Have an account?
Skip to Content
Build your own quiz
90 questions
Show Answers
See Preview
- 1. Multiple ChoiceThe importance of Shay’s Rebellion to the development of the Constitution of the United States Constitution was that itrevealed the necessity of both adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution and creating a new system of checks and balancesdemonstrated the intensity of antiratification sentiment within the thirteen statesindicated that a strong, constitutionally designed national government was needed to protect property and maintain orderreinforced the idea that slavery should be outlawed in the new Constitution
- 2. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is true of amicus curiae briefs?They are used by interest groups to lobby courtsThey are used exclusively by liberal interest groupsThey are used exclusively by conservative interest groupsThey are now unconstitutional
- 3. Multiple ChoiceIn the Constitution as originally ratified in 1788, the provisions regarding which of the following most closely approximate popular, majoritarian democracy?Election of members of the House of RepresentativesElection of members of the SenateElection of the PresidentRatification of treaties
- 4. Multiple ChoiceThe term “iron triangle” refers to the interrelationship of thepresident, Congress, and the Supreme Courtelectorate, Congress, and political action committeeslocal, state, and federal governmentsfederal bureaucracy, congressional committees, and lobbyists
- 5. Multiple ChoiceAll of the following powers are granted to the President by the Constitution EXCEPTcommissioning officers in the armed forcesreceiving ambassadorsgranting pardons for federal offensesforming new cabinet-level departments
- 6. Multiple ChoiceA major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate isfilibusters are possible only in the Houserevenue bills must originate in the Senateeach state has equal representation in the House but not in the Senatethere is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House
- 7. Multiple ChoiceAgreement among four justices on the Supreme Court is always sufficent todecide the outcome of the casewrite a majority opinionset a precedentaccept a case for consideration
- 8. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is true of nominees for federal judgeships?They are recruited from the current pool of United States attorneysThey are nominated by the SenateThey are elected in popular electionsThey are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate
- 9. Multiple Choice
In selecting members of the White House staff who do not require Senate confirmation, President’s primarily seek people who
are personally loyal to the President
give the White House ideological balance
have extensive governmental experience
can bring a nonpartisan perspective to policy deliberations
- 10. Multiple ChoiceThose who believe that the Supreme Court in its rulings should defer to the elective institutions of government are advocating“Social Darwinism”“judicial activism”“judicial restraint”“incorporation”
- 11. Multiple ChoiceThe minimum age of a member of the House is25303518
- 12. Multiple ChoiceStates are authorized to redraw congressional districts following each U.S. Census and often create districts favorable to the party in power in a process calledrealignmentgerrymanderingreapportionmentlogrolling
- 13. Multiple ChoiceCongressional committees and subcommittees existto acquire the information needed to pass meaningful and comprehensive legislationto offer important political posts to influential representatives and senatorsto consolidate power in the majority partyto streamline the ever-growing legislative process
- 14. Multiple ChoiceWhich committee in the House of Representatives is an instrument of the majority party to control debate on the floor?Rules CommitteeConference CommitteeSteering CommitteeWays and Means Committee
- 15. Multiple ChoiceWho are the representatives in each party that form the communication network that bring each party together?Majority leadersMinority leadersCommittee chairsWhips
- 16. Multiple ChoiceWhat congressional institution audits and reports on programs and agencies?Inspector generalsThe Office of Mandatory ReportsCongressional Budget Office (CBO)Governmental Accountability Office (GBO)
- 17. Multiple ChoiceThe actions of members of Congress receive little attention from the general public becausemost people don't pay attentionmaking laws is all that matters to most citizensmost people do not appreciate the talent and skills of politiciansall of the above
- 18. Multiple ChoiceA _____ is a temporary committee established to deal with issues that either overlap or fall outside the areas of expertise of standing committees.standingconferencejointselect
- 19. Multiple ChoiceEvery two years, _____ of the Senate must stand for reelectionone-halfthree-quarterstwo-thirdsone-third
- 20. Multiple ChoiceUntil 1913, U.S. senators were selected bythe peoplethe House of Representativesstate legislaturesthe Electoral College
- 21. Multiple ChoiceIf the president neither signs nor vetoes a bill within 10 days while Congress is in session, the billis pocket vetoedbecomes lawis killedis sent back to Congress
- 22. Multiple ChoiceA congressional committee that holds a hearing to determine whether the Department of Agriculture is administering the food stamp program as Congress intended is engaging inlegislative oversightagenda settingmicro-investigationpork barrel spending
- 23. Multiple ChoiceThe most powerful person in the Senate is theVice PresidentPresident Pro TemporeMajority LeaderSergeant-At-Arms
- 24. Multiple ChoiceThe franking privilegecontributes to the incumbency advantageallows the Speaker of the House unlimited powerallows the president to veto billswas abolished in 2004 by the Supreme Court
- 25. Multiple ChoiceThe congressional system of standing committees is significant because itfosters the development of expertise by membershelps Congress produces staff costsweakens Congress in its dealings with the Presidentinsulates decision-making from the influence of special interests
- 26. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is empowered to create new federal courts and specify the number of judges who will sit on them?The Supreme CourtCongressThe Presidenthe Department of Justice
- 27. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is a way Congress can influence the federal judiciary?It can prohibit judicial activism.
It can change appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.
It can filibuster decisions made by courts.It can exercise oversight authority over rulings of individual justices. - 28. Multiple ChoiceThe trading of votes between legislators so that each legislator gets what s/he wants.LogrollingPork-barrellingClotureFilibustering
- 29. Multiple ChoiceSenate bills are subject to unlimited debate unless 3/5 of the Senate (60 Senators) votes for...FilibusterRidershipVetoCloture
- 30. Multiple ChoiceWhich is not a major function of Congress?EnforcementOversightLawmakingRepresentation
- 31. Multiple ChoiceWho typically wins a Congressional election?IncumbentsFormer SenatorsFormer House RepresentativesPolitical Newcomers
- 32. Multiple ChoiceWhen a version of a bill is passed in the House and different version is passed in the Senate, it goes to...The Majority LeaderServicingThe PresidentConference Committee
- 33. Multiple ChoiceWhen a member of Congress gets a project passed that will bring jobs or other benefits to her district/state, it's called...RidingPork-Barrel SpendingServicingGerrymandering
- 34. Multiple ChoiceThis is an amendment to a Senate bill that deals with an issue unrelated to the content of the bill.ClotureRiderPork-BarrelOption
- 35. Multiple ChoiceA person who lives in the district or state being represented in Congress is called a/anServiced CitizenConstituentVoterRider
- 36. Multiple ChoiceMost legislation introduced in Congressis passedis vetoednever makes it out of committeegets stuck in conference committee
- 37. Multiple ChoiceThe Framers of the Constitution assumed that most national power would be held by theexecutive branch.legislative branch.Department of Defense.judicial branch
- 38. Multiple ChoiceThe necessary and proper clausehas provided the basis for an expanded role of the national government.has greatly expanded the presidential powers.was in the original Constitution, but was eliminated as a consequence of the Twenty-Seventh Amendment.is located in the Constitution in the text of the Tenth Amendment.
- 39. Multiple ChoiceMembers of Congress are granted generous franking privileges thatpermit them to mail letters to their constituents for free.allow them to charge items to a special expense account.allow members unlimited phone calls to their district without charge.permit them to receive four, round-trip airfares to their district.
- 40. Multiple ChoiceGerrymandering islegislation passed in southern states to limit African American participation in elections.the drawing of legislative district boundary lines to give the dominant party an advantage.known to give the minority party an electoral advantage at the expense of the dominant party.a process that attempts to limit debate on a bill in the Senate.
- 41. Multiple ChoiceThe president of the Senate isthe leader of the majority party in the Senate.the senator with the most seniority, regardless of party.the fourth person in line to succeed the president.the vice president of the United States.
- 42. Multiple ChoiceAccording to the Constitution, the minimum age to be a Senator is25303540
- 43. Multiple ChoiceHow long must you be a U.S. citizen to serve in the House of Representatives?7 years9 years3 years5 years
- 44. Multiple ChoiceWhich describes a standing committee of Congress?Committees on which both senators and representatives serve.Congressional committees appointed for a specific purpose, such as the Watergate investigation.Permanent committees found in both houses of Congress that are responsible for legislation and oversight within a specific policy areaSmall committees within another committee of Congress designed to specialize in a sub-category
- 45. Multiple ChoiceThe necessary and proper clause is outlined in which section of Article I?section 3section 5section 8section 9
- 46. Multiple ChoiceWho is next in line to become President of the United States if the Vice President is unable to take over?Majority Leader of the SenatePresident of the SenatePresident pro tempore of the SenateSpeaker of the House
- 47. Multiple ChoiceRepresentation in the House of Representatives isequal for each statebased on each state's populationconstant throughout the yearsthe same as the number of electors in the Electoral College
- 48. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is NOT a formal qualification for the Presidency?Must be at least 35 years oldMust be a 'natural born Citizen' of the United StatesMust have extensive prior political experienceMust have lived in the United States for at least 14 years
- 49. Multiple ChoiceAccording to the 25th Amendment, a President can servea maximum of 10 consecutive yearsthree consecutive termsan unlimited number of termsonly a and b above
- 50. Multiple ChoiceA formal duty assigned to the Vice President by the Constitution is tocall Cabinet meetingschoose the Secretary of Statepreside over the Housepreside over the Senate
- 51. Multiple ChoiceIf the Presidency becomes vacant due to death or resignationthe Speaker of the House becomes Presidentthe Pro-Tem of the Senate becomes Presidentthe Vice President becomes Presidentthere is an election to choose a new President
- 52. Multiple ChoiceIn the Electoral College, each statehas equal representationhas the number of electors as it has in Congressgets one vote for Presidenthas the power to impeach candidates
- 53. Multiple ChoiceOne of the major flaws in the Electoral College system is thatthe winner of the popular vote is not guaranteed the Presidencythe incumbent President is usually reelectedthe majority party in Congress has an advantage when the electorate voteselectors are required to vote according to the wishes of their constituency
- 54. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following has NOT worked to strengthen the powers of the Presidency?the influences of strong Presidentsthe demands of the American people for strong leadershipthe Constitutional system of checks and balancesthe need for decisive action during national emergencies
- 55. Multiple ChoiceTelevision and radio are regulated by theFederal Deposit Insurance CorporationDepartment of Health & Human ServicesFederal Communications CommissionSecurities & Exchange Commission
- 56. Multiple ChoiceThe spoils system isthe practice of hiring the most qualified candidates for federal jobsthe practice of giving offices and other favors of government to friends and supporterscompletely unrelated to the practice of patronagea democratic means of filling offices
- 57. Multiple ChoiceCongress can declare that the President is unable to perform his duties ifthe President vetoes too many billsthe Vice President and Cabinet inform Congress of the President's disability2/3 of the state legislature vote for changethe Supreme Court rules the President is disabled
- 58. Multiple ChoiceOver time, the number of Executive Departments grew in large part becausePresidents wanted more secretaries in the Cabinetthe major political parties voted to expand the number of executive departmentsthe regional offices were closed and Departments opened up in Washingtonthe workload of the Federal Government expanded as the country grew
- 59. Multiple ChoiceThe President exercises legislative power over Congress byrecommending legislationpreventing a bill from coming before the Presidentroutinely telling Congress when it must adjournroutinely telling Congress when it must meet
- 60. Multiple ChoiceThe President can negotiate treaties, buttreaties don't take effect until 3/4 of the states ratify itthe Senate must ratify treatiesthe House of Representatives must ratify treatiesthe Supreme Court ratifies treaties
- 61. Multiple ChoiceThe President can send troops overseasOnce Congress has approved the actiononly after Congress has declared warpending Congress' approval after a 48 hour periodat his own discretion
- 62. Multiple ChoiceWhat happens when the office of Vice President is vacant?Special election is heldHouse of Representatives appoints new VPPresident appoints new VPSupreme Court appoints new VP
- 63. Multiple ChoiceWhat would be required to change the Electoral College?3/4 vote in CongressConstitutional AmendmentMajority of popular voteExecutive order
- 64. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is NOT a role of the US President?Chief of StateChief of JudiciaryChief ExecutiveCommander in Chief
- 65. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is NOT a role of the US President?Chief LegislatorChief AdministratorChief DiplomatChief Attorney
- 66. Multiple ChoiceThis is a term for the group of the President’s closest advisors.faithless electorsexecutive ordersbureaucracycabinet
- 67. Multiple ChoiceRonald Reagan fires 11,000 federal air traffic controllers when they go on strike.Chief ExecutiveChief LegislatorChief of StateChief Administrator
- 68. Multiple ChoiceGeorge W. Bush works out a trade agreement with the Japanese Prime Minister.Chief DiplomatChief LegislatorChief CitizenCommander in Chief
- 69. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is an example of checks and balances in action in the United States government?The House and Senate cannot agree on the same version of a bill to send to the president.The president issues an executive order that freezes federal government hiring.The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress.The voters reject the status quo and elect all new members of Congress.
- 70. Multiple Choice
How many cabinet departments currently exist?12151022 - 71. Multiple ChoiceWhat is the name of the diagram shown in this image?Steel UnionCoalition AgreementIron TriangleSolid Partnership
- 72. Multiple ChoiceWhich one of the following is an example of a regulatory agency?NASANSAUSPSEPA
- 73. Multiple ChoiceGiving jobs to your friends in government because they supported your election efforts is know as:merit based systemPendleton Actpatronageappropriations
- 74. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is a way the legislative branch can check the powers of the bureaucracy?fire civil servantsdefund programsimpeach the presidentdeclare bureaucratic actions unconstitutional
- 75. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following best describes bureaucracy?the people and organizations who execute the actions of governmentoutside groups who donate money to political campaignscommittees in Congress who provide services for the American peopleALL OF THE ABOVE
- 76. Multiple ChoiceA whistleblower isa worker who does not accomplish his or her tasks by the end of the day.someone who brings public attention to gross governmental inefficiency or illegal action.a worker hired in excess of the labor requirements of an agency.someone who leaks contents of a presidential speech to the press before it is given.
- 77. Multiple ChoiceA writ of certiorari by the Supreme Court ordersboth parties in a case to reach agreement without further litigation.state courts to abide by the decisions of the Supreme Court.a lower court to send up the record of a case for review.Congress to rewrite unconstitutional legislation.
- 78. Multiple ChoiceA written opinion of the Supreme Court is best defined asa press release.advice to the President.the Court's ruling on the issue presented, its reasoning, and applicable law.a ruling when it hears oral arguments.
- 79. Multiple ChoiceA Supreme Court justice who disagrees with the majority opinion mayask the Court to hear the case again.send the case back to a lower court.write a dissenting opinion.file an amicus curiae brief.
- 80. Multiple ChoiceOnce appointed to a judgeship, federal judgescannot be removed from their position for any reason.must face annual performance reviews.hold that job for life.must face recall elections every 10 years.
- 81. Multiple ChoiceThe concept of senatorial courtesy refers to theSenate approving judges only if they belong to the same party that is in control of the Senate.practice of allowing senators to have the exclusive right to nominate candidates for the federal district courts in their state.Senate's deferring to the president and routinely approving his or her nominees.practice of allowing a senator to veto a judicial appointment for federal district courts in his or her state.
- 82. Multiple ChoiceThe power of the courts to determine whether a law or action is constitutional is calledjudicial review.appellate review of fact.precedent.habeas corpus.
- 83. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following best describes judicial activism?The Supreme Court should review as many cases as they can.The federal judiciary should actively check the activities of governmental bodies when they exceed their authority.The Supreme Court exercises judicial review.The courts should not play politics.
- 84. Multiple ChoiceWhat doctrine rests on the assumption that the courts should defer to the decisions made by the legislative and executive branches.judicial restraint.judicial activism.habeas corpus.the rule of four.
- 85. Multiple ChoiceWhat is jurisdiction?The ability to hear and appeals case.The ability to hear the original court trial.The authority to hear certain cases.The right of a judge to dictate the sentence of a criminal.
- 86. Multiple ChoiceWhich court case gave the judicial branch the power of judicial review?McCulloch v. MarylandBrown v. Board of EducationPlessy v. FergusonMarbury v. Madison
- 87. Multiple ChoiceWhich Supreme Court justice ruled that the Supreme Court has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?John MarshallThurgood MarshalSandra Day O'ConnorEarl Warren
- 88. Multiple ChoiceWhat is the dissenting opinion of the Supreme Court?The winning opinion of a Supreme Court ruling.The opinion of the Supreme Court law clerks.The Supreme Court opinion that is buried underground.The losing opinion of a supreme court ruling.
- 89. Multiple ChoiceHow does the executive branch "check" the Supreme Court?appointing members of Congress to committeeappointing Supreme Court justicesappointing members to The Cabinetappointing The Speaker of the House
- 90. Multiple ChoiceWhat is judicial review?judges serve for a term of "good behavior" (life)higher courts can hear the cases of lower courtsthe president can remove federal judges from the benchthe ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional
- Answer choicesTagsAnswer choicesTags