American Government I – Exam Study Guide
1. The type of government in which citizens elect representatives who decide policies on behalf of their constituents, sometimes called a “representative democracy” is also known as a (Points : 5)
republic
autocracy
government by the few
monarchy
2.
Why is it clear that there is a separation of church and state?
(Points : 5)
Because religious freedom is declared in the Declaration of Independence.
Because of the precedent set by Roe v. Wade.
Because of the concept of judicial review.
Because there is an establishment clause.
3. Democracy is a type of government in which supreme power of governance lies in the hands of its (Points : 5)
elites
royal family
citizens
totalitarian government
4. Which document is an endorsement of the concept of the “consent of the governed”? (Points : 5)
Articles of Confederation
The Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The Bill of Rights
5. In the United States, the concept that is most clearly written into the Constitution and for which there is the greatest consensus, is equality of ___. (Points : 5)
opportunity
or among groups
starting conditions
result
6. Liberalism in the United States today would (Points : 5)
believe in the positive role of government and equality of opportunity.
support corporate tax benefits.
not support a woman’s right to have an abortion.
hold an intolerant view of homosexual rights.
7. This doctrine states that the United States, as the world’s remaining superpower, should engage in unilateral action (by the U.S. alone) and preventive war against countries regarded as threatening to the United States. (Points : 5)
Monroe Doctrine
Roosevelt Corollary
Bush Doctrine
laissez-faire doctrine
8. On the issue of healthcare in the United States, modern-day conservatives would want (Points : 5)
universal healthcare with equal access for all.
for government NOT to become over-involved in healthcare.
socialized medicine.
an increase in entitlements.
9. The Bill of Rights is contained in the ___. (Points : 5)
Declaration of Independence
Constitution
Federalist papers
Articles of Confederation
10. A major reason that the Antifederalists criticized the Constitution was because ___. (Points : 5)
they personally disliked the founding fathers
the new Constitution went too far in the guaranteeing state’s rights
the Constitution did not go far enough in strengthening the power of the national government
the Constitution did not have a bill of rights
11. The concept of Judicial Review is best explained as (Points : 5)
the courts placing the Bill of Rights within the reach of majority opinion.
having the political parties represent the Constitution.
the courts determining the constitutionality of law based on the law’s adherence to the Constitution, and in particular, the Bill of Rights.
allowing people to vote for new revisions to the Bill of Rights.
12. The Electoral College in U.S. politics is (Points : 5)
the place where the population’s votes are counted.
where presidents go to college.
a government university for civil service professionals.
the final step by which the president is elected.
13. The Constitutional principle of separation of powers provides that ___. (Points : 5)
states can exercise reserved powers
voters can vote out of office those who abuse power
authority is allocated to each of the three branches of the national government
each branch of the national government has some role in the action of the others
14. In Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice Marshall set a precedent by declaring ______ to be unconstitutional. (Points : 5)
an act of Congress
a state law
a decision of the Secretary of State
a Presidential appointment
15. The fact that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are equal in power demonstrates which concept? (Points : 5)
National Supremacy
Direct Democracy
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
16. Which of the following processes is a way for an immigrant to acquire U.S. citizenship? (Points : 5)
By crossing the border.
By place of birth
By naturalization
By declaration
17. Due process, as legal safeguards that prevent the government from arbitrarily depriving citizens of life, liberty, or property, are guaranteed in which amendment(s)? (Points : 5)
First and Second.
Fifth and Fourteenth.
Tenth.
Third and Tenth.
18. Individual and collective actions, such as volunteering or voting, designed to identify and address issues of public concern in order to influence governmental action are known as: (Points : 5)
civic engagement
governmental responsibilities
a matter of status
a requirement to pay taxes
19. What part of the U.S. government is responsible for ratifying treaties with other nations?
(Points : 5)
the President
the bureaucracy
the House of Representatives
the Senate
20.
Within the executive branch, who is responsible for assisting the President in formulating national security policy?
(Points : 5)
National Security Council and key cabinet members
The Speaker of the House
The Attorney General
The U.S. Supreme Court
