Test your basic knowledge |

CLEP American Government

Subjects : clep, civics
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Cabinet department responsible for the management of public lands - wildlife - natural resources - and Native American affairs. Established in 1849






2. A loose grouping of people and organizations who seek to influence policy formation.






3. In Argersinger v. Hamlin (1972) - the Supreme Court extended the right to counsel to those accused of misdemeanors if the defendant is _____________.






4. The process through which an individual acquires a set of political attitudes and forms opinions about political and social issues.






5. The 1892 platform of the Populist party repudiating laissez-faire and demanding economic and political reform






6. 1798 Act that criminalized speech that was derisive to the government. Later ruled unconstitutional - Andrew Jackson issued blanket pardon in 1801






7. An economic system in which the factors of production are owned by the publicand operate for the welfare of all.






8. A tax on voting abolished by the Twenty-fourth Amendment in 1964 - long used by southern states to keep blacks (and - in some cases - poor whites) from participating in elections.






9. The Jacksonian Era marked an important change in the process used to nominate Presidential candidates with the emergence of party _________________ - eliminating caucuses.






10. A course of action decided upon by a government






11. Executive office responsible for helping the President write the federal budget and monitoring federal spending.






12. The President's role in the armed forces which during the 20th century has allowed Presidents to circumvent Congress' refusal to declare war.






13. In an election with more than 2 options - the number of votes for the candidate or party receiving the greatest number - but less that half of the votes.






14. Also known as the Massachusetts ballot - groups candidates according to the office for which they are running






15. Redefined Presidential succession and disability.






16. The Democrats control over politics during the 20th century ended with this President's unpopular handling of the Vietnam War.






17. A court decision in an earlier case with facts and legal issues similar to a dispute currently before a court.






18. The appropriation of government spending for projects that are intended primarily to benefit particular constituents - such as those in marginal seats or campaign contributors.






19. First African American appointed to the Supreme Court






20. A public assistance program established in 1965 to help pay hospital - doctor - and medical bills for people with low incomes.






21. The issuance of this document by a judge requires probably cause and must be worded so as to allow for the search and seizure of specific evidence.






22. Formerly known as the Anti-Federalist - this party lead by Thomas Jefferson advocated states rights pressing the causes of the common people and agrarian interest. Dominated the political arena until the Civil War.






23. The proceeding before a judge in which the formal charges of an indictment or information are read to an accused person - who may plead guilty or not guilty.






24. This was amended in 1985 to prohibit vote dilution without requiring the proof of discriminatory purpose demanded by the original Act.






25. 1946 Act requiring bureaucratic agencies to appeal to the affected parties before adopting new policies. Legislative check on Bureaucracy.






26. Signed the executive order banning segregation in the armed forces.






27. The elected position of President pro tempore of the Senate is almost always held by






28. Literally meaning 'right of soil' - confers citizenship by place of birth.






29. A legislature with only one house.






30. ____________________ define Congressional voting districts acting within constraints set down by Congress and the Supreme Court.






31. In 1978 - the Supreme Court - in the 'seven dirty words' case - ruled that the government has the right to prohibit the broadcasting of _______________.






32. Legislature bills that affect all citizens.






33. A system in which the national government sets requirements that are then implemented by state and local governments.






34. Independent agencies governed by an appointed and confirmed commission. Examples include the Food and Drug Administration - Environmental Protection Agency - and the Securities and Exchange Commission.






35. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is an example of an






36. The primary purpose of _______________consolidate the nation's disability laws and provide for strong federal enforcement of a strengthened disability rights mandate






37. By far - the largest amount of federal aid to state and local governments comes in the form of:






38. A decision of the Supreme Court cannot be ___________.






39. Author of The Spirit of the Laws advocating balance of power in politics with liberty is dependant upon a separation of the judicial - legislative - and executive branches of government.






40. In the year 2000 - the Supreme Court ruled that the Boy Scouts of America had a constitutional right to ban _____________ members.






41. ________________ of the Constitution dictates how the Constitution shall be amended.






42. After the bill reaches the house floor - if opponents have many changes - they may vote to ______________________.






43. Committees created by Congress to conduct special investigations. Although normally temporary - some become - in effect - permanent.






44. In a 1943 case - the Supreme Court upheld the right to refuse to salute the American flag on the basis of the constitutional guarantee of _________________.






45. What occurs when government adopts a public policy that provides - or distributes - benefits to people or groups.






46. In California v. Avecedo (1991) - The Supreme Court established that authorities may search ____________________ without a warrant providing reasonable suspicion.






47. Senators are re-elected every ___ years with 1/3 of the Senate being up for election every 2 years.






48. A plan to provide billions of dollars of American aid to Western Europe to speed its economic and social recovery after the Second World War.






49. Wisconsin Republican who exploited public concern for political gain during the 1950's through freewheeling investigations of alleged Communists.






50. Political strategists believe that presidential elections will normally be won or lost in _______________states.