American Government Cambium Practice Questions by Topic Set 1-2025

A city council is debating a proposal to ban single-use plastic bags to reduce environmental waste. A group of residents supports this measure. What would be the MOST effective action the residents could take to influence the council's decision as of March 3, 2025?

Organizing a public rally outside city hall

The Ohio General Assembly is considering a bill that would reduce the amount of tax revenue allocated to local school systems. A group of teachers is opposed to the passage of this bill. What would be the MOST effective action that the teachers' group could take to influence the General Assembly's vote on this bill?

Starting a letter writing campaign to state legislators

A town council faces budget cuts and can no longer afford to pay for landscaping in town parks. How can a citizen work within his or her own communities or the local government address this problem?

By organizing a group of residents to volunteer for weekly park maintenance

Your city is debating whether to install a skateboard park on city-owned land. You want to support the park. Which method would be effective in helping to determine public policy on this decision?

Attend the meeting of the city council and present the benefits of a park

A student is researching the impact of a 2025 minimum wage increase in Ohio. Which source would provide the MOST credible data on economic effects?

A report from the Ohio Department of Labor

Citizens must choose between a plan to build a new city auditorium or a plan to restore the old one. Supporters of the new auditorium claim that building a new auditorium would be more economical than restoring the old one. In evaluating the credibility of this claim, citizens should pay particular attention to:

The projected cost data provided by architects and accountants

City council members agree to fund a new park only if opponents drop their lawsuit. Which process does this scenario BEST represent as of 2025?

Compromise

Legislators meet with other members of their party prior to the official floor vote to ensure that the group is in agreement about whether or not to support a particular bill. Which process is represented by this situation?

Consensus building

The U.S. Constitution requires that laws be approved by both houses of Congress and the President. What principle does this process BEST illustrate?

Separation of powers

The Bill of Rights was adopted to address concerns about the US Constitution. One of the amendments from the Bill of Rights is as follows: "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury..." What was an Anti-Federalist concern about the US Constitution that addressed this concern?

The Constitution failed to adequately protect the civil liberties of individuals

In 2025, Congress passes a law clarifying voting access based on a Supreme Court ruling. What does this BEST demonstrate about constitutional government?

Legislation can expand constitutional interpretations

A 2025 law requires police to inform suspects of their rights during arrests. Which amendment does this policy MOST directly enforce?

Fifth Amendment

In 2025, the President issues an executive order mandating electric vehicle use in federal agencies. Which branch is primarily responsible for this action?

Executive

Which entity of government is responsible for negotiating international trade agreements?

Federal executive

In 2025, Congress overrides a presidential veto on a climate bill. What does this action BEST illustrate?

Checks and balances

Following the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education, why did President Kennedy order the Alabama National Guard to force Governor Wallace to allow African-American students to register at the University of Alabama?

The State Executive branch refused to comply with a federal court ruling

A citizen exercises their right to assemble by organizing a 2025 protest. What is a related civic responsibility?

Keeping the protest peaceful

Which civic responsibility is associated with exercising one's right to vote?

Being informed on public issues

Which right allows U.S. citizens to directly participate in the electoral process?

The right to vote

In 2025, a new law extends voting access to formerly incarcerated individuals. Which branch MOST likely initiated this change?

Legislative

The Ohio Constitution allows citizens to propose laws via referendum. How does this differ from the U.S. Constitution as of 2025?

The U.S. Constitution delegates lawmaking only to Congress

In 1851, Ohio drafted a new constitution to address problems with the original state constitution. Select all the ways that the Ohio Constitution of 1851 addressed these problems.

It created district courts, b) It instituted debt limitations, e) It required major executive officials to be elected into office

A 2025 Ohio bill proposes closing rural hospitals. What is the MOST effective citizen action to oppose it?

Testifying at a state legislative hearing

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the Ohio Constitution and the U.S. Constitution?

The Ohio Constitution is consistent with the key principles of the US Constitution, but contains some laws that differ from the laws of the US Constitution

In 2025, the Ohio Supreme Court rules on a school funding dispute. Which entity is addressing this public policy issue?

State judicial

A 2025 grassroots group campaigns for clean energy subsidies. What is their MOST direct method to influence state policy?

Lobbying Ohio legislators

An interest group advocating for stricter gun control laws wants to influence Ohio's legislature in 2025. What media strategy would MOST effectively amplify their message?

Publishing an opinion-editorial in a local newspaper

A local news outlet reports on a controversial school funding policy. What is the MOST likely impact of this media involvement on civic participation in 2025?

Increased public attendance at school board meetings

In 2025, the federal government increases taxes on luxury goods. What is the intended economic effect?

Slow economic growth

The government has enacted a law requiring the installation of seat belts in new cars. What is the intended benefit of this type of increased government regulation?

To enhance consumer protections

In 2025, the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates. What is the PRIMARY goal of this action?

Encourage economic growth

What is one outcome the Federal Reserve might want to produce when purchasing government securities?

Fostering economic expansion