1.
Which of these people is the leader of the executive branch of the Maryland state government?
Correct Answer
C. A governor
Explanation
The leader of the executive branch of the Maryland state government is the governor. The governor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the state government, implementing policies, and making executive decisions. They are the highest-ranking official in the state and are elected by the citizens of Maryland to serve as their chief executive. The governor has the power to appoint officials, veto legislation, and enforce state laws.
2.
Which of the following is a true statement about the Electoral College?
Correct Answer
C. To be elected you must have a majority of the electoral votes
Explanation
In the Electoral College system, the candidate who wants to be elected must have a majority of the electoral votes. This means that the candidate needs to win a majority of the votes from the electors, who are chosen by each state based on their representation in Congress. The number of electoral votes a state has is determined by the number of representatives it has in the House of Representatives, plus its two Senators. Therefore, winning the popular vote is not sufficient to secure the presidency, as a candidate must also win a majority of the electoral votes.
3.
Which responsibility of the executive branch is being fulfilled when the governor of Maryland calls out the Maryland National Guard to stop a riot?
Correct Answer
A. Maintaining order
Explanation
When the governor of Maryland calls out the Maryland National Guard to stop a riot, they are fulfilling the responsibility of maintaining order. This action is taken to restore peace and stability in the state by deploying the National Guard to control and contain the rioting situation. By doing so, the executive branch is ensuring the safety of the citizens and protecting public property from further damage.
4.
Presidential executive orders
Correct Answer
B. Have the force of law
Explanation
Presidential executive orders have the force of law because they are directives issued by the President of the United States that carry the same legal weight as a law passed by Congress. These orders are binding on federal agencies and departments, and they can be used to implement or interpret existing laws, as well as to establish new policies or procedures. While executive orders do not require approval from the US Senate, they are subject to judicial review and can be overturned if found to be unconstitutional.
5.
Which of these statements best describes a responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?
Correct Answer
C. New regulations require pilots to learn a new way to land airplanes
Explanation
The responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is to regulate and oversee the safety and operations of civil aviation within the United States. This includes creating and enforcing regulations for pilots, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers. Therefore, the statement "new regulations require pilots to learn a new way to land airplanes" best describes a responsibility of the FAA.
6.
Newspaper Headline: "US Government Pledges Millions of Dollars to Help Haiti Rebuild After Earthquake"
Which of the following foreign policy goals is the United States following based on the newspaper headline above?
Correct Answer
D. Providing humanitarian assistance to other countries
Explanation
Based on the newspaper headline, the United States is following the foreign policy goal of providing humanitarian assistance to other countries, specifically Haiti in this case, to help them rebuild after the earthquake.
7.
Newspaper Headline: "President Obama Signs International Climate Treaty"
Before the United States government officially recognizes a treaty, what must happen?
Correct Answer
A. The US Senate must approve of the treaty
Explanation
According to the Constitution of the United States, the Senate has the authority to approve treaties. The President can negotiate and sign a treaty, but it requires the approval of the Senate to become officially recognized by the US government. Therefore, before the United States government officially recognizes a treaty, the US Senate must approve of it.
8.
Newspaper Headline: "Congress Considers Making New Law Limiting Carbon Emissions"
Based on the headline above, which government regulatory agency would enforce this possible new law?
Correct Answer
D. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Explanation
The correct answer is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for enforcing regulations related to environmental protection, including laws that limit carbon emissions.