Here are the questions below. Download the file for most of the answers.
Question 1 (Worth 2 points)
Evidence from both the Declaration of Independence and individual state constitutions points to the colonists’ desire to
justify uprisings.
extend voting rights.
establish an official church.
define political powers in written documents.
reconcile the struggle between the rich and the poor.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 2 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following principles from John Locke’s Second Treatise of Civil Government supports limited government?
Leaders have a divine right to rule.
The government may choose which taxes to levy.
All property is ultimately owned by the government.
People have an innate tendency to obey their government.
A government’s legitimacy is determined by the public’s consent.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 3 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following statements best justifies the framers’ reasons for omitting language about slavery from the Constitution?
The Northern states had already begun to outlaw slavery.
Individual states were responsible for regulating slavery.
The framers intended to create a separate document for slavery laws.
The question of slavery would ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.
The framers wanted to ensure the Southern states would ratify the Constitution.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 4 (Worth 2 points)
In his Farewell Address, President George Washington
warned citizens against the factionalism inherent in political parties.
encouraged citizens to form strong political parties grounded in ideology.
advised members of the two dominant political parties to work more cooperatively.
suggested that multiple political parties, rather than two, would better reflect the needs of the citizenry.
proposed that the Constitution be amended to include firmer rules regarding the formation and operation of political parties in federal government.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 5 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following circumstances spurred mass participation in political parties in the Jacksonian era?
- Diminished power of the caucus system
- Enlargement of the eligible voter population
- Public funding for the two largest political parties
- Conventions that allowed for local control of nominations
III only
I and II
III and IV
I, II, and IV
II, III, and IV
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 6 (Worth 2 points)
During the period of dual federalism, the states and the federal government
shared power in most areas of law.
divided most government functions.
cooperated in making and carrying out policy.
operated completely separate systems of government.
struggled for control of primary government functions.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 7 (Worth 2 points)
In the U.S. system of government, concurrent powers are those that are exercised by
the state governments only.
the federal government only.
the executive and legislative branches.
all three branches of the federal government.
the state governments and the federal government.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 8 (Worth 2 points)
According to the U.S. Constitution, what obligation do states have to other states?
To validate the elections held in other states
To recognize contracts created in other states
To provide the same social services as other states
To pay a share of maintaining militias in other states
To have the same separation of powers as other states
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 9 (Worth 2 points)
Despite the separation of church and state, religion has played an important role in citizens’ political activities by
compelling most churchgoers to refuse to vote or pay taxes.
encouraging citizens to vote according to their own self-interest.
convincing citizens that political participation serves little purpose.
leading a majority of Americans to favor extensive social welfare policies.
motivating citizens to campaign for and vote on issues according to their beliefs.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 10 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following demonstrates belief in one’s civic duty?
- Voting
- Running for office
- Paying minimal or no taxes
- Volunteering at a local food pantry
- Taking time to learn about current events
I only
II and III
II, III, and IV
I, II, IV, and V
I, III, IV, and V
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 11 (Worth 2 points)
According to recent studies, when citizens develop different political opinions from their parents, they typically
lose interest in politics.
switch to the opposing party.
become very active in politics.
embrace extreme ideological views.
identify themselves as independent.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 12 (Worth 2 points)
A citizen’s political attitude on school funding is most influenced by his or her
age.
gender.
marital status.
religious affiliation.
ethnic background.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 13 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following is most strongly affected by political party affiliation?
Prospective voting
Retrospective voting
Campaign fund-raising
Congressional elections
Electoral college selection
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 14 (Worth 2 points)
Given the modern electoral system and two-party politics, which of the following circumstances is mostly likely to occur in a mid-term election when the president has fallen out of favor as a result of economic downturn?
The election process is likely to result in a major rift within the president’s party.
Congressional candidates in the opposing party are more likely to lose their seats.
Congressional candidates in the president’s party are more likely to lose their seats.
The president will issue an executive order, delaying the election until the economy has recovered.
Congress will vote to impeach the president in order to improve the incumbents’ chances at the polls.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 15 (Worth 2 points)
According to the information in the graph, which of the following is true?
- Fewer voters talk about candidates than watch candidates on television.
- Voters rely equally on newspapers and word-of-mouth to learn about political candidates.
- Forty-two percent of voters first use the Internet to learn about political candidates.
- Eighty percent of voters rely on television media to become introduced to political candidates.
I only
II only
II and III
III and IV
I, III, and IV
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 16 (Worth 2 points)
Talk shows and town meetings as political forums have
decreased the use of sound bites.
used controversial tactics to grow viewership.
lessened the appeal of other media for politicians.
increased politicians’ access to the electronic media.
created a widening gap of opinion between rich and poor.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 17 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following explains why organizations form political action committees (PACs)?
To attract politically motivated members
To enable them to apply for federal grants
To contribute money to political candidates
To gain membership on congressional committees
To allow contributors to deduct donations from their taxes
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 18 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following types of interest groups emerged in large numbers during the 1960s and 1970s?
Business associations
Religious associations
Craft and trade unions
Chambers of commerce
Political reform organizations
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 19 (Worth 2 points)
The spread of magazines of opinion during the early twentieth century resulted in which of the following?
A decline in party loyalty
An increase in voter participation
A reduction in ideological conflicts
A rise in the number of interest groups
A renewed interest in investigative journalism
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 20 (Worth 2 points)
The spread of radio and television allowed politicians to connect with voters
- without using interest group liaisons
- through sensationalist journalism
- by altering voters’ political ideologies
- without using publications from the party press
I only
II only
III and IV
I and III
I and IV
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 21 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following actions involves all three branches of the federal government?
Passing a joint resolution
Declaring a law unconstitutional
Ratifying a treaty with a foreign nation
Appointing new Supreme Court justices
Overturning a regulation made by an independent agency
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 22 (Worth 2 points)
All of the following are ways that Congress checks the power of the executive branch EXCEPT
impeachment.
judicial review.
the veto override.
ratification of treaties.
Senate confirmation of nominees.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 23 (Worth 2 points)
How does judicial passivity limit the power of the Supreme Court?
The court does not have any say over the confirmation of new justices.
The court does not have the ability to declare a state law null and void.
The court does not have jurisdiction over actions taken by executive branch officials.
The court cannot announce rules or policies in areas where Congress has responsibility.
The court cannot rule on the constitutionality of a law unless that law has been challenged in court.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 24 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following describes the advantage television and radio broadcasting has afforded politicians?
- less content control by editors and owners
- Uninterrupted access to listeners and viewers
- Ability to communicate directly with audiences
- Reduced cost for advertisements and public outreach
II only
I and II
III and IV
I and III
II, III, and IV
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 25 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following describes the impact of successive technological developments, such as the telegraph, the rotary printing press, radio, television, computers, and the Internet, on the news media?
- Broadened and diversified the coverage of news stories
- Made news and information more accessible to consumers
- Increased the cost of print media relative to the cost of non-print media
- Consolidated the dissemination of news among a few national organizations
I only
IV only
I and II
I and IV
II, III, and IV
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 26 (Worth 2 points)
A political cue signals to an official
- who is for a specific issue
- who is against a specific issue
- which direction he or she should vote
- how the issue fits into his or her political beliefs
I and III
I and II
II and III
II and IV
I, II, and III
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 27 (Worth 2 points)
All of the following are lobbying practices that interest group regulations now ban EXCEPT
giving a member of Congress a gift.
buying lunch for a member of Congress.
writing to a member of Congress about a cause.
donating tickets to sporting events to members of Congress.
organizing and paying for a “fact-finding” trip for a member of Congress.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 28 (Worth 2 points)
According to Aristotle, the term “democracy” means
political equality.
rule by the many.
power to the people.
limited government.
out of many comes one.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 29 (Worth 2 points)
Which of these is an argument in favor of democracy?
People will not respect others’ rights unless forced to do so.
People who cannot choose for themselves are not really free.
People who face discrimination must fight to protect their rights.
People will always choose wisely when allowed to rule themselves.
People who cannot take care of themselves need the help of society.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 30 (Worth 2 points)
The Twenty-Fouth Amendment was ratified after the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment because some states
ignored the Fifteenth Amendment.
made it illegal for African Americans to vote.
used taxes to negatively affect African American turnout.
promoted a system of segregation founded upon “separate but equal.”
fought the Fifteenth Amendment because they believed it unconstitutional.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 31 (Worth 2 points)
In order for a national political office candidate to have an automatic slot on the ballot, the candidate must
be a U.S. citizen and at least 25 years of age.
run for re-election to the office he or she currently holds.
hold or have once held a position with a state or local government.
win the primary of a party that was on the ballot in the previous election.
acquire the signature of the previous occupant of the office he or she is seeking.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 32 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following is an example of split-ticket voting?
In 1988, regions that voted to elect George Bush as the Republican presidential candidate also elected a majority of Democrats to the House.
In 2008, Republicans voted for the presidential candidate, while Democrats voted for legislators in the House and the Senate.
In 1977, Southern voters supported the Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter, while Northern voters supported the Republican candidate Gerald Ford.
In 2004, electoral votes that typically supported Republican candidates shifted to a support of the Democratic candidate John Kerry.
In 1992, the popular vote was divided evenly among Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Ross Perot.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 33 (Worth 2 points)
Before the 1960s, the two national parties were
- of assistance to party members seeking federal jobs
- different in their behavior
- very similar in their behavior
- less conservative
I only
I and II
I and III
II and IV
III and IV
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 34 (Worth 2 points)
The American value of equality is most strongly reflected in which of the following statements?
Votes and public opinion are not determined by class distinctions.
Cultural identities do not affect voters’ beliefs about political leaders.
Civic involvement is universal and encouraged by the government.
Political efficacy levels have remained the same since the 1960s.
Trust in the government remains strong among all citizens in America’s diverse population.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 35 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following values contributed to the early development of American political culture?
- Civic duty
- Personal liberty
- Economic equality
- Social harmony
I only
I and II
II and IV
I, II, and IV
II, III, and IV
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 36 (Worth 2 points)
American political culture has greatly encouraged the development of the
cable news media.
political spoils system.
free-market economy.
progressive income tax.
immigration quota system.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 37 (Worth 2 points)
A PAC may have marked influence on legislation in all of the following EXCEPT
Social Security tax code.
telecommunications regulations.
levels of ethanol in gasoline.
regulations affecting only the soybean industry.
consumer protections on financial services products.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 38 (Worth 2 points)
The primary factor behind the initial creation of PACs was
judicial activism.
increased partisanship.
campaign finance reform.
expanded federal grant programs.
the growth of lobbying organizations.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 39 (Worth 2 points)
A member of the political elite would most likely agree with which of the following sources of political information?
Local nightly news
Cable opinion programs
Newspaper wire services
Government press releases
Public radio news briefings
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 40 (Worth 2 points)
Which statement best explains the effect that the rise of mass media had on American politics during the 1920s and 1930s?
The popularity of mass media resulted in increased partisanship.
The radio allowed politicians to directly address American citizens.
Mass media contributed to growing political activism in the 1930s.
Americans only learned about politics during national election campaigns.
Citizens preferred to learn about politics from radio addresses rather than from live speeches.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 41 (Worth 2 points)
Parents are most likely to transmit their political beliefs to their children when
one or both parents have earned college degrees.
each parent holds a distinct set of political beliefs.
both parents actively consume political information.
neither parent leans strongly to the political right or left.
both parents identify themselves as political independents.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 42 (Worth 2 points)
Due to the vast differences in Americans’ races, religions, and regions, which of the following groups has the least impact?
Registered voters
Social policy experts
Community activists
Interest group leaders
Newsmagazine columnists
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 43 (Worth 2 points)
Political elites wield great influence over American public opinion mostly because
elites often serve as elected officials or party leaders.
citizens typically decline to admit to unpopular opinions.
elites largely frame political discussions and social norms.
citizens generally trust the statements of the rich and powerful.
citizens are willing to echo the elite’s opinions to seem better informed.
Points earned on this question: 0
Question 44 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following circumstances best demonstrates the principle of the separation of powers in the U.S. Constitution?
State and federal government both levy taxes.
U.S. citizens vote in federal, state and local elections.
Congress writes laws, and the president signs or vetoes the laws.
The U.S. Supreme Court rewrites laws it finds to be unconstitutional.
The Defense Department and the National Security Agency authorize and declare war.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 45 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following statements best explains how this excerpt from President Obama’s State of the Union address reflects the separation of powers?
“With all due deference to separation of powers, last week the Supreme Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests—including foreign corporations—to spend without limit in our elections. I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people. And I’d urge Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to correct some of these problems.”
—President Barack Obama, State of the Union Address to Congress, January 27, 2010
The president overturns the Supreme Court’s decision.
The Supreme Court censors the president for seeking to influence its ruling.
The Supreme Court writes a new law regarding the influence of special interests.
The president asks Congress to pass a new law regarding the influence of special interests.
Congress asks the Supreme Court to overturn a law regarding the influence of special interests.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 46 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following shows the impact of the separation of powers on voting rights in the United States?
In 1868, Congress passed the 14th Amendment.
Citizens in Florida must be registered to vote for at least 29 days before an election.
In 2008, Maryland voters passed a referendum to allow slots machines.
The 17th Amendment granted the people the right to directly elect senators.
U.S. citizens can participate in the election of members of all three branches of government.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 47 (Worth 2 points)
How are superdelegates different from other delegates at the Democratic National Convention?
Superdelegates won an election in a state primary or caucus.
A superdelegate’s vote counts more than the vote of other delegates.
Most superdelegates have received an automatic seat at the Convention.
Superdelegates have pledged to vote a certain way before the Convention.
More superdelegates than delegates are present at the Convention.
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 48 (Worth 2 points)
Which of the following explains why the Democratic Party changed its delegate selection process in the 1970s and 1980s?
To increase the power of local party leaders
To increase the proportions of women and minorities
To attract a more conservative element to the Convention
To keep up with recent changes introduced by Republicans
To award loyal elected officials and party leaders with more influence
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 49 (Worth 2 points)
Year
Employed private workers*
Employed public workers
Union members – private workers
Union members – public workers
2000
102828
19261
9219
7115
2009
103357
21133
7431
7896
*count in thousands
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010
According to the table, union membership in recent years has
- fallen in the private sector, while total workers has grown
- grown in the private sector, while total workers has fallen
- fallen in the public sector, while total workers has fallen
- grown in the public sector, while total workers has grown
IV only
II and IV
I and IV
I, II, and III
I, II, and IV
Points earned on this question: 2
Question 50 (Worth 2 points)
The decline in union membership since 1945 can be explained by all of the following EXCEPT
a shift away from industrial production.
a shift toward service delivery.
a decline in popular opinion of unions.
disinterest in the social movements that supported unionism.
difficulty in sustaining union revenue.
Points earned on this question: 0