U.S. Goverments Flashcards
Which of the following voting system usually produces the highest voter turnout?
A. Proportional representation with a low threshold.
B. Plurality voting with single members district
C. Majority voting with run-off election
D. Preferential voting utilizing second choices
Proportional representation with a low threshold
Companion of a U.S. tourist traveling abroad report to the U.S. Embassy that their friend has been arrested. The most important thing for the Foreign Service Officer to do immediately is to:
Attempt to visit the accused in jail
Which of the fallowing types of political systems usually develops when a nation employs a voting system of single-member districts, with plurality, “first-past-the-post” electoral winners?
A two party system
Defense Attaches are under the command of which of the following Defense Development unit?
Defense Intelligence Agency
The Joint Chiefs of Staff first emerged in response to the challenges presenting by
World War II
In Status of Forces Agreement host nations may try U.S. military personnel for a crime committed locally except when the:
Crime was committed against another U.S. citizens
Which of the following descriptions best characterizes the Goldwater-Nichols Reorganization Act?
A. It greatly increases the authority of the service secretaries
B. It made the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff a more powerful figure
C. It diminished the role of the Defense Intelligence Agency
D. It curtailed the authority of the Secretary of Defense
It made the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff a more powerful figure
According to the U.S. Constitution, which of the following is required in both houses of Congress to override a president’s veto?
Two-thirds majority
Which of the following activities is an element of status-of-forces agreements?
A. Provide for the basing of U.S. forces in foreign countries
B. Secure access by U.S. forces to bases abroad
C. Mandate the arrest of U.S. soldiers accused of war crimes
D. Define the legal status of U.S. personnel stationed abroad
Define the legal status of U.S. personnel stationed abroad
Relatives of a U.S. citizen traveling abroad contract the U.S. embassy in an effort to locate the traveler because of a family emergency. How should a Foreign Service Officer respond?
Offer to convey a message to the traveler, if the traveler can be located by the embassy.
U.S. consulates offer which of the fallowing services for U.S. citizens?
A. Notary services for U.S. citizens abroad
B. Employment assistance for U.S. citizens seeking jobs
C. Financial assistance for destitute U.S. citizens
D. Assistance in making travel arrangements
Notary services for U.S. citizens abroad
The annual report required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of every government agency must also include the
Average number of days taken to respond to FOIA requests
If you are not satisfied with the initial response to your Freedom of Information Act requests you:
May file an administrative appeal
Fee waivers for Freedom of Information Act requests may be made if the requestor can
Prove that the disclosure is in the public interest
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), U.S. government agencies have how many business days to respond to FOIA requests?
20
Which of the fallowing promised U.S. assistance to “free people resisting armed minorities or outside pressures”?
A. Marshall Plan
B. Warsaw Pact
C. Truman Doctrine
D. Pairs Declaration
Truman Doctrine
The responsibility for responding to a Freedom of Information Act requests lies with:
The agency that created and maintains the requested record
In the U.S. system of Justice, the legally required standard of proof for conviction in criminal cases is best described by which of the following terms?
Beyond a reasonable doubt
When the Departmet of State receives a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for a classified record, it must respond by:
Undertaking a mandatory declassification review
Which of the following agencies is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act?
A. The Central Intelligence Agency
B. The National Security Agency
C. The National Security Council
D. The Defense Intelligence Agency
The National Security Agency
With a few legal exceptions, visa application records are:
Kept confidential
If a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is denied, what recourse does the requestor have?
Appeal to the FOIA bureau of the agency that created the record
In the lawsuit popularly known as the Pentagon Papers case, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed which of the fallowing safeguard against abuse of government powers?
No prior restraint
Which law limits the ability of federal civil service employees to participate in certain partisan political activities, such as running for partisan office or being a delegate to a party convention?
Hatch Act
In a citation for a federal statute listed as Pub. L. No. 94-587, the number 94, represents which of the following pieces of reference information?
The numbers of the Congress that passed the law
In the U.S. legal code, shield laws protect which of the following individuals from grand jury inquiries?
Reporters who have discovered sensitive information in their news-gathering capacities
In addition to its responsibilities as a world political leader, the U.S. foreign policy establishment also responds to global crisis involving major international health issues, including HIV/AIDS, in its work which, of the fallowing international financial institutions?
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
What best describes the role of the Department of State in combating terrorism?
Act as the head agency of the interagency ant-terrorism committee
The role of the Department of State in combating drugs is to
Carry out public diplomacy, reporting, and negotiating in support of anti-drug efforts
As a Foreign Service Officer serving in a foreign post, you are meeting informally with officials of the host government. In an informal setting, your comments on U.S. policy:
Should adhere strictly to Department of State guidance
When complex issues require interagency coordination, which agency convenes and chairs the interagency meeting?
Depends on the issue
Which Cabinet-level development includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office?
Department of Commerce
Which of the fallowing agencies does NOT have representatives serving in U.S. embassies abroad?
Energy
Approached by a government contractor about U.S. affirmative action policy, a Foreign Service Officer should direct the company representative to which U.S. entity?
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program
Since the beginning of the Iraq War, the labor movements in the U.S. and Great Britain have
Diverged, with Great Britain strongly anti-war
The establishment of a 40-hour work week was introduced with which of the fallowing other innovations through the Fair Labor Standard Act of 1938?
A 40-cent minimum hourly wage
In the 1980s the diminishing power of labor union in the U.S. as evidenced during the air traffic controllers’ strike most closely paralleled bitter coal miners’ strike in
Great Britain
A Foreign Service Officer who needs cooperation from a federal agency to resolve an international labor issue should consult with the
Office of International Labor Affaires
The National Counterterrorism Center reports to the
Director of National Intelligence
In which field of U.S. politics is Congress LEAST likely to dominate the executive branch of government?
Foreign and military policy
When a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) needs information about a foreign government’s record with workers’ rights provisions in U.S. law, the FSO should contact the:
Office of International Labor Affairs
Depending upon the country in which a U.S. citizens lives, duel citizenship may be acquired by
Marrying a citizen
If the child of a U.S. citizens is abducted and taken to another country, the parent can file a request for the return of a child with what international entity.
The Hague Convention
In the U.S., how many parents must consent for a child under 14 to obtain a passport.
Two parents’ consent required
Since 1995, the annual number of overseas adoptions by U.S. citizens has risen to:
20,000
The U.S. Counterterrorism Team is led by the
Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism
The principle role of the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research is to
Harness intelligence to serve U.S. diplomacy
The traditional role of the National Security Council is to:
Coordinate the Cabinet and other agencies involved in foreign security policy.
Within the U.S. intelligence community, the National Clandestine Service is responsible for coordinating:
Human intelligence
The role of the National Intelligence Council is to:
Conduct analytic studies as assigned by the Director of the National Intelligence
While residing abroad, U.S. citizens may renew their passports
In person only at relevant consulate or embassy
The Coordinator for Counterterrorism in the Departmet of State mainly works to forge partnership with:
Foreign governments and various non-State actors
If asked to prepare a report on the U.S. government stance toward the status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) versus the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE), a Foreign Service Officer should emphasize that
NATO’s mission now includes more partners over a wider geographical area, and the OSCE allows for cost sharing and and not duplication efforts
Which international organization, currently managed by the U.S., provides oversight and coordination of the internet?
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Which of the fallowing international agreements allows for the peaceful nuclear commerce between nations?
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Which pressure groups opposed granting President Bill Clinton the authority to negotiate trade agreements?
Labor unions like the AFL-CIO
In addition to the five permanent members, the UN Security Council has many non-permanent members?
10
A refugee picked up at sea by U.S. authorities who wishes to claim political asylum in the U.S. has which of the fallowing rights?
No right to an asylum hearing or appeal.
An application for a temporary visa to visit the U.S. must, by law, be denied unless the applicant can demonstrate:
Strong ties to an applicant home country
A U.S. citizen risks losing U.S. citizenship if he or she becomes a dual citizen of another country
If citizenship in another nation is applied for.
Passport or visa fraud is a
Felony with potential penalty of 10 years in prison
According to the principle of jus sanguinis, U.S. citizenship is granted to anyone who is
Born to two U.S. citizens
In order to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, a person must have:
Been lawfully admitted for permanent residence by the U.S. government
In order to meet the residency requirements for, U.S naturalization a person most have
Lived in the U.S. for the vast majority of the preceding five years
The concept of public, state-funded education first arose in the U.S. as a result of
The Land Ordinance of 1875
In the U.S. Defense Department command structure, the Persian Gulf region falls under which of the fallowing commands?
A. Southern Command
B. Central Command
C. Northern Command
D. European Command
Central Command
Passport and visa fraud can carry all of the fallowing penalties EXCEPT:
A. 5 years for the first offense
B. 15 years for fraud linked to general crimes
C. 20 years for fraud linked to drug trafficking
D. 25 years for fraud linked to terrorism
5 years for the first offense
A Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is attempting to explain to a foreign audience the American concept of judicial review. To which Supreme Court case should the FSO refer?
Marbury v. Madison
Security clearance of visa applicants in certain designated categories are coordinated by the
Department of Homeland Security
Computer equipment has been purchased from a seller in the U.S. for shipment to the American embassy in Lebanon. The contract specifies delivery DES Beirut (Delivered Ex Ship). The ship docked in Beirut and has been there for a week awaiting unloading when guerilla activity breaks out and the port is shelled. Shelling damages the equipment. Whose equipment is it?
The embassy’s because the supplier delivered it to the port
A Foreign Service Officer approached for information about American models for helping minority entrepreneurs should direct foreign interest to which U.S. entity?
Small Business Administration
Which of the following U.S. diplomats established the concept of “containment” during the Cold War by sending a telegram to Washington D.C., from Moscow?
A. Milton Eisenhower
B. Alexander Haig
C. George Kennan
D. Henry Kissinger
George Kennan
In 2006, American and world support for the Iraq war waned and high-profile Republican senators began speaking out against the George W. Bush administration. In a key speech, Richard Lugar, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, asked U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad questions regarding what criteria American concern?
Progress with a reconciliation plan to reduce violence
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it would be unlawful for any employer to restrict an employee’s religious practice at work unless:
The employee’s religious practices create an unsafe work environment
The U.S. government supports the efforts of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to reduce international trafficking in women and children for sexual exploitation. What statement would be most appropriate for a U.S. Foreign Service Officer to make in support of the ECOSOC’s work?
“Many countries have worked together to combat trafficking in women and children for sexual exploitation, but much remains to be done, and we welcome the chance to contribute to ECOSOC’s ongoing efforts in this area”.
The quote, “It’s still trust but verify. It’s still play, but cut the cards. It’s still watch closely. And don’t be afraid to see what your see.”, is from the final Presidential address of:
Ronald Reagan
Which battle is called “the shot heard ‘round the world”, a poetic reference to its significance in extending democracy?
Battle of Lexington
Which United States government agency investigates claims of fraud and false advertising as well allegations of business or industry price fixing.
FTC
An employer could be liable to litigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 if:
A. An employee is made to feel uncomfortable by a co-worker who tells jokes of a sexual nature
B. A manager makes demonstrative physical contact with a subordinate of the same sex
C. An employee is subject to unwelcome advances, but no economic injury
D all of the above occur
All of the above occur
A company might be in violation of the provisions of Title IV of the Civil Rights Act if their hiring practices include:
Coding resumes or applications by gender or race
When considering applicants for position in your department, each of the following hiring practices would comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act except:
A. Requiring each job applicant to have a medical exam to verify ability to perform physical aspects of the job
B. Making pre-employment drug screening a requirement for all applicant
C. Question an applicant about the limitations created by a visible disability
D. Refusing to hire a candidate whose disability would require the department to lower production quotas.
Questioning an applicant about the limitations created by a visible disability
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, requires many government agencies and departments to consider all of the following in merit pay systems except:
A. Excellent Performance
B. Pay scales by private sector employers
C. Local rates
D. Marital status
Marital status
According to the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, a manager within specified government agencies would be out of compliance for designing an employee appraisal system that :
Immediately terminated employees who received poor performance ratings on their evaluations.
In the United States Presidential chain of succession, who would fallow the president and Vice President?
The Speaker of the House
According to the Constitutional principle of checks and balances, what oversight can Congress exercise in respect to the Presidential power of appointments?
The Senate may reject cabinet level nominees
What is a primary function of the Government Accountability Office or GAO?
Conducting audits and providing oversight on federal sending
Comparing the tax burden of American citizens with that in other countries, which of the following countries has a lower tax burden when considered as a percentage of the GNP?
Germany
The U.S. Constitution creates a federalist system in which ___?
Each branch of the federal government has oversight in regards to the actions of the other two branches
The Fifth through Eighth Amendments to the United States Constitution protect the individual right to which of the following?
A. Protection from unreasonable search and seizure and quartering of soldiers in peacetime
B. Due process in court of law
C. Reserved powers not specifically granted to the federal government
D. Freedom of expression
Due process in a court of law
Which best describes the primary responsibility of the President’s Chief of Staff?
Supervision of White House staff and management of the Presidential appointment calendars and Presidential Access
What was the significance of the Supreme Court decision in Marbury V. Madison?
The power of judicial review was established for federal courts
Which acronym represents the U.S. government agency that would take the lead in preventing, or minimizing the impact of, epidemics such as bird flu?
CDC
Which of the following extended voting rights to American woman?
A. The Fifteenth Amendment
B The Equal Rights Amendment
C. The Nineteenth Amendment
D. The Civil Right Act
The Nineteenth Amendment
Current federal court interpretation of the First Amendment prohibits which of the following based on the establishment clause?
A. Allowing public school students excused absences for religious holidays
B. Prayer organized by public school officials during the instructional day
C. Exemption from participation in The Pledge of Allegiance as required by school policy
D. Use of public school facilities by religious groups
Prayer organized by public school officials during the instructional day
What was a primary issue addressed by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, also known as the McCain-Feingold Bill?
Limiting soft money contributions to candidates
Which of the fallowing is a Constitutional check and balance on the power of the Executive branch?
A. Congressional authority to override Presidential vetoes
B. The power of the President to negotiate treaties with foreign nations
C. The right of the majority party to chose the Speaker of the House of Representatives
D. Presidential Authority as Commander in Chief to deploy troops to foreign nations.
Congressional authority to override Presidential vetoes
Which of the fallowing describes the date of the Presidential election?
A. The first Tuesday of November every fourth year
B. The first Tuesday after the first Monday of November every fourth year
C. The second Tuesday in November in even years once every fourth year
D. The Tuesday after the first Sunday of November every fourth year
The first Tuesday after the first Monday of November every fourth year
Who were the first Presidential candidates to debate on television?
Kennedy and Nixon
Which of the fallowing is not a goal of the federal government, under the U.S. Constitution, as described in the preamble?
A. Defending all Americans
B. Providing fair treatment under the law
C. Uniting the states
D. Keeping peace around the world
Keeping peace around the world
What is a term of service for a U.S. Senator and how often are Senate elections held?
Six years, staggered elections every two years
Under the Electoral College System established by the Constitution for electing the President, which state would have the most votes?
A. New York
B. Ohio
C. Arizona
D. Alaska
New York
According to the Constitution, who has the authority to regulate trade with foreign nations?
Congress
What best describes the process for choosing Electors in Presidential Elections as established by the Constitution?
Each state legislature determines the process for Electors from that state and is allowed the number of Electors equal to the state’s total representatives in Congress.
The election of which President introduced the modern Democratic Party?
Andrew Jackson
What is the minimum age required for the office of President?
35
Which of the fallowing situations would describe a primary election?
A. Voters in county vote for the position of County Commissioner
B. Republicans vote to nominate a candidate for President
C. The Electoral College members vote for President of the United States
D. City residents vote for members of a Town Council
Republicans vote to nominate a candidate for President
Which Presidential cabinet department plays the lead role in advising the President on foreign policy?
Department of State
Which of the fallowing best describes the main function of the FCC?
A. Regulating communication with television, radio, cable, and satellite
B. Regulating credit reporting practices of banks
C. Insuring bank deposits of consumers in member institutions
D. Overseeing federal farm credit and subsidy programs
Regulating communication with television, radio, cable, and satellite
The legislation commonly called No Child Left Behind ties local district to which of the fallowing?
A. Local taxing authority
B. Federal education funds
C. State control of education
D. State established standard
Federal education funds
In the United States, individuals who are suspected of criminal behavior are considered innocent until proven guilty. All citizens have the right to due process which means they are entitled to a fair trial before a jury of their peers. In addition, they have a right to a lawyer who will help them support their case. Because the suspect is considered innocent until judged otherwise, the prosecution has the burden of proof. Even after the verdict is made on the case, both sides can appeal to a higher court to reconsider the decision. All of these steps are in place to protect the safety and liberty of all Americans.
What is “burden of proof”?
The responsibility for convincing the jury of their case.
According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the primary purpose for creating government?
Government exists to protect basic human rights.
The Federalist Papers, authored by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, are historically relevant for which of the fallowing reasons?
A. They created an outline for writing the United States’ Constitution
B. They proposed the addition of a Bill of Rights to the Constitution to protect individual freedoms.
C. They are the best analysis and explanation to date of the Constitution
D. They are an exceptional defense of America’s Declaration of Independence
They are the best analysis and explanation to date of the Constitution
What is an accurate statement to determining a winner in a Presidential election in which no candidate receives a majority.
The House of Representatives will vote to determine a winner, who must receive a majority of the votes, with each state having one vote.
Which of the fallowing departments or agencies does not fall under the umbrella of Department of Homeland Security control?
A. Transportation Security Administration
B. United States Secret Service
C. Federal Bureau of Investigation
D. Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Which of the fallowing is not a Presidential power explicitly granted in the Constitution?
A. The right to issue executive orders
B. The right to appoint Ambassadors
C. The right to grant reprieve
D. The right to convene Congress
The right to issue executive orders
Which of the fallowing served as the United States first written plan of government?
A. The a Declaration of Independence
B. The Constitution
C. The Articles of Confederation
D. The Bill of Rights
The Articles of Confederation
Who served as the first American-American Supreme Court Justice?
Thurgood Marshall
What is a Writ of Habeas Corpus?
A court order requiring the government to bring a prisoner to court and explain his detention.
The government’s power of eminent domain allows them to do which of the fallowing?
A. Take private property for public use
B. Hold prisoners without trial during wartime
C. Use the armed forces to put down civil disturbances
D. Mail officials communication without paying for postage
Take private property for public use
During the Constitution Conversation in 1787, an agreement was reached known as the Great Compromise to settle a dispute over representation in Congress. How were states divided over this issue?
Large states versus small states
Which of the fallowing is the presiding officer of the U.S. Senate?
A. The President pro tempore of the Senate
B. The Majority Leader
C. The Vice President
D. The Majority Whip
The Vice President
