1.
1. Which of these is the main function of the legislative branch?
Correct Answer
A. to make laws
Explanation
The main function of the legislative branch is to make laws. This branch of government is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing laws that govern the country. They have the authority to introduce new legislation, review existing laws, and make amendments or revisions as necessary. The legislative branch plays a crucial role in the democratic process by representing the interests of the people and ensuring that laws are fair, just, and in line with the needs and values of society.
2.
State PopulationsTexas: 23,507,783Florida: 18,089,880Michigan: 10,095,643Missouri: 5,842, 713According to the chart, which state has the largest delegation in the United States House of Representatives?
Correct Answer
D. Texas
Explanation
Based on the given state populations, Texas has the largest population with 23,507,783 people. The number of representatives each state has in the United States House of Representatives is based on its population. Therefore, Texas would have the largest delegation in the House of Representatives.
3.
Which best explains why groups may hold meetings to discuss unpopular ideas in the United States?
Correct Answer
C. Constitutional rights protect their actions.
Explanation
Groups may hold meetings to discuss unpopular ideas in the United States because constitutional rights protect their actions. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech, assembly, and association, allowing individuals and groups to express their opinions and ideas, even if they are unpopular. This protection ensures that people can gather and discuss controversial or dissenting views without fear of government interference or censorship.
4.
4. 2000 Presidential ElectionPercentage of Eligible Voters Who Cast a Ballot18-24 Years Old 29%All Voters 55%Which of these can best be concluded from the information above?
Correct Answer
C. Many young people neglected their civic responsibilities.
Explanation
Many young people neglected their civic responsibilities can be concluded from the information above because the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in the 18-24 years old age group is only 29%, which is significantly lower than the overall percentage of all voters, which is 55%. This suggests that a large number of young people did not exercise their right to vote and therefore neglected their civic responsibilities.
5.
Mason thinks he has a great idea for a law. What is the best action for Mason to take to get the law passed?
Correct Answer
D. Contact his representative in Congress about his idea
Explanation
Mason should contact his representative in Congress about his idea because representatives are the ones who propose and pass laws. By directly reaching out to his representative, Mason can present his idea and potentially gain support for it. This is a proactive approach that allows Mason to directly engage with the decision-makers who have the power to turn his idea into a law.
6.
Which example best demonstrates a change in government involvement in the economy?
Correct Answer
B. Creation of the Social Security Administration
Explanation
The creation of the Social Security Administration best demonstrates a change in government involvement in the economy. This is because the establishment of the Social Security Administration represents a significant increase in the government's role in providing economic security and welfare to its citizens. The creation of this agency shows a shift towards greater government intervention and responsibility in ensuring the financial well-being of the population, indicating a change in government involvement in the economy.
7.
Which is the result of having a political system dominated by two political parties?
Correct Answer
A. It is easier to obtain a majority of votes.
Explanation
Having a political system dominated by two political parties makes it easier to obtain a majority of votes because the majority of voters tend to align themselves with one of the two major parties. This is because the two-party system simplifies the choices for voters and creates a clear distinction between the two main political ideologies. As a result, candidates from these parties have a higher chance of securing a majority of votes as they appeal to the larger voter base associated with their party.
8.
The Articles of Confederation represented the
Correct Answer
B. First attempt at self-government in the United States
Explanation
The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt at self-government in the United States. This document served as the nation's first constitution, outlining the powers and limitations of the federal government. It was created in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had granted too much power to the states and lacked a strong central authority. The Articles of Confederation represented the initial effort to establish a system of self-governance for the newly independent United States.
9.
Which issue is exclusively the responsibility of federal law?
Correct Answer
D. Counterfeit money
Explanation
Counterfeit money is exclusively the responsibility of federal law because it involves the creation and distribution of fake currency, which directly affects the national economy and undermines the integrity of the monetary system. Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Secret Service, are tasked with investigating and prosecuting cases related to counterfeit money, as it is a federal offense. State laws may also address counterfeit money, but the primary responsibility lies with the federal government due to the national implications and the need for a unified approach in combating this crime.
10.
Congress is prohibited from establishing an official religion by the
Correct Answer
A. First Amendment
Explanation
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion. This amendment guarantees the freedom of religion and prevents the government from favoring or endorsing any particular religious belief or practice. It ensures that individuals have the right to practice any religion of their choice without interference or coercion from the government. This separation of church and state is a fundamental principle of American democracy and protects religious freedom for all citizens.
11.
Which person is a member of the legislative branch?
Correct Answer
B. Speaker of the House
Explanation
The Speaker of the House is a member of the legislative branch. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws and includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives, which is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress. They preside over debates, determine the legislative agenda, and play a crucial role in the lawmaking process. Therefore, the Speaker of the House is the correct answer as they hold a position within the legislative branch.
12.
Which feature of ancient Rome made it a republic?
Correct Answer
B. Rule by elected representatives
Explanation
The feature of ancient Rome that made it a republic was the rule by elected representatives. In a republic, the power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than a king or emperor. This system allowed for a more democratic form of government where decisions were made by elected officials who represented the interests of the citizens.
13.
The expansion of suffrage in the United States best illustrates society's changing views of
Correct Answer
A. Civil rights
Explanation
The expansion of suffrage in the United States refers to the gradual increase in the right to vote to more individuals, including women and racial minorities. This expansion reflects society's changing views of civil rights, as it demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. By granting more people the right to vote, the United States acknowledges the need for equal representation and participation in the democratic process, highlighting the evolving understanding of civil rights in society.
14.
Mexico has a governmental system in which the power is divided between the national government and each state.Based on the above information, what type of government system does Mexico have?
Correct Answer
C. Federalism
Explanation
Mexico has a federalism government system because power is divided between the national government and each state. In this system, the central government has authority over certain areas, while the states have their own powers and responsibilities. This allows for a balance of power and autonomy between the national and state governments.
15.
Which part of the Connecticut (or Great) Compromise benfits states with smaller populations?
Correct Answer
A. Each state has two representatives in the Senate.
Explanation
The part of the Connecticut (or Great) Compromise that benefits states with smaller populations is that each state has two representatives in the Senate. This ensures that each state, regardless of its population size, has equal representation in the upper house of Congress. This gives smaller states a greater voice in the legislative process and prevents larger states from dominating decision-making.
16.
-1980: Candy Lightner establishes Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to advocate for strong drunk driving laws-1988: Minimum drinking age set at twenty-one in all fifty states-1992: Alcohol-related driving deaths drop 26 percent since 1984The best title for the list above is
Correct Answer
D. How an Individual Citizen Helped Improve Community Safety
Explanation
The given list of events highlights the efforts of Candy Lightner in establishing Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and advocating for strong drunk driving laws. It also mentions the significant decrease in alcohol-related driving deaths since 1984. This suggests that the best title for the list is "How an Individual Citizen Helped Improve Community Safety" as it focuses on the impact of an individual's actions in improving the safety of the community.
17.
Enlightenment-era political philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu
Correct Answer
C. EmpHasized governmental structures based on reason and social progress
Explanation
During the Enlightenment era, political philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu advocated for governmental structures that were based on reason and social progress. They believed that governments should be guided by rationality and should work towards the betterment of society. These philosophers rejected the idea of absolute monarchy and instead emphasized the importance of individual rights, separation of powers, and the consent of the governed. Their ideas laid the foundation for modern democratic systems that prioritize the welfare and progress of society.
18.
Which statement best describes a function of interest groups?
Correct Answer
C. They advocate for citizens who have similar ideas about issues.
Explanation
Interest groups are organizations that aim to influence public policy by advocating for the interests and concerns of their members. They do not nominate candidates or attempt to override presidential actions. Instead, their main function is to represent and advocate for citizens who share similar ideas and concerns about various issues. They work to shape public opinion, lobby policymakers, and promote their agenda through various means such as lobbying, grassroots organizing, and public education campaigns.
19.
Which of these circumstances illustrates a danger of majority rule?
Correct Answer
B. A law is used to oppress a group of people.
Explanation
The circumstance that illustrates a danger of majority rule is when a law is used to oppress a group of people. This implies that the majority, through their voting power, can pass laws that discriminate against or harm a minority group. This highlights the potential for tyranny of the majority, where the rights and freedoms of individuals or marginalized communities can be disregarded in favor of the majority's interests. It emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals, even if they are in the minority, to prevent the abuse of power and ensure a fair and just society.
20.
Mr. Leonard was not required to testify at his own trial for armed robbery.This is known as
Correct Answer
D. Right against self-incrimination
Explanation
The correct answer is "right against self-incrimination." This means that Mr. Leonard had the right to refuse to testify at his own trial in order to avoid potentially incriminating himself. This right is protected by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which ensures that individuals cannot be compelled to be witnesses against themselves in criminal cases.
21.
Which of these received increased authority under the reserved powers clause of the constitution?
Correct Answer
A. States
Explanation
Under the reserved powers clause of the constitution, the states received increased authority. This clause grants powers to the states that are not specifically delegated to the federal government. It allows the states to exercise their own powers and govern themselves in areas such as education, public health, and transportation. This increased authority for the states helps maintain a balance of power between the federal government and the individual states.
22.
Some people believe that the Supreme Court has too much power because justices
Correct Answer
D. Serve until they die or choose to retire
Explanation
The given answer suggests that the reason some people believe that the Supreme Court has too much power is because justices serve until they die or choose to retire. This implies that there is no fixed term limit for justices, which can lead to a concentration of power in the Court and potentially limit the ability for new perspectives and ideas to be represented. It also suggests that the Court may become less accountable to the changing societal values and norms over time.
23.
Which headline best illustrates an example of checks and balances?
Correct Answer
C. "Senate Confiirms New Chief Justice"
Explanation
The headline "Senate Confirms New Chief Justice" best illustrates an example of checks and balances because it shows the Senate exercising its power to confirm a nominee for the position of Chief Justice. This demonstrates the system of checks and balances in action, as the Senate plays a crucial role in the appointment of judges to ensure a fair and balanced judiciary.
24.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." --President Abraham Lincoln, 1863Which is the best conclusion about Presidnet Lincoln's quotation?
Correct Answer
C. He supported a republic.
Explanation
President Lincoln's quotation, "Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth," suggests that he supported a republic. The phrase "of the people, by the people, for the people" emphasizes the idea of a government that is based on the will and consent of the people. This aligns with the principles of a republic, where power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than a monarchy or dictatorship. Therefore, the best conclusion is that President Lincoln supported a republic.
25.
The most important role of the Electoral College is to
Correct Answer
B. Vote for the president and vice president
Explanation
The Electoral College's primary responsibility is to vote for the president and vice president. This system was established by the Founding Fathers as a compromise between electing the president through a popular vote and having Congress choose the president. The electors in each state are selected based on the state's representation in Congress, and they cast their votes for the presidential and vice presidential candidates. The candidate who receives the majority of electoral votes becomes the president. This ensures that smaller states have a say in the election and prevents a purely popular vote from dominating the outcome.
26.
Chris challenged the law in his home state that allowed the chief of police to identify him as "a dangerous driver" based on observation. This classification denied him the right to renew his driver's license. Chris successfully argued that he was entitled to a hearing before the state could post his name on the dangerous driver list.Which constitutional principle does the scenario represent?
Correct Answer
B. Due process of law
Explanation
The scenario represents the constitutional principle of due process of law. Due process ensures that individuals are treated fairly and have the opportunity to be heard before being deprived of their rights or property. In this case, Chris argued that he was entitled to a hearing before being classified as a dangerous driver, which is a violation of his due process rights.
27.
Which activity of an interest group for teachers would have the most significant political impact?
Correct Answer
D. Lobbying elected officials to enact new education laws
Explanation
Lobbying elected officials to enact new education laws would have the most significant political impact for an interest group for teachers. This activity involves actively engaging with policymakers and advocating for specific legislation that aligns with the group's interests and goals. By directly influencing the creation and implementation of education laws, the interest group can shape policies that benefit teachers and education as a whole. This activity has the potential to bring about substantial changes in the education system and can have a lasting impact on teachers' rights, working conditions, and the overall quality of education.
28.
"No freeman shall be taken, or imprisoned , . . . or in any way harmed . . . save by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land . . . To none will we sell, to none deny or delay, right or justice."
--Magna Carta, 1215
According to the statement above, which constitutional guarentee is most related to the Magna Carta?
Correct Answer
B. Rights of the accused
Explanation
The statement from the Magna Carta emphasizes the protection of individual freedoms and the requirement for fair and lawful judgment. The phrase "No freeman shall be taken, or imprisoned, or in any way harmed...save by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land" indicates the importance of ensuring the rights of the accused. This aligns with the constitutional guarantee of the rights of the accused, which includes the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. Therefore, the constitutional guarantee most related to the Magna Carta is the rights of the accused.
29.
In order for a bill to become law, what happens after both houses of Congress pass it?
Correct Answer
A. The president signs it.
Explanation
After both houses of Congress pass a bill, the next step for it to become law is for the president to sign it. Once the president signs the bill, it officially becomes a law. The Supreme Court does not review or interpret the bill at this stage.
30.
"It is equally evident, that the members of each department should be as little dependent as possible on those of the others . . . Were the executive magistrate, or the judges, not independent of the legislature in this particular, their independence in every other would be merely nominal." --Federalist No. 51
Which constitutional principle is described in the quotation?
Correct Answer
D. Separation of powers
Explanation
The quotation describes the principle of separation of powers. It emphasizes the importance of each branch of government being independent from the others in order to maintain a true separation of powers. The executive magistrate and judges need to be independent of the legislature in order for their independence in every other aspect to be meaningful. This principle ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful and that checks and balances are maintained within the system.
31.
What happens when a a state law conflicts with a federal law?
Correct Answer
D. The state must yield to the federal government.
Explanation
When a state law conflicts with a federal law, the state is required to yield to the federal government. This means that the state law becomes invalid and cannot be enforced. The Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law in cases of conflict. Therefore, the state government cannot enforce its own law if it contradicts a federal law.
32.
"The most powerful, and perhaps the only, means of interesting men in the welfare of their country which we still possess is to make them partakers in the government." --Alexis de TocquevilleWhich statement best reflects Tocqueville's point of view?
Correct Answer
B. Taking an active role in society will help promote contributions to a nation.
33.
Which executive action best demonstrates a check on legislative branch power?
Correct Answer
C. The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress.
Explanation
The president vetoing a bill passed by Congress is an executive action that demonstrates a check on legislative branch power. This action allows the president to reject a bill that has been approved by the legislative branch, thereby preventing it from becoming law. By exercising the veto power, the president can influence the legislative process and ensure that the executive branch has a say in the creation of laws. This action serves as a check on the power of the legislative branch, as it allows the president to prevent the enactment of legislation that they deem unfit or unconstitutional.
34.
-Under the Articles of Confederation, taxes were applied by Congress and collected by the states.-Under the Constitution, taxes are both applied and collected by Congress.Which of these best describes the change in government reflected in the list above?
Correct Answer
D. Expanding political power of the national government
Explanation
The change in government reflected in the list above is the expanding political power of the national government. Under the Articles of Confederation, taxes were applied by Congress but collected by the states, which gave more power to the state governments. However, under the Constitution, taxes are both applied and collected by Congress, indicating a shift towards a stronger national government with more control over taxation. This change demonstrates an expansion of political power for the national government.
35.
In a presidential form of government, the head of the executive branch is
Correct Answer
A. Elected independently from the legislative branch and serves a fixed term
Explanation
In a presidential form of government, the head of the executive branch is elected independently from the legislative branch and serves a fixed term. This means that the person who holds the position of the head of the executive branch is chosen directly by the people in a separate election process, rather than being selected or appointed by the legislative branch. Additionally, they serve a fixed term, meaning that their time in office is predetermined and cannot be extended or shortened by the legislative branch. This separation of powers ensures a system of checks and balances, where the executive branch is independent and accountable to the people.
36.
Which of these situations illustrates citizens responsibly practicing the freedoms of a democratic society?
Correct Answer
D. Mike and some friends picket the local shoe factory because of recent layoffs.
37.
Which interest group would most likely oppose eliminating the social security system?
Correct Answer
D. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Explanation
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) would most likely oppose eliminating the social security system because it is an interest group that represents the interests of retired individuals. The social security system provides financial support and benefits to retired individuals, so it is in the best interest of the AARP to advocate for its preservation.
38.
Which of these is an example of popular sovereignty?
Correct Answer
B. Some states decided to prohibit slavery by a vote of residents.
Explanation
Popular sovereignty refers to the idea that the power and authority of the government is derived from the consent and will of the people. In this context, the example of some states deciding to prohibit slavery by a vote of residents is an example of popular sovereignty. This decision reflects the idea that the residents of those states, through their democratic participation, expressed their will and consent to prohibit slavery, thereby exercising their sovereign power.
39.
Since the 1960's, which political party in the United States most closely represents the views of conservative voters?
Correct Answer
B. Republican Party
Explanation
The Republican Party in the United States most closely represents the views of conservative voters. This party has traditionally advocated for limited government intervention in the economy, lower taxes, and a focus on individual freedom and personal responsibility. They tend to support conservative social values and prioritize national security. Over the years, the Republican Party has attracted conservative voters who align with these principles and policies.
40.
Which view of presidential power led to the Twenty-Second Amendment?
Correct Answer
D. Term limits are needed to keep any one president from growing too powerful.
Explanation
The Twenty-Second Amendment was introduced as a response to the concern that a president could become too powerful if they were allowed to serve an unlimited number of terms. By imposing term limits, the amendment aims to prevent any one president from accumulating excessive power over time. This view recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance of power and preventing potential abuses of authority by ensuring that no individual holds the presidency for an extended period.