State and Local Governments

1.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

State constitutions today share which of the following features?

No system of checks and balances

complicated procedures for amendment

separation of powers

vague description of state institutions

2.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

One of the ways in which state governments regulate business is by

ensuring competition

licencing requirements for professionals

chartering corporations

all of the above

3.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Article_________ of the U.S. Constitution governs the federal/state relationship

VI (sixth)

II (second)

IV (fourth)

I (first)

4.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Which of the following is NOT a category of state political culture in the United States?

collectivistic

individualistic

traditionalistic

moralistic

5.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

A plural executive is formed when __________.

there are several officials that fill the executive administrative function

there is a governor with a split personality

the legislature elects a committee of co-governors

a tie in the election produces a 50-50 split in the vote between two candidates

6.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Under the Missouri Plan, state judges are selected by __________.

the governor

a combination of all three methods

a panel of legal experts

the state electorate

7.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Which of the following functions are local governments responsible for meeting?

education

space exploration

national security

mail delivery

8.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

In 2007, there were almost __________ local governments in the United States.

89,500

none

50

one

9.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Local governments get the least amount of funding from which of the following?

state government

property tax

sales tax

income tax

10.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

The current trend of "devolution" is an example of __________.

creating multiple levels of government

strengthening national government control over political decision-making

maintaining a balance between markets and government regulation

trying to give control over certain issues from the federal government back to state and local government

11.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

The sovereign status of Native American tribes is known as __________.

Native American tribes do not have sovereign status

local governments

domestic dependent nations

states

12.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Territorial governments have popularly elected officials __________.

some of the time

none of the time

all of the time

impossible to determine

13.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Federalism allows increased _________.

citizen participation and self-governance

efficient delivery of public services

innovation and choice of public service programs

all of the above

14.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

The Constitution's preservation of state governments is accomplished through __________.

federalism

theocracy

communism

none of the above

15.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

The American colonies decided to make their new states republics because __________.

they believed that a republic was the best model to safeguard individual rights, mitigate tyranny, and keep government accountable to the public

they wanted to follow the model of their ally, France

they believed that a republic was the only government that could effectively govern large areas

they wanted to emulate the government of Great Britain

16.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Which was NOT a precedent that led state constitution writers to include the idea of separation of powers in the first state constitutions?

colonial government

the writings of Montesquieu

British tradition

the U.S. Constitution

17.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Over which of the following domains of governance do state governments NOT have authority?

provide for the common defense of the country

regulation of business and industry

supervision of county and city government

enforcement of laws regarding the public safety

18.

Multiple Select

30 sec

1 pt

The most likely reason for a state to provide specialized law enforcement agencies is __________.

to centralize information

to provide efficient operation of government and reduce costs to deliver police services to the public

both "a" and "b"

neither "a" nor "b"

19.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Which of the following is a reasonable explanation for the ease with which some state constitutions can be amended?

Issues at the state level are less important and complicated than at the national level.

State constitutions can be amended by a state referendum.

Changes in society have pushed states to give their governments more power and responsibility.

People are fickle and change their minds often.

20.

Multiple Choice

30 sec

1 pt

Explanations for the diversity of political cultures across states varies include __________.

political cultures of states do not vary

different historical paths of social and economic development

federally mandated cultural programs require states to be diverse

cities within states compete to lead political culture

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