BYU Final Exam GOVT-041-S003: American Government and Citizenship

Which leading political thinker is given credit for his influence on the separation of powers?

Charles-Louis Montesquieu

"we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." In which document are these words written by Thomas Jefferson?

the Declaration of Independence

Why is Tocqueville still relevant today?

Citizens should beware of being too self-absorbed and not participating in the political process.

How did Alexis de Tocqueville describe the 1830s in America?

It was a time when Americans worked together for the common good of others.

After studying and reading examples about liberty and order consider the following: After the terrorist attack on September 11, President Bush and Congress passed the PATRIOT Act, which expanded the power of law enforcement to secretly investigate potential terrorists. What does this suggest?

The president believed Americans had too much liberty and too little security.

What is a statement that Hobbes and Locke would both agree on?

Government is necessary to protect life and property.

What term is best used to describe our government?

representative republic

How long is the term for a member in the House of Representative before they face re-election?

2 years

Which of the following is true of the Bill of Rights?

It was included in the Constitution as a concession to the Anti-federalists who opposed ratification of the Constitution.

A prominent political scientist famously described American government as separate institutions sharing powers; Which two constitutional principles are embodied in this statement?

separation of powers and checks and balances

According to Tocqueville, civic virtue means simply that individuals have interests and desires that are not solely focused on themselves. Rather, they are willing to give up some of the things they want in order to promote the common good. What did he mean by this?

People should help one another because the welfare of others affects individual welfare.

If you were to read about a country whose government allows their president to declare war on another country, and individually coin money to fight the war without the consent of any other government official. Which of the following would best describe this system as compared with the government in the United States?

In the United States the president can neither declare nor fund a war without the vote of Congress.

Which of the following best describes separation of powers?

executive, legislative, and judicial branches

What does civilian control of the military mean?

Military leaders do not have any independent authority, but are the servants of the elected representatives of the people.

According to Hobbes, what would life be like without limits on an individual's behavior or if living in a state of nature?

Perilous

What does unit 1 say is perhaps the most complex form of human interaction?

politics

How can the principle of federalism promote the protection of civil rights in the American federal system?

It provides both state and national governments with the ability to protect citizens from abuses of power by the other.

Which of the following would Tocqueville most likely endorse?

encouraging civic groups to help the poor

If a country has a political system where some decisions are made in local legislatures and others are made in the national legislature. Whose government would this most likely be compared to?

the U.S. system of government created in Philadelphia

How does the Constitution divide power between the three branches?

Power is not completely separated, allowing each branch to limit the other branches' exercise of power.

Who was considered to be the inventor of philosophy?

Plato

The Founders established a republican form of government. Why did they do this?

They believed elected officials could represent citizens and could be kept in check through elections.

Classical republicanism is principally concerned with ____________ while classical liberalism is concerned with _______________.

liberty; order

Which political thinker wrote The Prince, where he justified popular sovereignty, revolution, and a separation of religious and secular government?

Machiavelli

You are writing a speech for school about the need for citizens to participate in their political system. Who would you quote as the earliest proponent of this notion?

Aristotle

Which of the following IS NOT an example of checks and balances in the United States Constitution?

The president can veto a Supreme Court decision, but only with the support of a two-thirds majority vote in Congress.

Examples:

- The Supreme Court can review laws passed by congress and declare them unconstitutional if they deem them inconsistent with the Constitution.

- The president can veto laws passed by Congress, but Congress can override a veto by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.

- If the House believes the president is guilty of "high crimes or misdemeanors," it can formally charge or impeach the president. A trial to decide whether to remove the president from office is held in the Senate.

Which of the following is not one of the three types of government outlined by Montesquieu?

Democracy

The 3 types:

- Despotism

- Republican government

- Monarchy

Which of the following documents outlines the purpose of government to protect the social rights of its citizens, chiefly among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

Declaration of Independence

As discussed in the chapter, what term is used to describe each branch of government's separate and distinct sphere of power?

separation of powers

Which of the following most accurately describes the Supreme Court's position on limiting expression covered under the First Amendment?

Individuals can challenge if they believe the government's action violates the First Amendment.

Which of the following most accurately describes the Bill of Rights?

It is a list of individual rights guaranteed to each citizen.

What are the 10 amendments on the Bill of Rights?

Amendment I - Religion, speech, assembly, politics

Amendment II - Militia and Right to Bear Arms

Amendment III - Quartering of Soldiers

Amendment IV - Search and Seizure

Amendment V - Grand Juries, Self-incrimination, Double Jeopardy, Due Process, Eminent Domain

Amendment VI - Criminal Court, Procedures

Amendment VII - Trial by Jury

Amendment VIII - Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Amendment IX - Rights retained by the people

Amendment X - Reserved Powers of the State

Which of the following correctly describes where economic rights are written in the United States?

Economic rights are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights.

The "invisible hand" of the free market discussed by Adam Smith refers to which of the following?

selfishness

Voting is an excellent way for the public to become involved in civic dialogue. Which of the following described ways citizens can become involved?

writing letters, contributing to campaigns, or running for office.

In which of the following societies is the reciprocity of rights and obligations most necessary?

a society of hundreds of millions living in cities

Which of the following would not be eligible to be a U.S. Citizen by birth?

a person born in the United States as the child of a foreign diplomat

A law that forbids bands from playing in concerts when there is evidence that the band has previously engaged in illegal forms of expression is put in force. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?

The law imposes prior restraint.

Where did the phrase separation of church and state originate or where was it first used?

a letter written by Thomas Jefferson

A law bans the sale of wooden poles and nails to prevent people from building crosses which they might burn on people's lawns. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?

The law is not the least drastic means available.

In consideration of reciprocity, which of the following examples is a reasonable limitation on one's rights and freedoms as discussed in the lesson?

a person not being allowed to build a campfire in the forest simply because there is a high chance of forest fires.

The phrase "the right to swing my fist ends where the other man's nose" exemplifies which of the following principles?

Individuals have rights, but also have obligations to others in society.

Which of the following best reflects the Founders views on self-interest and virtue?

self-interest was beneficial to the economy, but citizens of the republic needed to develop "civic virtue."

Congress passes a law preventing individuals from engaging in particular forms of speech or expression because it is afraid the things they say or express MIGHT turn out to be illegal. Why would the Supreme Court find such a law unconstitutional?

It places a prior restraint on the expression.

A law makes it illegal to burn Bibles, but not other books, in public parks. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?

The law is not content neutral and gives one book precedence over another.

When is a form of media considered obscene?

When most average citizens do not find it appropriate

In unit 2, which of the following is emphasized as the most important tool available to help individuals become effective participants in the political process?

By receiving accurate and timely information

Which of the following people is ready to become a naturalized citizen of the United States?

Candidate #1, who has been a permanent resident for the specified period of time, speaks English and understands civics basics, has never been convicted of illegal activity, and is willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Which of the following is covered by the Constitutional guarantee of due process?

Those who are accused of crimes will have a fair trial.

What does a writ of habeas corpus do?

It requires an explanation to the Court why a citizen is being held.

A law that prohibits indecent material on the Internet is put into force. How is this not consistent with the guarantees in the First Amendment?

The law is too vague.

What is civic dialogue?

A group deciding something is good and it establishes expectations, customs, and ideals as a part of what society values.

A Civil Rights group has decided to hold a public meeting to discuss recent prejudicial acts. Some members of the group are concerned they will be arrested for participating in the meeting, especially if the meeting becomes heated. They know that previous meetings on this issue have ended in arguments and, occasionally, with violence. Which of the following best describes the Supreme Court's history in the area of assembly?

Assembly cases are given more scrutiny when public safety is a concern.

Which of the following is not a characteristic that an applicant for U.S. citizenship must demonstrate?

have a relative who currently lives in the United States

Must demonstrate:

- Proficiency in English

- Attachment to the U.S. Constitution

- Good moral character

According to Adam Smith's notion of the invisible hand, which of the following is the best way to enhance national wealth?

National wealth is best achieved by everyone seeking his or her own self-interest.

Which of the following is true concerning the process of becoming a U.S. citizen?

A test is given to determine language skill and civic knowledge.

Through various organizations, citizens can contribute to their communities and to the broader political system through civic-minded service and participation. Which of the following groups did the most to promote participation during the Civil Rights Movement?

churches

Which of the following best describes the term pluralism?

Freedom of association, expression, assembly, and religious exercise to pursue their own interests in the political process.

Which of the following is true of religion at the time of the founding of America?

Religion was important to many people, so much so that many states had established churches.

Rhode Island became the first colony established that did not have an established religion.

True

Describe a Dictatorship, Theocracy, Oligarchy, Monarchy, and Democratic Republic.

Dictatorship - one person holds all of the political power.

Theocracy - a religious leader or leaders holds political power.

Oligarchy - several powerful economic leaders collectively hold political power.

Monarchy - one person holds political power due to family inheritance.

Democratic Republic - citizens are allowed to vote on who will be their representative.

Which of the following is most likely to create far-reaching national public policy change?

By joining a large group and marching for civil rights

According to George Washington in his farewell speech, he mentioned two areas important to political prosperity. One was religion, what was the second important ingredient that was indispensable for the success of the nation?

morality

What was the purpose of the Thirteenth Amendment?

abolish slavery

What was the purpose of the Fourteenth Amendment?

to provide "equal protection under the law" for all American citizens, including former slaves.

What was the purpose of the Fifteenth Amendment?

to guarantee all citizens the right to vote

Why are the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments so important? And what are their main purpose?

They were changes in civil rights as influenced by civic and political groups produced by civil society.

create greater equality for African Americans

Which of the following describes the potential of groups in America that affords virtually everyone the opportunity to participate and influence the nation's politics, economy, and culture?

pluralism

What is a civil society?

a society in which social groups form freely to petition government

What are the percentages of religious affiliations in the United States?

80% Christian

90% religious believers

10% no religious belief

With Catholics as the largest single religious group.

What does the Civil Rights Act of 1964 deal with?

forbids discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, and national origin

Which of the following best describes the role of religion in modern day America?

Religious belief is widespread, but most Americans are tolerant of others with different beliefs.

If you lived in the 1640s and wanted to live in a colony that protected freedom of religion, where would you move?

Rhode Island

What can be concluded from unit 3 about religion in the United States?

Even though there are many different denominations, people tend to be both tolerant of and grateful for those differences.

What happens after the Congress passes a bill and the president signs it into law?

The Supreme Court can still review it and strike it down if it is inconsistent with the limitations, structures, or principles established by the Constitution.

How many U.S. senators are up for re-election every two years?

one third

Which of the following is the most commonly used route for adopting amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures

Which of the following is a formal role, not one of the informal roles assumed by presidents when they are elected?

chief diplomat

What is the fewest number of electoral college votes a state can have and why?

3 - One for its member in the House (population) and two, one for each of their Senators.

Which of the following correctly describes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

Cases can originate in the Supreme Court, but most cases come on appeal from lower state and federal courts.

Describe the roles of the President, the United States Congress, and the Supreme Court.

President - Appoints Supreme Court justices

United States Congress - Establishes the White House Budget

Supreme Court - Authority to review constitutionality of presidential activities

The President of the United States will recommend a name to be on the Supreme Court, but which branch has to approve the appointment?

United States Senate

Presidents can be removed from office due to what?

high crimes and misdemeanors

A law is passed limiting the free speech rights of high school students. A group of teachers brings a case before the Supreme Court, challenging the law on the grounds that it violates the students First Amendment rights. What is the Supreme Court most likely to do in this case?

refuse to hear the case because the individuals bringing the case before it do not have standing or "injury in fact," i.e., that they have been harmed in some real way.

Which individual or organization has primary constitutional authority to establish and develop relations with other nations?

the president of the United States

What is the least common way to adapt the Constitution to modern needs?

formal constitutional amendment

Most common ways:

- expanding the use of the "general welfare" and "necessary and proper clauses" of the Constitution

- Supreme Court rulings that change the boundaries of what is constitutional

Which of the following best describes the Supreme Court's role in the legislative process?

The Supreme Court can declare legislation unconstitutional after it is passed.

Which of the following is NOT part of the criteria for presidential eligibility?

having at least ten years of prior political experience

Criteria:

- having been a resident of the United States for at least fourteen years

- being a "natural born citizen"

- being at least thirty-five years of age

Bills must be passed in identical form by both the Senate and the House before being sent to the president. Under what circumstances does this most frequently occur?

Two versions of the bill are run through the House and Senate simultaneously and a special House-Senate conference committee is established to create a compromise version of the bill.

Which of the following elected officials could have the most influence on the selection of a Supreme Court justice?

Members of the Senate would have the most influence.

What is required for the proposal of a new amendment?

Two-thirds of Congress must agree to propose, or two-thirds of all state legislatures can call a constitutional convention.

Which of the following presidents best fits the title lame duck?

Reagan, who served from 1981-1989.

When do bills typically come to the floor for debate in the Senate?

when the majority and minority leaders agree to bring them to the floor

Why are there eleven amendments discussed in reference to the Bill of Rights in unit 4?

The Twenty-seventh Amendment was proposed by Madison at the time the Bill of Rights was created.

How many presidents have been impeached in the history of the United States?

three

What are the secretaries of federal government departments collectively called?

Cabinet

Judge X has served on the Supreme Court for ten years and wants to continue service. Which of the following correctly describes this judge's options for staying on the Supreme Court?

This judge can serve until death, unless impeached, or steps down.

Which of the following is true of bills in the legislative process?

They are harder to pass than to kill.

Which of the following accurately describes the way the United States House and Senate are organized?

There are 100 members in the Senate and 435 in the House.

What is the time limit on ratification of amendments?

seven years