ap gov

E
The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.

Which of the following is argued by James Madison in The Federalist paper number 10?
A
A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism.
B
Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics.
C
The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities.
D
Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny.
E
The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.

Article V

proposal
- national consitutional convention called by congress upon recpiets of petitions from two-thirds state legislatures
-2/3rd votes from both houses of congress
ratification
-legislatures in 3/4th states
-special ratifying in 3/4th of the states
CHECKS AND BALENCES

B
The framers made the amendment process difficult in order to protect individual rights.

In the early part of the twenty-first century, public opinion polls showed that a majority of Americans believed it should be illegal to burn the American flag. As a result, many members of Congress introduced amendments to make it illegal to burn or desecrate the American flag. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Which of the following statements best explains why these efforts have been unsuccessful?
A
Congress and the states have agreed to add this amendment; however, recent presidents have refused to sign it.
B
The framers made the amendment process difficult in order to protect individual rights.
C
The Supreme Court has stated such an amendment is unconstitutional, thus blocking its ratification.
D
The framers specifically wrote the amendment process to prevent using it to limit freedom of expression.

C
The electoral college

Which of the following is the best example of a constitutional concept that supports the vision of the United States as a union of states, rather than a union of individual citizens?
A
Supremacy clause
B
Judicial review
C
The electoral college
D
Separation of powers

C
A large republic

According to James Madison, which of the following best controls the effects of faction?
A
Direct democracy
B
The popular election of state judges
C
A large republic
D
Property requirements for eligibility to work
E
The creation of a merit-based civil service

C
block grants

States and localities have the most discretion in establishing policy when federal funding is derived from
A
categorical grants
B
matching grants
C
block grants
D
project grants
E
grants-in-aid

A
believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights

Brutus was an example of an Anti-Federalist because he
A
believed a centralized government posed a major threat to individual rights
B
argued that a national military force was needed to deal with insurrections
C
argued that the laws passed by the national government were supreme over state laws
D
believed that compromise between the branches of government would ensure a limited government

B
A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances?
A
An unpopular Supreme Court ruling can be overturned by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.
B
A rule issued by a bureaucratic agency may be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
C
A filibuster in the Senate can be ended with a cloture motion that has the support of 60 senators.
D
A treaty negotiated by the president with a foreign government must be approved by a majority vote of the House.

C
The Senate rejects a president's nomination for secretary of state.

Which of the following is an example of the constitutional design of checks and balances?
A
The federal government requires state governments to provide unemployment insurance.
B
The Supreme Court overturns a lower court's ruling on the application of the Fourth Amendment.
C
The Senate rejects a president's nomination for secretary of state.
D
The Federal Communications Commission revokes the license of a radio station for hate speech.
E
The Office of Management and Budget rejects a proposed regulation of air quality standards.

E
Emphasizes both national sovereignty and federalism.

Unlike the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution does which of the following?
A
Restricts the ability of Congress to tax.
B
Restricts the ability of Congress to establish an army or navy.
C
Establishes a unitary form of government.
D
Emphasizes state sovereignty over national sovereignty.
E
Emphasizes both national sovereignty and federalism.

A
Concurrent powers

Which of the following powers allows both the federal and state governments to make policies involving taxation?
A
Concurrent powers
B
Exclusive powers
C
Implied powers
D
Enumerated powers

D
They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.

Concurrent powers have which of the following effects on the United States political system?
A
They reinforce the expansion of the power of the national government and the supremacy of the national law.
B
They eliminate disputes between the states and the national government by creating completely separate spheres of influence.
C
They foster cooperation between the states and the national government by requiring that the two levels of government work together.
D
They make it possible for the states and the national government to simultaneously exercise influence in the same areas of public policy.

E
a bicameral legislature with one house's composition based upon state population and another's on equal state representation

The Connecticut (Great) Compromise provided for
A
all revenue bills to originate in the Senate
B
all judicial appointments to be nominated by the president
C
the elimination of the importation of slaves
D
an electoral college and rules for the removal of the president
E
a bicameral legislature with one house's composition based upon state population and another's on equal state representation

D
ratification by three-fourths of the states

After a constitutional amendment has been proposed by both houses of Congress, its adoption requires
A
official filing with the secretary of state
B
support by a majority vote of the people
C
signature by the president
D
ratification by three-fourths of the states
E
publication in the Federal Register

C
the House can impeach federal judges and the president, and the Senate holds the impeachment trial

One example of constitutional checks and balances is
A
the president declares war, but Congress appropriates military funds
B
the president nominates cabinet members, and the House holds confirmation hearings
C
the House can impeach federal judges and the president, and the Senate holds the impeachment trial
D
Congress can override United States Supreme Court decisions on the constitutionality of laws
E
presidential vetoes of laws can be overridden by a simple majority vote in both the House and the Senate

A
The necessary and proper clause

Which of the following clauses in the Constitution justifies the "implied powers doctrine" ?
A
The necessary and proper clause
B
The privileges and immunities clause
C
The contract clause
D
The debts and engagements clause
E
The executive power clause

D
The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.

Which of the following is an accurate description of the decision in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ?
A
The federal government exceeded its authority in establishing a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.
B
Maryland was within its authority to tax the federal government, but the Bank of the United States exceeded federal authority.
C
The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, but it had to pay Maryland's tax.
D
The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.

categorical grant

grant that appropriates federal funds to states for a specific purpose

A
By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate.

In The Federalist 10, James Madison argued that the new constitution would help control faction by doing which of the following?
A
By creating a large republic, the new constitution made it less likely that a faction could gain enough power to completely dominate.
B
The new constitution had significant limits on the freedom of expression, thereby limiting the ability of factions to organize.
C
The new constitution gave political parties specific powers in the government which limited their influence.
D
The use of the electoral college and the indirect election of senators would limit the influence that factions could wield.

E
The federal government's role has been greatly expanded through the interpretation of the interstate commerce clause.

Which of the following is a correct statement about the federal government's role in interstate commerce?
A
The federal government has no role in regulating interstate commerce.
B
The federal government's role is limited to regulating activities that may lead to federal crimes.
C
The federal government's role is limited to regulating commerce transported on interstate waterways such as the Mississippi River.
D
The federal government's role is limited to regulating the transport of agricultural goods.
E
The federal government's role has been greatly expanded through the interpretation of the interstate commerce clause.

E
federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding

The terms "fiscal federalism" and "cooperative federalism" refer to situations in which
A
the federal government completely dominates state and local governments
B
states are forbidden any activity that has not been specifically approved by the Supreme Court
C
the federal judiciary uses its power of judicial review to ensure congressional dominance over state legislatures
D
state, municipal, and local income taxes are pooled by special agreement and redistributed in accordance with individual need
E
federal, state, and local governments work together to complete a project, with the federal government providing much of the project funding

D
The president threatens to issue an executive order for stricter gun control if Congress continues to refuse to take action.

Which of the following is an example of how separation of powers creates friction between the executive and legislative branches in the policy-making process?
A
The electoral college vote ends with no candidate receiving a majority of the votes, and the House of Representatives is delegated the task of selecting the next president.
B
The Senate votes to impeach a sitting president for high crimes and misdemeanors.
C
The secretary of state is dispatched along with a delegation of senators to negotiate a treaty with a foreign government.
D
The president threatens to issue an executive order for stricter gun control if Congress continues to refuse to take action.

A
Election of members of the House of Representatives

In the Constitution as originally ratified in 1788, the provisions regarding which of the following most closely approximate popular, majoritarian democracy?
A
Election of members of the House of Representatives
B
Election of members of the Senate
C
Election of the President
D
Ratification of treaties
E
Confirmation of presidential appointments

B
Government is based on the consent of the governed.

Which of the following ideals of democracy is reflected in the procedure for apportionment in the House of Representatives?
A
The federal government represents states equally.
B
Government is based on the consent of the governed.
C
Leaders in Congress are among the most well-informed in society.
D
Political power is distributed between the national government and state governments.

D
separation of powers

When independent regulatory agencies make rules, enforce those rules, and adjudicate disputes arising under those rules, they risk violating the constitutional concept of
A
equal protection of the laws
B
due process of law
C
federal supremacy
D
separation of powers
E
federalism

A
a representative republic

The framers of the Constitution intended to establish
A
a representative republic
B
a direct democracy
C
an authoritarian state
D
a socialist democracy
E
a parliamentary republic

B
voting qualifications of the electorate

All of the following issues were decided at the Constitutional Convention EXCEPT
A
representation in the legislature
B
voting qualifications of the electorate
C
method of electing the President
D
congressional power to override a presidential veto
E
qualifications for members of the House and Senate

C
Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.

ll of the following are ways that the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch EXCEPT:
A
Congress may remove the president through its impeachment and conviction powers.
B
Congress may override a presidential veto.
C
Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.
D
The Senate may refuse to approve a presidential appointment.
E
The Senate may refuse to approve a treaty negotiated by the president.

D
Achieving income equality

Which of the following is NOT a trait of a liberal democracy?
A
Holding regular, frequent, and competitive elections
B
Protecting minority rights
C
Having a lively and free press
D
Achieving income equality
E
Guaranteeing equality in voting

A
Joint resolutions that propose constitutional amendments

the president cannot veto which of the following?
A
Joint resolutions that propose constitutional amendments
B
Laws overturning United States Supreme Court decisions
C
Legislation regulating congressional salaries
D
Legislation affecting foreign policy
E
Bills that originate in the Senate

C
It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people.

Which of the following describes the social contract theory as advanced by John Locke?
A
It is an agreement between political actors to maintain their grip on power.
B
It is an agreement in which the government promises to provide a minimum standard of living to citizens.
C
It is an agreement in which the government promises to protect the natural rights of people.
D
It is an agreement between economic elites to maintain a stable economy.
E
It is an agreement in which the government outlines socially acceptable norms of political behavior.

C
The scope of power of the central government

The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about which of the following issues?
A
The right of the people to rebel
B
The existence of slavery
C
The scope of power of the central government
D
The need to establish a standard currency
E
The representation of large and small states

A
A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism.

Which of the following is argued by James Madison in The Federalist paper number 10?
A
A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism.
B
Small republics are better able to ensure individual liberty than are large republics.
C
The presence of a few large factions helps to protect the rights of minorities.
D
Participatory democracy is the surest way to prevent tyranny.
E
The elimination of the causes of factionalism is the best protection against tyranny.

A
Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law.

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the reasoning for the decision in Baker v. Carr (1962) ?
A
Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law.
B
To ensure equal protection under the law, there should be an equal number of rural and urban districts in a state.
C
There should be redistricting every ten years at the federal level, but the state can choose not to redistrict at the state and local levels.
D
Congressional redistricting must involve traditionally excluded groups in the process or it violates the equal protection clause.

C
Created a one-person, one-vote standard for reviewing congressional districts.

Which of the following best reflects the holding in the case Baker v. Carr (1962) ?
A
Declared that racial gerrymandering was a violation of the due process clause.
B
Stated that the Tenth Amendment exclusively reserves the power to review congressional districts to the states.
C
Created a one-person, one-vote standard for reviewing congressional districts.
D
Stated that the Seventeenth Amendment requires regular review of the constitutionality of congressional districts.

A
establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules

The term "bicameralism" refers to the
A
establishment of two legislative chambers that have different structures and rules
B
members of the House of Representatives having two-year terms
C
president having veto power over both chambers of Congress
D
members of the House and Senate having to appease their mutual constituencies
E
checks that Congress has over the federal bureaucracy

A
Conference

When a bill passes the House and the Senate in different versions, the bill is resolved by which of the following types of committee?
A
Conference
B
Select
C
Reconciliation
D
Rules
E
Standing

E
state legislatures

The boundary lines of congressional districts are drawn by
A
the United States House of Representatives
B
The United States Senate
C
United States district courts
D
state governors
E
state legislatures

C
Congress passes a budget for the entire federal government, including defense, but it must consider the president's proposal because the president may veto the bill.

On February 9, 2016, President Barack Obama released his budget proposal for the 2017 fiscal year. Facing a Republican Congress, many declared the plan "dead on arrival." Among the cited issues was Obama's request for $582.7 billion in discretionary spending for defense, which many Republicans believed was not enough. Which of the following most accurately explains the interaction between the president and the Congress regarding the defense budget?
A
The Congress has the enumerated power to raise revenue, but it is forced to work with the president because the president has the power to determine spending for each department in the upcoming fiscal year.
B
The president can create a budget for defense spending, but Congress has the power to execute laws and operate the government, which can affect how much money is actually spent.
C
Congress passes a budget for the entire federal government, including defense, but it must consider the president's proposal because the president may veto the bill.
D
The president introduces a specific budget bill for defense spending, but Congress uses its power of legislative oversight to set up a negotiation process with the president.

E
The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.

Which of the following is true of the seniority system of Congress in relation to committee leadership and committee staffing?
A
Members of Congress with the longest continuous service are assured the chairmanship of major congressional committees.
B
Members of Congress must be elected from safe seats to accrue committee seniority.
C
Members of congressional committees are the most senior members of the body's majority party.
D
The oldest members of Congress have the most seniority.
E
The chairs of congressional committees tend to be senior members of the body's majority party.

A

Check on Legislative Branch
The president may veto bills passed by Congress
Check on Executive Branch
The Senate must confirm judicial nominees.

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of checks on the legislative branch and checks on the executive branch?
A

Check on Legislative Branch
The president may veto bills passed by Congress
Check on Executive Branch
The Senate must confirm judicial nominees.
B

Check on Legislative Branch
The president has the power to fund wars
Check on Executive Branch
The House of Representatives can pass articles of impeachment.
C

Check on Legislative Branch
The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review
Check on Executive Branch
Congress can remove members of the president's cabinet.
D

Check on Legislative Branch
States may nullify federal laws that violate state constitutions
Check on Executive Branch
The Supreme Court can declare presidential actions unconstitutional if a case arises.

D
a member of the majority party in the chamber

A committee chair in the House of Representatives is always
A
the member with the longest service on the committee
B
the member with the longest service in the House
C
a representative of the Speaker
D
a member of the majority party in the chamber
E
a trusted ally of the President

D
the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor

The committee system is more important in the House than in the Senate because
A
the seniority system plays no role in the House and therefore committees must play a larger role
B
the Constitution mandates the type of committee structure in the House
C
committee members are appointed by the President
D
the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor
E
the majority party in the House prefers to give priority to the work of the committees

C
Formal Power
Acting as commander in chief of the military
Informal Power
Signing executive agreements with foreign nations

Which of the following accurately compares the formal and informal powers of the president?
A
Formal Power
Vetoing legislation to prevent a bill from becoming law
Informal Power
Using a pocket veto to prevent a bill from becoming law
B
Formal Power
Using the bully pulpit to influence public opinion
Informal Power
Appointing ambassadors and receiving diplomats from other nations
C
Formal Power
Acting as commander in chief of the military
Informal Power
Signing executive agreements with foreign nations
D
Formal Power
Using the power of the purse to support government programs
Informal Power
Using signing statements to shape legislation

B

House of Representatives
The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people.
Senate
The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states.

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate?
A

House of Representatives
The majority and minority parties control legislative scheduling and rules equally.
Senate
Minority party members can threaten to filibuster a bill the majority party wants to pass.
B

House of Representatives
The Constitution's framers intended it to reflect the will of the people.
Senate
The Constitution's framers designed it to represent the interests of the states.
C

House of Representatives
Most legislative work takes place in the standing committees
Senate
Based on its size, it tends to have stricter rules affecting the legislative process.
D

House of Representatives
Members serve two-year terms with a term limit of up to twelve years
Senate
Members serve six-year terms with no term limits.

C
Committees are organized by the majority party to maintain control of the policy-making process.

Which of the following accurately describes the composition of congressional committees?
A
Committees are organized by the executive branch to ensure that both branches can communicate and negotiate policy goals.
B
The United States Constitution requires that Congress organize itself into committees, with each party having equal access to committee seats.
C
Committees are organized by the majority party to maintain control of the policy-making process.
D
Committees are organized by state delegations so that each state has some role in deciding which bills get passed.

E
a conference committee for review and compromise

If legislation passes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate but each version is slightly different, the conflicting bills are sent to
A
a standing committee of each house for a vote
B
an ad hoc committee for judicial review
C
the Rules Committee of each house for reconciliation and compromise
D
the majority and minority leaders of both houses for compromise
E
a conference committee for review and compromise

C
Confirming ambassadors

Which of the following is an example of a power exclusively granted to the Senate in Article II of the Constitution?
A
Declaring war
B
Overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority veto
C
Confirming ambassadors
D
Creating spending bills

E
limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas

Congress adopted the War Powers Resolution to
A
give the president additional powers in case of military emergencies
B
delineate a clear chain of command in the event of nuclear war
C
criticize the president for declaring war without authorization from Congress
D
enable the president to commit troops to United Nations peacekeeping forces
E
limit the president's authority to commit troops overseas

A
in the area of foreign policy

In general, Congress is most likely to defer to the President
A
in the area of foreign policy
B
in the area of fiscal policy
C
in the area of social policy
D
late in the President's term
E
When the economy is strong

C
Congress passing occupational safety regulations for the private sector

Which of the following is an example of Congress using its implied powers?
A
Congress changing the tax code so that individuals making more than $350,000 per year have to pay higher taxes
B
Congress requesting that the Supreme Court review the constitutionality of a state gun-control law
C
Congress passing occupational safety regulations for the private sector
D
Congress ratifying a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada

E
Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.

In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld?
A
The President has the support of the Supreme Court.
B
The President is in a second term, removed from partisan politics.
C
The proposed legislation enjoys widespread bipartisan support.
D
The proposed legislation was originally adopted by a large majority in both houses of Congress.
E
Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.

D
The House has strict limits on debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate.

A person claiming that the House can pass legislation with a simple majority, but the Senate is unlikely to pass legislation unless a bill has the support of a 60-vote supermajority is most likely to cite which of the following institutional differences as the cause of this trend?
A
The House has fewer legislative committees than the Senate does.
B
Members of the House often represent a much narrower constituency than senators do.
C
Party leadership in the House is highly formalized, while leadership in the Senate is much more informal.
D
The House has strict limits on debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate.

D
amendments to the bill cannot be offered

Debate of a bill in the House of Representatives under a "closed rule" means that
A
the bill can only be amended by section
B
debate on the bill will consist of five-minute speeches, pro and con
C
only senior members are allowed to participate
D
amendments to the bill cannot be offered
E
the bill must be approved by two-thirds of the House

C
It occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned.

Which of the following is true about the pocket veto?
A
It is used to strike down a provision of a bill that the President finds disagreeable.
B
It may be overridden by a two-thirds vote in Congress.
C
It occurs when the President takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned.
D
It is used when the President expects to reach a compromise with Congress about how a bill should be modified.
E
It is used when both houses of Congress pass separate versions of the same bill.

cloture

A procedure for terminating debate, especially filibusters, in the Senate.

A
The preferences of the majority of their constituents

Members of Congress who have adopted the delegate role of representation normally cast their votes based on which of the following?
A
The preferences of the majority of their constituents
B
Their judgment of what is best for their constituency
C
The instructions of their political party's leadership
D
Their political party's most recent policy platform
E
The advice of congressional staffers and political consultants

D
A President may veto part of a bill.

All of the following statements pertaining to the presidential veto are true EXCEPT:
A
Congress overrides fewer than ten percent of presidential vetoes.
B
A vetoed bill is often revised and passed in another form.
C
Presidents often threaten to veto bills to increase their leverage with Congress.
D
A President may veto part of a bill.
E
Congress often places provisions the President wants into a bill the President dislikes to make a veto less likely.

B
are personally loyal to the President

In selecting members of the White House staff, Presidents primarily seek people who
A
give the White House ideological balance
B
are personally loyal to the President
C
have extensive governmental experience
D
will help the President develop a good working relationship with Congress
E
can bring a nonpartisan perspective to policy deliberations

B
spending on national parks

An example of a discretionary item in the federal budget is
A
interest on the public debt
B
spending on national parks
C
Social Security payments
D
veterans' pensions
E
liquidation of prior obligations

C
Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees

Which of the following is the most likely consequence of divided government?
A
Reorganization of the federal bureaucracy
B
Conflicts between states
C
Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees
D
Conflicts between national government and states
E
Elimination of the seniority rule in Congress

A
an enumerated power

he United States Constitution says that Congress has the power to coin money.This is an example of
A
an enumerated power
B
an implied power
C
an inherent power
D
a reserved power
E
a concurrent power

C
A member of Congress votes to close a popular tax loophole based on the belief that the money would be better spent paying down the national debt.

Which of the following scenarios is an example of the trustee model of representation?
A
The NAACP leadership sends representatives to Washington to lobby for changes to the Voting Rights Act.
B
Congress passes a bill allocating money to clean up nuclear waste sites after a wave of large-scale peaceful protests.
C
A member of Congress votes to close a popular tax loophole based on the belief that the money would be better spent paying down the national debt.
D
A presidential candidate advocates using an executive order to increase the minimum wage for federal contractors.

A
modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority

Executive agreements have been cited as evidence that
A
modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority
B
the executive branch has become too large and bureaucratic
C
presidents have less power in handling foreign policy than in handling domestic policy
D
interest groups have too much power in the contemporary governmental system
E
the courts have few means of limiting presidential power

D
Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it.

Shortly after the 2008 election, President Obama appointed outspoken and controversial House member Rahm Emanuel to lead his White House as chief of staff. The selection drew criticism from Republican leaders, including House minority leader John Boehner, who remarked that the selection "is an ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center." Which of the following explains how Congress could legitimately respond to the appointment?
A
The Senate could refuse to confirm the appointment.
B
The House of Representatives could filibuster the nomination.
C
The Rules Committee could refuse to release the bill that made the appointment.
D
Members of Congress could issue statements opposing the appointment but have no formal power to block it.

B
disagreement between congressional leaders and the president on the issue meant that a compromise on a bill was not likely

In 2012, after negotiations on a bill in Congress failed, President Obama issued an executive order that protected from deportation individuals illegally brought to the United States as children by their parents. The president took this action because
A
the executive order would require Congress to bring a bill regarding illegal immigration to the floor for a vote
B
disagreement between congressional leaders and the president on the issue meant that a compromise on a bill was not likely
C
the president was reacting to a Supreme Court decision that required him to do something to protect these individuals
D
the Constitution clearly gives the president control over the legal status of immigrants in the United States

C
do not need to be passed by Congress

Since the 1970's, Presidents have made use of executive orders at an increasing rate because executive orders
A
are noncontroversial measures that can be easily implemented
B
are rarely defeated in Congress
C
do not need to be passed by Congress
D
avoid judicial review
E
must be ratified by the Senate rather than by the House

A
increasing presidential control over the legislative process

The expansion of the executive branch since 1939 has affected the separation of powers by
A
increasing presidential control over the legislative process
B
increasing the power of the media as a result of more frequent presidential press conferences
C
reducing the power of the Supreme Court through the use of executive orders
D
giving more power to interest groups than to parties
E
making senatorial approval of presidential appointees ceremonial

Fiscal Policies

policies used by a government regarding how it collects and spends revenue

Gerrymandering

Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power.

Senate

Confirms presidential appointments

C
Trustee

Despite concerns raised by her constituents, a member of the House of Representatives votes in favor of a bill, believing that in the long term it is in the best interest of her constituents. This is an example of which of the following models of representation?
A
Delegate
B
Politico
C
Trustee
D
Virtual

D
Rules

Which of the following committees of the House of Representatives sets the conditions for debate and amendment of most legislation?
A
Ways and Means

B
Appropriations
C
Judiciary
D
Rules
E
Government Operations

C
The branches have different constituencies with different interests.

Which of the following is the primary reason for the tensions that exist between the legislative and executive branches of the federal government?
A
Each branch sets and approves the other's budget.
B
The branches are staffed with many of the same people.
C
The branches have different constituencies with different interests.
D
The branches are responsible for the selection of Cabinet-level officials.
E
Each branch has the constitutional power to levy taxes.

D
Vote against the bill according to her own conscience, which may cause her to lose support among her constituents.

A member of the United States Senate, Jane Smith, personally opposes a bill that calls for a single-payer system of healthcare, in contrast to the majority of her constituency, who are in favor of the legislation. Based on the trustee model of constituent accountability, which of the following actions will Senator Smith most likely take when it is time to vote on the piece of legislation?
A
Vote for the bill according to the desires of her constituency.
B
Vote for the bill to win favor with her party leadership
C
Vote against the bill to maximize support from interest groups that support her reelection campaign.
D
Vote against the bill according to her own conscience, which may cause her to lose support among her constituents.

Eighth Amendment

No cruel and unusual punishment

C
Civil Rights Act of 1964

Discrimination in public accommodations was made illegal in the United States as a direct result of the
A
Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
B
Supreme Court decision in Sweatt v. Painter
C
Civil Rights Act of 1964
D
Montgomery bus boycott
E
Voting Rights Act of 1965

C
voluntary prayer by student groups before schoo

The free-exercise clause protects
A
the president from forcibly revealing private conversations with staff
B
individuals who, for religious reasons, refuse to pay Social Security taxes
C
voluntary prayer by student groups before school
D
a person's right to burn the American flag
E
a person's right to practice polygamy

A
Colleges can consider race but cannot use strict racial quotas in admission practices.

Writing for the court in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), a case weighing whether race can be considered in college admissions, Justice Lewis Powell wrote:
"Preferring members of any one group for no reason other than race or ethnic origin is discrimination for its own sake. This the Constitution forbids. . . . The . . . goal asserted by petitioner is the attainment of a diverse student body. This clearly is a constitutionally permissible goal for an institution of higher education. . . . The freedom of a university to make its own judgments as to education includes the selection of its student body."
According to the quote, what is the likely effect of the Court's ruling in the Bakke case?
A
Colleges can consider race but cannot use strict racial quotas in admission practices.
B
Affirmative action practices can never be employed in college admission decisions.
C
As a result of the Bakke decision, colleges and universities stopped considering race as a factor in admissions.
D
The Bakke decision affected the admissions practices only at private colleges, not at public universities.

C
A citizen calls a member of Congress to persuade her to vote yes on a bill.

Which of the following scenarios, related to the First Amendment, best illustrates the "right . . . to petition the Government . . ." ?
A
A newspaper prints an editorial supporting executive action by the president.
B
A student sues a public school that institutes a mandatory prayer ceremony.
C
A citizen calls a member of Congress to persuade her to vote yes on a bill.
D
A religious group practices a religious ritual that is in conflict with a local law.

B
incorporation

The process of extending the protections of the Bill of Rights by means of the Fourteenth Amendment to apply to the actions of state governments is known as
A
judicial review
B
incorporation
C
broad construction
D
federalism
E
stare decisis

Fifth Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect the rights of persons accused of crimes, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.

Sixth Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.

D
The right of citizens to petition the government for redress of grievances

Which of the following is one of the central concerns of the First Amendment?
A
The supremacy of the national over the state governments
B
The right of citizens to bear arms
C
The division of powers among the three branches of government
D
The right of citizens to petition the government for redress of grievances
E
The protection of the rights of those accused of committing a crime

The exclusionary rule

improperly gathered evidence may not be introduced in a criminal trial

D
The death penalty is not necessarily cruel and unusual punishment.

The Supreme Court has ruled which of the following concerning the death penalty?
A
A state may not impose the death penalty on a noncitizen.
B
Lethal injection is the only constitutionally acceptable method of execution.
C
Females may not be executed.
D
The death penalty is not necessarily cruel and unusual punishment.
E
The death penalty violates the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.

E
The Supreme Court decision declaring state-mandated school segregation to be unconstitutional

Which of the following did the most to expand civil rights in the 1950's?
A
State legislative decisions desegregating public accommodations
B
State court decisions outlawing poll taxes
C
The passage of voting-rights legislation by Congress
D
Executive orders mandating affirmative action
E
The Supreme Court decision declaring state-mandated school segregation to be unconstitutional

B
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

In the case Guey Heung Lee v. Johnson (1971), the parents of Chinese American students who attended a primarily Asian American school challenged San Francisco's effort to desegregate the public schools, arguing that their culture and language would be diluted if their children were dispersed from their local school. The Supreme Court denied the challenge from the parents basing their decision on the Fourteenth Amendment. Which of the following cases was most likely used in the decision as a precedent?
A
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)
B
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
C
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
D
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

C
The Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection

The United States Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was based on which of the following?
A
The First Amendment's right to freedom of expression
B
The Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause
C
The Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection
D
The Fourth Amendment's exclusionary rule
E
The Fifth Amendment's power of eminent domain

D
II, III, and IV only

Protection of the legal rights of women has been facilitated by the passage of which of the following?

The Equal Rights Amendment
The Equal Pay Act of 1963
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Education Amendments Act of 1972
A
II only
B
I and III only
C
I and IV only
D
II, III, and IV only
E
I, II, III, and IV

B
The Fourteenth Amendment

The United States Supreme Court has used which of the following to incorporate the Bill of Rights into state law?
A
The necessary and proper clause
B
The Fourteenth Amendment
C
The Judiciary Act of 1789
D
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
E
The Voting Rights Act of 1965

C
passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act

Jim Crow laws, still in place in the early 1960s in the South, were outlawed by the
A
incorporation of the Bill of Rights
B
1963 march on Washington
C
passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act
D
Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
E
Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the federal government from promoting religion or creating a national religion

Free Exercise Clause

Protects an individual's religious beliefs and reasonable religious practices

B
strike down the policy because reserving seats amounts to a quota system

If a college's admission policy to reserve twenty seats in its incoming class for applicants belonging to racial minority groups is challenged in the courts, a judge is likely to
A
uphold the policy because it provides additional opportunities for minority applicants
B
strike down the policy because reserving seats amounts to a quota system
C
strike down the policy because the percentage of seats reserved is less than the percentage of minority citizens in the general population
D
uphold the policy because only a small percentage of the total seats for incoming students are affected
E
strike down the policy because it did not apply to women as well as racial minorities

B
Selective incorporation

The Supreme Court ruled in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) that a citizen's right to keep and bear arms at home for self-defense is protected from state and federal infringement. Which of the following is most relevant to that decision?
A
Full faith and credit
B
Selective incorporation
C
Equal protection
D
Eminent domain

B
Federal government only

To which level of government did the Bill of Rights originally apply?
A
State governments only
B
Federal government only
C
State and federal governments only
D
Local and federal governments only
E
Local, state, and federal governments

B
There are no acceptable governmental restrictions on free speech.

All of the following statements reflect positions the Supreme Court has taken with regard to the right of free speech EXCEPT:
A
A restriction on the right of free speech should always be viewed with skepticism.
B
There are no acceptable governmental restrictions on free speech.
C
Government has an obligation to try to ensure citizens the right to be heard.
D
The right to free speech is a fundamental natural right.
E
The First Amendments protects free speech from incursions of both the federal and state governments.

A
Such segregation affected interstate commerce, and Congress therefore had the authority to outlaw it.

which of the following was an argument used by the Supreme Court in upholding federal statutes outlawing segregation in public accommodations?
A
Such segregation affected interstate commerce, and Congress therefore had the authority to outlaw it.
B
Such segregation was wrong in principle, and Congress had moral authority to outlaw it even though the statutes lacked a strict constitutional basis
C
Such segregation violated the First Amendment's protection of the right to free assembly, and Congress therefore had the authority to outlaw it.
D
Such segregation violated the Tenth Amendment's reservation of power to state governments, and Congress therefore had the authority to outlaw it.
E
Since such segregation affected citizens of different states, it fell under the original jurisdiction of the federal courts and could therefore be outlawed by Congress.

C
Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., cited constitutional arguments as a basis for opposing segregation and inequality.

Which of the following scenarios best explains how the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment has influenced political behavior?
A
Grassroots libertarian advocacy organizations have advocated in favor of less economic regulation of the marketplace.
B
The Supreme Court has ruled that Fifth Amendment prohibition on double jeopardy was made applicable to the states.
C
Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., cited constitutional arguments as a basis for opposing segregation and inequality.
D
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's State of the Union address urged Congress to pass legislation that would ensure greater economic security for the American people.