Midterm Review Questions- Chapter 1- AP Government

What was the main purpose of the Equal Access Act of 1984?

-To provide accommodations during testing for those students who have physical or mental handicaps.

-To ensure that all students have the ability to participate in school sports regardless of race or gender.

-To prevent public high schools from excluding religious extracurricular clubs.

-To require all public high schools to hire an equal number of male and female teachers.

To prevent public high schools from excluding religious extracurricular clubs.

Having social, political, and economic freedoms is characteristic of which self-evident right?

-Happiness

-Life

-Liberty

-Property

Liberty

In 2017, the controversial Bill C-16 was passed in Canada, which compels its citizens to address transgender people by their preferred pronouns or potentially face harassment charges otherwise. Which argument would be a legitimate critique of the bill?

-The passage of the bill blurs the lines between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

-Punishing citizens for certain types of speech is a step towards authoritarianism.

-Dictating what citizens can and cannot say is outright totalitarian.

-Such legislation violates Canada's First Amendment protections of free speech.

Punishing citizens for certain types of speech is a step towards authoritarianism.

Which system of government was America under prior to declaring independence from Great Britain and adopting the Constitution?

-Communism

-Direct democracy

-Authoritarian

-Totalitarian

-Authoritarian

Concerns that large companies like the e-commerce giant Amazon are not paying enough in taxes reflects which theory of democracy?

-Participatory

-Cultural

-Elitist

-Pluralist

-Elitist

How does John Locke's concept of a social contract compare to the form of government that existed in Great Britain at the time?

-Great Britain's government at the time was based on divine rule, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract was based on rulers who occupied higher socioeconomic classes.

-Great Britain's government at the time was based on social hierarchies, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract stated that leaders could only rule by divine right.

-Great Britain's government at the time stated that kings were granted the right to rule by God, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract dictated that leaders were granted the right to rule by the people.

-The form of government in Great Britain at the time was similar to Locke's concept of a social contract.

-Great Britain's government at the time stated that kings were granted the right to rule by God, whereas Locke's concept of a social contract dictated that leaders were granted the right to rule by the people.

Citizens of a small American town have been dissatisfied with their elected representative in the House of Representatives and are planning to vote for a different candidate in the next election. Which form of government allows the citizens to take such an action?

-Direct democracy

-Monarchy

-Representative

-Theocracy

-Representative

Which grievance listed in the Declaration of Independence is an example of the King of England infringing upon the inalienable right to life?

-Unfair taxes were imposed.

-Colonists were not represented in government.

-Justice was obstructed.

-Standing armies threatened colonists.

-Standing armies threatened colonists.

Why was a letter to Boyd County High School from the American Civil Liberties Union that referenced the Equal Access Act insufficient in addressing the issue of the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance?

-The students who formed the Gay-Straight Alliance were harassed, and all groups were shut down.

-The administrators at Boyd County High School did not care that they were in violation of the law.

-The American Civil Liberties Union had no right to tell the school what to do.

-The Equal Access Act did not apply to high school extracurricular groups.

-The students who formed the Gay-Straight Alliance were harassed, and all groups were shut down.

Which of the following best describes a constitutional democracy?

-Citizens have the opportunity to vote directly on policies.

-The powers of government are both described and limited by the Constitution.

-Representatives are elected to carry out the will of the people.

-The power of government is clearly specified in the Constitution.

-The powers of government are both described and limited by the Constitution.

How did the structure of the Declaration of Independence justify the American colonies' break from Great Britain?

-It outlined in great detail the idea that humans are born with basic, God-given rights.

-It listed numerous grievances that clearly violated the human rights that were outlined just before.

-It issued a statement of separation after listing several grievances with the King of England.

-It made an appeal to the King of England using philosophical concepts from John Locke.

-It listed numerous grievances that clearly violated the human rights that were outlined just before.

Democracy can be defined as a system of government

-where power rests in a family of high nobility.

-in which the people hold the power.

-whereby a religious leader holds the power.

-that gives all power to the central government.

-in which the people hold the power.

Suppose a group of women's rights activists in America are pushing for the reconsideration and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Under the constitutional republic, how can these activists achieve their goal?

-They can petition the President to sign an executive order to establish a new amendment.

-They can file a lawsuit against discriminatory laws and pass the amendment at the Supreme Court.

-They can organize marches within major metropolitan cities and Washington, D.C.

-They can vote for Congressional representatives who can set the amendment process in motion.

-They can vote for Congressional representatives who can set the amendment process in motion.

What is the primary difference between a civil society group like a charitable church organization and an interest group like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)?

-The AARP advocates for the interests of the common good, whereas the church organization advocates for religious freedoms and protections.

-Civil society groups like the church organization are tax exempt, whereas the AARP has to pay taxes on income made from membership fees.

-Civil societies like the church organization are sponsored by local governments, whereas the AARP is sponsored by the national government.

-The charitable church organization acts in the interest of the common good, whereas the AARP advocates for its own interests.

-The charitable church organization acts in the interest of the common good, whereas the AARP advocates for its own interests.

The cartoon expresses which of the following viewpoints?

-Politicians tend to be more focused on public opinion than policy.

-Sometimes even wealthy and educated individuals don't know the best course of action.

-The members of the Continental Congress were old and feeble.

-It's hard to define "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness."

-Politicians tend to be more focused on public opinion than policy.

A political activist who supports gun control legislation believes that interest groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) have too much money and influence over lawmakers in Congress. Such a belief is characteristic of which theory?

-Elitist theory

-Pluralist theory

-American cultural theory

-Participatory democracy theory

-Pluralist theory

Following Bridget Mergens' struggle to form a Bible study club at her school, which other group also experienced resistance from their school when attempting to form a club?

-The Americans for Civil Liberties

-Gay-Straight Alliance

-Future Business Leaders of America

-The Fellowship of Christian Athletes

-Gay-Straight Alliance

How did Thomas Jefferson and other signers of the Declaration of Independence believe the King of England was violating the colonists' right to liberty?

-By imposing unfair and damaging taxes

-By establishing standing armies in the colonies

-By threatening to execute religious heretics

-By disarming the colonists of their firearms

-By imposing unfair and damaging taxes

Suppose you want to start an after-school club at your high school for pro-life Christians. Your school administrators say you can meet with fellow classmates after school but cannot use school facilities or be a formal club. Which argument would be the MOST effective to convince the administrators to make your club official?

-The application for the formation of the club was submitted properly and has enough student interest that it would be successful.

-Denying the club's formation and association with the school is a violation of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

-Prohibiting the club from becoming official goes against the precedent set by Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens.

-Not making the group an official extracurricular club violates the school handbook for the formation of a new club.

-Prohibiting the club from becoming official goes against the precedent set by Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens.

Suppose a free speech advocacy group is attempting to stop legislation that would infringe upon American citizens' First Amendment rights, but they lack money to donate to a pro-free speech candidate's campaign. What is another way this group might be able to influence this legislation?

-Get supporters to participate in a campaign to contact representatives and voice their opinion.

-Host a large fundraiser to raise money to donate to a pro-free speech candidate.

-Proactively file a lawsuit against the legislation and appeal to the Supreme Court.

-Contact the president of the United States and ask him to veto the legislation if it passes.

-Get supporters to participate in a campaign to contact representatives and voice their opinion.

A system in which the government's power comes from the people is known as

-republicanism.

-anarchism.

-authoritarianism.

-totalitarianism.

-republicanism.

In a debate about the scope of the American government providing social welfare programs, one student argues that such programs are conducive to helping Americans realize the American Dream, while the other argues that such programs run contrary to the inherent right to

-exercise social, political, and economic freedoms.

-pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set.

-freedom from unnecessary government intervention.

-equal pay for performing equal work with similar qualifications.

-pursue happiness through hard work, sacrifice, and one's own skill set.

Why is America's form of representative government preferable to the direct democracy of ancient Greece?

-The American system of representative government is far more feasible than the direct democracy of ancient Greece.

-The American system of representative government gives women the right to vote, which was not permitted in ancient Greece.

-The American system of representative government allows for free and fair elections, which was not typical in ancient Greece.

-The American system of representative government gives more power to citizens than the direct democracy of ancient Greece.

-The American system of representative government is far more feasible than the direct democracy of ancient Greece.

The cartoon expresses which of the following viewpoints?

-Many Americans are not well informed and hold conflicting views about the role of government.

-Americans become more conservative as they age.

-American political culture consists of shared beliefs and customs.

-Political ideology consists of an individual's set of beliefs.

-Many Americans are not well informed and hold conflicting views about the role of government.

The graph supports which of the following conclusions?

-Income in the United States is unduly low, because it consistently falls below 50 percent.

-People in the top 1% of American households are wealthier than people in the top 0.1%.

-America had more wealth in 1925 and 2005 than in any other year.

-Over the past four decades, America's wealthiest individuals have been earning a larger share of America's national income.

-Over the past four decades, America's wealthiest individuals have been earning a larger share of America's national income.

What is considered the supreme law of the nation in America?

-The Constitution

-Legislation passed by Congress

-The Bible

-Laws made by the President

-The Constitution

We should remember that the Declaration of Independence is not merely a historical document. It is an explicit recognition that our rights derive not from the King of England, not from the judiciary, not from government at all, but from God.

—Mark Levin

The quotation best represents which concept?

-Constitutional democracy

-Natural rights

-Republicanism

-Participatory democracy

-Natural rights

How does the concept of popular sovereignty compare to other forms of sovereignty?

-Under popular sovereignty, God grants the right of the government to rule, which makes it the most effective form of sovereignty.

-Under popular sovereignty, each citizen has a say in policy issues, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty.

-Under popular sovereignty, the right of the government to rule is given to wealthy elites, which gives the people less power than other forms of sovereignty.

-Under popular sovereignty, the people grant the government the right to rule, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty.

-Under popular sovereignty, the people grant the government the right to rule, which gives the people more power than other forms of sovereignty.

Which group would be considered a civil society group?

-The Sierra Club

-The Small Business Association

-The National Institute of Health

-The United Nations

-The Sierra Club

Which of the following arguments would a proponent of the pluralist system of political participation most likely make?

-Gridlock results when too many groups seek to influence the policymaking process.

-American society should return to a rugged frontier philosophy and reliance on the individual.

-Although many groups participate in policymaking, wealthy groups have the most influence.

-American democracy is furthered when groups representing all points of view help make public policy.

-American democracy is furthered when groups representing all points of view help make public policy.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Nazi Germany ruled its people with unlimited power and is an example of which system of government?

-Authoritarian

-Democratic

-Republican

-Totalitarian

-Totalitarian

How does joining a civil society group impact participatory democracy?

-It prevents Americans from being exposed to diverse views and discourages political participation.

-It decreases the tendency of Americans to vote in elections and contact representatives.

-It increases the likelihood that American citizens will participate in political processes.

-It connects like-minded people who can organize to vote similarly in elections.

-It increases the likelihood that American citizens will participate in political processes.

How do the ideas of John Locke and David Hume complement one another?

-Locke's idea of natural rights complements Hume's idea that some people have more rights than others.

-Locke's idea that some people have more rights than others complements Hume's idea that people are born with natural, God-Given rights.

-Hume's idea of limiting government to prevent greed coincides with Locke's belief that people have the right to replace a government that grows too powerful.

-Hume's idea that people are born with certain rights fits with Locke's idea that a government should be structured so as to prevent a tyrannical government.

-Hume's idea of limiting government to prevent greed coincides with Locke's belief that people have the right to replace a government that grows too powerful.

A high school sophomore who belongs to his school's chapter of a Gay-Straight Alliance feels he is being discriminated against in the classroom by a teacher due to his membership in the group. How can this student utilize the political process to make quick and effective change?

-He can cast a vote in his next local election.

-He can contact his state representative and push for legislation.

-He can seek legal assistance and file a lawsuit against the school or teacher.

-He can write a letter to the state governor about his experience.

-He can seek legal assistance and file a lawsuit against the school or teacher.

Who proposed the concept that some rights cannot be provided or taken away by governments?

-Baron de Montesquieu

-John Locke

-Rodgers Smith

-David Hume

-John Locke

Which ideas form the foundation of American political culture?

-Liberty, equality, and rights

-Equality, wealth, and property

-Rights, property, and speech

-Wealth, speech, and liberty

-Liberty, equality, and rights

The following question(s) refer to the following quote from the Resolution of the First Continental Congress, acting on behalf of the American colonists, dated October 14, 1774.

[O]ur ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects, within the realm of England. . . . By such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy. . . . The foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot properly be represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity. . . .

The quote makes which of the following arguments?

-The British parliament must continue to have the exclusive power to make laws.

-England was the mother country of the American colonists.

-The colonists were entitled to the rights of English subjects.

-The right to emigrate must remain the foundation of English liberty.

-The colonists were entitled to the rights of English subjects.

How does the Preamble of the United States Constitution establish the notion of popular sovereignty?

-By declaring that the people of the United States of America are the ones granting the government its power.

-By stating outright that the system of government in America will be based on the concept of popular sovereignty.

-By outlining the God-given natural rights of humans, including freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.

-By granting all American citizens the right to participate in free and fair elections regardless of race, gender, or property ownership.

-By declaring that the people of the United States of America are the ones granting the government its power.

According to John Locke, it is the government's job to

-keep its citizens obedient to the law.

-provide citizens with certain rights.

-tax citizens to pay for welfare programs.

-ensure an orderly and functioning society.

-ensure an orderly and functioning society.

In recent elections, the Electoral College has been attacked as undemocratic by many Americans. How might someone rebut this argument about the Electoral College?

-America is not a pure democracy, but rather a constitutional republic, and the Electoral College is another system of representation.

-There is no viable alternative to the Electoral College that could be implemented in four years, and as such, it must remain in place.

-America needs the Electoral College since most Americans who cast votes in elections are generally uninformed about the candidates they vote for.

-The Electoral College has been in place for over 200 years, and it would be impossible to eliminate it from the American political system.

-America is not a pure democracy, but rather a constitutional republic, and the Electoral College is another system of representation.

Someone who has an optimistic view of American democracy might believe that

-everyday citizens can make effective change by joining civil society groups.

-interest groups have too much lobbying power over members of Congress.

-the American government cares more about large corporations than the American people.

-wealthy elites have a disproportionate influence on the government and policy.

-everyday citizens can make effective change by joining civil society groups.

Would the students of Boyd County High School have been successful in forming a Gay-Straight Alliance if Bridget Mergens had lost her case at the Supreme Court?

-Yes, because the American Civil Liberties Union initially cited the Equal Access Act and was successful.

-No, because Mergens' case set the precedent for high school students to confront school administrators and enact change.

-Yes, because the students had a plan to boycott the school and stage demonstrations if their request was rejected.

-No, because the American Civil Liberties Union used Mergens' case as the basis for their argument to allow the club.

-Yes, because the American Civil Liberties Union initially cited the Equal Access Act and was successful.

ohn Locke's concept of natural rights and the social contract emphasizes which pair of concepts and definitions?

Key Concept Definition

a. Republicanism Representatives chosen by citizens

b. Civil society Broad citizen involvement

c. Limited government Confiscation of private property

d. Popular sovereignty Political Equality among citizens

B

A

C

D

D

How does Bridget Mergens' experience with forming a Bible study group at her high school compare to the experience of the Boyd County High School students who wanted to form a Gay-Straight Alliance?

-Although Mergens' case set precedent at the Supreme Court, it was not recognized until the events at Boyd County High School.

-The students at Boyd County High School experienced far more backlash than Mergens but achieved greater change within their school district.

-Mergens was unsuccessful in her attempt to form a club, whereas the students at Boyd County High School were able to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance.

-The case regarding the Gay-Straight Alliance was decided upon at the Supreme Court, while Mergens' case reached a settlement with her school.

-The students at Boyd County High School experienced far more backlash than Mergens but achieved greater change within their school district.

Which theory states that citizens taking part in political processes is essential to a democratic government?

-Civil society theory

-Elitist theory

-Pluralist theory

-Participatory democracy theory

-Participatory democracy theory

A woman who is looking to get involved with her community decides to join a local knitting group that knits hats, mittens, and scarves for the homeless. This knitting group is an example of

-a political interest group.

-a civil society group.

-an elitist group.

-a government-sponsored organization.

-a civil society group.

A candidate running for the House of Representatives has promised constituents that she will push for legislation to reform campaign finance laws so that the wealthy elites and business owners do not have greater influence on policies than American citizens. Such legislation is based on which theory?

-Elitist theory

-Participatory democracy theory

-Pluralist theory

-Civil rights theory

-Elitist theory

Which of the following statements best describes the viewpoint of American culture expressed in the cartoon?

-The United States offers equality of opportunity.

-Citizens are more interested in playing games than in politics.

-Individualism is a core American value, and it's up to each person to take steps to advance.

-Inequality makes it difficult for African Americans to achieve the American dream.

-Inequality makes it difficult for African Americans to achieve the American dream.

The following question(s) refer to the following quote from the Resolution of the First Continental Congress, acting on behalf of the American colonists, dated October 14, 1774.

[O]ur ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects, within the realm of England. . . . By such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy. . . . The foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot properly be represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity. . . .

What political philosophy set forth in the quote was incorporated two years later into the Declaration of Independence?

-A theocracy is the best form of government because God created humans and endowed them with unalienable rights.

-Direct democracy is a more legitimate form of government than indirect democracy.

-People have the right to elect representatives to the legislatures that govern them.

-Taxation inherently destroys the natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

-People have the right to elect representatives to the legislatures that govern them.

Who was it that noted the uniquely American phenomenon of diverse citizens joining like-minded groups in the 1830s?

-Alexis de Tocqueville

-John Locke

-Baron de Montesquieu

-David Hume

-Alexis de Tocqueville

A high school is planning on establishing a student government in which the entire student body would elect a president to represent the interests of students as a whole. Which form of student government does the high school want to establish?

-Direct democracy

-Authoritarian

-Representative

-Totalitarian

-Representative

A political scientist living in the American colonies during the late 1700s believes it is the duty of the people to hold their government accountable and replace a tyrannical government if necessary. Who would this political scientist likely agree with?

-David Hume

-Rodgers Smith

-John Locke

-Baron de Montesquieu

-John Locke

The power of like-minded groups to impact the policymaking process is known as

-participatory democracy.

-pluralist theory.

-elitist theory.

-the power of civil societies.

-pluralist theory.

Which group represented Bridget Mergens in her fight to form a Christian Bible study club at her high school?

-The National Legal Foundation

-The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

-The American Civil Liberties Union

-The Nebraska Legal Association

-The National Legal Foundation

Suppose the subjects of a totalitarian government have successfully overthrown their leader and are planning a new form of government that will grant them greater personal and economic freedom and prevent future tyranny. Which element should they include in their new government?

-Restrictions on journalists

-A list of basic rights

-Unlimited terms for leaders

-A ban on all firearms

-A list of basic rights

The students at Boyd County High School who were prevented from forming a Gay-Straight Alliance received legal assistance from

-the American Civil Liberties Union.

-the National Legal Foundation.

-the Young Americans for Freedom.

-the National Gay-Straight Alliance.

-the American Civil Liberties Union.

Despite China allowing private businesses to operate within the country, the government has increased its control over the way its citizens communicate and act within society, making it

-totalitarian.

-a direct democracy.

-authoritarian.

-a constitutional republic.

-authoritarian.

The executive, legislative, and judicial branches are examples of - political institutions.

-participatory democracy.

-totalitarian institutions.

-a constitutional republic.

political institutions

Which factor did the Supreme Court consider when making its decision on Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens?

-The scope of federal intervention in local education

-The issue of funding religious groups with taxpayer money

-The maturity of high school students

-The concept of separation of church and state

-The maturity of high school students

How does the case of the Boyd County High School Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) demonstrate the tension between the two visions of liberty?

-The freedom of the school to force controversial beliefs upon students and teachers infringed upon their freedom from having to join such a club.

-The freedom of Christian students to form a club infringed upon the students in the GSA's freedom from religious persecution.

-The freedom of the students to form a club infringed upon the teachers' freedom from being subject to beliefs they may not agree with.

-The freedom of the students in the GSA to receive special treatment infringed upon the Christian students' freedom from being penalized as a religious group.

-The freedom of the students to form a club infringed upon the teachers' freedom from being subject to beliefs they may not agree with.