, but Congress can override a veto by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.
- The president can veto a Supreme Court decision, but only with the support of a two-thirds majority vote in Congress.
- If the House believes the president is guilty of “high crimes or misdemeanors,” it can formally charge or impeach the president. A trial to decide whether to remove the president from office is held in the Senate.
3.
A prominent political scientist famously described the American government as separate institutions sharing powers; Which two constitutional principles are embodied in this statement?
checks and balances and federalism
separation of powers and federalism
separation of powers and checks and balances
separation of powers and checks and balances
Which of the following documents outlines the purpose of government to protect the social rights of its citizens, chiefly among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
Mayflower Compact
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Declaration of Independence
How can the principle of federalism promote the protection of civil rights in the American federal system?
- It provides the national government with enough power to protect citizens from abuses of power by the states in which they live.
- It provides both state and national governments with the ability to protect citizens from abuses of power by the other.
- It provides states enough power to protect their citizens from abuses of power by the national government.
2.
Which of the following would Tocqueville most likely endorse?
- creating national government programs to help the poor
- encouraging the poor to help themselves through public education
- encouraging civic groups to help the poor
- creating state government programs to help the poor
3.
What is the natural number of political parties in the American political system?
- There are naturally two major political parties.
- There are naturally three major political parties.
- There is no natural number of major political parties.
- There are naturally four major political parties.
1.
What is the importance of the “millionaire’s amendment,” which is part of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?
- It supports equality of contributions among candidates’ campaigns.
- It limits the amount a wealthy candidate can contribute to his or her own campaign.
- It ensures that a wealthy candidate’s opponent receives equivalent contributions to his or her campaign.
- It bans excessively wealthy candidates from campaigning.
1.
Which of the following terms best describes a scenario where citizens are allowed to put questions on the ballot to add or change state laws?
recall
referendum
initiatives
initiatives
How many electoral votes does each state have?
- the same number as the sum of its United States senators and representatives
- the same as the number of representatives it has in the United States House
- the same as the number of senators it has in the United States Senate
1.
The practice of drawing districts that favor a politician’s own party and which are detrimental to the other party originated with and is named after which politician? Elbridge Gerry Gray Davis Jesse Ventura James Madison
Elbridge Gerry
Which of the following is true about recall elections in the U.S.?
- The recall is only used in California, which enabled Arnold Schwarzenegger to become governor of California in 2004.
- If voters decide that an elected official is not performing as they expected, they can “recall” the individual.
- They are used in most states to decide whether to retain judges or not.
- They are held in every state in the union.
2.
Some voters identify themselves as Independent but also admit to leaning toward the Republican Party. How is such a voter likely to vote?
- “Leaners” are about equally likely to vote Democrat as they are Republican.
- “Leaners” are less likely to vote Republican than those who identify themselves as Republicans.
- “Leaners” are more likely to vote Republican than those who identify themselves as Republicans.
- “Leaners” are just as likely to vote Republican as those who identify themselves as Republicans.
4.
Which of the following is true of political parties in the United States today?
- Citizens must join a political party if they want to participate in party activities.
- A party’s main function is to elect people to public office.
- Political parties mean little after the election is over and members of Congress begin their work.
- An increasing number of people affiliate with the political parties.
2.
The election of 1800 exposed which of the following problems in the presidential electoral system?
- It is not wise to make the top vote-getter the president and the second-place finisher the vice president.
- It was possible to win a majority of the vote but still lose the presidency.
- The Federalist Party became the dominant U.S. political party.
- Primaries started in order to involve the general public.
1.
If you were a campaign manager for a person running for Congress in a major city, where would you spend most of your money? fundraising dinners political advertisements plane trips around the district trips to county fairs
political advertisements
When a random representative sample is drawn from a population, the procedure is deemed to be what type of sample? Mingling Sample Instant Sample Call in your vote Sample Scientific Sampling
Scientific Sampling
Which events are listed in the correct order?
- party candidate announced, primary election, Electoral College votes, general election, the new president announced
- the primary election, party candidate announced, general election, Electoral College votes, new president announced
- primary election, party candidate announced, Electoral College votes, general election, the new president announced
- party candidate announced, Electoral College votes, primary election, general election, the new president announced
2.
Which of the following is one of the most important functions of political parties in the United States?
- disciplining party members who do not support the party’s positions
- providing organizations through which like-minded individuals can unanimously pursue specific policy goals
- establishing a party platform that all party members adhere to and support in the legislative process
- recruiting and supporting candidates to run for office under the party’s banner
4.
Which of the following mechanisms comes closest to a full realization of direct democracy? referendum initiative recall election primary election
Initiative
A group in your community starts a petition to change a government policy in the area. If the group collects enough signatures, what will result? a recall election a referendum an initiative an impeachment
an initiative
Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution calls for an actual enumeration of the nation’s population. What is this generally interpreted as?
- a count of the registered voters in the U.S.
- a sampling of the U.S. population
- a count of one half of the U.S. population
- an individual count of the U.S. population
4.
Which individual did not win the majority of electoral votes in the general election but was chosen by the House to become president of the U.S.? Andrew Jackson George W. Bush Thomas Jefferson Al Gore
Thomas Jefferson
Which of the following is true concerning elections for the presidency in the United States?
- A candidate cannot win the party nomination without winning all of the primaries.
- A candidate can win the popular vote, but lose the election.
- The Electoral College is evidence that the Founders trusted American voters to make an informed decision.
- Voters vote for the president directly (with no intermediaries) in the primaries but not in the general election.
2.
What is so unique about the Republican Party in the United States?
- It is the first truly “conservative” political party.
- It was the first “third party” to become a major party.
- It is the modern manifestation of the Jeffersonian Republicans.
- It is the modern manifestation of the Anti-Federalists.
2.
What defines the success of a campaign?
- high turnout at campaign rallies
- excellent representation of the candidate
- good organization and unlimited resources
- securing more votes than the other candidates in the race and winning the election
4.
What are the percentages of religious affiliations in the United States?
- 70% Christian; 80% religious believers; 20% no religious belief; with Catholics as the largest single religious group.
- 80% Christian; 90% religious believers; 10% no religious belief; with Baptists as the largest single religious group.
- 80% Christian; 90% religious believers; 10% no religious belief; with Catholics as the largest single religious group.
- 50% Christian; 90% religious believers; 10% no religious belief; with Methodists as the largest single religious group.
3.
Why are the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments so important?
- They form the basis of the Constitution.
- They were changes in civil rights as influenced by civic and political groups produced by civil society.
- They brought about the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- They were all created within the same decade.
2.
In country F, a religious leader or leaders holds political power. What type of government would country F be? monarchy democratic republic oligarchy dictatorship theocracy
theocracy
If you lived in the 1640s and wanted to live in a colony that protected freedom of religion, where would you move?
Massachusetts
All of the states protected freedom of religion equally.
New York
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
Citizens in Country A do not have the right to assemble. How would life there be different from the United States?
- Country A would have a smaller number of social groups, but more interest groups.
- In country A, democracy would function better because like-minded individuals could bind together in groups.
- In Country A, democracy would not function as well because like-minded individuals would be less likely to form any type of group.
- Country A would have a smaller number of interest groups, but more social groups.
3.
Which of the following describes the potential of groups in America that affords virtually everyone the opportunity to participate and influence the nation’s politics, economy, and culture?
anti-federalism
federalism
pluralism
pluralism
Which of the following best describes the term pluralism?
- Freedom of association and expression, but not assembly or religious exercise to pursue their own interests in the political process.
- Freedom of association, expression, and assembly, but not religious exercise to pursue their own interests in the political process.
- Freedom of association, expression, assembly, and religious exercise to pursue their own interests in the political process.
- No freedom of association, expression, assembly, or religious exercise to pursue their own interests in the political process.
3.
What is civil society?
- a society that respects and lives by every rule of law
- a society in which citizens always treat each other with fairness and justice
- a society in which social groups form freely to petition the government
3.
In-country E, all citizens are allowed to vote on who will be their representative. What type of government would country E be? oligarchy theocracy monarchy democratic republic dictatorship
democratic republic
What does the Civil Rights Act of 1964 deal with?
- finally ended the practice of slavery
- applied only to state governments
- forbids discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, and national origin
- insured voting rights for all Americans
3.
Which of the following is most likely to create far-reaching national public policy change?
- By joining a large group and marching for civil rights
- You signing a pre-written letter created by another group and sending it
- You writing an individual letter to a politician
- By creating your own group to petition your city council
1.
In-country B, one person holds political power due to family inheritance. What type of government would country B be? monarchy oligarchy dictatorship theocracy democratic republic
monarchy
What was the purpose of the Thirteenth Amendment?
- to guarantee all citizens the right to vote
- to provide “equal protection” under the law for former slaves
- to abolish slavery
3.
In-country C, several powerful economic leaders collectively hold political power. What type of government would country C be? oligarchy democratic republic dictatorship theocracy monarchy
oligarchy
What was the purpose of the Fifteenth Amendment?
to abolish slavery
to guarantee all citizens the right to vote
to provide “equal protection under the law” for former slaves
to guarantee all citizens the right to vote
In country D, one person, such as Adolf Hitler, holds all of the political power. What type of government would country D be? monarchy theocracy oligarchy democratic republic dictatorship
dictatorship
According to George Washington in his farewell speech, he mentioned two areas important to political prosperity. One was religion, what was the second important ingredient that was indispensable for the success of the nation?
a wall of separation between church and state
a strongly economy
law
morality
morality
Which of the following best describes the role of religion in modern day America?
- Religious belief is widespread, but most Americans are tolerant of others with different beliefs.
- Religious belief was historically important in public policy decisions, but religion has little influence today.
- Religious belief is widespread, but it has little to no influence on public policy.
- Religious belief is required to hold high public office in the United States.
1.
Which of the following media channels has done the most to "democratize" the news, that is, make it easier for more people to both produce and obtain the news? Internet radio network news cable news
internet
How does unit 8 recommend you minimize media bias?
Watch a single source of news that is less biased than the others.
Watch multiple sources of news to get multiple viewpoints.
Think critically about media content.
Watch multiple sources of new to get multiple viewpoints.
Which amendment leaves several important questions unanswered regarding the media and what they have the right to do? Sixth First Fourth Second
First
If you do not have much money to run a political campaign, yet live in a large media market, which of the following would you employ most?
free media
door-to-door visits
political advertising
free media
Which of the following was not a factor that helped print journalism flourish in the mid-1800s? the decreasing costs of printing presses the invention of the telegraph the rising price of postage the emergence of a large working class
the rising price of postage
Which of the following statements is not true of newspapers printed during the founding era in the United States?
- They were openly and adamantly partisan.
- They were largely political tracts.
- They were aimed at convincing the people to support or oppose the ratification of the Constitution.
- They were impartial and shared all points of view as providers of information.
4.
The rise of cable television has decreased the power and audience of which group?
Radio News and newspapers
Internet news sources and TV network news
TV network news
Radio News and Internet news
TV network news
What is the major advantage of campaign advertising?
It can be inexpensive.
It presents the candidate exactly as he/she wishes.
It is easy to produce.
It presents the candidate exactly as he/she wishes
What is the main factor that leads the press to give little attention to serious public policy discussion?
the futility of informing the public (most people cannot understand the information)
the fact that reporters aren’t professionally trained to cover those stories
the fact that citizens don’t want to listen to such information
the FCC mandate not only to inform, but entertain
the fact that citizens don’t want to listen to such information
The ownership of news outlets in the U.S. has changed over time. Which of the following correctly represents who owns and operates major media outlet today?
- media owned by the government
- media owned by large corporations
- media owned by private citizens
- media owned by political parties
2.
How has the definition of newsworthy changed over time?
- The media is now allowed to report the names of victims or minors involved in crimes.
- The media has become stricter about reporting information about the personal behavior of political leaders.
- The media has become more relaxed about reporting information about the personal behavior of political leaders.
- The media is no longer required to give individuals the opportunity to respond to criticism.
3.
Which of the following news stories would Thomas Patterson most likely find out of order or that he would oppose during an election campaign?
a Washington sex scandal
a public policy debate between political candidates
a story about a celebrity marriage
a campaign speech where the candidate discussed their church and family
a Washington sex scandal
What was considered the first major opportunity for citizens to voice their views via the mass media? Radio Email Newspapers Television
Newspapers
Which of the following media is likely to have the most impact on public opinion? television coverage of war neighbor-to-neighbor discussions of war radio coverage of war newspaper coverage of war
television coverage of war
Who was the first president to regularly appeal directly to the American public by broadcasting his own voice? Franklin D. Roosevelt Woodrow Wilson Abraham Lincoln Harry S. Truman
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Which of the following is correct concerning the relationship between the press and politicians?
- The press and politicians generally have an adversarial relationship, each having different goals.
- The press has little incentive to cover political scandals since they involve private, not public, behavior.
- The press desires to provide concrete issue information to the public, but politicians don’t want to focus on issues.
1.
Which media activity will afford a politician the greatest control over the content of the message received by citizens?
an appearance on Fox News
an appearance at a presidential news conference
an appearance in a campaign advertisement
an appearance on David Letterman
as appearance in a campaign advertisement
Which of the following would be considered free media?
appearances on local TV news
campaign stump speeches
political advertising
appearances on local TV news
Your friend complains to you about the partisan and biased nature of the media. Which of the following information could you share with him to help improve his outlook?
- Partisanship is a problem on TV news but not a problem in newspapers.
- Partisanship in the media was much worse just after the country was founded.
- Partisanship in the media is at an all-time high and will likely go down.
2.
In which of the following media sources do citizens have the greatest chance to participate? television programs newspapers Internet and Web sites radio programs
Internet and Web sites
Which of the following is true of bills in the legislative process?
They are easier to pass than to kill.
They are harder to pass than to kill.
They are almost always vetoed under a divided-party government.
They are introduced by the president.
They are harder to pass than to kill.
Judge X has served on the Supreme Court for ten years and wants to continue service. Which of the following correctly describes this judge’s options for staying on the Supreme Court?
- This judge can continue to serve on the court if the president and Congress vote to approve continued service in a retention vote.
- This judge can continue serving at long as he or she chooses and cannot be forced to resign.
- This judge can serve until death unless impeached or steps down.
- This judge must retire, as Supreme Court justices can only serve for ten years.
3.
Why are there eleven amendments discussed in reference to the Bill of Rights in unit 4?
- The Fifth Amendment was originally two separate amendments, which were later joined together to create one single amendment.
- The Twenty-second Amendment was originally meant to be included in the Bill of Rights but did not get enough votes until later on.
- The Twenty-seventh Amendment was proposed by Madison at the time the Bill of Rights was created.
- The Thirteenth Amendment implies a concept of free speech that was inspired by the First Amendment, which is part of the Bill of Rights.
3.
When do bills typically come to the floor for debate in the Senate?
when the majority and minority leaders agree to bring them to the floor
whenever an individual senator makes a simple motion
according to the schedule established by the Rules Committee
when the majority and minority leaders agree to bring them to the floor.
Which of the following elected officials could have the most influence on the selection of a Supreme Court justice?
- Members of the House Judiciary Committee would have the most influence.
- Members of the Senate would have the most influence.
- Members of the House of Representatives would have the most influence.
- Members of the House and Senate all have equal power in confirming Supreme Court justices.
2.
Which of the following best describes the Supreme Court’s role in the legislative process?
- The Supreme Court plays no role in the way legislation is constructed.
- The Supreme Court can declare legislation unconstitutional after it is passed.
- The Supreme Court gives routine advisory opinions to members of Congress to help them decide what is Constitutional and what is not.
- The Supreme Court, like the president, can veto legislation that is unconstitutional.
2.
Constitutionally, the president is quite powerful. However, many obstacles limit the power of the president. Which of the following is a significant limit on presidential power?
- lack of media coverage of presidential events
- the ability of the Supreme Court to reject the president’s executive branch nominees
- divided-party control of the national government
- insufficient budgetary resources
3.
Which of the following is NOT part of the criteria for presidential eligibility?
having been a resident of the United States for at least fourteen years
being a “natural born citizen”
being at least thirty-five years of age
having at least ten years of prior political experience
having at least ten years of prior political experience
What is the time limit on ratification of amendments? seven years nine months two years sixty days
seven years
What is the least common way to adapt the Constitution to modern needs?
- Supreme Court rulings that change the boundaries of what is constitutional
- expanding the use of the “general welfare” and “necessary and proper clauses” of the Constitution
- formal constitutional amendment
3.
What is the main purpose of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution?
create greater equality for African Americans
extend voting rights to minority groups
fix problems in the Electoral College system
create greater equality for African Americans
Which of the following accurately describes the way the United States House and Senate are organized?
- There are 100 members in the Senate and 435 in the House.
- Representation in the Senate is based on a state’s population.
- There are 100 members in the House and 435 in the Senate.
- Representation in the House is equal for every state.
1.
A law is passed limiting the free speech rights of high school students. A group of teachers brings a case before the Supreme Court, challenging the law on the grounds that it violates the students First Amendment rights. What is the Supreme Court most likely to do in this case?
- refuse to hear the case because it is a “political question”
- hear the case and make a determination about the constitutionality of the law
- hear the case if four of the nine justices believe it has merits
- refuse to hear the case because the individuals bringing the case before it do not have standing or “injury in fact,” i.e., that they have been harmed in some real way.
4.
What are the secretaries of federal government departments collectively called?
board of advisors
joint House-Senate committee
Cabinet
Cabinet
Which of the following presidents best fits the title lame duck? Nixon, who served from 1969–1973. Ford, who served from 1973–1977. Reagan, who served from 1981–1989. Carter, who served from 1977–1980.
Reagan
Which individual or organization has primary constitutional authority to establish and develop relations with other nations?
the United States Senate (and not the House of Representatives)
the United States Congress
the State Department
the president of the United States
the president of the United States
What is required for the proposal of a new amendment?
- Two-thirds of Congress must agree to propose, or two-thirds of all state legislatures can call a constitutional convention.
- Fifty percent of the House and fifty percent of the Senate must agree to propose, with approval from the president.
- Any member of Congress may propose an amendment.
- A simple majority of the House must agree to take the amendment into consideration.
1.
Presidents can be removed from office due to what?
“bad behavior”
failure to preserve and defend the Constitution
failure to properly execute the law
high crimes and misdemeanors
high crimes and misdemeanors
How many presidents have been impeached in the history of the United States? none six three two
three
Bills must be passed in identical form by both the Senate and the House before being sent to the president. Under what circumstances does this most frequently occur?
- House and Senate committees work closely together to make sure both the House version and Senate version of bills are essentially the same.
- The bill is immediately introduced into the other house after it passes the House or Senate.
- Two versions of the bill are run through the House and Senate simultaneously and a special House-Senate conference committee is established to create a compromise version of the bill.
3.
Theodore Roosevelt said that the president’s greatest power is access to the “bully pulpit.” Which of the following describes the term “bully pulpit”?
- The ability to use the legal process to influence public policy.
- The ability to convince Congress that they are correct.
- The ability to have an audience to convince the public to support their policy preferences.
3.
Which of the following is true about the case of McCulloch v. Maryland and the conflict between the state and federal government?
- The court prohibited states from receiving federal government funding.
- The state sued the national government based on the claims that the national government had overstepped its bounds by creating the bank and the states could tax it.
- The court ruled that Congress could not limit the actions of the president or other executive branch officers.
- The court ruled that states could not ignore national government mandates.
2.
If you wanted to make an argument defending state power, which amendment to the Constitution would you quote to make your case? Ninth Tenth Fifth First
Tenth
In Country X, powers are shared between the state and national government, meaning states can make policy in some areas and the national government in other areas. What is Country X? a federal system a unitary system a “mixed” system a confederation
a federal system
Which of the following is true concerning the current state of the war power?
- Presidents can unilaterally declare war.
- Presidents can declare war, but must get the approval of Congress to actually commit troops.
- Presidents can commit troops but must obtain congressional approval to keep them “in harm’s way.”
- Both houses of Congress must consent in all instances where troops are committed “in harm’s way.”
3.
Which of the following is not a power shared by federal, state, and local governments? making and interpreting the law collecting income tax waging war against other nations preventing and punishing crime
waging war against other nations
At what point do Lobbyists stop being involved in the policymaking process? When a policy is implemented Identifying the potential policies When a policy is formulated When a problem is identified
When a policy is implemented
You are fighting to get Congress and the Supreme Court to agree that there is a right to travel. Which part of the constitution would be your best support? the necessary and proper clause the Tenth Amendment the Ninth Amendment the executive power
the Ninth Amendment
Which president lost political support for a time as a result of his court-packing scheme, an obvious attempt to control the judicial branch? Franklin D. Roosevelt Lyndon Johnson George Bush John F. Kennedy
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Interest groups often conduct media campaigns to get citizens and politicians to see the urgency of a problem. What is this activity known as? agenda setting attention-getting policy implementation policymaking
agenda setting
Which type of federalism would Abraham Lincoln most likely advocate, considering his Civil War experience and his belief that no state had the right to leave the Union? new permissive dual or "layer cake" cooperative or "marble cake"
permissive
Despite your desire to live an exemplary life, you find yourself as a defendant in federal court. Which of the following courts is most likely to be the location of your initial trial? State district court U.S. Supreme Court Federal District Court Federal Court of Appeals
Federal District Court
There are four different types of government agencies. You are pushing to create a new one with autonomy and an expectation to raise money. Which type of agency would you try to create?
- a government corporation
- an independent agency
- a cabinet-level department
- an independent regulatory commission
1.
Local governments have the greatest control over which type of public policy? environmental policy homeland security law enforcement state tax collection
law enforcement
What is the most significant and persistent challenge faced by state local governments?
- poverty and homelessness
- finances and taxes
- suburbanization
- competition between cities for businesses
2.
Which of the following is true of executive orders?
- Executive orders are voted on by Congress.
- Executive orders are considered less binding than the orders of Congress.
- Executive orders are unconstitutional and have been so ever since the presidency of George Washington.
- Executive orders are part of the “executive power” granted to the president.
4.
What is a federal system in which power is clearly divided between the national and regional governments best described as?
cooperative federalism
dual federalism or “layer cake” federalism
permissive federalism
“marble cake” federalism
dual federalism or layer cake federalism
What are the documents that establish the structures and functions of city governments called? home rule constitutions subgovernment contracts charters
charters
Which of the following governments is most autonomous, meaning they make public policy without oversight or interference from other levels of government? city governments school boards state governments county governments
state governments
What does the Constitution forbid states from?
making laws pertaining to the environment and land use
chartering cities
making treaties with foreign governments
raising militias for the defense of the state
making treaties with foreign governments
Which of the following best describes the role of religion in modern day America?
- Religious belief is widespread, but most Americans are tolerant of others with different beliefs.
- Religious belief was historically important in public policy decisions, but religion has little influence today.
- Religious belief is widespread, but it has little to no influence on public policy.
- Religious belief is required to hold high public office in the United States.
1.
What can be concluded from unit 3 about religion in the United States?
- It is diverse, but that diversity often causes more contention because everyone wants to be right in their beliefs, and different ideas are conflicting.
- We all take our freedom of religion for granted and do not adequately apply it today.
- There is little or no room for contemporary issues regarding faith.
- Even though there are many different denominations, people tend to be both tolerant of and grateful for those differences.
4.
Which of the following best describes health care delivery in a socialist economy?
- There is some combination of private control and ownership with government regulation and low-income health insurance.
- Prices are set by the market; private firms provide insurance to those who pay premiums.
- The people set prices and hospitals are owned by the people, so there is no need for insurance.
- Prices are set by government; individuals pay higher taxes in return for government funded insurance/health care.
4.
In which of the following political systems do people have the least economic freedom, social welfare, and human rights? communism socialism monarchy feudalism
feudalism
The notion that a nation can enhance its power by enriching itself through world trade is a key tenet of which form of government? communism feudalism socialism mercantilism
mercantilism
The expansionist policies of what country—which led successful military campaigns in China, Korea, and other countries—were ended in World War II? Japan U.S.S.R. Nigeria Poland
Japan
In which system of government (parliamentary or American) is it hardest to obtain party unity and, hence, party support, to make governmental decisions?
neither
American system
parliamentary system
American System
Which of the following is a correct statement about the difference between the American and British political systems?
- The American system has more political parties than the British system.
- Decision-making power is more divided in the British system.
- The Prime Minister is selected from the party in control while the President is elected.
- It is harder to predict members’ votes in the British system.
3.
Who refused to be made king over the United States after the Revolutionary War, though many Americans wanted to anoint him as their king? Thomas Jefferson Patrick Henry John Adams George Washington
George Washington
The turmoil in post-Hussein Iraq illustrates what about the forces that sustain democracy?
- The existence of a large middle class is sufficient to sustain democracy.
- Respect for popular sovereignty is sufficient to sustain democracy.
- Democratic government cannot function effectively if disagreeing factions fight with each other instead of trusting political leaders to resolve their disagreements.
3.
Which of the following issues most concerned Karl Marx? political inequality the lack of economic growth in Russia the lack of democracy economic inequality among its citizens
economic inequality among its citizens
What is another term for a command economy? capitalist economy socialist economy communist economy mixed economy
communist economy
Which is true of divided party government?
- It occurs often but has little impact on the ability of the government to get things done.
- It is more likely in a parliamentary system than the U.S. system.
- It has been increasing since World War II.
- It has been a common occurrence since the first congress in 1791.
3.
Which pope pushed for reform in Poland in a nonconfrontational, nonviolent way? Pope Pius XII Pope John Paul II Pope Benedict XVI Pope Leo XIII
Pope John Paul II
Tyrannical governments are least likely to form from which of the following types of conflicts?
- Longstanding religious or ethnic conflicts, particularly those tied to claims of the right to occupy territory, are exploited by a charismatic leader who promises to lead one group or faction to “victory” over other competing groups or factions.
- An influential cultural or religious figure capitalizes on stories or myths and his place in them to accumulate trust and support as the rightful ruler of the people.
- A strong leader promises that, under his rule, economic prosperity will enhance the quality of life and national power of the nation.
- A strong military leader promises protection against the threats of neighboring nations or regimes to the military or economic security of his or her own people.
3.
Some democratic movements have short-circuited because the preconditions for democracy were not met after the collapse of communism. Which country in particular experienced such a short circuit, which caused a period of economic depression that continues today? Poland United States Germany Russia
Russia
Why did tyranny arise in Nigeria?
- They have been plagued by economic turmoil, ethnic tensions, and rampant corruption.
- The people were well educated but too poor to fight the rise of the army.
- Ethnic conflict created a need for a centralizing authority, so the old king returned to unite the country.
1.
Which of the following governmental systems would encourage most people to participate in the political system? federation confederation unitary system no difference between these systems
confederation
What do the efforts of Lech Walesa and Solidarity in Poland demonstrate?
There is power in large numbers of people joined together in a common cause.
Trade unions must be abolished before communism can be overturned.
Communism can never be overthrown peacefully.
There is power in large numbers of people joined together in a common cause.
With which of the following distributions of wealth would Karl Marx be most dissatisfied?
1. The richest 20 percent has 50 percent of the wealth.
The middle 60 percent has 40 percent of the wealth.
The poorest 20 percent has 10 percent of the wealth.
2. The richest 20 percent has 30 percent of the wealth.
The middle 60 percent has 60 percent of the wealth.
The poorest 20 percent has 10 percent of the wealth.
3. The richest 20 percent has 20 percent of the wealth.
The middle 60 percent has 60 percent of the wealth.
The poorest 20 percent has 20 percent of the wealth.
1.
Which of the following examples best illustrates how state and local governments can serve as laboratories of democracy?
- the War Powers Act, wherein Congress created a law to limit the power of the president to wage war
- abortion policy, wherein the Supreme Court created the “trimester” system
- state welfare policy, wherein the national government adopted the welfare system used in Wisconsin
3.
You need a good example of a confederation to present to your class in school. Which of the following will be your best choice? the United States between 1789 and today the northern states during the Civil War the United States today The United Nations
The United Nations
There is a narcotics agent who regularly gets information from a reliable informant. The information the informant has given the agent in the past has led to several arrests and convictions. One day, the informant tells the agent about a man, whom the agent has never met, who has gone to another city to purchase 20 kilograms of cocaine. Based on the tip, the agent goes to the airport, recognizes the man from the informant’s description, arrests him, and seizes the cocaine. What is this action considered?
- unconstitutional because it failed the test for a reasonable “search and seizure”
- unconstitutional because it violated the man’s “right to privacy”
- constitutional, but the evidence will not be admissible in court
- constitutional because there was “probable cause” to search the man
4.
Which of the following cases began the expansion of federal powers over state powers?
McCulloch v. Maryland
U.S. v. Nixon
Marbury v. Madison
McCulloch v. Maryland
Using a hypothetical situation, a case comes before the Supreme Court challenging a state law of limiting how many children a married couple could have. How would a judge vote using a “loose interpretation” approach?
There is not enough information to say.
They would vote to overturn the ban.
They would vote to uphold the ban.
They would vote to overturn the ban
You are a person who feels that the most important constitutional principles are the separation of powers and checks and balances. Which of the following cases would you most appreciate?
Plessy v. Ferguson
McCulloch v. Maryland
Marbury v. Madison
Marbury v. Madison
Which of the following best describes the establishment clause?
Establishment of the Constitution of the United States.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.
The establishment of the three branches of government
Congress shall provide equal protection under the law
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.
The Fourteenth Amendment is violated in cases where policies or programs favor one group over another (for example, favoring men over women or vice versa).
false
true
False
Affirmative action was intended by Lyndon Johnson to ensure that applicants are employed and treated without regard to race, creed, color, or nationality.
true
false
true
Which case overturned the Court’s previous decision that separate institutions for blacks and whites can be “equal?” Dred Scott v. Sandford Brown v. Board of Education Brown II Miranda v. Arizona
Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court strives to protect freedom of speech and expression. As such, it is worried about creating “chilling effects”; The violation of which of the following is least likely to produce “chilling effects”
content neutrality
least drastic means
prior restraint
content neutrality
Which of the following cases best shows where the Supreme Court ruled where public interest was threatened by an individual’s religious practice and the individual’s religious liberty was deemed less important than the preservation of societal order?
- Reynolds v. United States, in which a Mormon argued that prohibiting polygamy violated free exercise rights
- Engele v. Vitale, in which a complainant argued that mandatory prayers written by state officials violated free exercise rights
- Wisconsin v. Yoder, in which an Amish family argued that being required to send their children to school after age 16 violated their right to the free practice of religion
1.
If a person was not read their “Miranda rights,” confessed to the police, and was eventually convicted of the crime based upon their confession, what part of due process would be violated?
protection against self-incrimination
protection against double jeopardy
right to a trial by jury
protection against self-incrimination
The case of President Clinton and his relationship with Monica Lewinsky is an example of immunity in regard to the Fifth Amendment rights.
false
true
true
Which case found that former slaves did not have the same legal rights as citizens? Brown v. Board of Education Miranda v. Arizona Dred Scott v Sandford Brown II
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Which case required police officers to inform people of their right to an attorney when they are arrested? Miranda v. Arizona Brown II Brown v. Board of Education Dred Scott v. Sandford
Miranda v. Arizona
Which case required states to end segregation with “all due haste”? Miranda v. Arizona Brown II Brown v. Board of Education Dred Scott v. Sandford
Brown II
A state brings a case to the Supreme Court arguing the Federal Government has overstepped its constitutional bounds. Which of the following cases would describe this scenario?
Marbury v. Madison
U.S. v. Nixon
McCulloch v. Maryland
McCulloch v. Maryland
The “strict scrutiny” standard invalidated certain affirmative action policies whose focus was not narrow enough.
false
true
true
You are a Supreme Court justice. A case before you challenges the constitutionality of affirmative action programs for African Americans. You believe the programs are constitutional and that they deserve “strict scrutiny.” Which case would you use as a precedent to support your point of view?
- United States v. VMI
- Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
- Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Peña
- Miranda v. Arizona
3.
The practice of paying teachers who teach secular subjects at private religious schools has been rejected by the Supreme Court as a violation of the Establishment Clause. It violates which of the following tenets of the Lemon test? neither advances nor inhibits religion secular legislative purpose the “wall of separation” excessive government entanglement
excessive government entanglement
Which of the following best reflects the Founder’s views on self-interest and virtue?
- self-interest was beneficial to the economy, but citizens of the republic needed to develop “civic virtue.”
- Citizens would be virtuous when they sought to increase their personal wealth.
- self-interest must be guarded while serving in the government but not in the economy.
- self-interest was natural and could be beneficial to the economy and to politicians.
1.
Which of the following people is ready to become a naturalized citizen of the United States?
Candidate #4, who has been a permanent resident for the specified period of time, speaks English and understands civics basics, has never been convicted of illegal activity, but is unwilling to support military service in times of need
Candidate #1, who has been a permanent resident for the specified period of time, speaks English and understands civics basics, has never been convicted of illegal activity, and is willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Candidate #3, who has been a permanent resident for the specified period of time, speaks English and understands civics basics, was previously deported, and is willing to take the oath of office
Candidate #2, who has not been a permanent resident for the specified period of time, speaks English and understands civics basics, has never been convicted of illegal activity, and is willing to take the oath of office
Candidate 1
When is a form of media considered obscene?
When scientists do not find it appropriate
When most average citizens do not find it appropriate
When religious leaders do not find it appropriate
When it is not appropriate for children
When most average citizens do not find it appropriate
A Civil Rights group has decided to hold a public meeting to discuss recent prejudicial acts. Some members of the group are concerned they will be arrested for participating in the meeting, especially if the meeting becomes heated. They know that previous meetings on this issue have ended in arguments and, occasionally, with violence. Which of the following best describes the Supreme Court’s history in the area of assembly?
- Assembly cases are given more scrutiny when public safety is a concern.
- It has weighed even more heavily in favor of individual rights in freedom of assembly cases than it has on speech cases.
- More latitude is given to the freedom to assemble when civil rights are at stake.
1.
Which of the following is not a characteristic that an applicant for U.S. citizenship must demonstrate?
attachment to the U.S. Constitution
proficiency in English
good moral character
have a relative who currently lives in the United States
have a relative who currently lives in the United States
A law that prohibits indecent material on the Internet is put into force. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?
The law imposes prior restraint.
The law is not content neutral.
The law is not the least drastic means available.
The law is too vague.
The law is too vague
What does a writ of habeas corpus do?
- It requires an explanation to the Court why a citizen is being held.
- It justifies the imprisonment of an alleged criminal without the need to inform him or her of the reason, in order to better protect the community from a potential threat.
- It gives the legislative power to asses the guilt of an individual who has committed a crime.
- It allows the Congress to punish citizens for violation of ex post facto laws.
1.
Which of the following is true concerning the process of becoming a U.S. citizen?
A test is given to determine language skill and civic knowledge.
Being born on U.S. soil is not enough to be naturalized as a citizen.
One can be naturalized without gaining basic proficiency in English.
Few people gain permanent residency before being naturalized.
A test is given to determine language skill and civic knowledge
In unit 2, which of the following is emphasized as the most important tool available to help individuals become effective participants in the political process?
Study to establish strong personal beliefs
The ability to contact and be heard by their elected representatives
By receiving accurate and timely information
The natural desire to engage in politics
By receiving accurate and timely information
A law makes it illegal to burn Bibles, but not other books, in public parks. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?
The law is not content neutral and gives one book precedence over another.
The law is not the least drastic means available.
The law imposes prior restraint.
The law is too vague.
The law is not content neutral and gives one book precendence over another.
In consideration of reciprocity, which of the following examples is a reasonable limitation on one’s rights and freedoms as discussed in the lesson?
- a person not being allowed to hand out flyers that give a negative perspective of a new company coming into the community
- a person not being allowed to build a campfire in the forest simply because there is a high chance of forest fires.
- a person not being allowed to write an angry letter to his or her state government leaders about their position on taxes and government spending
- a person not being allowed to protest the local abortion clinic and make a point about his or her pro-life views
2.
What is civic dialogue?
- A group deciding something is good and it establishes expectations, customs, and ideals as a part of what society values.
- The notion that people, by nature, are political animals.
- A statement by Aristotle, stating that if the people have an overly broad willingness to participate in the political process, a democratic society cannot function properly.
- The idea that politics is not just a set of stereotypical deals made by the rich and powerful.
1.
Which of the following is covered by the Constitutional guarantee of due process?
- Every individual is free to express him or herself in the political process.
- Individuals are guaranteed the right to participate in the political process, especially through voting.
- Those who are accused of crimes will have a fair trial.
3.
According to Adam Smith’s notion of the invisible hand, which of the following is the best way to enhance national wealth?
- National wealth is best achieved by everyone seeking his or her own self-interest.
- National wealth is best enhanced by government regulation of imports, which protect domestic industries and jobs.
- National wealth is best enhanced by maintaining a strong military in order to protect that wealth.
- National wealth is best obtained by controlled harvesting of natural resources such as oil, metals, timber, and so on.
1.
What did the Founders believe was essential for the American government to succeed? Civic Virtue from its citizens A democratic form of government A strong military Great national wealth.
Civic virtue from its citizens
Where did the phrase separation of church and state originate or where was it first used?
Supreme Court decisions about the establishment of religion
a letter written by Thomas Jefferson
the body of the Constitution
the First Amendment
a letter written by Thomas Jefferson
The phrase “the right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose” exemplifies which of the following principles?
- The right to political speech and expression is highly protected by the Supreme Court.
- Individuals have rights, but also have obligations to others in society.
- Society cannot limit rights even if harm to others is the result.
- Rights are natural and are not “granted” by government.
2.
Congress passes a law preventing individuals from engaging in particular forms of speech or expression because it is afraid the things they say or express MIGHT turn out to be illegal. Why would the Supreme Court find such a law unconstitutional?
- It is too vague.
- It isn’t content neutral.
- It places a prior restraint on the expression.
- It doesn’t have a clear secular purpose.
3.
A law bans the sale of wooden poles and nails to prevent people from building crosses which they might burn on people’s lawns. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?
The law is too vague.
The law is not content neutral.
The law imposes prior restraint.
The law is not the least drastic means available.
The law is not the least drastic means avilable
A law that forbids bands from playing in concerts when there is evidence that the band has previously engaged in illegal forms of expression is put in force. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?
The law is not the least drastic means available.
The law is too vague.
The law imposes prior restraint.
The law is not content neutral.
The law imposes prior restraint
