United States Politics! Trivia Facts And Questions Quiz
Are you looking for United States Politics Trivia Facts and Questions Quiz? America is known as the land of the free, and each president chosen has been patriotic as the former intending to make America a country that everyone would wish to be associated with. Do you know how politics are run in the country and who holds which power and legislations made so far? Take the test to find out!
- 1.
Legitimate political authority in the United States comes from
- A.
The courts
- B.
The Federalist Papers
- C.
The Constitution
- D.
The Magna Carta
Correct Answer
C. The ConstitutionExplanation
The correct answer is the Constitution. In the United States, legitimate political authority is derived from the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution establishes the framework for the government, outlines the powers and limitations of each branch, and protects the rights of individuals. It is a foundational document that guides the functioning of the political system and ensures the balance of power among the different branches of government. The courts, the Federalist Papers, and the Magna Carta are all important influences and sources of legal and political principles, but the Constitution is the ultimate authority in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following statements about the U.C. democratic republic is correct?
- A.
It has never been tried elsewhere.
- B.
It thrived in the United States despite the existence of feudal aristocracy.
- C.
It thrived in the United States despite the large number of legal restraints on it.
- D.
It emphasizes social equality over personal liberty.
- E.
It has been tried without great success by many other countries.
Correct Answer
E. It has been tried without great success by many other countries.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that the U.C. democratic republic has been attempted by many other countries but has not been very successful. This implies that the system has been implemented in various places, indicating that it has been tried elsewhere. However, the phrase "without great success" implies that these attempts have not yielded significant positive outcomes. Therefore, the explanation for the correct answer is that the U.C. democratic republic has been experimented with by multiple countries but has not been highly successful in those instances.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The surveys that were conducted in Cincinnati and nationally concerning the Monetary Control Act were significant because
- A.
Public opinion was deeply divided.
- B.
Public opinion unanimously condemned the legislation.
- C.
Many people expressed views about the legislation, which was entirely fictitious.
- D.
The legislation was still pending.
- E.
Congress had passed the legislation only two days before the surveys were conducted.
Correct Answer
C. Many people expressed views about the legislation, which was entirely fictitious.Explanation
The surveys conducted in Cincinnati and nationally concerning the Monetary Control Act were significant because many people expressed views about the legislation, which was entirely fictitious. This suggests that the surveys had a significant impact on public opinion and highlighted the fact that people were discussing and forming opinions about a legislation that did not actually exist.Rate this question:
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- 4.
By world standards, American voter turnout is
- A.
Low.
- B.
About average.
- C.
Little different from other democracies.
- D.
Quite high.
Correct Answer
A. Low.Explanation
The correct answer is "low." This implies that the voter turnout in America is below the average or expected level when compared to other countries around the world.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Federalism implied that each level of government will have
- A.
Complete sovereignty.
- B.
The ability to tax other levels of government.
- C.
Independent authority to pass laws.
- D.
All of these.
Correct Answer
C. Independent authority to pass laws.Explanation
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments. It implies that each level of government has independent authority to pass laws. This means that both the central government and regional governments have the power to create and enforce laws within their respective jurisdictions. This division of authority allows for a balance of power and prevents any one level of government from becoming too dominant.Rate this question:
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- 6.
All of the following were major players in the two-party system in American history EXCEPT
- A.
Federalists.
- B.
Democratic-Republicans.
- C.
Whigs.
- D.
Democrats.
- E.
Progressives.
Correct Answer
E. Progressives.Explanation
The question asks for the major players in the two-party system in American history, excluding one option. The Federalists, Democratic-Republicans, Whigs, and Democrats were all significant players in the two-party system at different points in history. However, the Progressives were not a major player in the two-party system. While the Progressive movement had a significant impact on American politics in the early 20th century, they were not a major party but rather a reform movement that influenced both major parties.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following statements about the nomination process in the United States is correct?
- A.
Parties play a minor role compared to Europe.
- B.
Parties play a larger role today than at the turn of the century.
- C.
In the United States, nomination is usually tantamount to election.
- D.
The nomination process in the United States is more of an organizational effort than in Europe.
- E.
The nomination is less influenced by organized interests than in Europe.
Correct Answer
A. Parties play a minor role compared to Europe.Explanation
In the United States, parties play a minor role compared to Europe in the nomination process. Unlike in Europe, where parties have a significant influence in selecting candidates, the United States has a more decentralized and individualistic approach. In the US, candidates can bypass party elites and directly appeal to voters through primaries and caucuses. This allows for a more open and competitive nomination process, where candidates can emerge from outside the party establishment.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government could NOT
- A.
Declare war.
- B.
Levy taxes on individuals.
- C.
Print money.
- D.
Make tax assessment requests of states.
Correct Answer
B. Levy taxes on individuals.Explanation
Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had limited powers and was unable to levy taxes on individuals. This meant that the government did not have the authority to collect taxes directly from the citizens. Instead, it relied on the states to voluntarily contribute funds to support the national government. This lack of power to levy taxes on individuals was one of the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately led to the adoption of the Constitution, which granted the federal government the power to tax its citizens.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The French observer who noted the influence of Democracy in a variety of contexts was
- A.
The Marquis de Montespan.
- B.
Guy LaFleur.
- C.
Alexander Dumas.
- D.
Alexis de Tocqueville.
- E.
Voltaire.
Correct Answer
D. Alexis de Tocqueville.Explanation
Alexis de Tocqueville is the correct answer because he was a French observer who extensively studied and documented the influence of Democracy in various contexts. He is best known for his book "Democracy in America" published in 1835, where he analyzed the American democratic system and its potential effects on society and individuals. Tocqueville's observations and insights have had a significant impact on political science and continue to be studied and referenced today.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Some 60 percent of adults adopt the party preference of their
- A.
Peers.
- B.
Employers.
- C.
Teachers.
- D.
Physicians.
- E.
Parents.
Correct Answer
E. Parents.Explanation
The correct answer is parents. This is because children often adopt the political party preference of their parents. They are influenced by the beliefs, values, and attitudes of their parents, which can shape their own political views as they grow up. This can be seen in studies and research that show a strong correlation between the political affiliations of parents and their children.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The right to vote is also called the
- A.
Turnout.
- B.
Elector.
- C.
Franchise.
- D.
Fairness clause.
Correct Answer
C. Franchise.Explanation
The term "franchise" refers to the right to vote. It is a commonly used term to describe the right and privilege of individuals to participate in the democratic process by casting their vote in elections. The term "turnout" refers to the number or percentage of eligible voters who actually participate in an election. "Elector" refers to a person who is eligible to vote. "Fairness clause" is not directly related to the right to vote.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The vast majority of countries in the world today have a --- system of government.
- A.
Confederal.
- B.
Federal.
- C.
Unitary.
- D.
Republican.
Correct Answer
C. Unitary.Explanation
The correct answer is unitary. A unitary system of government is characterized by a centralized authority where power is held by a single central government. In this system, the central government has the authority to make decisions and delegate power to lower levels of government, but ultimately retains the final say. This is the most common form of government worldwide, with the majority of countries adopting a unitary system.Rate this question:
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- 13.
All of the following are reasons for the decline in the importance of political parties EXCEPT
- A.
Loss of power of party machines to give out patronage jobs.
- B.
Establishment of primary elections to choose party candidates.
- C.
The growth of the "personalized campaign," specific to individual candidates.
- D.
The increasing influence electronic media in determining voter choices.
- E.
The tendency of parties to avoid new campaign techniques resulting in a lack of adequate campaign funds.
Correct Answer
E. The tendency of parties to avoid new campaign techniques resulting in a lack of adequate campaign funds.Explanation
The correct answer is the tendency of parties to avoid new campaign techniques resulting in a lack of adequate campaign funds. This option is not a reason for the decline in the importance of political parties. The other options all contribute to the decline: the loss of power of party machines to give out patronage jobs, the establishment of primary elections to choose party candidates, the growth of personalized campaigns, and the increasing influence of electronic media in determining voter choices.Rate this question:
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- 14.
A major difference between presidential campaigns and congressional campaigns is that
- A.
Fewer people vote in presidential elections.
- B.
Presidential incumbents can better serve their constituents.
- C.
Presidential incumbents can more easily avoid responsibility.
- D.
Presidential races are generally more competitive.
- E.
Congressional incumbents are generally more competitive.
Correct Answer
D. Presidential races are generally more competitive.Explanation
Presidential races are generally more competitive compared to congressional campaigns. This means that there is often a higher level of competition and a greater number of candidates vying for the presidency. This could be due to the higher stakes and visibility of the presidential position, which attracts more contenders. In contrast, congressional campaigns may have fewer candidates and less intense competition. This could be because congressional seats are more localized and there are typically fewer individuals interested in running for these positions.Rate this question:
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- 15.
James Madison examined historical data on republics, confederations and aristocracies to learn about the formation of government. His conclusions are found in
- A.
The Federalist Papers.
- B.
The White Papers.
- C.
Madison's Digest.
- D.
Revolutionary Governments.
Correct Answer
A. The Federalist Papers.Explanation
James Madison examined historical data on republics, confederations, and aristocracies to learn about the formation of government. The Federalist Papers is a collection of essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. These essays were published in newspapers to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution. In The Federalist Papers, Madison discusses various aspects of government and argues for the need for a strong central government. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that his conclusions on the formation of government can be found in The Federalist Papers.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A political __________ deals with what a government should do, while a political __________ deals with how the government should operate.
- A.
Constitution, administration
- B.
Administration, constitution
- C.
Culture, ideology
- D.
Ideology, culture
- E.
Culture, agenda
Correct Answer
C. Culture, ideologyExplanation
A political ideology deals with what a government should do, as it refers to a set of beliefs and values that guide political behavior and policy-making. On the other hand, culture refers to the shared beliefs, customs, and behaviors of a particular group or society. Therefore, a political culture deals with how the government should operate, as it influences the norms and practices within a political system.Rate this question:
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- 17.
In recent years, the ability of the family to promote a partisan identification has
- A.
Stayed about the same.
- B.
Declined, then risen.
- C.
Risen.
- D.
Declined.
- E.
Demonstrated no recognizable pattern of change.
Correct Answer
D. Declined.Explanation
The correct answer is "declined." This means that in recent years, the family's ability to promote a partisan identification has decreased. This suggests that families have become less influential in shaping individuals' political affiliations.Rate this question:
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- 18.
For most Americans, _________ is the only form of participation.
- A.
Protesting.
- B.
Voting.
- C.
Working for a political party.
- D.
Giving money to a campaign.
Correct Answer
B. Voting.Explanation
The given question asks about the most common form of participation for most Americans. The correct answer is voting because it is the primary way in which individuals can actively participate in the democratic process and have a direct impact on the selection of political leaders and policies. While protesting, working for a political party, and giving money to a campaign are also forms of participation, they are not as widely practiced or accessible to all individuals as voting is.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Many Republicans believe that
- A.
Feudalism is an inefficient way to run a political system.
- B.
A unitary government is the ideal form of governmental authority.
- C.
Unfunded mandates are reasonable and constitutional.
- D.
The powers of the national government should be limited.
Correct Answer
D. The powers of the national government should be limited.Explanation
Many Republicans believe that the powers of the national government should be limited. This is because they value individual freedom and believe that a smaller government will lead to less government interference in people's lives. They argue that a limited government will promote free markets, economic growth, and personal responsibility. They also believe that a limited government will better protect individual rights and prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few. This belief aligns with the principles of conservatism and is a key aspect of Republican ideology.Rate this question:
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- 20.
During which period in history did the Democrats first advocate a strong central government control of the economy?
- A.
The era of Jacksonian Democracy.
- B.
During the Progressive era of the early 1900s.
- C.
During the 1930s, with FDR'S New Deal.
- D.
During the 1960s, with LBJ'S Great Society.
Correct Answer
C. During the 1930s, with FDR'S New Deal.Explanation
During the 1930s, with FDR's New Deal, the Democrats first advocated for a strong central government control of the economy. This was a response to the Great Depression, and FDR implemented various programs and reforms to stimulate economic recovery and provide relief to the American people. The New Deal included measures such as the creation of the Social Security system, the establishment of government agencies like the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the implementation of regulations to stabilize the banking and financial sectors. These actions marked a significant shift towards a more interventionist role for the government in economic affairs.Rate this question:
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- 21.
In 2000, George W. Bush chose ____________ as a theme for his campaign.
- A.
The need for change
- B.
Trust
- C.
Compassionate conservatism
- D.
Competence
- E.
Strength
Correct Answer
C. Compassionate conservatismExplanation
In 2000, George W. Bush chose "compassionate conservatism" as a theme for his campaign. This term refers to a political ideology that combines conservative policies with a focus on social issues and compassion towards disadvantaged individuals. By emphasizing compassionate conservatism, Bush aimed to present himself as a candidate who cared about the well-being of all Americans, particularly those who were struggling. This theme allowed him to appeal to both conservative voters who valued traditional values and liberal-leaning voters who were concerned about social issues.Rate this question:
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- 22.
In an early test of powers of the Confederation, the Continental Congress failed to deal with an uprising in western Massachusetts known as:
- A.
The Massachusetts Conspiracy.
- B.
The Whig Uprising.
- C.
The Springfield Conspiracy.
- D.
Shay's Rebellion.
Correct Answer
D. Shay's Rebellion.Explanation
Shay's Rebellion is the correct answer because it accurately identifies the uprising in western Massachusetts that the Continental Congress failed to handle effectively. This rebellion, led by Daniel Shays, was a protest against high taxes and economic hardships faced by farmers. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention. The other options, such as the Massachusetts Conspiracy, the Whig Uprising, and the Springfield Conspiracy, are not historically accurate explanations for this specific event.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Liberty and individualism are two key elements of
- A.
All Western democracies.
- B.
All twentieth-century nations.
- C.
Most nations throughout history.
- D.
U.S. political culture.
- E.
European nations in the 1700s.
Correct Answer
D. U.S. political culture.Explanation
The correct answer is U.S. political culture. This is because liberty and individualism are foundational principles of the United States' political culture. These values have been enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and are deeply ingrained in American society and politics. While other nations may also value liberty and individualism, the question specifically asks about the key elements of a particular political culture, which in this case is the U.S.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Religious influences on public opinion are most pronounced with respect to __________ issues and less evident on others.
- A.
Foreign policy.
- B.
State and local.
- C.
Ideological.
- D.
Economic.
- E.
Social.
Correct Answer
E. Social.Explanation
Religious influences tend to have a stronger impact on public opinion when it comes to social issues compared to other areas such as foreign policy, state and local matters, ideological beliefs, and economic concerns. This is because social issues often involve moral and ethical considerations that are closely tied to religious beliefs and values. Religious institutions and leaders often play a significant role in shaping public opinion on topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia, where religious teachings and doctrines can strongly influence people's perspectives.Rate this question:
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- 25.
In 1870, the right to vote was granted to all black males by
- A.
Congressional statute.
- B.
The Fifteenth Amendment.
- C.
The Nineteenth Amendment.
- D.
State law.
Correct Answer
B. The Fifteenth Amendment.Explanation
The Fifteenth Amendment granted the right to vote to all black males in 1870. This amendment was passed by Congress and aimed to protect the voting rights of African American men, ensuring that they could not be denied the right to vote based on their race or previous condition of servitude. The amendment was a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights and equality in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Federal regulations the impose regulatory costs on state and local government without supplying appropriate federal money are called
- A.
Federal dictates.
- B.
Unfunded mandates.
- C.
Improper regulations.
- D.
Illegal.
Correct Answer
B. Unfunded mandates.Explanation
Unfunded mandates refer to federal regulations that impose regulatory costs on state and local governments without providing the necessary federal funding. These mandates can place a financial burden on the lower levels of government, as they are forced to comply with the regulations using their own resources. This can lead to budget deficits and strain on their ability to provide essential services to their communities. Therefore, unfunded mandates are an accurate term to describe such federal regulations.Rate this question:
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- 27.
In the United States, political parties started
- A.
In most colonial legislatures by 1742.
- B.
After the Civil War.
- C.
During the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828.
- D.
In the 1790s.
Correct Answer
D. In the 1790s.Explanation
The correct answer is "in the 1790s." This is because political parties in the United States began to form and gain prominence during the 1790s. This period saw the development of two major political factions, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, who held differing views on issues such as the role of the federal government and the interpretation of the Constitution. These early parties laid the foundation for the modern political party system in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Since 1962, over ____ percent of the House incumbents who sought reelection won it.
- A.
60
- B.
65
- C.
75
- D.
80
- E.
90
Correct Answer
E. 90Explanation
Since 1962, a significant majority of House incumbents who sought reelection were successful in winning it, with a success rate of 90%. This indicates a high level of incumbency advantage and suggests that once elected, House members tend to have a strong chance of retaining their seats in subsequent elections.Rate this question:
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- 29.
The net result of the Great Compromise was
- A.
Balancing the interest of the central government and states.
- B.
Balancing interests of the large and small states.
- C.
Settling the colonists financial obligations to England.
- D.
Settlement of the slavery issue among the states.
Correct Answer
B. Balancing interests of the large and small states.Explanation
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a solution to the conflict between large and small states during the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. It proposed a bicameral legislature, with representation in the House of Representatives based on population (favoring the large states) and equal representation in the Senate (favoring the small states). This compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states, ensuring that neither group would dominate the new government.Rate this question:
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- 30.
All of the following are the basic elements of the U.S. political culture except
- A.
Liberty.
- B.
Democracy.
- C.
Individualism.
- D.
Civic duty.
- E.
Economic equality.
Correct Answer
E. Economic equality.Explanation
The question asks for the basic elements of the U.S. political culture that are not included in the options provided. Economic equality is not typically considered a basic element of U.S. political culture, as the country has a capitalist system that values individual economic success and competition. The other options, liberty, democracy, individualism, and civic duty, are generally recognized as key elements of U.S. political culture.Rate this question:
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- 31.
A gender gap is most likely to occur in an election in which the major issue is
- A.
War.
- B.
Women's rights.
- C.
Gun control.
- D.
Political ethics.
Correct Answer
C. Gun control.Explanation
In an election where the major issue is gun control, a gender gap is most likely to occur. This is because gun control is a highly debated topic that often polarizes opinions. Historically, men tend to have higher rates of gun ownership and support less restrictive gun laws, while women are more likely to support stricter gun control measures. Therefore, the differing views on gun control between genders can lead to a gender gap in voting patterns during elections.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The first state to grant women the right to vote was
- A.
Maryland.
- B.
Wyoming.
- C.
Massachusetts.
- D.
Wisconsin.
Correct Answer
B. Wyoming.Explanation
Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote. In 1869, the Wyoming Territory passed a law allowing women to vote in all elections. This significant milestone in women's suffrage paved the way for other states to follow suit. Maryland, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin did not grant women the right to vote as early as Wyoming did.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Many Democrats believe that
- A.
The powers of the national government should be limited.
- B.
Federalism is an inefficient way to run a political system.
- C.
Many problems are too large to be resolved at the state or local level.
- D.
Devolution is good public policy.
Correct Answer
C. Many problems are too large to be resolved at the state or local level.Explanation
Many Democrats believe that many problems are too large to be resolved at the state or local level. This suggests that they believe in the importance of a strong national government that can address and solve complex issues that extend beyond the capabilities of individual states or localities. They likely advocate for national policies and programs that can provide comprehensive solutions to these larger problems, rather than relying solely on decentralized decision-making and local initiatives.Rate this question:
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