1.
Bureaucracy is the name given to
Correct Answer
A. A large organization, structured hierarchically, that carries out specific functions.
Explanation
Bureaucracy is defined as a large organization that is structured hierarchically and carries out specific functions. This means that it is a formal system of organization and administration designed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in achieving goals. Bureaucracies are characterized by a clear chain of command, division of labor, and adherence to rules and procedures. They are commonly found in government agencies and large corporations, and their purpose is to streamline processes and ensure that tasks are carried out in a systematic and organized manner.
2.
One of the important differences between public bureaucracies and private corporations is that government bureaucracies
Correct Answer
A. Are not organized to make a profit, while private corporations are.
Explanation
Public bureaucracies are not organized to make a profit, while private corporations are. This means that the primary goal of government bureaucracies is to serve the public and fulfill their responsibilities, rather than generating financial gains. On the other hand, private corporations aim to maximize profits for their shareholders and owners. This fundamental difference in organizational objectives shapes the decision-making processes, priorities, and overall functioning of these two entities.
3.
The number of federal government employees has
Correct Answer
B. Remained relatively stable for the last several decades.
Explanation
The correct answer is "remained relatively stable for the last several decades." This means that the number of federal government employees has not seen significant increases or decreases over the past several decades.
4.
Today, government spending accounts for about _____ of the U.S. gross domestic product.
Correct Answer
D. 40%
Explanation
The correct answer is 40%. This means that government spending makes up 40% of the total value of goods and services produced in the United States. This includes spending on things like healthcare, education, defense, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. Government spending plays a significant role in the economy, as it can stimulate growth and provide essential services to the population.
5.
The cabinet departments are
Correct Answer
D. The fifteen major departments of the executive branch.
Explanation
The correct answer is the fifteen major departments of the executive branch. This is because the cabinet departments are the primary units of the executive branch of the government responsible for carrying out specific functions and policies. They are headed by a secretary who is a member of the President's cabinet. There are currently fifteen cabinet departments in the United States government, each with its own area of responsibility and jurisdiction.
6.
The cabinet departments, in terms of organization, are
Correct Answer
A. Directly accountable to the president.
Explanation
The correct answer is directly accountable to the president. Cabinet departments are part of the executive branch of the government and are headed by secretaries who are appointed by the president. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing policies and programs of the president. As such, they are directly accountable to the president for their actions and decisions.
7.
Independent executive agencies are
Correct Answer
C. Not part of cabinet departments but report directly to the president.
Explanation
Independent executive agencies are not part of cabinet departments but report directly to the president. This means that they operate independently from the cabinet departments and have a direct line of communication and accountability to the president. Unlike cabinet departments, which are headed by secretaries and are part of the executive branch, independent executive agencies have their own leadership and are not under the direct control of the president.
8.
_____ were set up because Congress felt it was unable to handle the complexities and technicalities required to carry out specific laws in the public interest.
Correct Answer
C. Independent regulatory agencies
Explanation
Independent regulatory agencies were set up because Congress felt it was unable to handle the complexities and technicalities required to carry out specific laws in the public interest. These agencies are designed to regulate and oversee specific industries or sectors, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They have the authority to create and enforce regulations, conduct investigations, and ensure compliance with the law. By being independent from Congress, these agencies can focus on their specific area of expertise and make decisions based on technical knowledge and expertise.
9.
_____ is when an industry that is being regulated gains control over the agency that is supposed to regulate it.
Correct Answer
B. Capture
Explanation
Capture refers to a situation where an industry that is being regulated gains control over the agency that is supposed to regulate it. This can occur through various means, such as lobbying, bribery, or the revolving door phenomenon, where industry insiders move into positions of power within the regulatory agency. When capture happens, the regulated industry is able to influence and manipulate the regulatory process to serve its own interests, often at the expense of the public or consumers.
10.
Government corporations and private corporations are different in all of the following ways except
Correct Answer
E. Government corporations do not perform a particular economic function.
Explanation
Private corporations and government corporations are different in several ways. Private corporations must pay taxes, while government corporations do not have to make a profit. Private corporations have stockholders, while government corporations do not perform a particular economic function. Additionally, you cannot invest in a government corporation. Therefore, the only statement that is not a difference between government and private corporations is that government corporations do not perform a particular economic function.
11.
Some people argued that the government should _____ banks, or take them over completely, in order to prevent them from becoming so-called "zombie banks."
Correct Answer
E. Nationalize
Explanation
Some people argued that the government should nationalize banks, or take them over completely, in order to prevent them from becoming so-called "zombie banks." Nationalizing banks would mean that the government would have full control and ownership over them, allowing them to make decisions and take actions to prevent them from failing and becoming unproductive or inactive, hence avoiding the creation of "zombie banks." This would ensure that the banks are properly managed and regulated by the government to protect the economy and the interests of the public.
12.
The spoils system is
Correct Answer
D. The awarding of government jobs to political supporters and friends.
Explanation
The correct answer is "the awarding of government jobs to political supporters and friends." The spoils system refers to the practice of giving government positions to individuals based on their political loyalty rather than their qualifications or merit. This system has been criticized for promoting corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency within the federal bureaucracy. It allows politicians to reward their supporters and friends with government jobs, which can undermine the overall effectiveness and professionalism of the government.
13.
The selection and promotion of government employees on the basis of examinations is a result of the
Correct Answer
C. Merit system.
Explanation
The selection and promotion of government employees on the basis of examinations is a result of the merit system. This system ensures that individuals are hired and promoted based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities rather than political connections or favoritism. It aims to create a fair and transparent process that allows the most qualified individuals to serve in government positions.
14.
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978
Correct Answer
A. Created the Office of Personnel Management and the Merit Systems Protection Board.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 created the Office of Personnel Management and the Merit Systems Protection Board. This act was enacted to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government's personnel system. The Office of Personnel Management was established to oversee the federal workforce and ensure fair and merit-based hiring practices. The Merit Systems Protection Board was created to protect federal employees from prohibited personnel practices and provide a neutral forum for hearing appeals and complaints.
15.
The "Government in the Sunshine Act" required that
Correct Answer
A. All federal agencies that are run by committees conduct their business regularly in public session.
Explanation
The "Government in the Sunshine Act" requires federal agencies that are run by committees to conduct their business regularly in public session. This means that these agencies must hold their meetings in a public setting, allowing for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. This requirement ensures that the public has access to information and can participate in the democratic process by being aware of and informed about the actions and decisions made by these agencies.
16.
The concept of privatization refers to
Correct Answer
B. The replacement of government services with services provided by private firms.
Explanation
The concept of privatization refers to the replacement of government services with services provided by private firms. This means that instead of the government directly providing certain services such as healthcare, education, or transportation, these services are outsourced to private companies. The goal of privatization is often to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and introduce competition into sectors that were previously monopolized by the government.
17.
A whistleblower is a person who
Correct Answer
B. Brings to public attention gross governmental inefficiency or illegal action.
Explanation
A whistleblower is a person who brings to public attention gross governmental inefficiency or illegal action. This means that a whistleblower is someone who exposes wrongdoing or misconduct within a government organization, whether it is inefficiency or illegal activities. They play a crucial role in holding government accountable and ensuring transparency.
18.
A statute enacted by Congress that authorizes the creation of an administrative agency is
Correct Answer
B. Enabling legislation.
Explanation
Enabling legislation refers to a statute passed by Congress that grants authority to create an administrative agency. This legislation outlines the agency's purpose, powers, and responsibilities. It serves as the legal basis for the agency's existence and operations. An appropriations authorization, on the other hand, pertains to the allocation of funds for a specific purpose. An executive order is a directive issued by the President, while statutory authorization refers to the approval of a law by the legislative branch. The Civil Service Act of 1978 is unrelated to the creation of administrative agencies.
19.
A major power that Congress has over the federal bureaucaracy is the
Correct Answer
B. Authority to authorize or appropriate funds for particular agencies.
Explanation
Congress has the authority to authorize or appropriate funds for particular agencies. This means that Congress has the power to allocate money to specific government agencies, determining how much funding each agency will receive. By controlling the purse strings, Congress can influence the functioning and priorities of the federal bureaucracy. This power allows Congress to shape the policies and activities of the agencies by either increasing or decreasing their funding.
20.
All of the following ar among the ten categories the government is exempted from having to rulease under the Freedom of Information Act, except
Correct Answer
E. Marriage records.
Explanation
The government is exempted from releasing classified material, confidential material on trade secrets, internal personnel rules, and personal medical files under the Freedom of Information Act. However, marriage records are not included in the categories that the government is exempted from releasing.
21.
Alexis de Tocqueville, an observer of nineteenth-century American society, indicated that Americans rely on courts
Correct Answer
A. To resolve political questions.
Explanation
Alexis de Tocqueville, a nineteenth-century observer of American society, believed that Americans turn to courts to resolve political questions. This implies that Americans see the judicial system as a means of settling disputes and making decisions on matters related to politics. The other options are not supported by the information given and do not align with Tocqueville's observations.
22.
A court rule bearing on subsequent legal decisions in similar cases is
Correct Answer
A. A precedent.
Explanation
A court rule bearing on subsequent legal decisions in similar cases is called a precedent. Precedents are established when a court makes a decision on a particular legal issue, and these decisions serve as a guide for future cases with similar facts or legal principles. Precedents help maintain consistency and predictability in the legal system and are an important part of common law systems. They provide guidance to judges and lawyers in interpreting and applying the law in similar cases, ensuring fairness and equality in the legal process.
23.
Sources of American law include all of the following except
Correct Answer
E. The Charter of the United Nations.
Explanation
The sources of American law include the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions, statutes, and administrative regulations. However, the Charter of the United Nations is not considered a source of American law. The Charter of the United Nations is an international treaty that establishes the principles and structure of the United Nations, which is a separate entity from the American legal system. Therefore, it is not included as a source of American law.
24.
The federal court derives its power from
Correct Answer
A. Article III of the Constitution.
Explanation
The federal court derives its power from Article III of the Constitution. This article establishes the judicial branch of the federal government and outlines the powers and jurisdiction of the federal courts. It grants the courts the authority to interpret and apply the law, hear cases involving federal laws and the Constitution, and resolve disputes between states and between individuals and the federal government. The power of the federal court is derived directly from this constitutional provision, making it the correct answer.
25.
A question that has to do with the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress, or treaties is known as a _____ question.
Correct Answer
C. Federal
Explanation
A question that has to do with the U.S. Constitution, acts of Congress, or treaties is known as a federal question. This term refers to legal matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government rather than individual state governments. Federal questions are typically resolved in federal courts and involve issues of constitutional interpretation or federal law.
26.
A justiciable controversy
Correct Answer
B. Is a controversy that is real and substantial as opposed to hypothetical or academic.
Explanation
A justiciable controversy refers to a real and substantial controversy rather than a hypothetical or academic one. It implies a dispute that can be resolved by a court, involving actual legal rights and claims. This term is used to distinguish cases that are suitable for judicial review from those that are not. In the context of concurring opinions, a justiciable controversy forms the basis for such opinions because it represents a genuine legal issue that the judges agree on, even if they have different reasoning or approaches to the case.
27.
Interest groups play an important role in our judicial system because
Correct Answer
D. They bring to trial cases of discrimination, civil liberties cases, and more than a third of cases involving business matters.
28.
A class-action suit is a
Correct Answer
C. Lawsuit seeking damages for "all persons similarly situated."
Explanation
A class-action suit is a type of lawsuit where a group of individuals who have suffered similar harm or have similar legal claims collectively file a lawsuit seeking damages for "all persons similarly situated." This means that instead of each individual filing separate lawsuits, they join together as a class to pursue their claims more efficiently and effectively. By doing so, they can pool their resources, share the costs and risks of litigation, and have a stronger voice in seeking justice and compensation for their grievances.
29.
Tax courts and bankruptcy courts are examples of
Correct Answer
C. Courts of limited jurisdiction.
Explanation
Tax courts and bankruptcy courts are examples of courts of limited jurisdiction because they have specific subject matter jurisdiction and can only hear cases related to tax or bankruptcy issues. These courts do not have general jurisdiction to hear a wide range of cases like general jurisdiction courts. Appellate courts hear appeals from lower courts, territorial courts have jurisdiction over specific territories, and international courts handle disputes between countries.
30.
According to the Constitution, the Supreme Court can exercise original jurisdiction
Correct Answer
E. In cases affecting foreign diplomats and in cases in which a state is a party.
Explanation
The correct answer is "in cases affecting foreign diplomats and in cases in which a state is a party." This is because the Constitution grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in cases involving foreign diplomats, meaning that these cases can be brought directly to the Supreme Court without going through lower courts. Additionally, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases where a state is a party, meaning that a state can bring a case directly to the Supreme Court.
31.
Of the total number of cases that are decided each year, those reviewed by the Supreme Court represent
Correct Answer
B. Less than one case in four thousand.
Explanation
The correct answer is "less than one case in four thousand." This means that out of the total number of cases decided each year, only a very small fraction, specifically less than one case out of every four thousand cases, are reviewed by the Supreme Court. This indicates that the Supreme Court's involvement is extremely limited and selective, as they only choose to review a very small number of cases.
32.
A procedure use by the Supreme Court to determine which cases it will hear is called
Correct Answer
A. The rule of four.
Explanation
The correct answer is "the rule of four." The rule of four is a procedure used by the Supreme Court to determine which cases it will hear. It states that if four out of the nine justices agree to hear a case, then the Court will grant a writ of certiorari and the case will be heard. This rule ensures that the Court's docket is limited to cases that have the support of a significant number of justices, preventing the Court from being overwhelmed with cases.
33.
The reasoning upon which a court ruling was based is
Correct Answer
C. The opinion.
Explanation
The correct answer is "the opinion." In a court ruling, the opinion refers to the written explanation of the court's decision. It outlines the legal reasoning, analysis of facts, and interpretation of the law that led to the final judgment. The opinion is crucial as it provides guidance and establishes precedent for future cases. It allows the court to explain and justify its decision, ensuring transparency and accountability in the judicial process.
34.
A justice who agrees with the result reached by the majority of the Court but wants to voice disapproval of the grounds on which the decision was made would write
Correct Answer
E. A concurring opinion.
Explanation
A justice who agrees with the result reached by the majority of the Court but wants to voice disapproval of the grounds on which the decision was made would write a concurring opinion. This allows the justice to express their agreement with the outcome while also providing their own separate reasoning or critique of the majority's rationale. It gives them the opportunity to highlight any disagreements or concerns they may have with the majority's decision-making process or legal analysis.
35.
When all Supreme Court justices agree to an opinion, it is known as a _____ opinion.
Correct Answer
D. Unanimous
Explanation
When all Supreme Court justices agree to an opinion, it is known as a unanimous opinion. This means that all the justices have reached a consensus and are in complete agreement on the decision or ruling.
36.
In the twenty-first century, Senate Republicans implemented a policy that
Correct Answer
E. Members of the opposition party, the Democrats, would not be allowed to invoke senatorial courtesy.
Explanation
The given correct answer states that members of the opposition party, the Democrats, would not be allowed to invoke senatorial courtesy. Senatorial courtesy is a long-standing tradition in the Senate where the President consults with Senators from the nominee's home state before making a judicial appointment. This tradition allows Senators to have input and influence over judicial nominations. If members of the opposition party, the Democrats, are not allowed to invoke senatorial courtesy, it means that they would not have a say or influence in the appointment process, giving the President and the majority party more control over judicial nominations.
37.
Almost _____ percent of presidential nominations to the Supreme Court have been either rejected or not acted on by the Senate.
Correct Answer
C. 20
Explanation
Approximately 20 percent of presidential nominations to the Supreme Court have been either rejected or not acted on by the Senate. This suggests that a significant portion of nominees have faced opposition or have not been able to proceed in the confirmation process.
38.
The judicial philosophy that looks to the context and purpose of a law when making an interpretation is _____ construction.
Correct Answer
C. Broad
Explanation
Broad construction refers to a judicial philosophy that interprets laws in a way that gives the government more power and flexibility. It focuses on the overall purpose and intent of the law, rather than strictly adhering to the literal language. This approach allows for a broader interpretation of the law, giving the judiciary more discretion in applying it to different situations.
39.
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is an example of
Correct Answer
E. An action by Congress to overturn a Supreme Court ruling.
Explanation
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was a law passed by Congress in 2009. It was enacted in response to a Supreme Court ruling that limited the time period in which an employee could file a pay discrimination claim. The act effectively overturned the Supreme Court's ruling and extended the time period for filing such claims. Therefore, the correct answer is that it was an action by Congress to overturn a Supreme Court ruling.
40.
An issue that the court believes should be decided by the executive or legislative branch is a
Correct Answer
C. Political question.
Explanation
A political question refers to an issue that the court believes should be decided by the executive or legislative branch rather than the judiciary. This typically involves matters that are inherently political in nature, such as foreign policy, impeachment proceedings, or the regulation of political processes. The court recognizes that it is not the appropriate body to make decisions on these matters and defers to the other branches of government.
41.
Domestic policy
Correct Answer
C. Can be defined as all the laws, government planning, and government actions that concern internal issues of national importance.
42.
Agenda building is
Correct Answer
A. The process of making Congress aware that an issue requires congressional action.
Explanation
Agenda building refers to the process of bringing attention to an issue and making Congress aware that it needs to be addressed through legislative action. It involves highlighting the importance and urgency of the issue, gathering support from stakeholders, and advocating for its inclusion in the legislative agenda. This process aims to prioritize certain issues and ensure that they receive the necessary attention and consideration from lawmakers.
43.
In 2002, during the boom in the housing market, mortgage originators increasingly approved loan applications from individuals who had unstable incomes, low incomes, or no incomes at all because
Correct Answer
C. They knew they could sell the risky mortgages to someone else.
Explanation
During the housing market boom in 2002, mortgage originators approved loan applications from individuals with unstable, low, or no incomes because they knew they could sell these risky mortgages to someone else. This suggests that the mortgage originators were not concerned about the potential risks associated with lending to unqualified individuals, as they believed they could transfer the burden of these loans to another party.
44.
The part of the policy making process that involves choosing a specific policy from among the proposals that have been discussed is policy
Correct Answer
C. Adoption
Explanation
The correct answer is adoption. Adoption refers to the stage in the policy making process where a specific policy is chosen from the various proposals that have been discussed. This involves selecting and approving a policy that will be implemented. The other options, such as formulation, implementation, choices, and determination, do not accurately describe this particular stage of policy making.
45.
The Financial Stability Oversight Board is an example of an agency created to provide _____, in this case for the TARP program.
Correct Answer
E. Policy evaluation
Explanation
The Financial Stability Oversight Board is an agency created to provide policy evaluation for the TARP program. This means that the board is responsible for assessing and analyzing the effectiveness and impact of the policies implemented under the TARP program. They review and evaluate the outcomes and results of the policies to determine if they are achieving their intended goals and making a positive impact on financial stability.
46.
_____ is a joint federal-state program designed to subsidize health care costs for the poor.
Correct Answer
B. Medicaid
Explanation
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that aims to provide financial assistance for healthcare expenses to individuals with low income or limited resources. It is specifically designed to support the healthcare needs of the poor population by covering a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and long-term care. Medicaid is different from Medicare, which primarily serves the elderly and disabled individuals. Social Security is a separate program that provides income support for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors. Medivac and Blue Cross are not specific government programs for healthcare subsidies.
47.
About _____ of Americans do not have health insurance.
Correct Answer
B. 16 percent
Explanation
Approximately 16 percent of Americans do not have health insurance. This means that out of the total population of Americans, 16 percent do not have access to healthcare coverage. This can have significant implications for their ability to receive necessary medical treatment and can result in financial burden for those individuals who have to pay for healthcare expenses out of pocket.
48.
In 2009, under President Obama's leadership, Democrats adopted _____ in all of their proposals for health-care legislation.
Correct Answer
E. Mandated coverage
Explanation
Under President Obama's leadership in 2009, Democrats implemented a policy of mandated coverage in all of their proposals for health-care legislation. This means that individuals would be required to have health insurance coverage, preventing gaps in coverage and ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare services. Mandated coverage aims to increase the number of people with health insurance and promote a more equitable healthcare system.
49.
In 2009, President Obama and Democrats proposed all of the following means of containing health care costs, except
Correct Answer
D. Taxing risky, experimental, or elective medical procedures.
Explanation
The correct answer is taxing risky, experimental, or elective medical procedures. This means that in 2009, President Obama and Democrats proposed all of the following means of containing health care costs: creating a government-run insurance plan, requiring electronic medical records, studying which treatments work best, and reducing the number of unnecessary procedures. However, they did not propose taxing risky, experimental, or elective medical procedures as a means of containing health care costs.
50.
People who were born on foreign soil now constitute about _____ of the U.S. population.
Correct Answer
D. 13 percent
Explanation
Approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population is made up of people who were born on foreign soil. This means that a significant portion of the population consists of individuals who were not born in the United States.