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AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
For Government classes
225
Political Studies
Undergraduate 1
03/25/2014

Additional Political Studies Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
The essential rights of citizens should be based upon which of the following:
Definition
A higher law ordained by God
Term
Governments instituted among men should derive their power from:
Definition
Consent of the governed
Term
When a government denies the unalienable rights of citizens, what should happen?
Definition
The government should be abolished.
Term
In the Declaration of Independence great deal of time is spent discussing what?
Definition
Specific violations of political liberty.
Term
It was generally agreed by both individuals and state constitutions political power should rest with whom?
Definition
Elected officials
Term
The Articles of Confederation showed a great weakness in that, among others, it had no power to do what?
Definition
Levy taxes
Term
The Shey Rebellion created a fear that the following could happen:
Definition
Collapse from internal dissension
Term
Among all the problems in writing a Constitution, paramount was?
Definition
How to make a strong government that would not threaten liberty.
Term
The concept of a government consisting of three parts.
Definition
Virginia Plan
Term
Supporters of the New Jersey Plan were all in fear that?
Definition
They would be out-voted by the large states.
Term
The Great Compromise provide for which of the following:
Definition
The Senate would have two members from each state.
Term
In electing a President, it was determined he would be elected by which method?
Definition
An "electoral college".
Term
The Framers of the Constitution were determined the United States would be a pure democracy. Mark A for true, B for False.
Definition
False
Term
The concept that authority would be centralized in the national government.
Definition
Enumerated Power
Term
Which statement would be considered most true?
Definition
Federalism agrees to shared power.
Term
George Washington, at the end of he Constitutional Convention did not think the Constitution would be a lasting document.
Definition
True
Term
The founders of he Constitution made provisions for political parties but did not call them by names we know today.
Definition
False
Term
In writing the Constitution, the founders specified the Supreme Court would have a total of nine justices.
Definition
False
Term
The framers of the Constitution expected which branch to be dominant?
Definition
Legislative
Term
When ratified, he states were dominant but today the national government has assumed that role.
Definition
True
Term
This well known person did not think the Constitution would last more than 20 years:
Definition
George Washington
Term
When the Constitution was ratified, which was most true?
Definition
The States were dominant.
Term
Which statement would best explain he position of anti-federalist.
Definition
Most of the power should be kept by the individual states.
Term
James Madison, speaking for the Federalist, maintained which of the following?
Definition
Liberty was threatened more by public passions and popularly based factions.
Term
The original Constitution did not contain a Bill of Rights. Why so?
Definition
The Constitution had no power to infringe on specific freedoms.
Most states had their own Bill of Rights.
The Constitution did contain specific guarantees.
All of the above.
Term
A Bill of Rights was added, (First ten amendments) because, primarily, of what reason?
Definition
A Bill of Rights was added, (First ten amendments) because, primarily, of what reason?
Term
The posssibility of abolishing slavery was considered but not included in the Constitution. What was the reason?
Definition
To end slavery would have been to end the Constitution.
Term
The framers of the Constitution were a mixed lot, as a result which statement would be most true?
Definition
Framers acted out of a mixture of motives.
Term
Today, there exist an argument that the Constitution needs change. Which statement is the major argument?
Definition
Some maintain the government is too weak, others think it too strong.
Term
Although the Constitution dates back to 1787, the success can be shown in the small number of amendments which number ?
Definition
27
Term
Now for the remaining questions you must turn to page 4A, The Constitution, located in the back of your text. However, any copy of the Constitution may be used. There are requirements regarding the qualifications of a U.S. Senator. One of these is age. How old must a Senator be?
Definition
30
Term
Bills for raising money must originate where?
Definition
In the House of Representatives
Term
No person may become President before reaching what age?
Definition
35
Term
Which part of government has the power to make treaties?
Definition
The President
Term
Where in the Constitution is the provision for an amendment?
Definition
Article Five
Term
Where in the Constitution would you find that the government would not be allowed to establish a national religion?
Definition
First Amendment
Term
Although women were not originally granted the right to vote, this was changed in what part of the document?
Definition
Nineteenth Amendment
Term
To be an incumbent would mean:
Definition
Presently holding the office you are seeking.
Term
As Vice-President you are charged with which responsibility.
Definition
Presiding officer of the Senate
Term
Which of the following is a true statement?
Definition
May appoint federal judges.
Term
A person may be elected to the office of President for how many terms?
Definition
two
Term
The Legislative Branch may over-ride a veto by getting what approval of both House and Senate?
Definition
2/3
Term
The President is elected by the electoral college. Each state having one vote for each senator and representative. Regardless of size, each state has a minimum of how many votes?
Definition
three
Term
Which of the following is not considered a Cabinet member?
Definition
Speaker of the House
Term
A divided government exists when?
Definition
A divided government exists when?
Term
The President has certain powers he can exercise without the approval of the Senate. Which of the following does he not have?
Definition
Pass legislation
Term
Having been a U.S. citizen for 30 years a person born in Canada may be elected President.
Definition
False
Term
Let us assume the election ends in a tie. In that case how would the new President be selected?
Definition
By the House of Representatives
Term
When cabinet secretaries report directly to the President.
Definition
Ad hoc structure
Term
Would the candidate need to have majority of the popular vote to win the election?
Definition
No
Term
The President may remove some people from office, which one can the President not remove?
Definition
Member of the Supreme Court
Term
To win the presidential election a person must obtain which?
Definition
At least 270 electoral college votes.
Term
An important right of a president is to take advantage of a "Bully pulpit"--
Definition
True
Term
The statement that "a presidents popularity is high following their election but tends to weaken in time" would be--
Definition
True
Term
When a president fails to sign a bill within ten days before Congress adjourns:
Definition
Pocket Veto
Term
The president has the power to "line-out" certain parts of a bill.
Definition
False
Term
The concept of Executive Privilege does not mean the President has unqualified privilege of immunity.
Definition
True
Term
The perfect job to hold if one wishes to be president is the office of Vice-President.
Definition
False
Term
A "lame duck" would imply a person falls into what position?
Definition
A "lame duck" would imply a person falls into what position?
Term
Should an election for the Executive office end in a tie. It would be determined by:
Definition
House of Representatives
Term
Should an assassin kill both the president and vice-president, the Executive office would be filled by?
Definition
Speaker of the House
Term
The problem or dealing with a disabled president (unable to perform) is answered where?
Definition
The twenty-fifth amendment
Term
Contrary to common belief the President is not all powerful. The President does have some specific powers and some shared be with Senate, some with?
Definition
Congress as a whole
Term
In order to be persuasive a President must first and foremost have the cooperation of?
Definition
Fellow politicians and leaders
Term
The United States once had as President a man not elected as President or Vice President. Who was this President?
Definition
Gerald Ford
Term
The legislative body is divided into two parts, House and Senate. Therefore it is?
Definition
A bi-cameral legislature
Term
A filibuster, only in the Senate, would be described as:
Definition
Talking indefinitely to prevent a bill from coming to a vote
Term
Today being a member of Congress has become what?
Definition
A career
Term
A representative district has a history of close elections, it is known as:
Definition
Marginal district
Term
Members of Congress would vote on a bill based upon?
Definition
Organizational view
A representational view
Attitudinal view
Any of the above
Term
When members vote based upon cues provided by their colleagues, it is called what?
Definition
Organizational view
Term
A polarized Congress would indicate what?
Definition
Members are sharply divided by political ideology.
Term
A party leader who is responsible for making sure members vote in a manner the party wishes:
Definition
The whip
Term
A good measure of party strength would be?
Definition
Having their members vote alike.
Term
A bill must pass both Chambers of Congress before going to the President. To clear Congress and move to the President, which must be true.
Definition
The bill must pass both chambers with the same language.
Term
A "pocket veto" occurs when Congress adjourns before the President has---how many working days to take action.
Definition
Ten
Term
The minimum number of Congressional members required before business is conducted is?
Definition
A quorum
Term
A bill which has benefits to constitituents is called--
Definition
Pork Barrel
Term
Which of the following was the attitude of the Framers of the Constitution?
Definition
Representatives should mediate, not mirror, public views.
Term
Now you must examine Article One of the Constitution to complete the assignment. No person shall be a Senator until obtaining what age?
Definition
30
Term
Before it becomes law, every bill must?
Definition
Be presented to the President.
Term
To make laws necessary and proper for the execution of the powers granted by the Constitution is a right defined in which section of Article One?
Definition
Eight
Term
In order to be a Representative, a person must have been a citizen of the United States for how long?
Definition
Seven
Term
Regardless of population, each state is guareented how many Representatives?
Definition
One
Term
Regardless of size each state is allowed how many Senators?
Definition
Two
Term
In Article One, Congress is granted powers solely theirs, however there is also language which forbids a state from having certain powers. In which section does the Constitution place restrictions on states?
Definition
Ten
Term
The Constitution requires the Supreme Court to have a number of Justices. How many Justices, according to the Constitution, are on the Supreme Court?
Definition
It does not say
Term
The right of the Supreme Court to rule a law as unconstitutional is called?
Definition
Judicial Review
Term
A court established by Congress in order to perform a specialized purpose--
Definition
Legislative Court
Term
The concept of Judicial Restraint would indicate what?
Definition
A judge should confine himself to applying rules clearly stated in the Constitution.
Term
Which of these statements would be considered as true?
Definition
The Founders of the Constiitution did not expect the Court to play a large role in public policy.
Term
Again, which statement is true?
Definition
The Supreme Court can review the decisions of a state court if it involves a federal law.
Term
Under the dual sovereignty doctrine a person may be?
Definition
May be tried in both State and Federal court.
Term
As a citizen and tax payer you automatically have the right to challenge a law before the Supreme Court.
Definition
False
Term
Which of the following would serve as a way of checking the power of the judiciary?
Definition
Alter the kinds of appointments
By impeachment
Passing an amendment
All of these
Term
It means "let the decision stand" or that the case should be in accordance with prior decisions.
Definition
Stare Decisis
Term
Rules defining relationships among private citizens:
Definition
Civil Law
Term
A litmus test is to identify?
Definition
Ideology
Term
A document that sets forth the facts and gives arguments.
Definition
Friend of the Court
Term
This Supreme Court Chief Justice established the right of Judicial Review.
Definition
Marshall
Term
This President attempted to change the make-up of the Supreme Court.
Definition
Roosevelt
Term
The right of Judicial Review means what?
Definition
The right to rule a law unconstitutional.
Term
Which Court accepts cases based upon possible error in a previous case?
Definition
Appeal
Term
A per curiam opinion means---
Definition
The opinion is unsigned.
Term
This case provided Congress with broad powers in exercising what they can do.
Definition
McCulloch vs Maryland
Term
When one or more justices disagree with the majority view?
Definition
Dissenting Opinion
Term
A document that sets forth the facts and gives arguments.
Definition
Brief
Term
The media consists of television, radio, magazines, newspapers and the internet. Young people got most of their campaign news from:
Definition
Internet
Term
A web log or blog is most likely to contain information that---
Definition
Is often one sided and may not be accurate.
Term
In most cases a reporter or commentator will be influenced by personal belief. Most views are:
Definition
Liberal
Term
If a newspaper publishes a controversial article, they are required to give someone a right to reply.
Definition
False
Term
How much of a listening audience do radio talk shows enjoy?
Definition
1/5 of the population
Term
The public should understand a commentator may use, what is termed "loaded language" that is to say:
Definition
Uses words that imply without a serious argument.
Term
Newspapers tend to e more critical or negative if the President is?
Definition
A Republican
Term
The first U.S. President to cultivate the use of the press:
Definition
Teddy Roosevelt
Term
If a newspaper endorses a candidate it will, in most cases:
Definition
Give more positive stories to their candidate
Term
Studies show that television commentaries have little or no affect on a President's popularity.
Definition
False
Term
A commonly used term by the media is "gaffes"-- it means:
Definition
A misspoken word or misstated idea
Term
Would it be true or false that today the private life of a candidate is more likely to become public?
Definition
True
Term
When the media becomes suspicious of officials and eager to reveal unflattering stories, it would be known as:
Definition
Adversarial press
Term
A "Trial Ballon" would be which of the following?
Definition
To test public reaction
Term
The internet is considered the ultimate free market in political news because no one can regulate it.
Definition
True
Term
Would a person considered a political elite be highly active in politics?
Definition
Yes
Term
Although not always true, in most cases a democrat would tend to be:
Definition
Liberal
Term
A consistent set of beliefs would be which of the following?
Definition
Political Ideology
Term
Most Americans hold either Liberal or conservative views:
Definition
False
Term
Would Hispanics tend to favor a large or small government?
Definition
Large
Term
Would you agree that a person might have his political views influenced by where he lives?
Definition
Yes
Term
The text maintains a black person would question fighting for our country.
Definition
True
Term
Moral issues are less likely to divide rich and poor than economics.
Definition
True
Term
In recent elections women were more likely to favor Democratic candidates?
Definition
True
Term
A process by which backgrounds influence a person's political views?
Definition
Political socialization
Term
Would it be correct to say an elite person usually knows more about politics?
Definition
Yes
Term
A public opinion poll will always reflect how the government should act on key issues.
Definition
No
Term
James Madison's view was that public interest is not always what people demand from government.
Definition
True
Term
A person's vote is generally not influenced by religion.
Definition
False
Term
The State of Washington, like all states, has two U.S. Senators. One of them is?
Definition
Cantwell
Term
The new Secretary of Defense is:
Definition
Hagel
Term
The Secretary of Defense is:
Definition
Hagel
Term
The Tri-Cities is represented in the House of Representatives by this U.S.Congressman:
Definition
Hastings
Term
As his Secretary of State, the President selected:
Definition
Kerry
Term
Because the Democratic Party is in control, the majority leader of the Senate is:
Definition
Reid
Term
The Governor of the State of Washington is:
Definition
Inslee
Term
The confirmed head of the Department of Homeland Security:
Definition
Nepolitano
Term
Eric Holder was confirmed to head which department?
Definition
Justice
Term
President Obama's appointed Secretary of Treasury is:
Definition
J. Lew
Term
President Obama's Secretary of Treasury is:
Definition
J. Lew
Term
Which is a Supreme Court Justice?
Definition
Sonia Sotomayor
Term
This person appears to be emerging as a leader in the GOP.He is a Senator from Florida.
Definition
Marco Rubio
Term
This person is presently the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Definition
John Boehner
Term
A second woman appointed by President Obama to the Supreme Court:
Definition
Kagan
Term
Which political figure is not directly associated with Washington State?
Definition
Panetta
Term
This is the person who acts as the spokesperson for the President and White House:
Definition
Carney
Term
Federalism may best be defined as?
Definition
A political system in which power is shared.
Term
Federalism indicates a political system in which there are local governments.
Definition
True
Term
Terms that States must meet like it or not.
Definition
Mandate
Term
Sovereignty implies legal and political independency.
Definition
True
Term
A person is more likely to participate in a political activity, if there is a chance of success.
Definition
True
Term
A Federal republic derives its powers from?
Definition
A Federal republic derives its powers from?
Term
In our Constitution which of the following is guaranteed to each state?
Definition
A republican form of government.
Term
The doctrine that a state can rule void a Federal law is known as:
Definition
Nullification
Term
The Constitution may be amended to give states unequal representation based on size.
Definition
False
Term
A referendum enables voters in a state the right to reject a measure passed by the legislature.
Definition
True
Term
Would it be true to say that a state can do anything not prohibited by the Constitution or preempted by Federal policy?
Definition
Yes
Term
When voters place a legislative measure on the ballot---it is called?
Definition
Initiative
Term
The purpose of intergovernmental lobby:
Definition
Obtain more money with fewer restrictions.
Term
Federal school-desegregation plans are a prime example of:
Definition
Mandates
Term
The effort to pass to the states many Federal functions:
Definition
Devolution
Term
Which would not be a key difference between countries politically speaking?
Definition
Economics
Term
Would the position that most Americans think political equality is more important than being equal economically be true?
Definition
Yes
Term
Moral and intellectual characteristics are also known as:
Definition
Political Culture
Term
From the terms below, select the one which would represent the most unifying political bond.
Definition
Americanism
Term
Most Americans believe in equality of opportunity, but not equality of results.
Definition
True
Term
Polls tend to show most Americans dislike preferential hiring or quotas that deal with social inequallity.
Definition
True
Term
Which of the following countries is the lowest in voter participation?
Definition
United States
Term
Most Americans would take the position that the government should guarantee a standard of living.
Definition
No
Term
A belief that personal freedom and solving social problems are more important than religion.
Definition
Progressive
Term
Both liberals and conservatives have used religion to promote political change.
Definition
True
Term
The concept of political parties was the result of a political feud involving four men. Which one was not involved?
Definition
Andrew Jackson
Term
The political culture war is created primarily over?
Definition
People's belief about morality
Term
Competing rights would mean one person's right might be in conflict with what another person felt was their right.
Definition
True
Term
The law of due process would indicate which of the following?
Definition
Protects life, liberty and property.
Term
The Fourteenth Amendment assures the people?
Definition
All people have equality under the law.
Term
The clear and present danger test would be in regards to:
Definition
Speech
Term
The First Amendment to the Constitution would deal with what issue?
Definition
Freedom of religion
Term
When asked for a definition of hard-core pornography, what Justice simply said, "I know it when I see it"--
Definition
Potter Stewart
Term
Limiting pornography by establishing ordinances restricting the areas it can be sold is not constitutional.
Definition
False
Term
"Freedom of speech". As a student does the school have any control over your speech?
Definition
Yes
Term
Which of the following would be most closely associated with the courts' giving preference to members of one church over members of another?
Definition
Free-Exercise Clause
Term
The Court has struck down prayer in public schools but has upheld prayer in the House and Senate.
Definition
True
Term
The Court cases Engel v Vitale and Santa Fe v Doe are both issues dealing with:
Definition
Prayer
Term
Evidence gathered in violation of the Constitution is:
Definition
The Exclusionary Rule
Term
If you are arrested, the police not the court decide what is to be searched.
Definition
True
Term
The Court decision which provides the requirements for police interrogation:
Definition
Miranda v Arizona
Term
This law eliminates the statute of limitation or terrorist crimes:
Definition
Patriot Act
Term
Which term would best define Civil Rights?
Definition
Right to be treated without unreasonable differences.
Term
Which Constitutional Amendment is generally considered the "Civil Rights" amdndment?
Definition
Fourteenth
Term
The concept of Separate but Equal was affirmed in what major court decision?
Definition
Plessy vs Ferguson
Term
This "Separate but Equal" doctrine was over-turned by the Supreme Court in which case?
Definition
Brown vs Board of Education
Term
The use of bussing students through court order to deny dejure segregation.
Definition
Swann vs Mecklenburg
Term
If a person disobeys what they consider an unjust law and accept their punishment is it civil disobedience?
Definition
True
Term
The high point in civil rights legislation took place in what year?
Definition
1964
Term
A key provision in civil rights was to outlaw sex discrimination in education. It was passed in:
Definition
1972
Term
Barring women from jobs by orbitrary height and weight is:
Definition
Illegal Discrimination
Term
Which of the following would not be a legal decision?
Definition
A school paying a male coach more than a female coach.
Term
Sexual harassment is an area where there is little federal law.
Definition
True
Term
Affirmative Action was intended to provide equal opportunity but not equality of results.
Definition
True
Term
Aliens in the United States are rather successful in becoming U.S. citizens. What percent?
Definition
97%
Term
One key element used by the courts to determine cases dealing with homosexual issues:
Definition
Right to privacy
Term
Still under great debate, this landmark case ruled a state could not pass laws against abortion:
Definition
Roe vs Wade
Term
Which of the following countries tried to have less voters tied to a political party or ticket?
Definition
United States
Term
Political parties have become somewhat weaker today due in great part to:
Definition
Sense of commitment
Term
In recent years political authority has become?
Definition
More centralized
Term
In the United States a political party plays an important role in the lives of citizens:
Definition
False
Term
Most of the "founding fathers" considered the concept of a political party:
Definition
A disruption
Term
By design, the first poitical party was created to support what political figure?
Definition
Thomas Jefferson
Term
If a person were to be called a "Mugwump" it would imply that person:
Definition
Disliked party machinery
Term
An initiative is a procedure which allows what to take place?
Definition
Citizens vote directly on legislation
Term
When a new issue cuts across parties and replaces old issues the result:
Definition
Electoral realignment
Term
When a ballot list candidates under the name of the office they are seeking?
Definition
A Massachusett ballot
Term
Which of the following would be the most accurate statement?
Definition
A national committee is made up of delegates from each state.
Term
Within the Democratic Party, the "superdelegate" which are party leaders and officials, control what part of the nominating vote?
Definition
14%
Term
A political machine would be a party organization that did what?
Definition
Used money to get government favors.
Term
The "Political machine" would have as a direct opposite:
Definition
Ideological party
Term
The plurality system, winner take all, in the electoral college system is used in all states except?
Definition
Nebraska and Maine
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