A Trivia On Foreign Service Officer Test: Quiz!

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  • 1/82 Questions

    A political device of drawing irregular district lines in order to favor one political power over another is called:

    • Gerrymandering.
    • Filibustering.
    • Federalizing.
    • Rezoning.
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About This Quiz

Below is a trivia on Foreign Service officer test that is perfect for anyone who is willing to perform in the place of the U. S. Department of State. Not only does the quiz ensure you pass the upcoming test, but it also ensures that you are able to see how the questions are set up. Give it a try and all the best in your new career path.

A Trivia On Foreign Service Officer Test: Quiz! - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Congress can override a Presidential veto of a congressional bill by:

    • Not signing the bill.

    • Passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

    • Filibustering.

    • Voting to place the bill in the congressional record.

    Correct Answer
    A. Passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses. This is because the Constitution allows Congress to override a Presidential veto by re-passing the bill with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This demonstrates the checks and balances system in place, where Congress has the power to counteract the President's veto if they have enough support.

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  • 3. 

    Unless told otherwise, a professional journalist will most likely consider anything said by a source to be:

    • Off the record.

    • On the record.

    • On background.

    • Not attributable.

    Correct Answer
    A. On the record.
    Explanation
    A professional journalist will most likely consider anything said by a source to be "on the record." This means that the information can be reported and attributed directly to the source. It implies that the source is willing to have their statements publicly associated with them and is giving permission to use their name and position when reporting the information. This is the default assumption unless the journalist is explicitly told otherwise, such as if the source wants the information to be "off the record" or "on background" (where the information can be used but without attribution).

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  • 4. 

    The Freedom of Information Act, enacted by the Congress in 1966, was expanded in 1996 to encompass:

    • Audiotaped transcripts.

    • Supreme Court deliberations.

    • Electronic records.

    • Presidential campaign contributions.

    Correct Answer
    A. Electronic records.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is electronic records. The Freedom of Information Act, enacted in 1966 and expanded in 1996, allows the public to access government information. The expansion in 1996 included electronic records, recognizing the increasing use of technology and the need to make government information available in digital formats. This amendment aimed to ensure transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to request and obtain electronic records from government agencies.

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  • 5. 

    What is the theory that suggested that U.S. democracy is based on many groups, each pressing its own interests?

    • Elistism.

    • Pluralism.

    • Entrepreneurial politics.

    • Conflict resolution.

    Correct Answer
    A. Pluralism.
    Explanation
    Robert Dahl and others have written about the American political system as being pluralistic.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following statements is correct regarding the War Powers Act?

    • The Supreme Court has overturned the act as violating the president's commander in chief powers.

    • Sanctions for violating the War Powers Act is a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than ten years.

    • Presidents must seek a resolution from Congress to continue military action more than 60 days (90 if it is necessary to get the troops out safely).

    • The act only allows a president to take defensive military action without a resolution of approval from the Congress.

    Correct Answer
    A. Presidents must seek a resolution from Congress to continue military action more than 60 days (90 if it is necessary to get the troops out safely).
    Explanation
    The War Powers Act was enacted in 1973 over the veto of President Nixon. It allows the president to engage in military actions (also instituted if troops are moved into harm's way) for 60 days (90 to get troops out safely). The Congress must pass a resolution or the troops must come out. The Court has said that an appropriation to support the action constitutes a resolution supporting the engagement. The Supreme Court has never ruled on the constitutionality of the act, and there are no penalties specified in the act. Several presidents have questioned the constitutionality of the act but have followed it.

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  • 7. 

    What is a class-action suit?

    • A law suit brought by poor people, where filing fees are waived.

    • A case that charges discrimination by an employer.

    • Suits against private firms brought by public officials (for example, state attorneys general).

    • A suit in which all individuals under similar circumstances are included.

    Correct Answer
    A. A suit in which all individuals under similar circumstances are included.
    Explanation
    Many individuals are typically included in a class-action suit. Many suits charge injury by a firm, such as against a medical equipment company, for faulty medical equipment.

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  • 8. 

    Which of the following groups was the last to receive the right to vote in the United States?

    • Women.

    • Non-property owners.

    • African Americans.

    • Youth ages 18 to 21 years old.

    Correct Answer
    A. Youth ages 18 to 21 years old.
    Explanation
    Youth received the vote by constitutional amendment in 1971 -- the 26th Amendment. Women were granted the right to vote by the 19th Amendment, and African Americans by the 15th Amendment.

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  • 9. 

    Medicare does use tax dollars from the general treasury for some of its programs.  Other programs are restricted to amounts in the trust fund.  For what are tax dollars used as a portion of the funding?

    • Hospital payment.

    • Physicians and outpatient services.

    • Nursing homes for custodial care.

    • Experimental procedures.

    Correct Answer
    A. Physicians and outpatient services.
    Explanation
    Medicare's Part B, which goes for physicians and other outpatient services, includes tax dollars. Three-fourths of the cost comes from general taxes. Part A, which pays for hospital care, comes only from money in the trust fund, which people pay into while they are working. Custodial nursing home care is not covered by Medicare, nor are experimental procedures.

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  • 10. 

    Following WWII, the United States instituted a massive effort to rebuild Europe.  What is the name to this policy?

    • The Marshall Plan.

    • NATO.

    • SEATO.

    • Point Four.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Marshall Plan.
    Explanation
    The Marshall Plan called for the reconstruction of Europe to prevent Soviet incursion. Point Four was aimed at developing countries. The other two -- NATO and SEATO -- were collective security agreements.

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  • 11. 

    Judiciary review:

    • Is clearly supported in the Federalist Papers.

    • Was first applied to the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison.

    • Is explicitly defined in the Constitution.

    • Was a power given to the Supreme Court by the Judiciary Act of 1789.

    Correct Answer
    A. Was first applied to the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison.
    Explanation
    Judiciary review allows the courts to overturn a statute on the basis that it is not constitutional. Marbury v Madison is the famous case in a decision by John Marshall that overturned a portion of the Judiciary Act of 1789 on the basis of its constitutionality, establishing the judicial review precedent for the Court.

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  • 12. 

    You are a member of your state legislature.  Your hometown newspaper has slandered you in an editorial.  Can you sue?

    • Yes. You can sue like any citizen.

    • No. Public officials are not allowed to sue for newspaper editorials. They must accept accusations made, even if untrue.

    • Yes, but only if you can prove that the newspaper knew what it said was not true and that you can prove malice in their publication of the falsehood.

    • Yes, but as a state public official, you cannot sue in state courts. You must sue in federal court to avoid conflict of interest.

    Correct Answer
    A. Yes, but only if you can prove that the newspaper knew what it said was not true and that you can prove malice in their publication of the falsehood.
    Explanation
    Public figures may sue, but they have to prove that the person making the false statement knew that it was false and it was done maliciously. The requirement to prove slander is greater for those in the public eye, whether officials or actors, than those not. This was the decision in New York Times v. Sullivan.

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  • 13. 

    Political Action Committees (PACs) have increased in the last few decades.  What are they?

    • PACs often demonstrate for a group's interest.

    • PACs represent groups in giving money to political candidates.

    • PACs are groups similar to parties but with too few members to get on the ballot.

    • PACs are committees of legislators promoting a particular bill.

    Correct Answer
    A. PACs represent groups in giving money to political candidates.
    Explanation
    Political Action Committees (PACs) are formed by groups such as drug companies to contribute money to candidates' campaigns. They are restricted in how much they can contribute. One way around these limits is to form conduits, which bundle money from individual contributions to give to candidates. PACs have been controversial because of a concern that they unduly influence policy.

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  • 14. 

    Laissez-faire as a governmental philosophy means:

    • The government should regulate monopolies.

    • The government should allow the market to do the regulation through the invisible hand.

    • The national government should encourage state regulations rather than national regulations.

    • The government should join with our trading partners to enact joint regulations.

    Correct Answer
    A. The government should allow the market to do the regulation through the invisible hand.
    Explanation
    Laissez-faire is associated with Adam Smith in his book The Wealth of Nations. It indicates that the market will do the regulating and that government should avoid intervention. The invisible hand of the market will regulate.

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  • 15. 

    Which of the following amendments to the constitution affect the political process by declaring that the Federal government should not interfere with the press?

    • First.

    • Fifth.

    • Seventh.

    • None - no amendment refers to the press.

    Correct Answer
    A. First.
    Explanation
    The First Amendment to the Constitution affects the political process by declaring that the Federal government should not interfere with the press. This amendment guarantees freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to assemble peacefully. It ensures that the government cannot censor or control the media, allowing for a free and independent press to hold the government accountable and provide information to the public.

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  • 16. 

    In some states, laws have been passed to protect journalists' sources.  What are these laws called?

    • Shield laws.

    • Press protection laws.

    • 1st Amendment laws.

    • Source protection laws.

    Correct Answer
    A. Shield laws.
    Explanation
    In some states, but not all, laws have been passed to allow journalists to protect their sources. These laws are called shield laws. There is not a shield law at the federal level.

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  • 17. 

    What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

    • To end slavery.

    • To convince conventions in the states to ratify the Constitution.

    • To seve as the original party platform of Washington and Adams, laying out their plans for the new nation.

    • To propose President Flanklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal

    Correct Answer
    A. To convince conventions in the states to ratify the Constitution.
    Explanation
    The Federalist Papers were written by Jay, Hamilton, and Madison. It was a series of newspapers pieces to encourage the ratification of the new constitution.

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  • 18. 

    How important is party voting in the U.S. Congress?

    • Party voting was much stronger in the 1950s and 1960s than today.

    • Party voting has been very weak in the U.S. Congress.

    • Party voting has been very important in the last decades, much more important than in the 1950s and 1960s.

    • Party voting has been strong for Republicans but not for Democrats.

    Correct Answer
    A. Party voting has been very important in the last decades, much more important than in the 1950s and 1960s.
    Explanation
    Party voting has been very strong in the United States, especially since the Republicans took control of the majority in 1994. In earlier periods, such as the 1950s and 1960s, although party was important, cohesion was far less (significantly less than in the British House of Commons). For the Democrats, party cohesion most notably was reduced by southern Democrats who voted more conservatively than their northern colleagues. Some political scientists thought it important to have strong party cohesion so that the wishes of the voters could clearly translate into the Congressional majority, a school of thought known as the Responsible Party Model.

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  • 19. 

    Why did President Franklin Roosevelt recommended expanding the size of the Supreme Court?

    • Because it had a large backlog of cases.

    • He wanted the court to represent a greater diversity of the population.

    • The Court had invalidated many New Deal programs.

    • He wanted to divide the court into a criminal and a civil panel.

    Correct Answer
    A. The Court had invalidated many New Deal programs.
    Explanation
    The Supreme Court had ruled against many New Deal programs. He recommended adding members to the court for every member who was over 70.

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  • 20. 

    The post-World War II defense policy used to maintain a balance of power in the world is known as:

    • Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD).

    • Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).

    • The Marshall Plan.

    • The Truman Doctrine.

    Correct Answer
    A. Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD).
    Explanation
    Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) has been the U.S. defense policy. It worked to keep the Soviet Union from acquiring a first-strike capability, which meant that if the Soviet Union struck first, the United States would be able to knock out an effective retaliation. The MAD doctrine said that if a nation struck first, the other side would be able to retaliate and inflict unacceptable damage. Based upon this policy, the international system was said to be in balance.

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  • 21. 

    How many Supreme Court justices are required to be appointed according to the Constitution?

    • Seven.

    • Nine.

    • Ten.

    • The Constitution does not specify the number

    Correct Answer
    A. The Constitution does not specify the number
    Explanation
    The Constitution in Article III does not specify the number of justices to be appointed. The Congress through its legislative power determines the number. Currently it is nine but historically, different numbers existed.

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  • 22. 

    Gideon v. Wainwright was a precedent-setting case.  What did it require?

    • An end to segregation of the schools.

    • That public facilities be integrated.

    • That districts be equal in population.

    • That individuals have a right to counsel. If they are too poor, the state has to appoint one.

    Correct Answer
    A. That individuals have a right to counsel. If they are too poor, the state has to appoint one.
    Explanation
    This case was the major ruling that defendants had a right to counsel and if they could not afford one, one would be appointed at government expense. Many courts then used appointed counsel from members of the bar for indigent defendants. Public defenders offices were created in many states to provide this representation at the public's expense.

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  • 23. 

    What are 527 groups?

    • State party committees whose finances are regulated by the states.

    • National party committees, regulated by the Federal Elections Commission.

    • Groups not directly associated with political parties that have few campaign finance regulations.

    • Conduits that bundle money to be given to candidates as donations.

    Correct Answer
    A. Groups not directly associated with political parties that have few campaign finance regulations.
    Explanation
    527 groups, named for the section of the Internal Revenue Code under which they fall, are less regulated than either candidate or party committees. These groups played a significant role in the 2004 presidential election. Conduits are groups that bundle campaign contributions from donors as a method to get around the limitations on Political Action Committee (PAC) donations.

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  • 24. 

    Which of the following comes closest to defining stare decisis?

    • Majority opinion of the Supreme Court.

    • Predecent.

    • Legislative intent of a statute.

    • Dissenting opinion.

    Correct Answer
    A. Predecent.
    Explanation
    Stare decisis, meaning "let the decision stand," are decisions that act as precedent for future decisions. Cases are cited by attorneys as precedents that the decision in their case should follow.

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  • 25. 

    Majority minority districts have been created, especially in the South, since the 1990s reapportionment.  What has the Supreme Court said about them?

    • They are not allowed because they constitute a racial gerrymander.

    • They are acceptable as long as race was not the primary factor in creating them.

    • They are acceptable because they make up for past discriminations.

    • They have not been allowed because the districts are not compact.

    Correct Answer
    A. They are acceptable as long as race was not the primary factor in creating them.
    Explanation
    A number of states, especially in the South, created districts where African Americans (the minority) were a majority in the district. Some of these districts have strange shapes, including one that ran virtually the full length of North Carolina. The Supreme Court, in several decisions, especially Shaw v. Reno, allowed these districts but said that it must be shown that, although race could be taken into account, it could not be the predominant factor in drawing the district.

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  • 26. 

    Safe Harbor Rules are issued by federal agencies.  What are they?

    • Maritime rules.

    • Rules on how to provide input into the rule-making process.

    • Rules that say that if you follow them you will be in compliance with federal rules and statutes.

    • Rules that the military must follow in a conflict.

    Correct Answer
    A. Rules that say that if you follow them you will be in compliance with federal rules and statutes.
    Explanation
    Safe Harbor Rules are issued by regulatory agencies and commissions that say that if you follow them you are considered as abiding by the agency's rules and the applicable statutes. It has nothing to do with the military or maritime law.

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  • 27. 

    Which kind of district system do we use for the election of members of Congress?

    • Multiple-member districts.

    • Single-member districts.

    • Proportional representation.

    • At-large system.

    Correct Answer
    A. Single-member districts.
    Explanation
    Single-member districts are required. In some state legislatures there may be more than one representative from a district. This is called a multimember system.

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  • 28. 

    Comparing 1964 to 1994, what happened to American's trust in government?

    • It declined.

    • It stayed about the same.

    • It rose.

    • It rose sharply, and then fell sharply.

    Correct Answer
    A. It declined.
    Explanation
    Trust in government has declined over the years, although there have also been some years of improvement. For example, more people believe that government wastes money than it did in former years. Trust in government represents an attitudinal index based on several public opinion questions. The most often cited trust index is derived from the regular survey done by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.

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  • 29. 

    The initiative refers to:

    • The power of citizens to turn someone out of office prior to the end of his or her term.

    • The power of citizens to put a statute or a constitutional change directly on the ballot, bypassing the legislature.

    • State governments as laboratories of democracy.

    • The power of citizens to suspend a law enacted by the legislature.

    Correct Answer
    A. The power of citizens to put a statute or a constitutional change directly on the ballot, bypassing the legislature.
    Explanation
    A, B, and D are all methods of direct democracy. A is the recall and D is the referendum. B is the initiative. In some states the ballot measure is referred to as propositions.

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  • 30. 

    Which of the following taxes would most likely be considered progressive?

    • Property tax.

    • Sales tax.

    • Income tax.

    • Cigarette tax.

    Correct Answer
    A. Income tax.
    Explanation
    Progressive taxes are taxes that take a greater precent income from the rich than the poor. They are advocated based upon the principle of the "ability to pay." Of the taxes listed, the income tax with its graduated tax brackets is typically progressive. All the other taxes are regressive. Few sales taxes are progressive -- only those that exempt many necessities and also tax services such as attorney's fees that wealthy people use more tend to be.

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  • 31. 

    The Council of Economic Advisers advices which of the following on monetary and fiscal policy:

    • The Federal Reserve Bank.

    • The Joint Economic Committee of Congress.

    • The President of the United States.

    • The Senate Budget Committee.

    Correct Answer
    A. The President of the United States.
    Explanation
    The Council of Economic Advisers advises the President of the United States on monetary and fiscal policy. This advisory body provides economic analysis and recommendations to the President, helping to shape and inform economic policy decisions. The Council's role is to provide expert advice and analysis on economic issues, ensuring that the President has access to the best possible economic information and guidance when making policy decisions.

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  • 32. 

    From recommendations of the 9/11 commission, what change did Congress make in the U.S. national security structure?

    • Combined the CIA and the NSA.

    • Made the National Security Council a cabinet department equal with the State and Defense.

    • Created an independent office of Director of Intelligence, a job previously performed by the director of the CIA.

    • Removed the counter-intellicence function from the FBI and gave it to the CIA.

    Correct Answer
    A. Created an independent office of Director of Intelligence, a job previously performed by the director of the CIA.
    Explanation
    A separate Director of Intelligence was created to coordinate the 15 agencies in the intelligence community. Prior to this time, the Director of the CIA was also the Director of Intelligence. However, it was argued that it was difficult to be director of one agency in the intelligence community while also coordinating all agencies, because in doing the latter role, the individual had little power. In establishing the new office, there was conflict over whether to give the new director personnel and budget authority. The final bill establishes limited budget authority.

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  • 33. 

    Which of the following best describes the exclusionary rule?

    • Legislators having an economic interest in legislation are prohibited from voting on it.

    • Judges must recuse themselves if they have a personal or economic interest in an item before the court.

    • Groups that have been discriminated in the past are given preference for federal jobs or federal contracts.

    • Evidence illegally seized cannot be used in court.

    Correct Answer
    A. Evidence illegally seized cannot be used in court.
    Explanation
    Supreme Court cases recognized the exclusionary rule, excluding evidence that has been improperly obtained. The exclusion is based upon the 4th Amendment. However, in recent years, some exceptions to the rule have been granted where the illegal search was inadvertent. The exceptions are known as good-faith exceptions. The rule was first articulated in Weeks v. United States (1914). Good-faith exceptions can be found in two 1984 rulings: United States v. Leon and Massachusetts v. Sheppard.

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  • 34. 

    If the Office of Vice President is vacant, what happens?

    • It remains vacant until the next election.

    • The president's political party holds a mini convention to select a new vice president.

    • The Senate selects a new vice president.

    • The president nominates a new vice president, who must be approved by a majority of the Congress.

    Correct Answer
    A. The president nominates a new vice president, who must be approved by a majority of the Congress.
    Explanation
    The 25th Amendment said a new vice president could be appointed by the president and approved by a majority of the Congress to serve out the term. Prior to the 25th Amendment, the office remained vacant.

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  • 35. 

    A writ of certiorari is employed when:

    • Appealing to the Supreme Court.

    • The police want to search one's home.

    • Obtaining an injunction to stop the implementation of a law.

    • The president wants to send a judicial nominee to the Senate for confirmation.

    Correct Answer
    A. Appealing to the Supreme Court.
    Explanation
    The writ of certiorari is the main way that cases go to the Supreme Court. The writ asks for Supreme Court review. Only a small percent of writs received by the Court are granted.

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  • 36. 

    Concerning economic inequality in the United States, which of the following is correct?

    • The distribution of income has become more unequal in the last two decades.

    • The distribution of income has remained relatively constant over the last two decades.

    • The distribution of income has become more equal in the last two decades.

    • The distribution is represented by a cycle -- more unequal for a decade, and then more equal for the subsequent decade.

    Correct Answer
    A. The distribution of income has become more unequal in the last two decades.
    Explanation
    Income distribution has become more unequal. This was a focus of a recent American Political Science Association Task Force. Inequality can be shown on a Lorenz curve, which now bows further out, representing greater inequality. The area under the curve is measured by the Gini coefficient, which is an index of income inequality ranging between 0 (perfect equality) and 1 (absolutely inequality).

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  • 37. 

    What is the constitutional reason limiting the regulation of spending by campaigns?

    • Elections are described in the Constitution and the addition of regulations would amount to adding provisions to the Constitution.

    • LImiting spending would limit the right of association.

    • Money is free speech, and you can't limit free speech.

    • There is no constitutional reason. It is rarely been done because of political opposition.

    Correct Answer
    A. Money is free speech, and you can't limit free speech.
    Explanation
    The Supreme Court in Buckley v. Valeo limited the regulations of money in campaigns, arguing that to control spending would be tantamount to controlling speech, which is protected by the 1st Amendment.

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  • 38. 

    What was the literacy test?

    • The requirement under the No Child Left Behind Act that must be met for a school not to be labeled a "failing school."

    • A test that must be passed to vote in a number of states before being outlawed. It frequently was used to deny blacks the right to vote.

    • Legislation that was ruled unconstitutional in 1920 that all individuals elected to Congress must be able to read and write.

    • A requirement of immigrants in a number of states to be eligible for several benefit programs. The requirement is that they be literate in English. This is a backdoor method of declaring English as the nation's language.

    Correct Answer
    A. A test that must be passed to vote in a number of states before being outlawed. It frequently was used to deny blacks the right to vote.
    Explanation
    The literacy test, among other means, was used by a number of states to keep blacks from voting. It tended to be implemented in an inequitable way. Whites were given simple tests, while blacks were given tests that required knowing provisions of their state constitutions. The 1965 Voting Rights Act suspended the test in many states, and this was extended in the 1970 Voting Rights Act.

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  • 39. 

    If the president is disabled and refuses to step aside, what can be done, according to the Constitution?

    • Nothing.

    • The Senate can suspend him from office by a two-thirds vote until they feel he is capable of serving. The vice president takes over as acting president.

    • The vice president and majority of the heads of the executive departments must declare that the president is unable to discharge the duties of the office. In case the president chooses to dispute this, the Congress can keep the vice president as acting president by a two-thirds vote.

    • The Congress, through a resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote, can by itself suspend the president.

    Correct Answer
    A. The vice president and majority of the heads of the executive departments must declare that the president is unable to discharge the duties of the office. In case the president chooses to dispute this, the Congress can keep the vice president as acting president by a two-thirds vote.
    Explanation
    The executive department and vice president declare disability. In case of dispute, the Congress decides, and by a two-thirds vote can continue the vice president as acting president. This procedure was adopted in 1967 in the 25th Amendment.

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  • 40. 

    A rider refers to:

    • The consolidation of appropriations bills into one large omnibus bill.

    • The addition of specific tax exemptions to a general tax bill.

    • An amendment to a bill that is not germane to the subject of the bill.

    • Stipulation in a bill that the program being passed must be administered in a particular way.

    Correct Answer
    A. An amendment to a bill that is not germane to the subject of the bill.
    Explanation
    Riders are in order in the Senate but not in the House. They add a provision to a bill that has nothing to do with the bill. A rider may be added to gain the president's signature, save time to get provisions passed, or bypass a particular committee.

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  • 41. 

    If no candidate for president gets a majority in the Electoral College, how is the president selected?

    • By a majority of the 435 members of the House of Representatives

    • By a majority of the Senate.

    • By a majority vote in the House of Representatives. Each state has one vote.

    • By a majority of the House and Senate voting in a joint session.

    Correct Answer
    A. By a majority vote in the House of Representatives. Each state has one vote.
    Explanation
    The 12th Amendment specifies that the House of Representatives selects the president with voting by state, not by individual member. A majority of the states (26) are needed to elect the president.

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  • 42. 

    Political socialization refers to which of the following?

    • A command economy.

    • Newspaper coverage of political events.

    • Congressional review of administrative policies and practices.

    • Learning of attitudes and information about a political system.

    Correct Answer
    A. Learning of attitudes and information about a political system.
    Explanation
    Political socialization is the learning of beliefs and information about the political system. The early agents of socialization are family, school, and peer groups.

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  • 43. 

    In Congressional elections, party loyalty is a variable that describes the largest percent of the vote.  When someone votes for a candidate of the party opposite their party identification, what is the most frequent explanation for that vote?

    • Personality of the candidate.

    • Issues raised in the election.

    • Incumbency.

    • The state of the economy.

    Correct Answer
    A. Incumbency.
    Explanation
    Incumbency has been a powerful force in congressional elections. Deviation from party go overwhelmingly to the incumbent. The incumbent typically has more money to spend, has the experience of past campaigns, has performed constituent service, and is better known than the challenger.

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  • 44. 

    Well known in American political history is the spoils system.  What is it?

    • The allocation of projects to districts of powerful members of Congress.

    • The expiration of programs after a specified time.

    • Contracts given to large private corporations.

    • Jobs given to supporters of winning candidates.

    Correct Answer
    A. Jobs given to supporters of winning candidates.
    Explanation
    The spoils system is based on the idea that jobs are given to supporters of the winning candidate. "To the victor belongs the spoils" is not dead, but such patronage has been reduced on the national level by civil service reforms, beginning with the Pendleton Act in 1883 that followed the assassination of President Garfield by a disappointed office seeker. State and local governments have civil service systems that vary in the completeness of their coverage.

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  • 45. 

    A realigning election means:

    • That groups switch parties, and a new party comes out with a majority.

    • That an election has high turnout.

    • That an election has many competitive states (battleground states).

    • That a third party wins the election, changing the party system.

    Correct Answer
    A. That groups switch parties, and a new party comes out with a majority.
    Explanation
    Realigning elections have been extensively discussed in the party literature. Clearly, 1932 was a realigning election. Speculation is that the election of George W. Bush could represent another, but we have not seen massive change that occurred in previous realigning periods and it is uncertain whether the realignment will be long term. Some political scientists are considering this a realignment, while others are not sure.

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  • 46. 

    Someone gets married in Illinois and moves to Wisconsin.  On what constitutional grounds is the marriage recognized?

    • Full, faith, and credit.

    • Due process.

    • Equal protection.

    • Right of rendition.

    Correct Answer
    A. Full, faith, and credit.
    Explanation
    States are required to give full, faith, and credit to papers and legal decisions made in other states. Marriage has generally been considered part of the full, faith, and credit provisions. Historically some states had refused to accept mixed racial marriages if their own state did not allow it. Today, states may not accept same-sex marriage. The federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act explicitly excludes same-sex marriage from the full, faith, and credit provisions. However, it still remains to be seen whether the courts will accept this act as constitutional, because it provides an exception to the full, faith, and credit constitutional provision.

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  • 47. 

    Open market operations in economic policy refer to which of the following?

    • The buying and selling of securities by the Federal Reserve to affect the economy.

    • The reduction in trade barriers to facilitate trade (for example, NAFTA).

    • The clearance of checks by the Federal Reserve.

    • The lending by the Federal Reserve to member banks who then make loans.

    Correct Answer
    A. The buying and selling of securities by the Federal Reserve to affect the economy.
    Explanation
    Open market operations involve the buying and selling of securities by the Federal Reserve. An Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve (also known as the Fed) makes the decision. Securities are sold to counter inflation and are bought to put more money in the economy to counter recession.

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  • 48. 

    Concerning the poverty rate for senior citizens, which of the following is correct?

    • It has significantly increased over the last 25 years.

    • It has been reduced primarily because of the indexing of social security.

    • It has remained the same despite policy efforts to reduce it.

    • It fell from 1980 to 1990, then rose again, approximating the level in 1980.

    Correct Answer
    A. It has been reduced primarily because of the indexing of social security.
    Explanation
    The poverty rate for the elderly has been reduced, while the poverty rate for others has increased. The indexing of social security to inflation is considered among the major reasons for this change.

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  • 49. 

    The marble cake theory of federalism implies:

    • The establishment of separate functions for the national and state governments.

    • The sharing of functions between the national government and the states.

    • The reservation of all non-delegated powers to the states.

    • The establishment of a federal form rather than a confederational form of government.

    Correct Answer
    A. The sharing of functions between the national government and the states.
    Explanation
    The marble cake theory of federalism was described by Morton Grodzins. It is frequently used to describe the sharing of functions between the federal government and the states.

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  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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