U.S GOVERNMENT HONORS FINAL EXAM

Question 1 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.03 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.1.3>

"In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches; and to render them, by different modes of election and different principles of action, as little connected with each other as the nature of their common functions and their common dependence on the society will admit."–Federalist No. 51

Which of the following elements of the Constitution is the author defending in this quote?

 creating a federal system of government where states and federal government share power and responsibility

 splitting Congress into the Senate and House of Representatives with different structures and functions

 determining the process of electing the president to be through a vote of all members of the legislative branch

 providing ways for the executive branch and Supreme Court to check the legislative branch's powers and actions

Question 2 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.3>

What can the legislative branch do if the president vetoes a bill?

 It can override the veto by requiring ratification by three-fourths of the states.

 It can override the veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress.

 It can appeal the veto to the Supreme Court who can rule the bill into law.

 It can request that the president conduct a second review of the bill.

Question 3 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.3>

What happens if the Senate and House of Representatives pass two different bills on the same topic?

 Congress will meet with the president to agree on one or the other bill.

 The conference committee will meet and resolve the bills' differences.

 The Senate version of the bill will take precedence and go to the president.

 Advisors to the president will meet with the sponsors of the proposed bills.

Question 4 (Multiple Choice Worth 4 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.05 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.13>

"I believe as strongly as ever that we should take on illegal immigration. That's why my administration has put more boots on the border than ever before. That's why there are fewer illegal crossings than when I took office."—President Barack Obama, 2012 State of the Union Address

"New U.S. Border Patrol statistics show arrests on the Arizona border were up 6 percent—by about 10,000—from October to April, even as apprehension of illegals dropped 9 percent overall. The agency uses arrests to gauge the flow of migrants; there are no precise figures on the number of illegal crossings."—Associated Press, May 18, 2011

The quotes above reveal that the president

 leaves out local statistics because focusing on nationwide data contradicts the success he claims

 uses falsehoods to convince the public they should support the policy changes he wants to make

 leaves out local statistics because focusing on nationwide data improves the success he is claiming

 uses falsehoods to convince the public they should not support the policy changes lawmakers want

Question 5 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.03 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.1.4>

"The proposed Constitution divides the powers of government equally between the central government and the state governments."

Which of the following best describes this quote?

 It represents the perspective of a Federalist, arguing for a strong centralized government.

 It represents the perspective of a Federalist, arguing for a weak centralized government.

 It represents the perspective of an Anti-Federalist, arguing for a strong central government.

 It represents the perspective of an Anti-Federalist, arguing for a weak central government.

Question 6 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 01.01 LC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.1>

Republic means the same as

 individual rights

 direct democracy

 consent of the governed

 representative democracy

Question 7 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 01.01 LC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.1>

In an indirect democracy, major laws and rules are made by

 majority vote of the people

 the top executive official

 elected representatives

 state-level executives

Question 8 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.05 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.4.4>

© 2012 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Which of the following makes a true statement about the relationship between GDP and democratization?

 GDP and democratization tend to rise and fall together. You would expect most countries in North America to have lower levels of democracy than those of Asia.

 GDP and democratization tend to rise and fall together. You would expect most countries in North American to have greater levels of democracy than those of Asia.

 As GDP decreases, democratization tends to increase, and vice versa. You would expect most countries in North America to have lower levels of democracy than those of Asia.

 As GDP decreases, democratization tends to increase, and vice versa. You would expect most countries in North American to have greater levels of democracy than those of Asia.

Question 9 (Multiple Choice Worth 4 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.05 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.13>

"We're providing more funding for our schools—a 36 percent increase since 2001. We are requiring higher standards. We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals."—President George W. Bush, 2004 State of the Union Address

"For less than one percent of what our nation spends on education each year, we've convinced nearly every state in the country to raise their standards for teaching and learning—the first time that's happened in a generation."—President Barack Obama, 2012 State of the Union Address

Based on the quotes above, it is reasonable to assume that

 President Bush failed to achieve his policy goals related to improving education

 President Obama does not carefully study the history of past presidents' policies

 President Bush thought testing was not important as a measure of school success

 President Obama considers earlier efforts in reforming education to be unsuccessful

Question 10 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.06 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.4.3>

Media outlets around the world

 criticized U.S. policy toward terror suspect detainees as violating human rights

 supported U.S. policy toward terror suspect detainees as in line with human rights

 criticized U.S. policy toward terror suspect detainees as too protective of human rights

 supported U.S. policy toward terror suspect detainees as needed exceptions to human rights

Question 11 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 01.01 LC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.1>

Which of the following is an example of government affecting citizens' daily lives?

 Andy forgets to complete his chores.

 Sarah has an argument with her boss.

 Julie gets a speeding ticket from police.

 Robb volunteers to tutor young students.

Question 12 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.05 LC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.4.1>

A country with a government described as an oligarchy would

 be run by a small group of leaders with similar political views

 conduct regular elections to select representative officials

 have a single ruler who may be a monarch or dictator

 determine its policies with significant citizen input

Question 13 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.1.3>

The Articles of Confederation

 created three branches of government, to reflect the principle "separation of powers"

 exhibited the principle "separation of powers" by leaving most power to the states

 created a weak central government, reflecting early American leaders’ fear of tyranny

 granted most of the significant powers of government to the executive branch

Question 14 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.9>

Which of the following types of cases would have to begin in a state-level court?

 disputes over interpretation of the Constitution

 disputes related to federal officials while in office

 disputes arising from accident damage to property

 disputes that arise from laws that govern immigration

Question 15 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.9>

© 2012 FLVS

A person or group dissatisfied with the decision of the Florida Supreme Court

 could appeal the case to their U.S. District Court

 could appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court

 has no recourse because each state's supreme court is a court of last resort

 has no recourse because each state's supreme court is an appeals court

Question 16 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.04 LC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.14>

A "concurrent" power is

 expressed to national and state governments

 implied to belong only to state governments

 reserved only to the national government

 shared by national and state governments

Question 17 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.04 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.10>

Which of the following cases set a precedent that segregation laws were unconstitutional in the United States?

 Texas v. Johnson

 Plessy v. Ferguson

 Gideon v. Wainwright

 Brown v. Board of Education

Question 18 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.03 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.4>

Which of the following quotes from the U.S. Constitution describes the requirements to be president?

 "a natural born Citizen, have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States"

 "have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen"

 "have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen"

 "chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature"

Question 19 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.06 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.4.2>

In the early 21st century, the United States sent troops to both Afghanistan and Iraq to

 establish democratic colonies throughout the region

 prevent the support and conduct of terror activities

 assist both nations in their wish for independence

 focus public attention on human rights violations

Question 20 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.06 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.14>

© 2012 AP Images

The 2000 presidential election recount in Florida went on for weeks because

 too many people were allowed to examine and discuss each ballot

 some counties used ballots that were difficult for workers to interpret

 the courts refused to make a ruling on the election to stop the process

 a recount in another state caused officials to question the voting system

Question 21 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.1.5>

An example of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that shows the principle of federalism is how the

 26th Amendment allows 18-year-old citizens to vote in state and national elections

 10th Amendment reserves rights to the states not assigned to the national government

 16th Amendment allows the federal government to collect income taxes from individuals

 First Amendment prevents states from taking away any of the people's rights to free speech

Question 22 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.04 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.9>

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

This quote is from the

 15th Amendment and protects the right of women to vote

 19th Amendment and protects the right of women to vote

 15th Amendment and protects the right of black males to vote

 19th Amendment and protects the right of black males to vote

Question 23 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.7>

The minority opinion of a decided case

 is the official explanation for the final ruling that will apply to the case

 is unnecessary unless the power of judicial review has been employed

 expresses the justification for a dissenting opinion of one or more judges

 supports the ruling of the majority but rationalizes it with different reasons

Question 24 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.7>

The decision of the U.S. Supreme Court on a constitutional issue is

 considered null and void unless the state governments must amend their laws

 unofficial until the legislative branch has an opportunity to edit the related law

 final unless overturned by a constitutional amendment or new court decision

 subject to a review by either the executive branch or the legislative branch

Question 25 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.1.2, ss.912.c.1.3="">

"The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States."—Declaration of Independence

The "injuries and usurpations" described in this quote are the colonists'

 proof that the king violated the principles of limited government, social contract, and natural rights

 descriptions of actions that follow the principles of limited government, social contract, and natural rights

 reasons they should have representation in Britain under the principles of popular sovereignty and individual rights

 arguments for why they would rather not separate from Britain under the principles of popular sovereignty and individual rights

Question 26 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.1.2, ss.912.c.1.3="">

"When a long train of abuses and usurpations…evinces a design to reduce them [the colonists] under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."—Declaration of Independence

Under what principle of government do the people have the duty described in this quote?

 natural rights

 social contract

 popular sovereignty

 limited government

Question 27 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.06 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.g.4.1>

Public Domain

Which of the following could be a logical conclusion based on the map?

 Because of the 2010 Census results, Florida gained representation in Congress.

 Because of the 2010 Census results, Florida lost representation in Congress.

 Because of the 2000 Census results, Florida gained representation in Congress.

 Because of the 2000 Census results, Florida lost representation in Congress.

Question 28 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.05 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.g.5.5>

Public Domain

A series of federal regulations requiring changes to the oil refinement process took effect in the 1990s. Which of the following U.S. states was least affected by the policies?

 California

 Texas

 Mississippi

 Florida

Question 29 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civl Liberties 04.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.6>

According to Article III of the U.S. Constitution, the

 legislative branch has the power to create laws that determine punishment for federal crimes

 legislative branch has the power to conduct trials when the federal courts are not in session

 judicial branch has the power to create laws that determine punishment for federal crimes

 judicial branch has the power to conduct trials when the federal courts are not in session

Question 30 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.06 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.16>

© 2012 FLVS

According to this graph, voter turnout is highest among 18- to 29-year-olds who report their race and ethnicity as

 Asian

 Black

 Mixed

 White

Question 31 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.6>

The purpose of the length of the term for a U.S. Supreme Court justice is to

 encourage decisions based on the will of the majority of the people

 discourage consultation with judges who serve in other court levels

 require consultation with the executive and legislature on major cases

 prevent decisions based on the pressures of maintaining elected office

Question 32 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.01 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.6>

Public Domain

People involved in cases that are accepted by the U.S. Supreme Court

 must travel to the U.S. Court of Appeals for their circuit

 must travel to Washington D.C. to present their cases

 present their cases in the closest U.S. Circuit Court

 present their cases in the state court of last resort

Question 33 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.05 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.12>

Which of the following is a true statement related to changes in the American media?

 As the types of media increase, the information and opportunities for influencing politics increase.

 As the types of media decrease, the information and opportunities for influencing politics increase.

 As the types of media increase, the information and opportunities for influencing politics decrease.

 As the types of media decrease, the information and opportunities for influencing politics decrease.

Question 34 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 01.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.1>

Juan is not a legal U.S. citizen, but he has permission to live and work in the United States through

 a driver's license and may run for elected positions

 his parents and may not run for elected positions

 a visa and may not run for elected positions

 birth and may run for elected positions

Question 35 (Multiple Choice Worth 4 points)

(Citizenship 02.05 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.6>

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Which of the following possible court cases could be argued under the terms of the quote above?

 a person shoots and kills someone who broke into the family's home

 a person refuses to serve the military when called up through a draft

 a person sues the state for building an armory on nearby property

 a person retires from the military in order to build an independent army

Question 36 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.02 LC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.15>

Which of the following is a true statement about the Constitution?

 It distributes power among three branches of government.

 It has a president who heads three branches of government.

 It imparts authority on tax policies to the state governments.

 It gives supreme authority to the separate state governments.

Question 37 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.04 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.15>

Which of the following is an example of lobbying and its influence on public policy?

 An interest group spokesperson tries to convince officials to vote a certain way on bills affecting the group's members.

 The media broadcast programming is aimed at convincing individuals to contact their officials about certain issues.

 A political party uses a process to evaluate members and determine who will run as candidates in an election.

 A public official's website contains a post detailing actions of the official relating to votes on certain issues and bills.

Question 38 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.04 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.15>

Andres made an appointment to meet with a representative from his district. He wants to request funding on behalf of a local parents and students' group to build a baseball field at the county park. Andres' acted as a lobbyist for a

 special interest group

 labor union

 political action committee

 political party

Question 39 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 01.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.1>

Many Americans are concerned that the naturalization process is too

 slow to discourage illegal immigration

 fast to discourage illegal immigration

 slow to establish sincere loyalty

 fast to establish sincere loyalty

Question 40 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.04 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.2>

Setting up courts is an example of

 a concurrent power

 a delegated power

 an exclusive power

 an inherent power

Question 41 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.03 LC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.5>

When a Cabinet member makes a recommendation to the president, the president

 is required by the Constitution to implement the recommendation

 is required by law to implement the recommendation

 has no obligation to follow their guidance

 can be impeached if he does not follow their guidance

Question 42 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Citizenship 02.05 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.7, ss.912.c.3.11="">

Which of the following explains why Americans do not have unlimited rights?

 Rights without limits is just another phrase for anarchy or the absence of government.

 People cannot be trusted to use their rights wisely, so officials must create restrictions.

 Sometimes individual rights conflict with the rights of others or threaten public safety.

 Early leaders of the country never intended for the rights to apply to all of the people.

Question 43 (Multiple Choice Worth 4 points)

(Citizenship 02.05 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.6>

"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense."

Which of the following possible court cases could legitimately be argued under the terms of the quote above?

 A person complains that the court ignored evidence relevant to the case which affected the outcome.

 A person says that the lawyer appointed by the court has too many cases to handle at one time.

 A person accuses a judge of extending court dates too long for each side to gather evidence.

 A person refuses to provide a written statement related to the witnessing of a crime.

Question 44 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Policy and Elections 03.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.11>

Public policy is a

 set of laws that citizens directly vote on nationwide

 program that must benefit all people to become a law

 government action at any level that addresses a problem

 list of laws from each state that conflict with one another

Question 45 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.8>

Sue and Tim are arguing about the value of appointing rather than electing federal judges. Sue says the judges should be elected. Which of the following statements supports her position?

 Judges in most federal court positions are elected so it should be the same way at the state and local level as well.

 Judges are representatives of the people in government just like other officials and should represent majority will.

 Judges who are elected will make their decisions in isolation from people's opinion and perform better as a result.

 Judges that consult with other federal officials on the will of the people do not consider the law in their decisions.

Question 46 (Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.02 MC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.8>

Judges are expected to base their decisions on the

 timing of elections, similar to other elected officials

 will of the majority, similar to other elected officials

 interpretation of law, independent from elected officials

 reports of the media, independent from elected officials

Question 47 (Essay Worth 10 points)

(Citizenship 02.05 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.4>

Imagine a group in the United States protesting American involvement in a war overseas burns an American flag and two people are accidentally burned. Many people want to ban flag burning, while others say it is their right. Discuss your position on the issue and include an explanation of how it relates to an amendment in the Bill of Rights. 

Question 48 (Essay Worth 10 points)

(Citizenship 01.03 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.2.2, ss.912.c.2.8="">

In 2012, a filmmaker posted a video online about the plight of child soldiers in Africa. It became a "viral video," attracting thousands of watchers around the world. Is this type of activity important in U.S. political and civic life? Explain your response and give at least two additional examples of how a person can participate in a democratic society.

Question 49 (Essay Worth 10 points)

(Citizenship 02.03 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.1.1>

"What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary."—James Madison

In at least two paragraphs, discuss the meaning of this quote in relation to one of the following principles—limited government, natural rights, separation of powers, or rule of law.

Question 50 (Essay Worth 10 points)

(Courts and Civil Liberties 04.04 HC) <object:standard:ss.912.c.3.10>

In a well-written paragraph, describe how a landmark Supreme Court case extended civil liberties. Choose one of the following cases: Gideon v. Wainwright, Texas v. Johnson, or Mapp v. Ohio.