ap government and politics test prep questions
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AP Government and Politics Test Prep Questions
Topic I
Constitutional Underpinnings of the United States Government
(5 – 15% of the question on the test will relate to these questions)
Fast Track to a 5p. 274 #5
5. The president has all of the following expressed powers under the constitution EXCEPT…
a. To grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses.
b. To convene congress in special sessions.
c. To exercise the line-item veto.
d. to appoint ambassadors, subject to senate confirmation.
e. to commission officers in the armed forces.
Answer
#5
C is correct
While the president may veto a bill in its entirety, he/she cannot veto a portion of a bill
Fast track to a 5p. 274 #8
8. Which of the following serves as a check by congress over the executive?
a. congress can change the number and jurisdiction of the lower courts.
b. Congress can refuse to confirm a person nominated to be a judge.
c. All revenue bills must originate in the House of Reps.
d. Congress can override a presidential veto by a majority of both houses.
e. Congress can remove cabinet secretaries.
Answer
#8
B is correct
Congress can refuse to confirm a judge nominated by the president. This is a check on both the executive and the judicial branches.
Fast track to a 5p.278 #35
35. Which constitutional provision gives states most of their powers?
a. The 9th Amendment
b. The 10th Amendment
c. The commerce clause
d. The full faith and credit clause
Answer
#35
B is correct
The 10th amendment reserves powers not delegated to the national government, nor prohibited to the states, to the states and the people. It is the main basis for state power.
42. Which constitutional provision has expanded the power of the federal government in regulating privately owned businesses?
a. The Commerce Clause
b. The 10th Amendment
c. Full Faith and Credit Clause
d. The power to lay and collect taxes
e. The power to borrow money
Fast track to a 5p.279 #42
Answer
#42
A es correcto
The commerce clause comma in conjunction with necessary and proper clause comma allows the federal government to regulate private businesses. End of story.
1. How can the executive branch check the judicial branch?
a. by proving the nomination of federal judges
b. By nominating federal judges subject to senate approval
c. By issuing an executive order, overturning a court’s decision
d. By firing a federal judge for cause
e. By reducing the # of federal courts
Fast track to a 5p.296 #1
Answer
#1
D es correcto
Mmm project grants are based on competitive applications for (para in espanol) specific undertakings.
2. All of the following are examples of the system of checks and balances EXCEPT
a. The president’s power to veto
b. congress’s confirmation of presidential appointments
c. The supreme court’s power of judicial review
d. congress’s authority to impeach the president
e. The president’s control over the budget
Pearson Seriesp. 207 #2
Answer
#2
E is correct
The Constitution establishes the system of checks and balances to maintain equal power among the three branches of government. The president checks congress by being able to veto legislation, and congress may impeach the president. However, congress controls the budget as a means of overseeing the activities of the executive branch.
13. The failure of the Articles of confederation and necessity for a new Constitution were made evident by the
a. Success of the American Revolution
b. Legislature’s inability to select a president
c. Need for a bicameral legislature
d. Government’s inability to subdue Shay’s rebellion
e. Excess of centralized power in the national government
Pearson Seriesp. 209 #13
Answer
#13
D is correct
Shay’s Rebellion occurred when a group of Massachusetts farmers raided several courthouses in protest of the government’s foreclosure of their farms. Under the articles of confederation, the national government was not able to raise a militia to stop the group, and so the rebellion was an embarrassing failure for the new government. It served as the final proof that the government established by the articles lacked centralized power and legitimacy.
30. Congress did the most to check the military of presidents by
a. refusing to confirm their appointments for defense secretary.
b. Amending Article II of the constitution
c. Taking away their control over the defense budget
d. Agreeing always to vote not to declare war
e. passing the War Powers Revolution
Pearson Series p. 212 #30
Answer
#30
E is correct
In an attempt to reassert its own authority to declare war, congress limited the power of the president by passing the War Powers Resolution. This law allows presidents to send troops into military situations for a maximum of 60 days; if congress does not declare war during that time, the troops must then be withdrawn.
Pearson Seriesp. 214 #40
40. The Framer’s distrust of the public when writing the Constitution is best illustrated by the
a. Electoral College
b. Bill of Rights
c. Process of electing federal judges
d. Creation of a bicameral legislature
e. Ability to amend the Constitution
Answer
# 40
A is correct
The authors of the constitution were a group of elite intellectuals who distrusted leaving government too much in the hands of the uneducated masses. Therefore, they arranged for the president to be chosen by the electoral college, a group of chosen electors, rather than by the public at large. Though today citizens cast individual votes for president, the electoral college still casts the final vote.
Pearson Series p. 216 #55
55. The establishment clause, as interpreted by the supreme court, prevents
a. States from passing laws that conflict with federal laws
b. The government from violating the rights of individuals
c. Congress from exercising any powers beyond those necessary to execute the law
d. Gender discrimination in the workplace
e. The incorporation of religion into policy
Answer
#55
E is correct
The establishment clause, located in the 1st Amendment of the constitution, establishes the separation of church and state in all levels of government. Religious qualifications cannot be imposed on public officials, and the government cannot regulate, restrict, or endorse religious worship.
Pearson Series p.215 #44
44. The principle that the constitution gives states all powers neither granted to the federal government nor denied the states refers to…
a. States rights
b. Reserved powers
c. Federal supremecy
d. Concurrent powers
e. Federalism
Answer#44
B is correct
The 10th amendment articulates the reserved powers of the states. All powers not denied by the constitution or specifically designated to the federal government are held by the states. Many states have used this principle of reserved powers to their advantage, particularly in the case of civil rights. Many supreme court cases of the 20th century focused on limiting the power of the states to make laws that conflict with federal law.
Pearson Series p.236 #6
#6. The elastic clause grants Congress the authority to …
a) amend the presidents budget proposal as it sees fit
b) make any laws that enable it to carry out its assigned responsibilities
c) expand the federal bureaucracy by creating new executive departments
d) create any number of legislative committees and subcommittees
e) reapportion seats based on the nations changing population
Answer
#6
B is correct
Located in article 1 of the constitution, the elastic clause enumerates the implied powers of congress. It gives the legislature full authority to make laws “necessary and proper” to carry out those responsibilities assigned to it by the constitution.
Pearson SeriesP.242 #31
31. Article II of the constitution grants the president power to do all of the following except
a. Authorize troop movements during the war
b. Oversee the federal budget
c. Veto proposed legislation
d. Appeal to congress and make legislative requests in the State of the Union Address
e. Establish or discontinue relations with foreign governments
Answer
#31
B is correct
Presidents so have a significant amount of influence over the federal budget, because they compile the budget proposal for all of the dept. in the executive branch. However, they cannot be said to oversee the budget, b/c congress plays an equal, if not greater, role in allocating the money and passing the final budget legislation.
Pearson Series p. 244 #41
41. Federalism is a system of government whicha. An executive, legislative, and judicial branch
share equal powersb. Political officials are elected by the public in a
popular electionc. Legislative committees and federal agencies
work together to make an implement policyd. More than one level of government oversees a
body of peoplee. The president is chosen by an electoral
college rather than by popular election
Answer
#41
D is correct
Federalism imposes a tiered structure on government. More than 1 level shares authority over the people. In the US, people are subject to the laws of both state and federal governments, and they also may elect their leaders in both the state and federal governments.
Pearson Seriesp. 243 #37
37. The greatest weakness of the articles of confederation was that thy established a government that was unable to
a. Raise a militia
b. Be recognized by foreign governments
c. Pay off its war debts
d. Centralize its powers
e. Make decisions through a legislative process
Answer
#37
D is correct
The articles did prevent the US from raising a militia and paying its war debts. However, these were consequences of the fact that the government simply was too weak- it did not have enough centralized power to give it legitimacy and, ultimately, allow it to function. The end.
Pearson Seriesp. 245 #47
47. The power of the president has expanded for which of the following reasons?
I. Increasing importance of foreign realtionsII. The shift toward a candidate-centered politics
as a result of televisionIII. The use of primaries in presidential electionsIV. The easing of tension among social gorups
as a result of the civil rights movementa. II onlyb. IV onlyc. I and II onlyd. III and IV onlye. I, II, and III only
Answer
#47C is correctThe new global economy and frequent military crises
have increased the president’s power and prominence as chief diplomat. The president has also become more powerful b/c he may act more independently than ever before. Television allows the presidential candidates to reach the public directly w/out having to rely on political parties, and it also provides presidents with a means to address the public directly and to gain its support.
Topic II
Political Beliefs and Behaviors
10-20% of questions will be on this topic
•I. Because the goal was clear, to increase African-American voter registration
•II. Because Federal officials oversaw the law
•III. Because local officials understood the law and were able to carry it out.
•IV.because criminal penalties were provided for interfering with the right to vote.
•A) I and II
•B) I, II, and IV
•C) II, III, and IV
•D) I, III, and IV
•E) II and IV
Why was the Voting Rights Act successful in acheving its goal of increasing african-american voter registration in the south?
The answer is B. The voting rights act of 1965 had a clear goal of increasing registration and voting by blacks. (Fast track to a Five Pg 273 # 2)
•A) voter turnout in presidential elections was at its highest point un the late 1800’s
•B) people ages 18-21 have the lowest voter turnout rates
•C) Voter turnout has dropped in every presidential election since 1960
•D) voter turnout is higher in federal elections than in state and local elections
•E) voter turnout is greater in presidential elections than in midterm congressional elections
All of the following statements about voter turnout is true EXCPET!!!
The answer is C. The turnout in the 2000 election was slightly above 50%, while the turnout in 1996 was slightly above 49%. (Fast track to a Five – pg 274 # 6)
How would HUD, under the policy of its last two decades, handle a complaint about unfair housing practices?
a.) Take the accused party to court
b.) refer the case to congress for action
c.) refer the case to local authorities when possible
d.) investigate and then fine the accused parties
e.) fine the state in which the infraction took place
The answer is C. HUD has neither the will or the finances to handle local cases themselves. Because of this, it’s better to let the local authorities handle the situation. (Pg 147 # 58)
Which of the following actions taken by President Lincoln during his tenure as president was based on a presidential power explicitly laid out in the constitution?
a.) consult with the rules committee of congress frequently
b.) issue the emancipation proclamation
c.) remove General McClellan as commander of the army of the Potomac
d.) Formulate the 10% plan of reconstruction
e.) visit various states in the union
The answer is C. Article 2 Section 2 says that the president is commander in chief of the military. (Master the AP – Gov and Politics – Pg 158 # 5
The most effective way that the Federal reserve system can be used by the government to influence the economy is to
a.) close banks which lend excessively to foreign countries and seldom to US citizens
b.) take large amounts of money out of circulation in order to curb inflation
c.) raise or lower interests in order to influence interest rates of private banks
d.) levy taxes on luxury items in order to create more revenue for the government
e.) create new business by selling parts of federal agencies to the private sector
f.) all of the above
g.) none of the above
The answer is C. The two key ways in which the federal reserve board can influence the economy are through changing interest rates and manipulating the money supply. (Master the AP – Gov and Politics)
The following statement can be found in which part of the constitution? “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its juisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
a.) The Fourteenth Amendment
b.) Preamble
c.) Article One, Section 5
d.) Article One, Section 10
e.) Bill of rights
The correct answer is A. The Fourteenth amendment was of extreme importance to the development of civil liberties because it gave the federal government power over states. (Pg 137 #4)
“No person held to service in labor in one State under the laws thereof, escaping into another, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.” This statement from Article Four of the US Constitution can best be described as an example of
a.) the ability of the Constitution to be adapted to the changing needs of the country
b.) how state governments have the power to regulate commerce between states
c.) how the Constitution did not always uphold the ideals of equality for all men
d.) how the constitution has consistently upheld civil rights
e.) the changes to the Constitution after the civil war
The correct answer is C.The passage refers to slavery, and specifically to slaves who were moved from state to state. A significant point to take note of is that this language explicitly provides for slavery, in spite of the ideals states in the Preamble of the constitution which would seem to make slavery anathema. (Pg 138 #5)
Political Parties, Interest Groups, Mass Media
10-20%
Topic III
(All questions and answers taken from Fast Track to a 5-Preparing for the AP* United States Government and Politics Examination book.)
How do interest groups differ from PACs?
A) Interest groups donate money to candidates, while PACs hire lobbyists to influence policy making.
B) Interest groups can hire PACs to help them conduct polls, create direct mail solicitations, and produce TV ads
C) PACs are committees, often set up by interest groups, to raise and spend more on the campaigns and causes.
D) Interest groups are required to register with the Federal Election Commission, but there are no registration requirements for PACs.
E) PACs run candidates for elections, while interest groups do not.
C
Which of the following groups have led a social movement?
Pg 19 question 19
I.labor union members
II.civil rights advocates
III.environmentalists
IV.tax protests A) I and II
B) I, II and III
C) II,III and IV
D)I, II, III and IV
B
What is the impact of third parties on the American political
system? Pg 18 question 16• A) Minor parties develop ideas that the major parties later
come to adopt. • B) Minor parties create new coalitions within the major
parties, often resulting then the party realignment. • C) Minor parties tend to develop around charismatic
personalities, who are recruited as candidates by the major parties.
• D) Minor parties usually get enough votes to prevent a majority vote in the Electoral College.
• E) Minor parties have had no significant impact on the American political system.
A
When candidates run for office, they often promise to present certain legislative programs once elected.
Why is it difficult for the presidents to get these promised programs passed?
Pg 24 question 38• I.Unexpected crisis may divert attention from previous plans.• II.Controversial aspects of a program may face adverse and well-publicized
reactions.• III.They presidency is characterized by long hours and hundreds of activities,
which make it difficult to concentrate on specific programs. • IV.The public rarely expects politicians to deliver on their promises, so they
are frequently abandoned. A)I and II• B)II and III
C)II, III and IV D)I, II and IV
E)I, II and III
E
In the 1970’s and the 1980’s, the Democratic Party made reforms that unintentionally led to it becoming more
fragmented. What was the original purpose of these reforms?
Pg 128 question 4
• A) to include more union members as delegates to the Democratic convention
• B) to improve the fund-raising efforts of the Democratic party
• C) less media coverage of the elections and campaigns
• D) the realignment of coalitions
• E) a decrease in the number of people identifying themselves as independents
EThe McGovern Commission reforms
were intended to make the Democratic party more reflective of the population as a whole by including more women and minorities as delegates and changing the rules for delegate selection.
Which of the following features have encouraged the development of a two-party
system in the United States? Pg 129 question 7• I. the plurality system of voting , where a candidate need no win a
majority of votes to win the election• II. the winner-take-all feature of the electoral college• III. the numerous state and local elections because of federalism• IV. the fact that the House of representatives is based upon a state’s
population– A) I and II– B) I and III– C) I, II and III– D) II, III, and IV– E) I, II and IV
A• The “first to post” plurality system allows a
candidate to win an election without a majority of the votes. As a result, there are no runoff elections like the ones that make smaller parties more competitive in Europe. In addition, the winner-take-all feature of the electoral college makes it difficult for smaller parties to get any electoral college votes because, in order to do so they must receive a majority of the votes in a state.
What is the impact of religion on the political participation?
Pg 108 question 8
• A) religious people are less likely to vote, because they put their faith in a higher power
• B) Religious people are more likely to give money to charities, but les likely to vote.
• C) Being active in a religious organization increases the likelihood of charitable volunteer work as well as voting.
• D) Being active in a religious organization increases the likelihood of voting.
• E) Religion has no measurable impact on the likelihood of voting.
CThe majority of religious people participate in several forms of nonpolitical activities, including joining organizations, attending church services, and making charitable church contributions. In addition religious people are more likely to vote.
How does federal law restrict fund-raising for presidential campaigns?
Pg 117 question 2I. Individual contributions are limited to $2,000II. PAC contributions are limited to $5,000III. Federal matching funds are available to candidates who raise
$5,000, in individual contributions of $250 or less, in twenty statesIV. Candidates are limited to $2,000 in spending their own personal
funds. A) I and II
B) I, II and IIIC) I, II and IVD) I, III and IVE) I and IV
BThere is a limit on spending by individuals of $2,000 and by PACs of $5,000 . To qualify for matching funds, candidates must raise at least $5,000 in $250 contributions in twenty states. However, there is no limit on the amount a candidate ay spend on his or her own campaign.
How do European political parties compare with political
parties in Europe?Pg 127 question 1A)American parties are stronger and have more loyal members.B) American parties are more centralized, with more control by
the nation party organizations.C) Because of federalism, American political parties are
decentralized, with significant power at the state and local levels.
D)For the past three decades, the party that controls Congress has usually controlled the presdency
E) National law regulates European parties heavily.
CBecause of federalism, many important governmental decisions are made at the state and local levels. This gives state and local parties more authority, weakens the national party organizations, and decentralizes power.
All of the Following characterize a period of critical realignment
EXCEPT!!!!Pg 128 question 2
A) A sharp and lasting shift in the coalitions supporting the political parties
B) A series of crises, resulting in a reaction against the two major parties
C) The major defeat of a party, with another party taking its place
D) When a new issue of importance to voters cuts across existing party divisions
E) When voters become apathetic and turnout falls below 50 percent
ERealignment occurs when there is a
major shift in voting patterns. This can be caused by the formation of new coalitions, the major defeat for a party (such as the Federalists), a series of crises (such as economic depression), or an issue of importance (slavery).
III. B. Political Parties, Interest Groups
and Mass Media
Jordan & Kendra
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#1 p.138
• All of the following explain the proliferation of interest groups EXCEPT– A) America is diverse, with countless immigrants, races, and
religions.– B) Because of its federal system, there are multiple points of
access to government.– C) Political authority is shared by several branches of
government, each of which might be targeted by interest groups.– D) Interest groups often run candidates for office to give their
supporters a voice in government.– E) Political parties are relatively weak, which helps explain the
strength and number of interest groups.
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#1 p.138
• D)
• Interest groups occur because of diversity. They target all levels of government. American political parties are weaker than in many other countries, but interest groups may be stronger. However, interest groups do not usually run candidates for office.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q# 2 p.138• Throughout American history, which of the following
conditions has led to an increase in interest groups’ activity?
I. A strong economy with low inflation.II. The rise of professional societies, such as the American Medical
Association (AMA)III. Government policies that create new groups, such as veterans.IV. Leaders who are willing to make personal sacrifices.• A) I and II• B) I, II, and III• C) II, III, and IV• D) I, II, and IV• E) III and IV
ANSWER: III. Fast Track to a 5: Q# 2 p.138• C)• Interest groups have been created by professional
organizations, such as the AMA, and new government policies, such as wars that create veterans. Interest groups often have a strong leader- historically, the NAACP has had many- who is willing to make personal sacrifices. Interest groups are less likely to arise in good economic times.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#3 p. 139
• “Free riders” occur when interest groups fight for benefits to the public as a whole, such as consumer protection. How can interest groups prevent the free-rider problem?
• A)By ensuring that the benefits they seek will help only their members.
• B)By providing people an incentive to join the interest group, such as a subscription to a magazine.
• C)By limiting membership to a few carefully screened members.• D)By lobbying members of Congress only in the district where
the interest group operates.• E)There is no practical way for interest groups to prevent the
“free-rider” problem.
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#3 p.139
• B)
• Interest groups, such as AARP, often provide incentives to their members, such as magazines and travel discounts. This encourages people to pay a fee to become members of the group.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#5 p.139
• Why are lobbyists useful to members of Congress in considering legislation?
• A)Because most lobbyists are lawyers and can draft bills using technical legal language.
• B)Because lobbyists have bigger research staffs than members of Congress.
• C)Because lobbyists are policy generalists who have knowledge about a broad range of topics.
• D)Because members of Congress must listen to lobbyists in order to get electoral support.
• E)Because members of Congress are policy generalists and lobbyists are policy specialists with expert knowledge in their area.
ANSWER: III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#5 p.139
• E)
• Members of Congress are policy generalists who must decide about a broad range of issues. Lobbyists have expertise in specific fields. Members of Congress need credible information and often rely on lobbyists to provide it.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#2 p.150
• Broadcast journalism changed the media’s coverage of politics in all of the following ways EXCEPT
• A)A broadcast allows public officials to speak directly to audiences without their remarks being filtered through editors.
• B)Politicians can reach voters on a national scale without the support of political parties.
• C)People could easily ignore a speech by changing the channel.• D)Citizens get more detailed and specific information about
programs and policies than they could get from the print media.• E)Public officials must do something bold or sufficiently colorful
to gain free access to the broadcast media.
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#2 p.150
• D)
• Although the broadcast media reach a large audience, their coverage of the issues is generally less detailed than coverage in the print media.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#9 p.152
• Since the early 1970s, how has the relationship between the president and the press changed?
• A) It has become friendlier because presidents are now more willing to answer questions.
• B)It has become more adversarial, partly as a result of the Vietnam War and Watergate.
• C)It has become more adversarial because embarrassing stories sell more newspapers.
• D)It has not changed, because we have always had a free press.
• E)It has become less critical of the president because surveys show that people do not like the cynicism of the media.
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#9 p.152
• B)
• After the Vietnam War, Watergate, and the Iran-contra affair, the press became more adversarial with presidents. Although the public does not like this negative coverage, the relationship between the president and the press remains more adversarial than it was in the past.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#4 p.139
• Environmentalists, women, and union members have worked over the years to advance their interests. What is the best description of these causes?
• A)They are social movements that have spawned several related interest groups.
• B)They are PACs, which give money to political campaigns.• C)They are social movements because all of them have liberal
goals.• D)They are interest groups because all of them have liberal
goals.• E)They are social movements because they do not take strong
positions and tend to support moderate policies.
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#4 p.139
• A)
• A social movement is a widely shared demand for change in some aspect of the social or political order. These movements, such as those led by environmentalists, women, and unions, often result in the creation of several related interest groups.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#7 p.129
• Which of the following features have encouraged the development of a two-party party system in the United States?
I. The plurality system of voting, where a candidate need not win a majority of votes to win the election.
II. The winner-take-all feature of the electoral collegeIII. The numerous state and local elections because of federalism.IV. The fact that the House of Representatives is based upon a state’s
population.• A) I. and II.• B) I. and III.• C) I., II., and III.• D) II., III., and IV.• E) I., II., and IV.
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#7 p.129
• A)• The “first past the post” plurality system allows a
candidate to win an election without a majority of the votes. As a result, there are no runoff elections like the ones that make smaller parties more competitive in Europe. In addition, the winner-take-all feature of the electoral college votes because, in order to do so, they must receive a majority of the votes in a state.
III. Barron’s How to Prepare: Q#18 p.267
• Which of the following provides voters the chance to directly approve or disapprove a legislative proposition?
• A) a recall petition• B) a secondary primary• C) a referendum• D) a run-off primary• E) an indirect primary
ANSWER:III. Barron’s How to Prepare:
Q#18 p.267• E)
• Polling has been used more and more to determine attitudes and trends. If you do not construct a poll with a sampling error of under 5 percent, you risk the opportunity of reaching invalid conclusions.
III. Barron’s How to Prepare: Q#6 p.265
• With the exception of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, no one has been elected president since 1952 without first having won which presidential primary?
• A) Iowa• B) New Hampshire• C) Maine• D) New York• E) California
ANSWER:III. Barron’s How to Prepare:
Q#6 p.265• B)• Even though you probably do not know the
chronological order of every primary winner since 1952, because Clinton broke the pattern of having to win the New Hampshire primary and being called “the comeback kid” despite his loss, you should be able to easily identify which primary the question was talking about. Bush lost the primary in 2000 but went on to beat John McCain.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#2 p.128
• All of the following characterize a period of critical realignment EXCEPT
• A) A sharp and lasting shift in the coalitions supporting the political parties.
• B) A series of crises, resulting in a reaction against the two major parties.
• C) The major defeat of a party, with another party taking its place.
• D) When a new issue of importance to voters cuts across existing party divisions.
• E) When voters become apathetic and turnout falls below 50 percent.
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#2 p.128
• E)
• Realignment occurs when there is a major shift in voting patterns. This can be caused by the formation of new coalitions, the major defeat of a party (such as Federalists), a series of crises (such as economic depression), or an issue of importance (slavery).
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#8 p.130
• Long standing third parties, such as the Socialist, Libertarian, and Green parties, are examples of
• A) Ideological parties• B) One-issue parties• C) Economic-protest parties• D) Factional parties• E) Candidate-centered parties
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#8 p.130
• A)
• Ideological parties profess a comprehensive view of American society and government that is radically different from that of the established parties. Ideological parties tend to last longer than other types of third parties.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#16 p.275
• What was the biggest change to campaign financing made by the Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002 (McCain-Feingold)?
• A) The elimination of PAC contributions to candidates• B) The elimination of “soft money”• C) New requirements for full disclosure of campaign
contributions• D) The creation of new, nonpartisan, board of directors
of the Federal Election Commission• E) The banning of all advertising by any political party
in the sixty days before an election
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#16 p.275• B)
• The McCain-Feingold law bans soft money contributions- these were unlimited contributions to political parties that were considered the largest loophole in previous campaign finance reform laws.
III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#15 p.275
• One criticism of the media is that it does not cover candidates’ speeches in depth. This is best illustrated in which of the following?
• A) The rise of the Internet• B) Horse-race journalism• C) The shrinking sound bite• D) The liberal bias in the media• E) Sensationalism
ANSWER:III. Fast Track to a 5: Q#15 p.275• C)
• The sound bite dropped from about 42 seconds in 1968 to 7.3 seconds in 2000. As a result, candidates’ speeches are not covered in depth.
Topic IV
Institutions of National Government: the Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts(35-45%)
Barron’s page 42 1. Which of the following is considered a linkage institution?
A) the beauracracy
C) the executive department
E) the media
B) the congress
D) the government
E) The media
Barron’s page 4410. Which of the following institutions is commonly called the fourth branch of government?
A) The bureaucracy
C) The executive branch
E) The supreme court
B) Special interest groups
D) The congress
A) Bureaucracy
Barron’spage 761. Which of the following illustrates the effects that the system of checks and balances and separation of powers has on the legislative process?
I. It does not favor the party in power.
II. It can create gridlock.
III. It usually makes change easy to come by.
IV. It can encourage political compromise.
A) II only
B) I and II only
C) II and III only
D) I, II, and III only
E) II and IV only
E. II and IV only
Barron’spage 774. The question of the constitutionality of a term limit for legislators imposed by state constitutions is based on which of the following arguments?
A) The state’s ability to set time and manor of elections for state office holders
C) The ability of people to vote directly for senators and representatives
E) The fact that the congress is scheduled to vote for a term limits amendment to the constitution.
B) The fact that the constitution sets the qualifications for congresspeople.
D) The ability of voters to create term limits for state office holders
B) the fact that the constitution sets the qualifications for
congresspeople.
Barron’s page 789. In addition to the stated constitutional powers of the president, which of the following roles does he take on?
A) Acting as titular head of his political party
B) Granting pardons
C) Making treaties
D) Giving a state of the Union address
E) Signing or vetoing legislation
A) Acting as titular head of the political party
Barron’spage 7810. Which of the following is the only stated constitutional responsibility power of the vice president?
A) Taking on special tasks assigned by the president
B) Presiding over the senate
C) Filling in Attending funerals of foreign dignitaries
D) for the president when he is out of the country
E) Presiding over the House of Representatives
• C) presiding over the Senate
Barron’spage 7814. Which of the following actions increases the power of the president?
A) a greater reliance of the states to solve problems
B) Greater reliance of the government to solve problems
C) The president having to work with the majority party in Congress different from his own
D) An increased investigative role by the media
E) A downsizing of the federal bureaucracy
• B) a greater reliance on the federal government to solve problems
Barron’sPage 83Read the following point of view based on the proposed change of rule voted on in the House of Representatives that would have required a three-fifths vote to enact laws that increase taxes:When the constitution departs from its basic commitment to majority rule it does so explicitly: A two-thirds vote of both houses is required to override a presidential veto. Two-thirds majorities are needed when the Senate approves a treaty or impeaches a president. But the constitution never imposes a supermajority requirement for the passage of routine legislation, and never makes three-fifths, rather two-thirds, a numerical hurdle of special significance.Support or refute the validity of the proposal to impose a three-fifths vote to enact laws that increase taxes by giving three examples of how the proposal would impact the legislative process.
For Answer, see page 83-83 of Barron’s
Barron’sPage 418Question 7In viewing the relationship between the president and congress in the area of foreign policy, which action on the part of congress attempted to reduce presidential authority?
• A) Congress Impoundment Act
• B) War Powers
• C) Gulf of Tokin resolution
• D) approval of the SALT agreement
• E) approval of NAFTA
Barron’sPage 418Question 7
B) War Powers
Barron’s Page 418Question 8One way congress can respond to a supreme court ruling that
declares a law unconstitutional is to
• A) appoint new justices
• B) draft a referendum that the voters would approve
• C) pass new legislation that addresses the issues raised by the Court
• D) pass a law limiting the terms of the justices
• E) reargue the issue in a state court
Barron’sPage 418
Question 8• C) pass new legislation that addresses the
issue raised by the Court
Barron’s page 418
Question 9In attempting to gain public support for his agenda, the president uses all of the following techniques EXCEPT:
A) Using the bully pulpit
B) Giving the media a photo op.
C) Providing sound bites
D) Holding a press conference
E) Holding a private meeting with joint chief of staffs
E) Holding a private meeting with joint chief of staffs
Barron’spage 418
Question 10A supreme Court that creates precedent is described
as on that relies on:
A) Unanimous court decisions
B) Judicial federalism
C) Judicial restraint
D) Judicial activism
E) Stare decisis
D) Judicial activism
Barron’spage 419Question 13Whips have which of the following responsibilities? They
A) Act as direct liaisons to the White HouseB) Work closely with the minority party in the
name of bipartisanshipC) Make appointments to the various House and
Senate committeesD) Are responsible for keeping party members in
lineE) Preside over the House when the speaker is
absent
D) Are responsible for keeping party members in line
Barron’spage 419Question 14Which of the following is a major cause of Congressional gridlock?A) The number of bills proposed by the
presidentB) Lobbyists influencing CongressC) Divided party control of the CongressD) The increased number of southern
Republicans elected to CongressE) The change of party identification of
voters
C) Divided party control of the Congress
Barron’spage 419Question 15Sunshine laws were passed in order to give
A) Congress greater flexibility in determining meeting times
B) C-SPAN the ability to televise Congressional sessions
C) Citizens the ability to attend meetings that previously were held in secret sessions
D) Citizens the ability to attend meetings that were previously held in secret session
E) The press the right to get information from citizens
D) Citizens the ability to attend meetings that were previously held in secret
Barron’spage 420Question 16Which of the following is a characteristic of the electoral college? ItA) Mandates presidential lectors to vote for the candidate to
whom they are pledged
B) Establish as a power base for third-party candidates
C) Has resulted in frequent occasions when a president wins the electoral vote but not the popular vote
D) Became part of the constitution to give more power to the voters
E) Gives the House of Representatives the power to determine who will be president if no candidate gets the majority of the electoral vote.
E) Gives the House of Representatives the power to determine who will be president if no candidate gets the majority of the electoral vote.
Barron’spage 420Question 17Standing House committees such as the Ways and Means Committee are important because theyA) Do not engage in partisan behaviorB) Mark up bills before they go to the entire
House for debateC) Can act independently from established
House rulesD) Receive conference committee reportsE) Are equally divided in membership
between democrats and republicans
B) Mark up bills before they go to the entire House for debate
Barron’spage 420Question 18The constitution provides that 1/3 of the Senates membership
is up for election every two years so that A) House members may decide whether to run for
the SenateB) Committee assignments can be alternated
between democrats and republicansC) Voters has less of a chance to change control of
the Senate from on party to anotherD) The entire House and entire Senate are not voted
on in the same yearE) Congressional apportionment can alter the size
of House districts
D) The entire House and entire Senate are not voted on in the same year
Barron’spage 420Question 19Which of the following groups voted most heavily republican during the 1990’s?
A) Jews
B) Evangelical Christians
C) African-Americans
D) Asian-Americans
E) Labor-union members
B)Evangelical Christians
Barron’spage 421Question 23What is the result of a continuing resolution agreed upon by
both houses of Congress? It A) Authorizes the president to borrow money in
advance of an approved budgetB) Allows a president to send the troops abroad on
a temporary basisC) Prevents the shut down of any governmental
operation if a new budget is not enactedD) Directs the Congress to meet until a budget is
voted onE) Creates a new legislative agenda
C) Prevents the shut down of any governmental operation if a new budget is not enacted
Barron’spage 422Question 27Which of the following is true about senatorial courtesy? SenatorsA) Have final say regarding presidential judicial
appointmentsB) Of the state from which the candidate comes are
consulted by the president prior to the candidates appointment as a federal judge.
C) Rely on the expertise of their fellow senators before approving judicial appointments.
D) Consult with the American Bar Association before voting on judicial appointments.
E) Poll their constituents before deciding on whether to accept a presidential appointment.
B) Of the state from which the candidate comes are consulted by the president prior to the candidates appointment as a federal judge.
Barron’spage 450Question 5Which of the following reforms has been recommended to change the electoral college?
A) Closed polls throughout the country the same time on election day.
B) Ban exit polling by the networksC) Eliminate the winner-take-all provision of
the system.D) Move up the date that electors vote.E) Expand the concept of choosing electors
to Congressional races.
C) Eliminate the winner-take-all provision of the system.
Barron’spage 450Question 6Supreme Court cases mainly derive from
A) Plea bargains that fail.
B) Congressional legislation that is vetoed.
C) State legislation that goes unchallenged.
D) Original jurisdiction cases.
E) Appellate jurisdiction cases.
E) Appellate jurisdiction cases.
Barron’s page 451Question 11Which of the following House committees has the most influence in determining the fate of legislation?
A) Agricultural committee
B) Ways and Means committee
C) Post Office committee
D) Education committee
E) Foreign Affairs committee
B) Ways and Means committee
Barron’spage 455Question 30The “fighting words” doctrine outlined in Supreme Court
decisions deals with
A) Freedom of the press.
B) Separation of church and state
C) Freedom of speech
D) Freedom of assembly
E) Freedom to petition
C) Freedom of speech
Barron’spage 455Question 31A major characteristic of independent regulatory agencies is that they are
A) quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial in function.
B) Highly influenced by special interest groups.
C) Sensitive to the needs of the electorate.D) Decreasing in size, scope, and influence.E) Minimally influential in determining
public policy.
A) quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial in function
Barron’spage 456Question 38
Historically, the approval rating of the president usually A) Remains around 50 percent during his entire
term.
B) Fluctuates depending on his response to national and international problems.
C) Is lowest during times of war.
D) Is highest toward the end of his presidency.
E) Depends of the kind of media coverage he gets.
B) Fluctuates depending on his response to national and international problems.
Barron’spage 460Question 54
Which of the following events occurs first during the impeachment of a president?
A) A media frenzy forces the House to vote to impeach the president.
B) The House Judiciary Committee votes on articles of impeachment.
C) A special prosecutor issues a report to Congress.D) The Senate Judiciary Committee votes on
articles of impeachment.E) The Supreme Court rules on the guilt or
innocence of the president.
B) The House Judiciary Committee votes on articles of impeachment.
Topic V
Public Policy
5-15%
Barron’s Model pg. 311 #1
• An interest group is most likely to have influence in Congress with which of the following situations?
• A. An issue that is narrow in scope and low in public visibility
• B. An issue that is part of the president’s legislative package
• C. An issue that has been highly dramatized by the media
• D. An issue that engages legislators’ deeply held convictions
• E. An issue that divides legislators along party lines
Answer
• A. because even though interest groups are involved with all the situations that are described a narrowly scoped issue with low visibility has the greatest chance of lobbying success
Barron’s pg. 311 #2
• All the following statements concerning interest groups are true except that they
• A. Are policy experts
• B. Attempt to appeal to a broad spectrum of political interests
• C. Often run their own candidates for public office
• D. Lobby different levels of government
• E. Have specific policy goals
ANSWER
• C. Even though interest groups support candidates for political office through their PACs it is highly unlikely that they will actually run their own candidates for elective office
Barron’s pg. 311 #3
• Special interest groups do all of the following except
• A. Testify at congressional hearings
• B. Donate money to federal judges
• C. Endorse candidates for political office
• D. Try to influence the media
• E. Work on campaigns for candidates
ANSWER
• B. It should be obvious that special interest groups can’t donate money to federal judges
Barron’s pg. 312 #4
• All the following arguments are essential to the special interest theory of politics except
• A. Interest groups compete with each other• B. Interest groups provide linkage between people in
government• C. One or two interest groups may dominate the debate
over legislation• D. Interest groups encourage membership from diverse
groups that may disagree with their goals• E. Interest groups have been protected by Supreme Court
decisions
ANSWER
• D. by definition a special interest group is formed over a specific issue
Barron’s pg. 312 #5
• Which of the following represents a major reason for the proliferation of special interests and lobby groups?
• A. The reactive nature of interest groups and lobbyists to new issues
• B. The increase in donations received by interest groups from their membership
• C. The trust citizens have in the legislative process
• D. the ability of lobbyists and special interest groups to get members from their own group to run for political office
• E. the increasing demand for campaign reform
ANSWER
• A. For most issues brought up before Congress you will be able to find some interest group that exists and hopes to influence the legislative process even though some interest groups are getting increased donations from their members, that is the exception not the rule & even if there is an increased demand for campaign reform, it does not follow that more interest groups would form Choice C is clearly not the perception of the public, and interest groups do not run their own members for political office
Barron’s pg. 312 #6
• Which of the following officials do lobbyists most succeed with?
• A. officials who have a basic philosophical affinity with the lobbyist
• B. officials who have a basic philosophical difference with the lobbyist
• C. officials who are neutral with the lobbyist’s position
• D. officials who have strong convictions
• E. officials who are very conservative
ANSWER
• A. The best chance for success comes with the elected officials who, going into the situation, basically agrees with the strong feelings about the issue being discussed
Barron’s pg. 312 #7
• A significant amount of PAC money most likely goes to?
• A. candidates challenging Republican seats• B. candidates challenging Democratic seats• C. candidates who are new to the political scene• D. candidates who have wide philosophical
differences with the PAC• E. candidates who hold incumbent status
ANSWER
• E. Although millions of dollars are pumped into the political coffers of both political parties and even candidates who are new to the political scene, most PAC money goes to incumbents. It is rare for money to be invested in candidates who will most likely vote against the position the PAC is taking
Barron’s pg. 312 #8• Which of the following techniques would a lobbyist
be likely to use to influence legislation in Congress?• I. Organize a demonstration in Washington just before
a key House vote• II. Ensure that the corporation’s PAC makes donations
to the campaigns of members of key committees • III. Meet informally with Senate aids over lunch or
cocktails • IV. Bring influential constituents to Washington to
discuss important policy matters with their reps.
Continued
• A. I only
• B. II only
• C. II, III, IV
• D. I, II, III
• E. I, II, III, IV
Answer
• E. A lobbyist has a link to special interest groups who also have links to their PAC, a lobbyist can and does act as a catalyst before a major vote takes place. Therefore, each of the situations described can and does take place as a result of lobbyists’ efforts, though the lobbyists themselves may not be directly involved in each of the situations
Barron’s pg. 313 #9
• Which of the following statements represents a legislative victory for a special interest group? They
• A. eventually want to end up as political office holders
• B. nominate candidates for political office
• C. Have the primary function of funding political campaigns
• D. want to influence office holders and achieve legislative goals
• E. attempt to recruit an elite membership in order to become influential
ANSWER
• D. A special interest group attracts membership as a result of an identification process. People who believe that every woman has the right to have an abortion will look for pro-choice groups; gun advocates will look for a group like the NRA. Choices A and B are incorrect because these groups’ major function is to endorse candidates. Choice C is wrong because funding is not their primary function.
Barron’s pg. 313 #11
• All of the following are techniques used by lobbyists except
• A. testifying at Congressional hearings
• B. providing officials with research information
• C. appearing on the floor of Congress as staff assistants to Senators and Representatives
• D. taking Senators and Representatives to conferences sponsored by a special interest groups
• E. giving Senators and Representatives feedback from their constituents
ANSWER
• C. Lobbyists’ main purpose is to “hang out” in the lobby of Congress so that, when Senators and Representatives entered or left the floor the lobbyist could approach the Representative without an appointment
Barron’s pg. 313 #12
• Which of the following statements represents a political conflict of interest? Lobbyists
• A. Work closely with the interest groups that hired them
• B. Are former government officials who have close ties with current legislators
• C. Are persistent in making sure that the results they get do not change before a vote
• D. Know as much and sometimes even more than legislators about pending legislation
• E. Attempt to convince Senators and Representatives that if they support their position they will receive the support of their constituency
ANSWER
• B. The only answer that represents a conflict of interest is that many lobbyists are former Senators, Representatives, or Executive Staffers
Barron’s pg. 313 #13
• The major impact of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 was that it
• A. Eliminated lobbyist gifts and vacations for legislators
• B. Set strict contribution limitations for Congressional campaigns
• C. Created matching funds for Congressional campaigns
• D. Legitimized and increased the number of interest groups
• E. Created strict registration procedures for lobbyists
ANSWER
• D. The act created matching funds for presidential, not congressional, campaigns and was silent regarding gifts, vacations, and campaign contributions for congressional campaigns
Barron’s pg. 289 #1
• Which of the following conclusions can be made about voting behavior?
• A. Young people turn out more than any other age group
• B. Minorities generally support Republican candidates
• C. Southerners vote more than Northerners
• D. Voting is a class based activity
• E. Women vote more for Republican candidates than men
ANSWER
• D. It’s the only logical answer because the others cancel each other out
Barron’s pg. 289 #2
• Which section of the country is the lowest voter turnout?
• A. the South
• B. the Northwest
• C. the Midwest
• D. the West
• E. the Southwest
ANSWER
• A. Many African Americans in the South are still not registered to voted
Barron’s pg. 289 #3
• Which class of people has the highest percentage of voter turnout?
• A. middle class
• B. lower class
• C. upper class
• D. upper middle class
• E. voter turnout has no relationship to class
ANSWER
• C. People who are most aware of who they are voting for and why they are voting are mainly in the upper class
Barron’s pg. 289 #4
• Which of the following definitions reflects the idea that the victorious party should carry out it’s proposed agenda?
• A. Constituents service by the elected representatives
• B. The integrity of the political party • C. The party’s platform • D. Voter Referendums• E. The mandate theory of elections
ANSWER
• E. If the electorate speaks loudly and clearly for a candidate or a party, the election is interpreted as a mandate or direction for change
Barron’s pg. 290 #10
• Which of the following statements best explains why people vote? People vote mainly as a result of
• A. Religious views• B. Political socialization• C. Gender politics• D. The economic class to which they belong• E. Issues raised in the campaign
ANSWER
• B. Gender and class are reasons why people vote, as well as religion and the process of political socialization. Surveys have no direct impact on why people vote.
Barron’s pg. 290 #11
• Which of the following trends most closely reflects the last 40 years of American electoral history?
• A. an increase in suffrage opportunities• B. a consistent increase in voter turnout • C. third party victories• D. campaign finance reform affecting
congressional races • E. Congressional incumbents losing elections
ANSWER
• A. Voter turnout has been on the decline; third parties have never won significant electoral victories; congressional incumbents win the vast majority of the time
Barron’s pg. 291 #14
• In a presidential election, if no candidate receives an electoral college majority,
• A. the winner of the popular election becomes president
• B. A runoff election is held with a new slate of electors
• C. The election is thrown into the House • D. The election is thrown into the full Congress • E. The Supreme Court determines the winner
ANSWER
• C. The Constitution states that the electoral college if tied will defer to the House
Barron’s pg. 291 # 15
• It has been shown in recent elections that during times of severe economic troubles the electorate
• A. Do not vote as often as they do during good times
• B. Tend to vote out incumbents • C. Tend to vote incumbents back in• D. Are more likely to vote in Congressional races
than the presidential race• E. Register in large numbers
ANSWER
• B. If you think of the Depression you should be able to reach the conclusion that incumbents are voted out during times of economic hardship
Barron’s pg. 291 #16
• Which of the following has had a positive impact on the youth vote?
• I. Large numbers of youth involved with the religious right
• II. Jesse Jackson’s rainbow coalition efforts• III. MTV’s “Rock the Vote” efforts• IV. Republican support of the Motor Voter
Bill
continued
• A. I only
• B. III only
• C. III and IV only
• D. I, II, and III only
• E. II, and III only
ANSWER
• E. All the other answers contributed towards youth voting but were not as significant as the answers provided in II and III
Barron’s pg. 291 #17
• Which of the following statements is true about the effect of ethnic groups on voter choice during the Presidential elections of the 1990’s?
• A. Catholics tend to voted Republican• B. Northern Protestants tend to vote Democrat• C. Jews tend to vote Democrat• D. The religious right tends to vote Democrat• E. Hispanics tend to vote Republican
ANSWER
• C. Traditionally, the one ethnic group most closely identified with a political party has been Jews
Barron’s pg. 239 #1
• Which of the following defines a team of men (and women) banding together seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election?
• A. Political party• B. Political Opportunism • C. Political Constituency • D. Political Agenda• E. Political Policy
answer
• A. The statement is a straight definition of a political party
Barron’s pg. 239 #2
• All of the following are characteristics of politics EXCEPT
• A. Individuals with similar ideas banding together to form political parties
• B. The means by which individuals and groups get involved
• C. Who gets what, when, how, and why
• D. The passage of laws that serve to further minority groups
• E. The interrelationship of individuals and groups
ANSWER
• E. Choices A, B, C, and D are all characteristics of politics. Choice E is correct because one of the outcomes of government is the making of public policy
Barron’s pg. 239 #3
• Relationships among which of the following exist in political parties?
• A. The party and the electorate
• B. The party and the individual
• C. The party and the gov.
• D. The party and the candidate
• E. The party and the courts
ANSWER
• E. Choice E, the relationship between the party and the courts is an external relationship that goes beyond the organizational characteristics of political parties
Barron’s pg. 239 #4
• Which of the following translate inputs from the public into outputs from the policy makers?
• A. Linkage Institutions• B. Bureaucratic institutions• C. Agenda setters• D. Policy setters• E. Policy coordinators
ANSWER
• A. Because a political party is one of the linkage institutions, we should be able to apply the function of a political party to the statement describing the general meaning of a linkage institution
Barron’s Pg. 239 #5
• Which of the following is considered linkage institutions?
• I. Congress
• II. Political parties
• III. The media
• IV. The courts
CONTINUED
• A. I only
• B. I and II only
• C. I, II, and III only
• D. II and III only
• E. I, II, III, and IV
ANSWER
• D. Choice D is the correct answer because political parties in the media are considered linkage institutions. Choices A, B, C, and E are incorrect because the courts and Congress are not linkage institutions
Barron’s pg. 240 #6
• Which of the following philosophies is reflected by the majority of the American electorate?
• A. A middle of the road philosophy• B. Extremely liberal philosophy• C. Extremely Conservative philosophy• D. Radical philosophy• E. Reactionary philosophy
ANSWER
• A. By process of elimination in realizing that a centrist position is the predominant philosophy of the electorate, you should pick middle of the middle of the road as the only reasonable answer.
Barron’s pg. 240 #7
• In the long history of the American party system, successful parties rarely stray from
• A. Supporting big government
• B. A liberal point of view
• C. A conservative point of view
• D. The midpoint of public opinion
• E. A reactionary point of view
ANSWER
• D. Political parties should try to stay with the middle point of view to please the electorate.
Topic VI
Civil Rights and Liberties
The provisions of the Fifth Amendment have all of the following components EXCEPT
• A. prohibition of double jeopardy
• B. the right to a speedy trial
• C. the protection against self-incrimination
• D. the right of eminent domain.
• E. protection of life, liberty, and property.
Barron’s Model pg 450 #8
Answer: B
The “fighting words” doctrine outlined in Supreme Court Decisions deals with
• A. freedom of the press
• B. separation of church and state
• C. freedom of speech
• D. Freedom of assembly
• E. Freedom to petition
Pg 455 #30
Answer: C
The original intent of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court was to
• A. force the states to follow the Bill of Rights• B. provide equal protection under the law for freed
slaves• C. expand voting for women• D. give states the right to pass laws that guarantee
separate but equal status to their citizens• E. enable Congress to pass affirmative action
legislation
Pg 456 #37
Answer: B
The use of racial quotas was made illegal in the United States as a direct result of the
• A. Supreme Court decision in the University of California v. Bakke.
• B. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
• C. Proposition 209-The California Civil Rights Initiative
• D. Civil Rights Act 1964• E. affirmative action programs created by
individual states.
Barron’s Model Pg. 457 #40
Answer: A
Supreme Court decisions in the 1990’s related to the separation of church and state reflect
the Court’s approval of• A. greater government support for the
accommodation of religion in public schools• B. the use of school vouchers for tax deductions• C. the limited right to have silent prayer in public
schools• D. a complete ban at time of Christmas on
religious symbols in schools• E. the right to have clergy speak at school
graduation
Barron’s Model Pg 459 #48
Answer: A
Southern states that created “Majority- Minority” congressional districts did so
because they were• A. directed to do so by the Supreme Court• B. attempting to abide by the provisions of the
Voting Rights Act of 1965• C. hopeful that African Americans would vote
Republican• D. confident that white candidates would be given
an advantage over African Americans• E. responding to an executive order of the
president
#55
Answer: B
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.
The 1999 Released Exam. Pg 23 #14
Answer: E
Which of the following is true about the right of free speech, as currently interpreted by the
Supreme Court?• A. It protects the right to express opinions even
without the actual use of words.• B. It protects the use of language deemed obscene
by the courts.• C. It allows citizens to disobey laws that they
believe to be unjust.• D. It is protected from infringement by the Federal
Government but not from infringement by State government.
• E. It cannot be limited in any manner.
Pg. 23 #15
Answer: A
Most of the individual protections of the Bill of Rights now apply to the states because of the
Supreme Courts interpretation of the Constitutions
• A. Preamble
• B. Necessary and Proper Clause
• C. Supremacy Clause
• D. 10th Amendment
• E. 14th Amendment
Pg 26 #30
Answer: E
The Miranda Warning represents an attempt to protect criminal suspects against
• A. Unfair police interrogation
• B. Unbiased jury selection
• C. Imprisonment without trial
• D. Illegal wiretapping
• E. Unjustified police surveillance.
Pg 29 #45
Answer: A
When 18-20 year-olds received the right to vote in 1971, in the 1972 national elections
they did which of the following?• A. Voted overwhelmingly for Republican
candidates• B. Voted overwhelmingly for Democratic
candidates• C. Voted overwhelmingly for radical candidates• D. Turned out at a lower rate than the rest of the
electorate• E. Turned out at the same rate as the rest of the
electorate
Pg 29 #48
Answer: D
The Establishment Clause in the 1st Amendment does which of the following?
• A. Guarantees freedom of speech to all citizens
• B. Prevents prior restraint of the press
• C. Prohibits the setting up of a state church
• D. Defines the concept of dual citizenship
• E. Allows citizens to enter freely into contracts with other citizens
Pg 31 #59
Answer: C
Griswold v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade are similar Supreme Court cases in that both
cases are based on the
• A. Rights of gay men and lesbian women
• B. Right of privacy
• C. Right to an abortion
• D. Right to freedom from cruel and unusual punishment
• E. Right of women to equal protection before the law
Pg 31 #60
Answer: B
The government began to pursue civil rights
in the 1950’s when • A. Congress passed the Voting Rights Act• B. Civil rights activists marched on Washington to
demand government action• C. The Supreme Court declared segregation
unconstitutional• D. States agreed to discontinue their use of poll
taxes as a means of preventing people from voting• E. The president issued an executive order to
desegregate all public transportation
Preparing for the US Gov’t AP* Exam Pg. 208 #5
Answer: C
The Supreme Court has upheld which of the following in its interpretation of the freedom
of speech?• A. All forms of speech including obscenity are
protected under the 1st Amendment• B. The government cannot under any circumstances
censor information• C. Protest against the government are not protected
under the 1st Amendment• D. Forms of symbolic speech are protected under the
1st Amendment• E. The freedom of speech is guaranteed by Federal
Law, but it does not have to be upheld by the states.
Pg 212 #28
Answer: D
In Miranda v. Arizona, the Supreme Court
ruled that persons accused of a crime • A. cannot be denied bail.
• B. have the right to a fair trial.
• C. have rights during police questioning.
• D. have equal protection under the law
• E. cannot be searched illegally.
Pg 214 # 43
Answer: C
Regions of the University of California v. Bakke and Adarand Constructors v. Pena are
Supreme Court cases that addressed
• A. affirmative action
• B. prayer in school
• C. the rights of the accused
• D. the right of privacy
• E. desegregation through busing.
Pg. 217 #56
Answer: A
What principle protects citizens from being punished twice for the same crime?
• A. Trial by jury
• B. Presentment
• C. Double Jeopardy
• D. Self-incrimination
• E. Due Process
Government and Politics Test pg 138 #6
Answer: C
Opponents to the concept of comparable worth advocated by NOW and other women’s
rights groups would most likely argue that• A. Women have always had the same rights as
men.• B. They would increase expenses and make US
business less competitive• C. Women already earn as much as men.• D. Women are physically unable to do many of the
higher paying jobs.• E. It would take away from needed government
involvement in business
Pg. 147 #57
Answer: B
The Double Jeopardy Clause of the Federal Constitution protects the civil liberties of an
individual by• A. requiring that at least two witnesses defend the
accused in a juried trial.• B. prohibiting family members of a convicted
criminal from being punished for his or her crime.• C. making it illegal for a person to be arrested
without first being read his or her rights.• D. preventing an acquitted defendant from being
tried twice for the same criminal charge.• E. giving a criminal defendant the right to not
testify against him/herself.
Pg 157 #4
Answer: D
All the following Bill of Rights amendments, Supreme Court cases and descriptions are
grouped accurately EXCEPT• A. 1st Amendment, freedom of speech, Gitlow v.
New York• B. 4th Amendment, Exclusionary rule, Mapp v.
Ohio• C. 4th Amendment, protection from unreasonable
searches and seizures, Wolf v.Ohio• D. 5th Amendment, prohibition of double jeopardy,
Bakke v. University of California• E. 1st Amendment, freedom of press, Near v.
Minnesota
Pg 159 #16
Answer: D
What case established some limits on the 1st Amendment guarantee to worship freely?
• A. Wisconsin v. Yoder
• B. Reynolds v. United States
• C. Sherbert v. Verner
• D. Engle v. Vitale
• E. Widmer v. Vincent
Pg. 156 #52
Answer: B
All the following amendments protect the right of due process EXCEPT
• A. 4th Amendment
• B. 5th Amendment
• C. 6th Amendment
• D. 8th Amendment
• E. 10th Amendment
Pg. 166 #55
Answer: E
If you have read through all of these questions and studied your review book then you should have nothing to worry about on the test.
Good Luck!!!!
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