Summer online government course with Gradpoint
Rule of Law means that (2 points)
A. people elect representatives to create the laws
B. certain individuals must be trained to make laws
C. everyone in a society must follow the laws equally
D. officials must follow certain procedures to make law
C. everyone in a society must follow the laws equally
Every election in U.S. society reaffirms the principle of (2 points)
A. rule of law
B. divine right to rule
C. limited government
D. consent of the governed
D. consent of the governed
Elections to choose officials to stand for the people's interests in the work of government reflect the principle of (2 points)
A. representative government
B. limited government
C. absolute authority
D. rule of law
A. Representative Government
The Constitution divides the U.S. government into three branches that can each stop, or check, actions of the other branches. This division of power is a result of the principle of (4 points)
A. rule of law
B. individual rights
C. limited government
D. representative government
C. limited government
An example of a location that directly shows government in action is a (4 points)
A. hotel
B. house
C. school
D. store
C. school
An example of an important service the government provides to all U.S. citizens is (4 points)
A. military training
B. transportation
C. education
D. housing
C. education
What do Americans value as the basic individual or natural rights? (4 points)
A. Personal safety and security
B. Owning property and voting
C. Freedom, education, separation
D. Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
D. Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
Governments create laws and rules to (4 points)
A. prevent chaos
B. limit freedom
C. arrest people
D. end equality
A. prevent chaos
One purpose of government is to (4 points)
A. control citizen behavior
B. inhibit citizen protest
C. protect citizen rights
D. deny citizen justice
C. protect citizen rights
"When the president does it, that means it is not illegal."-President Richard M. Nixon
Which of the following concepts best contradicts this quote? (5 points)
A. Public policy
B. Rule of law
C. Equality
D. Justice
B. Rule of Law
"Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government. This will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures."-Article 21, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
The above quote gives the weakest support to which of the following principles? (5 points)
A. Representative government
B. Consent of the governed
C. Individual rights
D. Rule of law
D. Rule of Law
The Articles of Confederation (1 point)
A. did reflect the principle "separation of powers" because it made a legislative branch and a strong executive
B. did reflect the principle "separation of powers" because it made three separate branches of government
C. did not reflect the principle "separation of powers" because it did not create a separate judicial branch
D. did not reflect the principle "separation of powers" because it only created a single legislative branch
C. did not reflect the principle "separation of powers" because it did not create a separate judicial branch
"In determining questions in the United States in Congress assembled, each State shall have one vote."-Articles of Confederation
Could a person correctly argue that this quote violates the principle of popular sovereignty? (1 point)
A. A person could not correctly argue that it is a violation because the quote shows states did have a voice in government.
B. One could not correctly argue that it is a violation because the quote shows that each state has equal power in Congress.
C. A person could correctly argue that is a violation because the states would have less power than the leaders in Congress.
D. One could correctly argue that it is a violation because the states have different populations and should have proportional votes.
D. One could correctly argue that it is a violation because the states have different populations and should have proportional votes.
How does the U.S. Constitution reflect the principle of democracy? (1 point)
A. It creates a republic government, which is the same as democracy.
B. Most of the people can elect leaders and petition the government.
C. It creates a republic form of government run by only a few officials.
D. Most of the people have no role or effect on the legislative branch
B. Most of the people can elect leaders and petition the government.
Which of the following characteristics of the U.S. Constitution best reflects the principle of individual rights? (1 point)
A. The framers added a Bill of Rights through the amendment process.
B. The framers gave people the right to abolish the executive branch.
C. It lists the natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
D. It lists the powers of government that belong to the people.
A. The framers added a Bill of Rights through the amendment process
The principle of federalism is clearly evident in the U.S. Constitution through the (1 point)
A. oath of the president
B. amendment process
C. branches' structure
D. supremacy clause
B. amendment process
Expressed powers are those that are (1 point)
A. listed in the Constitution and belong to the state governments
B. listed in the Constitution and belong to the national government
C. implied by the Constitution and belong to the state governments
D. implied by the Constitution and belong to the national government
B. listed in the Constitution and belong to the national government
The word "concurrent" refers to powers that (1 point)
A. belong only to state governments
B. belong to the national government
C. are shared by the states and nation
D. are determined only by the president
C. are shared by the states and nation
The judicial branch is (1 point)
A. the president and the vice president
B. only the Supreme Court and its staff
C. a system of state and federal courts
D. representatives from all 50 states
C. a system of state and federal courts
The executive branch has the responsibility of (1 point)
A. creating new laws for the good of the nation
B. interpreting laws that are questioned by states
C. enforcing laws passed by the legislative branch
D. determining responsibilities of the other branches
C. enforcing laws passed by the legislative branch
An example of a shared or concurrent power is the power to (1 point)
A. run elections
B. print money
C. declare war
D. make laws
D. make laws
Which of the following makes a true statement? (1 point)
A. Reserved powers are those that are exclusive to the states, such as ratifying amendments.
B. Reserved powers are those that are exclusive to national government, like printing money.
C. Concurrent powers are those that are exclusive to the states, such as ratifying amendments.
D. Concurrent powers are those that are exclusive to national government, like printing money.
B. Reserved powers are those that are exclusive to national government, like printing money.
Which of the following makes a true statement? (1 point)
A. Concurrent powers are those that are exclusive to the states, such as ratifying amendments.
B. Concurrent powers are those that are exclusive to national government, like printing money.
C. Delegated powers are those that are exclusive to national government, like printing money.
D. Delegated powers are those that are exclusive to the states, such as ratifying amendments.
C. Delegated powers are those that are exclusive to national government, like printing money.
The act of collaborating to write and send the Declaration of Independence reflected the principle of (1 point)
A. popular sovereignty
B. individual rights
C. social contract
D. natural rights
A. popular sovereignty
The Declaration of Independence reflected the idea of popular sovereignty because it (1 point)
A. was a collective act of representatives from all the colonies
B. listed specific grievances and complaints against colonial rule
C. named life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness as granted to all
D. said a new government must form due to the king's actions
A. was a collective act of representatives from all the colonies
The Declaration of Independence reflected the idea of natural rights because it (1 point)
A. was a collective act of representatives from all the colonies
B. listed specific grievances and complaints against colonial rule
C. named life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness as granted to all
D. said a new government must form due to the king's actions
C. named life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness as granted to all
Which of the following quotes best reflects the principle of natural rights in the Declaration of Independence? (1 point)
A. "For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury."
B. "He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected."
C. "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."
D. "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
A. "For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury."
Which of the following quotes best reflects the principle of social contract in the Declaration of Independence? (1 point)
A. "Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes."
B. "Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves."
C. "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."
D. "He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment."
C. "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."
Imagine Georgia charges Florida trucking companies a tax to use its highways to pass through to other states. Which of the following could happen? (1 point)
A. Congress could order Georgia to cancel the tax, citing the commerce clause and Gibbons v. Ogden decision.
B. Congress could use the Gibbons v. Ogden decision to support the tax policies in the state of Georgia.
C. Florida could order Georgia to cancel the tax because of the commerce clause in the Constitution.
D. Florida could use the Gibbons v. Ogden decision to charge truck drivers from Georgia a similar tax.
A. Congress could order Georgia to cancel the tax, citing the commerce clause and Gibbons v. Ogden decision.
The first U.S. Supreme Court case to address the issue of whether (1 point)
A. the national government had the power to run a national bank was District of Columbia v. Heller
B. state governments had the right to operate businesses in other states was McCulloch v. Maryland
C. individuals had the right to possess firearms for lawful purposes was District of Columbia v. Heller
D. people could have the same rights and privileges in each of the 50 states was McCulloch v. Maryland
C. individuals had the right to possess firearms for lawful purposes was District of Columbia v. Heller
Imagine the state of California passes a law to tax all banking activities within the state. Which of the following could happen? (1 point)
A. The national bank of the United States, or the Federal Reserve, could challenge the California law based on the McCulloch v. Maryland decision.
B. The national bank of the United States, or the Federal Reserve, could take the taxes California collects based on the McCulloch v. Maryland decision.
C. Private banks operating only in the state of California could challenge the state's tax law on banking based on the Gibbons v. Ogden decision.
D. Private banks operating only in the state of California could take a portion of the taxes collected based on the Gibbons v. Ogden decision.
A. The national bank of the United States, or the Federal Reserve, could challenge the California law based on the McCulloch v. Maryland decision.
Which of the following is a function of only the House of Representatives, not the Senate? (1 point)
A. initiating legislation
B. proposing tax bills
C. approving treaties
D. establishing law
B. proposing tax bills
If the president vetoes a bill, the (1 point)
A. executive branch can override the veto with a 2/3 vote
B. legislative branch can override the veto with a 2/3 vote
C. executive branch can appeal the veto to the Supreme Court
D. legislative branch can appeal the veto to the Supreme Court
B. legislative branch can override the veto with a 2/3 vote
Which of the following best describes the influences on how elected representatives vote on bills? (1 point)
A. Choices that the representatives make on bills seem to have no pattern or any similarities.
B. Personal attitudes, party affiliation, and constituent wishes all affect representatives' votes.
C. The political parties mandate their representatives to vote the same as other party members.
D. Representatives have to approve all bills introduced by the president and can choose on others.
B. Personal attitudes, party affiliation, and constituent wishes all affect representatives' votes.
Why can the lawmaking process be so time-consuming? (1 point)
A. The Supreme Court must review all proposed bills before Congress can vote on them.
B. The president can interrupt the work of Congress at any time to focus on another issue.
C. The bills go through committees of Congress members who carefully study each new idea.
D. The Constitution places a time minimum for Congress to consider all new bills before voting.
C. The bills go through committees of Congress members who carefully study each new idea.
Which of the following is an accurate list of the requirements to be U.S. president? (1 point)
A. at least 45 years old, a natural-born or a naturalized citizen for at least 14 years
B. at least 35 years old, a natural-born or a naturalized citizen for at least 14 years
C. at least 45 years old, a natural-born citizen, and at least 14 years as a resident
D. at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and at least 14 years as a resident
D. at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and at least 14 years as a resident
According to the U.S. Constitution, which of the following people would be eligible to run for U.S. president? (1 point)
A. Ella, 47 years old, born and lived all her life in Tennessee
B. Samuel, 22 years old, born and lived all his life in Florida
C. Marnie, 33 years old, a naturalized citizen from Germany
D. Joseph, 55 years old, a naturalized citizen from Costa Rica
A. Ella, 47 years old, born and lived all her life in Tennessee
Which of the following actions taken by the executive branch would be supported by the Constitution? (1 point)
A. create new laws that Congress must pass
B. appoint members of the Supreme Court
C. declare war without legislative approval
D. pardon any impeached federal official
B. appoint members of the Supreme Court
According to Article II of the Constitution, the president and other federal officials may be impeached (1 point)
A. "only upon suspicion of treason or resignation without notice"
B. "only after removal from office for charges related to treason"
C. for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors"
D. for "treason or other crimes that affect the entire nation"
C. for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors"
Independent regulatory agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (1 point)
A. serve to increase the size of the federal bureaucracy and the president's power
B. make the rules that help make the daily work of government more efficient
C. provide guidance to the judicial branch for interpreting their regulations
D. control the power and functions of the president's appointed advisors
B. make the rules that help make the daily work of government more efficient
A law that bans certain chemicals from perfumes, medicines, and cosmetics would be enforced by the (1 point)
A. Federal Communications Commission
B. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
C. Federal Reserve System
D. U.S. Postal Service
B. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The media are important to the American system of government because they (1 point)
A. provide entertainment to take people's minds off government waste
B. serve as researchers to important federal executive and legislative groups
C. focus on specific leaders of government, taking attention away from others
D. help individuals to monitor and influence the actions of government officials
D. help individuals to monitor and influence the actions of government officials
How do interest groups influence public policy? (1 point)
A. They try to get their members elected whom they expect to vote along the party platform on issues.
B. They lobby the members of legislative committees to convince them to vote a certain way on bills.
C. They have considerable power in influencing judicial decisions on difficult civil and criminal trials.
D. They select who will serve as advisors to the members of the executive and legislative branches.
B. They lobby the members of legislative committees to convince them to vote a certain way on bills.
The Electoral College is a (1 point)
A. plan that framers of the nation's government made to balance the relative power between the states
B. solution to the problem of decreasing voter turnout nationwide to elections at all government levels
C. reason that increasing numbers of young adults are registering to vote and voting in elections yearly
D. challenge to the value of federalism in the nation's government because it restricts the states' power
A. plan that framers of the nation's government made to balance the relative power between the states
Voter turnout is the percentage of (1 point)
A. citizens who register to vote before an election
B. eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election
C. citizens who choose not to register to vote
D. eligible voters who choose not to vote
B. eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election
The U.S. House of Representatives contains (2 points)
A. 435 members and is considered more likely to represent local constituent interests
B. 435 members and is considered more stable and immune to passing popular whims
C. 100 members and is considered more likely to represent local constituent interests
D. 100 members and is considered more stable and immune to passing popular whims
A. 435 members and is considered more likely to represent local constituent interests
The U.S. Senate contains (2 points)
A. 435 members and is considered more likely to represent local constituent interests
B. 435 members and is considered more stable and immune to passing popular whims
C. 100 members and is considered more likely to represent local constituent interests
D. 100 members and is considered more stable and immune to passing popular whims
D. 100 members and is considered more stable and immune to passing popular whims
Which of the following statements is true about the U.S. Senate? (2 points)
A. Its members have six-year terms, with one-third of the total members up for re-election every two years.
B. Its members have six-year terms, with the majority of its members facing re-election every four years.
C. Its members have two-year terms, with one-third of the total members up for re-election every two years.
D. Its members have two-year terms, with the majority of its members facing re-election every four years.
A. Its members have six-year terms, with one-third of the total members up for re-election every two years.
Which of the following statements is true about the U.S. House of Representatives? (2 points)
A. Its members have six-year terms, with the entirety of its members facing re-election every six years.
B. Its members have two-year terms, with the entirety of its members facing re-election every two years.
C. Its members have six-year terms, with only one-third of its members facing re-election every two years.
D. Its members have two-year terms, with only one-third of its members up for re-election every six years.
B. Its members have two-year terms, with the entirety of its members facing re-election every two years.
A member of the House of Representatives (2 points)
A. must be a resident of the district elected to represent according to the Constitution
B. must vote on all revenue bills according to how the majority political party decides
C. is not required to be a resident of the district elected to represent but usually is by tradition
D. is not eligible to serve on any committee that contains members of another political party
C. is not required to be a resident of the district elected to represent but usually is by tradition
How do the House and Senate differ in the powers related to impeachment? (5 points)
A. The House has no power related to impeachment while the Senate can impeach federal officials.
B. The House can impeach federal officials and then the Senate would conduct the impeachment trial.
C. The Senate has no power related to impeachment while the House can impeach federal officials.
D. The Senate can impeach federal officials and then the House would conduct the impeachment trial.
B. The House can impeach federal officials and then the Senate would conduct the impeachment trial.
"To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers." U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 8
The quote above is (5 points)
A. also known as the "elastic clause" because it narrows the powers of Congress to those specifically listed
B. a way that the powers of Congress are expanded through requesting permission from the judicial branch
C. also known as the "elastic clause" because it gives Congress flexibility in the types of legislation it passes
D. a way that the powers of Congress are limited because it gives the judicial branch power to eliminate laws
C. also known as the "elastic clause" because it gives Congress flexibility in the types of legislation it passes
Which of the following examples of legislation could originate only in the House of Representatives? (5 points)
A. A bill that sets limits on the number of terms Congress members may serve
B. A bill that establishes a new federal agency to oversee education
C. A bill that increases taxes in order to build a new interstate highway
D. A bill that places restrictions on pollution output by automotive factories
C. A bill that increases taxes in order to build a new interstate highway
Which of the following makes a true statement? (5 points)
A. The Senate has a Rules Committee that sets limits and rules for both the House and Senate on debating bills.
B. The House has a Rules Committee that sets limits and rules for both the House and Senate on debating bills.
C. The House has a Rules Committee to set limits on bill debate while the Senate has no time limits for debate.
D. The Senate has a Rules Committee to set limits on bill debate while the House has no time limits for debate.
C. The House has a Rules Committee to set limits on bill debate while the Senate has no time limits for debate.
According to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, (5 points)
A. only the House has the power to approve foreign treaties and presidential appointments
B. only the Senate has the power to approve foreign treaties and presidential appointments
C. the Senate approves foreign treaties and the House approves presidential appointments
D. the House approves foreign treaties and the Senate approves presidential appointments
B. only the Senate has the power to approve foreign treaties and presidential appointments
Which of the following best describes the membership of a joint committee, such as the Joint Economic Committee? (5 points)
A. minority party members in the House
B. majority party members in the Senate
C. members from both the House and Senate
D. members from either the House or Senate
C. members from both the House and Senate
"Each representative who wishes to speak on the bill will be allowed five minutes." A statement like this one would be the work of the (5 points)
A. Standing Committee
B. Conference Committee
C. House Rules Committee
D. Senate Rules Committee
C. House Rules Committee
"A Bill to Raise the Tax Rate on Those Earning Over One Million Dollars Annually." A bill with a title like this one could (5 points)
A. only originate in the House
B. only originate in the Senate
C. begin in either part of Congress
D. begin in a Conference Committee
A. only originate in the House
The main function of the executive branch is to (2 points)
A. carry out and enforce laws and policies
B. write and pass new national legislation
C. increase the size of the bureaucracy
D. select who will serve as president
A. carry out and enforce laws and policies
An independent regulatory agency (2 points)
A. must exist on a temporary basis
B. works for the legislative branch
C. is part of the executive branch
D. creates new federal legislation
C. is part of the executive branch
An example of a cabinet department is the (2 points)
A. Central Intelligence Agency
B. Food and Drug Administration
C. Postal Regulatory Commission
D. Office of Health and Human Services
D. Office of Health and Human Services
Acording to the Constitution, the president has the power to (2 points)
A. approve Supreme Court nominations
B. grant pardons for federal crimes
C. raise taxes- declare a law unconstitutional
B. grant pardons for federal crimes
Which of the following is a duty of the president outlined in Article II of the Constitution? (2 points)
A. approve foreign treaties
B. oversee the courts and appeals process
C. coin and print currency
D. give yearly State of the Union speech
D. give yearly State of the Union speech
The President of the United States (5 points)
A. has the power to lead the U.S. Postal Service under Article II of the Constitution
B. can appoint officials to the federal bureaucracy with the approval of the Senate
C. is required by law to follow a certain percentage of advisor recommendations
D. must assign the vice president as head of one of the Cabinet departments
B. can appoint officials to the federal bureaucracy with the approval of the Senate
The qualifications for U.S. president are (5 points)
A. 35 years of age, U.S. citizen, and resident for previous 14 years under Article II of the Constitution
B. 35 years of age, U.S. citizen, and resident for previous 14 years under Article I of the Constitution
C. 30 years of age, U.S. citizen, and resident for previous nine years under Article II of the Constitution
D. 30 years of age, U.S. citizen, and resident for previous nine years under Article I of the Constitution
A. 35 years of age, U.S. citizen, and resident for previous 14 years under Article II of the Constitution
The president exerts the most influence over (5 points)
A. appointments to federal agency positions
B. federal independent regulatory agencies
C. convincing legislators to pass new laws
D. reducing the size of the bureaucracy
A. appointments to federal agency positions
The Central Intelligence Agency operates as (5 points)
A. a cabinet department responsible for leading the entire intelligence community
B. a cabinet department responsible for gathering intelligence about foreign nations
C. an independent agency responsible for leading the entire intelligence community
D. an independent agency responsible for gathering intelligence about foreign nations
D. an independent agency responsible for gathering intelligence about foreign nations
The existence and monitoring of independent regulatory agencies depends on the (5 points)
A. President
B. Congress
C. Bureaucracy
D. Supreme Court
B. Congress
The Department of State is (5 points)
A. an independent regulatory agency that is part of the legislative branch under the Constitution
B. an independent regulatory agency that is part of the executive branch under the Constitution
C. a cabinet department that is part of the legislative branch under the Constitution
D. a cabinet department that is part of the executive branch under the Constitution
D. a cabinet department that is part of the executive branch under the Constitution
When people complain about "big government," they are referring to the (5 points)
A. size and power of the federal bureaucracy
B. size and power of the Senate
C. oversight activities of the president
D. oversight activities of the judiciary
A. size and power of the federal bureaucracy
The president and other federal officials may be impeached (5 points)
A. for "treason or other crimes that affect the entire nation" under Article I of the Constitution
B. "only upon suspicion of treason or resignation without notice" under Article I of the Constitution
C. "only after removal from office for charges related to treason" under Article II of the Constitution
D. for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors" under Article II of the Constitution
D. for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors" under Article II of the Constitution
One way the media influences public policy is that it (4 points)
A. takes public attention away from important political issues
B. spreads the political messages of individuals and groups
C. directly raises money for specific political campaigns
D. prevents interest groups from having a strong voice
B. spreads the political messages of individuals and groups
Individuals have a stronger voice in public policy when they (4 points)
A. limit their political activity to voting in presidential elections
B. participate actively in interest groups or political parties
C. spend great amounts of time studying news and data
D. write criticisms of officials on social networking sites
B. participate actively in interest groups or political parties
An American with a political ideology that is primarily moderate, yet more liberal on some issues is most likely to be a member of the (4 points)
A. Independent Party
B. Democratic Party
C. Republican Party
D. Whig Party
B. Democratic Party
The Democratic-Republican party was founded based on (4 points)
A. Thomas Jefferson's leadership and the Anti-Federalist ideology
B. Andrew Jackson's leadership and the Anti-Federalist ideology
C. Thomas Jefferson's leadership and the Federalist ideology
D. Andrew Jackson's leadership and the Federalist ideology
C. Thomas Jefferson's leadership and the Federalist ideology
The two major political parties in the United States compete the most with one another for the votes of (4 points)
A. conservatives
B. extremists
C. moderates
D. liberals
C. moderates
The "Coalition for the Homeless" has served as a valuable resource of information and assistance to those in poverty as well as lawmakers and other interested people in New York City. "Coalition for the Homeles" is a( n) (4 points)
A. political party promoting programs that help needy people
B. interest group promoting programs that help needy people
C. political party promoting one of its members for political office
D. interest group promoting one of its members for political office
B. interest group promoting programs that help needy people
Which of the following is a true statement? (4 points)
A. The Constitution encourages the people to form political parties at the federal level.
B. The Constitution makes no mention of political parties or their role in policymaking.
C. George Washington encouraged people to form political parties at the federal level.
D. George Washington did not mention political parties or their role in policymaking.
B. The Constitution makes no mention of political parties or their role in policymaking.
Which of the following is a true statement? (4 points)
A. A political party is more likely than an interest group to support an extreme policy position.
B. An interest group is more likely than a political party to support an extreme policy position.
C. A political party is more likely than an interest group to support a change in public policy.
D. An interest group is more likely than a political party to support a change in public policy.
B. An interest group is more likely than a political party to support an extreme policy position.
Third parties are similar to interest groups because they (4 points)
A. tend to focus on a single issue
B. do not run candidates for office
C. have lobbyists in the legislature
D. avoid supporting extreme ideas
A. tend to focus on a single issue
The two main roles of any special interest group are to (4 points)
A. run elections and open a national chapter
B. inform the public and persuade lawmakers
C. lobby local media and raise campaign funds
D. heighten awareness and support candidates
B. inform the public and persuade lawmakers
Which of the following is a true statement? (5 points)
A. The citizens of a state may only register to vote after proving to have submitted their census survey.
B. The census is a flawed tool because census workers do not attempt to count all citizens, only a sample.
C. The main purpose of conducting a census every 10 years is to determine representational apportionment.
D. The majority of apportionment changes are due to state-level data collection and not national census data.
C. The main purpose of conducting a census every 10 years is to determine representational apportionment.
A primary election is the (5 points)
A. name given to any national general election and includes both presidential and midterm elections
B. reason that many people give for why the current electoral process in the country needs changes
C. method used to select candidates to run in an election, may be open or closed to other parties
D. type of election where the people vote only for officials for the state and local levels of government
C. method used to select candidates to run in an election, may be open or closed to other parties
The highest ranking member of the U.S. Senate when the Vice President is absent is the (3 points)
A. Speaker of the House
B. Speaker Pro Tempore
C. President of the House
D. President Pro Tempore
D. President Pro Tempore
According to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, who has "the sole Power to try all Impeachments?" (3 points)
A. the Senate
B. the Judicial Branch
C. the Executive Branch
D. the House of Representatives
A. the Senate
According to Article I of the U.S. Constitution, who has the power to "To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization"? (3 points)
A. the President
B. the Executive Branch
C. the Legislative Branch
D. the Supreme Court
C. the Legislative Branch
Which of the following quotes from the Constitution describes the Senate? (3 points)
A. "No person who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen."
B. "No Person who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen."
C. "The shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States."
D. "The shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment."
A. "No person who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen."
Descriptions of the requirements and powers of the president may be found in (3 points)
A. Article I of the U.S. Constitution
B. Article II of the U.S. Constitution
C. Article III of the U.S. Constitution
D. Article IV of the U.S. Constitution
B. Article II of the U.S. Constitution
According to the U.S. Constitution, which of the following people would be eligible to run for U.S. president? (3 points)
A. Lucy, 24 years old, born and lived all her life in Wyoming
B. Robert, 36 years old, born and lived all his life in Georgia
C. Nina, 48 years old, a naturalized citizen from Columbia
D. David, 59 years old, a naturalized citizen from Canada
B. Robert, 36 years old, born and lived all his life in Georgia
Section 2 of Article II of the Constitution gives the president the ability to pardon offenses made against the United States except in cases of (3 points)
A. treason
B. perjury
C. conspiracy
D. impeachment
D. impeachment
According to the Constitution, who has the duty to "faithfully execute" the law? (3 points)
A. the U.S. President
B. the individual states
C. the Congress
D. the U.S. Supreme Court
A. the U.S. President
The regulatory agency that creates media and Internet regulations is the (3 points)
A. Federal Communications Commission
B. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
C. Federal Reserve System
D. U.S. Postal Service
A. Federal Communications Commission
A law that limits the content of popup advertisements on the Internet would be enforced by the (3 points)
A. Federal Communications Commission
B. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
C. Federal Reserve System
D. U.S. Postal Service
A. Federal Communications Commission
Political parties are (3 points)
A. people who share beliefs and support their members in elections
B. people with shared goals who work together to influence public policy
C. various means of mass communication, such as television and radio
D. government agencies that regulate and monitor citizens and businesses
A. people who share beliefs and support their members in elections
Which of the following is an example of the positive effect media has on the American system of government? (3 points)
A. They entertain people and take their minds off government waste.
B. They help the American public monitor and influence government officials.
C. They research current issues and report directly to federal, executive, and legislative groups.
D. They focus on specific leaders that have a crucial role in producing change.
B. They help the American public monitor and influence government officials.
Political parties influence public policy because they (3 points)
A. try to get their members elected whom they expect to vote along the party platform on issues
B. lobby the members of legislative committees to convince them to vote a certain way on bills
C. have considerable power in influencing judicial decisions on difficult civil and criminal trials
D. select who will serve as advisors to the members of the executive and legislative branches
A. try to get their members elected whom they expect to vote along the party platform on issues
The last decade of the 19th century saw an incredible expansion in use of the (3 points)
A. radio
B. press
C. Internet
D. television
B. press
Federal political campaigns in recent years have expanded their use of (3 points)
A. social networking sites to connect with voters
B. radio programming during typical driving hours
C. television programming to discuss detailed issues
D. newspaper advertisements in local and state news
A. social networking sites to connect with voters
Which communication tool would allow a current presidential candidate to most effectively interact with the greatest number of citizens? (3 points)
A. An appearance arranged to meet and greet voters at a local fishing tournament
B. A political advertisement appearing in newspapers across the country
C. A frequently updated social media site with a question and answer forum
D. An automated generic text message sent to cell phone numbers of registered voters
C. A frequently updated social media site with a question and answer forum
Jones runs a television ad that shows her opponent, Smith, in black and white and looking tired. Toward the end of the ad, Jones appears smiling and in full color. In the advertisement, Jones uses (3 points)
A. emotional appeal to increase support for Smith
B. omission to reduce support for Jones
C. factual accuracy to reduce support for Smith
D. biased imagery to increase support for Jones
D. biased imagery to increase support for Jones
"So my message is simple. It is time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I will sign them right away."-President Obama, 2012 State of the Union Address
In this quote, the president is asking the (3 points)
A. American people to convince their state legislatures to reduce taxes on imports
B. American people to start new businesses that operate only within the country
C. Congress to change tax policies that favor employing people in other countries
D. Congress to send funds to foreign businesses to help them move into the nation
C. Congress to change tax policies that favor employing people in other countries
With regard to the Electoral College, (3 points)
A. many states now mandate that their electors go to the candidate who wins the popular vote, fueling the argument that the Electoral College should be abolished
B. many states now mandate that their electors go to the candidate who wins the popular vote, fueling the argument that the Electoral College should be continued
C. it is believed to be the most democratic way to elect the president and vice president, encouraging states to give responsibility for elections to the federal government
D. it is believed to be the least democratic way to elect the president and vice president, encouraging states to give responsibility for elections to the federal government
A. many states now mandate that their electors go to the candidate who wins the popular vote, fueling the argument that the Electoral College should be abolished
Since the 2000 election, youth voter turnout in presidential elections has generally (3 points)
A. remained consistently low
B. increased each election year
C. varied considerably, based on the current election issues
D. varied considerably, based on the presidential candidates
B. increased each election year
A case appealed from a Georgia court of appeals would go to the (3 points)
A. appeals court for the circuit
B. Georgia court of last resort
C. a federal district court
D. U.S. Supreme Court
B. Georgia court of last resort
The U.S. Supreme Court accepts (3 points)
A. the vast majority of petitioner requests for cases
B. about one percent of cases requested for review
C. cases that involve laws beyond its jurisdiction
D. one case per year that questions a federal law
B. about one percent of cases requested for review
Which of the following established the federal court system, including circuits and appellate courts? (3 points)
A. Article III of the U.S. Constitution
B. Article II of the U.S. Constitution
C. The Judiciary Act of 1789
D. The Judiciary Act of 1987
C. The Judiciary Act of 1789
ost cases in the U.S. Supreme Court are accepted by (3 points)
A. in forma pauperis
B. writ of certiorari
C. courts of appeal
D. district courts
B. writ of certiorari
Most federal judges serve for (3 points)
A. the term of the president
B. life or until resignation
C. 10 years
D. 20 years
B. life or until resignation
Which of the following cases would be heard first in an U.S. District Court? (5 points)
A. a citizen living in Texas sues his neighbor for property damage due to roaming cattle
B. citizens from Arizona accuse each other of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon
C. a citizen of Mexico residing in Utah accuses a U.S. university of violating her civil rights
D. citizens from Louisiana bring a class-action suit against a company operating in their state
C. a citizen of Mexico residing in Utah accuses a U.S. university of violating her civil rights
Which of the following does Article III of the U.S. Constitution give Congress the power to do? (5 points)
A. nominate federal judges
B. overrule court decisions
C. conduct appellate trials
D. establish lower courts
D. establish lower courts
During a jury trial, (5 points)
A. each side in a criminal or civil case will present evidence to support their position
B. the prosecution presents evidence supporting the innocence of a defendant
C. respondents bring suit against individuals or groups to get compensation
D. a panel of judges will consider the evidence and make a bench decision
A. each side in a criminal or civil case will present evidence to support their position
Which of the following describes the selection of federal judges? (5 points)
A. The president nominates someone to fill a vacancy, and the Senate confirms the choice.
B. The Senate nominates someone to fill a vacancy, and the president confirms the choice.
C. The president nominates someone to fill a vacancy, and the House confirms the choice.
D. The House nominates someone to fill a vacancy, and the president confirms the choice.
A. The president nominates someone to fill a vacancy, and the Senate confirms the choice.
Which of the following is true about the Supreme Court justices? (5 points)
A. The Chief Justice serves for life, and the associate justices have set terms.
B. The Chief Justice and associate justices serve for life or until resignation.
C. The Congress has decreased the size of the Supreme Court over time.
D. The Congress can remove a justice with the president's consent.
B. The Chief Justice and associate justices serve for life or until resignation.
Petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court have (5 points)
A. increased over time and are primarily accepted by writ of certiorari
B. increased over time and are primarily accepted in forma pauperis
C. decreased over time and are primarily accepted by writ of certiorari
D. decreased over time and are primarily accepted in forma pauperis
A. increased over time and are primarily accepted by writ of certiorari
What is the role of a judge in a jury trial? (5 points)
A. The judge listens to both sides of the case to make a recommendation to the jury of what outcome to decide.
B. The judge makes sure the evidence is presented fairly and that the jurors understand the law and procedures.
C. The judge chooses who will serve on the jury and will consider the recommendation of the jury in a bench trial.
D. The judge selects what evidence may be shown at trial and what evidence will be reserved for the appeals court.
B. The judge makes sure the evidence is presented fairly and that the jurors understand the law and procedures.
The country of Oman is ruled by a monarchy, therefore Oman has which type of government? (2 points)
A. democracy
B. autocracy
C. oligarchy
D. republic
B. autocracy
Canada has ten provinces that share power with the central government. Which of the following terms best describes this characteristic of Canada? (2 points)
A. unitary
B. monarchy
C. federation
D. democracy
C. federation
What makes a parliamentary government different from the United States? (2 points)
A. It has a unitary central government that exercises complete control over smaller units of government, like states.
B. It does not have a president or other executive authority that enforces laws and policy separate from lawmakers.
C. Its local or individual state governments have full sovereignty and only coordinate activities for mutual defense.
D. Its legislature has authority over the executive branch, with the ability to select and remove executive leaders.
D. Its legislature has authority over the executive branch, with the ability to select and remove executive leaders.
Which of the following best describes how a unitary government is different from the government of the United States? (2 points)
A. It has a central government that exercises complete control over smaller units of government, like states.
B. It does not have a president or other executive authority that enforces laws and policy separate from lawmakers.
C. Its local or individual state governments have full sovereignty and only coordinate activities for mutual defense.
D. Its legislature has authority over the executive branch, with the ability to select and remove executive leaders.
A. It has a central government that exercises complete control over smaller units of government, like states.
A country with a government that deliberately places socialist principles into action is (2 points)
A. communist, like the European Union
B. communist, like China
C. democratic, like Cuba
D. democratic, like Iraq
B. communist, like China
Democratization in a country (3 points)
A. is discouraged by most of the world's leaders
B. depends on both qualitative and quantitative data
C. can be determined by measuring the country's GDP
D. tends to increase when it has a single valuable resource
B. depends on both qualitative and quantitative data
Which of the following tends to increase when a country is becoming more democratic? (3 points)
A. resources
B. poverty
C. literacy
D. crime
C. literacy
The unblocking of popular social media websites in Myanmar is an indication that (3 points)
A. natural resources are abundant
B. democratization is taking place
C. natural resources are scarce
D. democratization is a failure
B. democratization is taking place
Elections in Iraq during Saddam Hussein's rule were (3 points)
A. free, valid elections indicating increased levels of democratization
B. fraudulent elections indicating decreased levels of democratization
C. free, valid elections indicating decreased levels of democratization
D. fraudulent elections indicating increased levels of democratization
B. fraudulent elections indicating decreased levels of democratization
Which of the following explains the relationship between Internet use, GDP, and democratization? (3 points)
A. All tend to decrease together because greater access to information and markets gives people more individual power.
B. All tend to increase together because greater access to information and markets gives people more individual power.
C. Internet use and GDP tend to decrease while democratization is in progress because it disrupts freedom of choice.
D. Internet use and GDP tend to increase while democratization is in progress because it disrupts freedom of choice.
B. All tend to increase together because greater access to information and markets gives people more individual power.
The highest court in the judicial branch of the United States is the (3 points)
A. Court of Appeals
B. U.S. District Court
C. U.S. Supreme Court
D. State Supreme Court
C. U.S. Supreme Court
Article III of the Constitution describes the structure of the (3 points)
A. executive branch
B. legislative branch
C. judicial branch
D. district branch
C. judicial branch
Which of the following is true about state court systems? (3 points)
A. The Constitution outlines a judicial plan that each state must follow.
B. State courts usually conduct all their different types of trials in one court.
C. Each state government organizes its court system under its state constitution.
D. State court systems are responsible for trying state and federal cases for the first time.
C. Each state government organizes its court system under its state constitution.
Which of the following is true about responsibility in the U.S. Court system? (3 points)
A. Federal courts handle most appeals from the state courts of last resort, whereas the state courts address most crimes and civil cases.
B. Federal courts handle constitutional law, but only the state courts can make new laws based on their interpretations.
C. Federal courts handle local trial courts and most cases, though the state courts have authority to select certain cases to hear.
D. Federal courts handle appeals from the state district courts, and state district courts handle appeals from federal courts as a check on the power of the courts.
A. Federal courts handle most appeals from the state courts of last resort, whereas the state courts address most crimes and civil cases
A person is accused of robbing a convenience store in California, speeding and eluding police while carrying stolen goods in Oregon, and resisting arrest in Washington State. Which of the following is correct? (5 points)
A. The trial would begin in each state court of original jurisdiction and go separately to state appellate courts if any of the charges are appealed.
B. The trial would begin in an U.S. District Court for the circuit and go to the U.S. Court of Appeals if either party challenges the verdict.
C. The trial would only begin and end in the federal circuit court system in each state where the crimes are alleged to have happened.
D. The trial would begin in a state-level appellate court and go to the federal court of appeal if the verdict is challenged.
B. The trial would begin in an U.S. District Court for the circuit and go to the U.S. Court of Appeals if either party challenges the verdict.
Which of the following statements about judicial review is true? (3 points)
A. Early leaders like Alexander Hamilton expected the Supreme Court to have the power of judicial review, as evidenced through Hamilton's words in the Federalist Papers.
B. The Framers of the Constitution never intended the federal court system to have the power of judicial review, as they believed it was a power reserved for the states.
C. The Constitution does not include the idea of judicial review because it was not a concept considered or understood by early leaders of American government.
D. Early leaders like James Madison said it was not a necessary power of the Supreme Court because the states already were using this power.
A. Early leaders like Alexander Hamilton expected the Supreme Court to have the power of judicial review, as evidenced through Hamilton's words in the Federalist Papers.
The wording of the Constitution is (3 points)
A. intentionally vague to allow the document to survive changes in society
B. detailed and specific to allow the document to survive changes in society
C. intentionally vague to prevent disputes about the intentions of early leaders
D. detailed and specific to prevent disputes about the intentions of early leaders
A. intentionally vague to allow the document to survive changes in society
When the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a constitutional issue, the (3 points)
A. state governments whose statutes conflict with the decision must amend their laws
B. legislative branch can edit the law involved before the court rules it unconstitutional
C. executive branch can order a review of the case and evidence by the legislative branch
D. decision is final unless overturned by a constitutional amendment or new court decision
D. decision is final unless overturned by a constitutional amendment or new court decision
When Judge Sanders makes his ruling, he is expected to base his decision on the (3 points)
A. timing of elections
B. will of the majority
C. interpretation of law
D. reports of the media
C. interpretation of law
Around the world, the most common method for selecting judges is (3 points)
A. election
B. appointment
C. merit evaluation
D. proficiency exam
B. appointment
Thomas Jefferson would have supported (3 points)
A. election of judges as a way to check judicial power
B. appointment of judges as a way to check judicial power
C. election of judges as a way to check the power of the other branches
D. appointment of judges as a way to check the power of the other branches
A. election of judges as a way to check judicial power
Which of the following is true about the Emancipation Proclamation? (3 points)
A. It secured the freedom of slaves in all the states of the United States.
B. It secured the freedom of slaves in states that seceded from the nation.
C. It prevented the end of slavery before passage of the 13th amendment.
D. It prevented the end of slavery until the conclusion of the Civil War.
B. It secured the freedom of slaves in states that seceded from the nation.
The 13th to 15th amendments of the U.S. Constitution (3 points)
A. extended citizenship and voting rights to former slaves
B. extended citizenship and voting rights to female citizens
C. restricted citizenship and voting rights of former slaves
D. restricted citizenship and voting rights of female citizens
A. extended citizenship and voting rights to former slaves
"The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."
Which of the following reflects the source and impact of this quote? (5 points)
A. The 19th amendment protects the right to vote for all legal adults. Before this amendment, voters had to not only be an adult but also serve in the armed forces and be a high school graduate before they could vote.
B. The 26th amendment protects the right to vote for all legal adults. Before this amendment, young adults could be in college or even serving the military in combat but not be eligible to choose their leaders for a few years.
C. The 19th amendment prevents states from allowing minors to vote. Before this amendment, widespread voter fraud was an issue throughout the states, as parents would vote multiple times using their children's names.
D. The 26th amendment prevents states from allowing minors to vote. Before this amendment, candidates directed their campaigns at children and teens through cartoons rather than focusing on real political issues.
B. The 26th amendment protects the right to vote for all legal adults. Before this amendment, young adults could be in college or even serving the military in combat but not be eligible to choose their leaders for a few years.
The Sixth Amendment was interpreted in (3 points)
A. Gideon v. Wainwright to mean that accused people have a right to be informed of their rights
B. Gideon v. Wainwright to mean states must pay for counsel if the defendant cannot afford it
C. Miranda v. Arizona to mean that accused people have a right to be informed of their rights
D. Miranda v. Arizona to mean states must pay for counsel if the defendant cannot afford it
B. Gideon v. Wainwright to mean states must pay for counsel if the defendant cannot afford it
The significance of the Texas v. Johnson case is that it extended the right (3 points)
A. of free speech to cover flag burning
B. of privacy to passengers in vehicles
C. to have a lawyer during a hearing
D. to vote to low-income citizens
A. of free speech to cover flag burning
The long-term significance of Brown v. Board of Education is that it (3 points)
A. found segregated schools to be constitutional if they were equal in quality
B. overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling accepting segregated facilities
C. supported the case of Plessy v. Ferguson by saying segregation was illegal
D. decided that each state could determine whether segregation was legal
B. overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling accepting segregated facilities
Decision-making power in an autocracy is in the control of (3 points)
A. a single individual
B. all of the residents
C. all of the voting citizens
D. a small group of people
A. a single individual
Which of the following government type descriptions means the same as "indirect democracy"? (3 points)
A. communism
B. autocracy
C. republic
D. monarchy
C. republic
Which of the following foreign policy positions is based on diplomacy? (3 points)
A. imperialism
B. isolationism
C. interventionism
D. internationalism
D. internationalism
People who see the United States as acting as the "World's Police" focus on U.S. policies that reflect (3 points)
A. isolationism
B. imperialism
C. interventionism
D. internationalism
C. interventionism
Which of the following is true about the United States in World War II? (3 points)
A. It first declared an isolated position, but later moved to diplomacy and intervention to help end the war.
B. It first declared an international position, but later moved to imperialism to take control of the situation.
C. It first declared an imperial position, but later moved to diplomacy and military isolation to avoid death.
D. It first declared a diplomatic position, but later moved to isolation as the war continued without relief.
A. It first declared an isolated position, but later moved to diplomacy and intervention to help end the war.
Which of the following statements is true? (3 points)
A. The Charter of the United Nations protects the rights of any person captured during an act of war.
B. The Geneva Conventions and Protocols protects the rights of people captured during an act of war.
C. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines when it is appropriate to hold a prisoner of war.
D. The Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution defines when it is appropriate to hold a prisoner of war.
B. The Geneva Conventions and Protocols protects the rights of people captured during an act of war.
Which of the following statements is true? (3 points)
A. The Charter of the United Nations created an international organization devoted to protecting human rights and promoting diplomacy around the world.
B. The Geneva Conventions and Protocols created an international organization devoted to protecting human rights and promoting diplomacy around the world.
C. Universal Declaration of Human Rights created an international organization that holds trials for accusations of abuses against human rights in the United States.
D. The Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution created an international organization that holds trials for accusations of abuses against human rights in the United States.
A. The Charter of the United Nations created an international organization devoted to protecting human rights and promoting diplomacy around the world.
Which of the following documents has served as a model for human rights protections for many newly democratic nations around the world? (3 points)
A. Charter of the United Nations
B. Geneva Conventions and Protocols
C. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
D. The Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution
D. The Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution