WGU C963 (Dec 2023)

Which contributor to the Enlightenment identified two key aspects to our existence, liberty and property?

John Locke

What is the purpose of the Occupy Wall Street movement?

It advocates for a correction of today's economic inequalities.

There were several factors that significantly contributed to the government structure outlined in the Articles of Confederation. What was one of them?

Americans wished the government to be representative of the states.

What was a major difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution?

The Articles of Confederation did not provide for a national judiciary.

What did the Great Compromise between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan that was finalized in the Constitution establish?

A two-chamber Congress

What were the results of the three-fifths compromise?

It allowed slave states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for the purpose of representation.

What was a Federalist argument in support of the ratification of the Constitution?

A strong national government is better for national defense and economic growth.

Which concepts were James Madison referencing when he stated, "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition" in Federalist, no. 51?

Separation of powers and checks and balances

What is a judicial check on the executive branch?

The Supreme Court can declare actions by the executive branch unconstitutional.

What describes a legislative check on the judicial branch?

Congress can change the Supreme Court's jurisdiction.

What best explains why individual members of the Senate have more legislative power than individual members of the House of Representatives?

The smaller total number of Senate members compared to the number of representatives

What describes the equal proportions method of congressional apportionment?

Congressional districts are drawn in order to maintain similar numbers of voters in each district.

What is an example of a congressional allocation that would influence the national budget to help a member of congress's district or state?

Funds for the building of an airport in a congressperson's district

Why is the House Rules Committee one of the most powerful committees in the U.S. House of Representatives?

It determines the rules for debate and in what order to schedule consideration of bills in the House.

Which constitutional amendment established term limits for the president?

The Twenty-Second Amendment

What is the purpose of executive agreements?

To establish agreements with foreign countries without congressional approval

Which statement best describes "executive privilege"?

A president may withhold confidential communication from the courts and the legislative branch.

How can an outgoing president exert significant influence over a new president's administration?

By having a budget that affects the ability of the incoming administration to pursue new initiatives

What describes the importance of the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison?

It established the principle of judicial review.

How are individuals nominated to the Supreme Court?

They are chosen by the president of the United States.

How does the 14th Amendment affect the powers of the federal judiciary?

It expanded the judiciary's power over states that applied laws unfairly.

What is a power reserved for the states?

Conducting elections

Which constitutional amendment allows states to reserve powers not explicitly granted to the national government?

The Tenth Amendment

What did the Supreme Court's ruling in Gibbons v. Ogden establish?

A loose constructionist interpretation of the commerce clause

How do most states award votes in the Electoral College?

The candidate who wins the popular vote in the state gets all the electoral votes for the state.

Which amendment provided for the separate election of the president and vice president?

The Twelfth Amendment

What is a characteristic of an open primary system?

Voters registered with any political party are allowed to vote for candidates in any party during the primary.

What is true about campaign ads in primary elections?

They often try to raise the name recognition of a candidate.

What was the purpose of creating the Federal Election Commission in the 1970s?

To ensure transparency in campaign financing

Who can vote for a United States representative?

Any voter in the representative's congressional district

What is the definition of inside lobbying?

An attempt to sway government decision-making targeted directly at government officials

What was determined in U.S. v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges?

They declared DOMA unconstitutional and legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

How do Super PACs operate?

They cannot give money directly to individual candidates.

What is one common method of influence used by interest groups?

They target members of congressional committees that have special influence on relevant legislative areas.

In which case did the Supreme Court establish that spending on political campaigns constituted political speech that is protected by the First Amendment?

Buckley v. Valeo

What is closely associated with a citizen being less likely to vote?

Having a lower income job

What was required by states under the 1993 National Voter Registration Act?

It required states to allow citizens to register to vote when they sign up for driver's licenses.

A voter casts a ballot for a candidate based solely on the candidate’s previous vote on a tax cut. Which type of voting decision is demonstrated in this situation?

Retrospective

What is one method used by Southern states to restrict African American voting during the early 1960s?

Literacy tests

What was the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in Plessy v. Ferguson?

It allowed racial segregation by establishing the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Which constitutional amendment guarantees the right of a public trial and representation by an attorney?

Sixth Amendment

What is the focus of multiple amendments in the Bill of Rights?

The rights of criminal defendants

In which types of cases would the Supreme Court use the standard of strict scrutiny?

Cases that restrict fundamental rights of protected classes

Which term is defined as a power of the government to take or use property for a public purpose?

Eminent domain

What describes the Supreme Court's ruling in Mapp v. Ohio?

Evidence obtained without a warrant falls under the exclusionary rule and is not admissible.

Which amendment provides the rights for individuals to question those who testify against them and to call witnesses for their own defense?

The Sixth Amendment

What does the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the Fifth Amendment's right to due process mean for citizens?

The government must use consistent and fair procedures if it wants to limit a citizen's rights or seize private property.

Why was the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brandenburg v. Ohio significant for freedom of speech?

It extended federal protection for abstract discussions of violence and overthrow of the government.

What describes the effect of the Supreme Court's ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores?

Businesses do not have to provide employees access to birth control if it violates the business owner's religious beliefs.

What describes the Supreme Court's ruling in Texas v. Johnson?

Flag burning is constitutionally protected political speech.

What is an aspect of the Supreme Court's Lemon test when determining whether a law violates the establishment clause?

It must not inhibit nor advance a particular religious practice.

What was a result of Obergefell v. Hodges?

It required that same-sex marriages be recognized across states.

What was a result of Roe v. Wade?

It upheld that the right to privacy included a woman's right to an abortion.

How did the Civil War Amendments affect individual rights in the United States?

They expanded individual rights by extending protections to people of color.

What is an appropriate characterization of media agenda setting?

Agenda setting determines which events deserve public attention.

What describes the principle of prior restraint?

The government can prevent some information from being published if it affects national security.

Which legislation required the executive branch of the U.S. government to provide information requested by citizens?

The Freedom of Information Act

How do presidents use mandates after an election?

They use their public support to implement campaign promises.

Why is the Supreme Court affected less by public opinion than other government organizations?

The justices are not elected but are appointed.

What is one common demographic group?

Income