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. The fundamental flaw in plural theory contends that pluralism weakens the backbone of democracy with too many common interest groups attempt to wield power - often leading to standstill because of unwillingness to compromise.






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






3. A form of city government under which power is divided between a mayor and an elected city council.






4. The vote cast by a person who does not like either candidate and so votes for the less objectionable of the two - putting a clothespin over his nose to keep out the unpleasant stench






5. The response of the rest of society to actions by the authorities.






6. Philosopher John Locke - in his 1690 work Civil Government (second treatise) - advised separation of government power between






7. Between conventions - the governing body of a major political party. Members of this group are chosen in the states and formally elected by the party






8. This group of voters historically supported Republicans - a party founded on an anti-slavery platform. During the 1930's they began supporting the New Deal policies of the Democratic party.






9. In Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969) - the Supreme Court established precedents for ___________________ in schools and government institutions.






10. Amendment that delegated the election of Senators to popular vote.






11. Executive Check on the Legislative Branch.






12. Established the Federal Reserve Bank - responsible for conducting the nation's monetary policy - maintaining the stability of the financial system - supervising and regulating banking institutions - and protecting the credit rights of consumers - and






13. Impact elections by siphoning off votes from major parties spoiling a party's chance in a close race.






14. According to the Speedy Trial Act of 1974 - federal trials must commence within _______ days of arrest with the exception of delay for mental health testing of the defendant and illness of the defendant or key witness.






15. An opinion of one or more judges expressing disagreement with the majority opinion of the court which gives rise to its judgment.






16. This author of Leviathon posited that government is necessary because people are generally in a state of conflict.






17. A federal law passed by Congress in 1939 to restrict political activities by federal workers. The law prevents federal employees while on duty from taking an active part in party politics or campaigns and also bars federal employees from running for






18. Voting based on looking back and making judgments about the way things have gone and the kind of government experienced during a political leader's time in office.






19. A nation's set of fundamental beliefs about how government and politics should be conducted.






20. This 1964 case established strict standards for proving slander and libel - court must prove intent of malice on the part of the publisher.






21. Responsible for determining which bills will be considered on the House floor - and when they will be considered.






22. Legislative house whose members were intended to represent the people.






23. The relationship between the total cost of foreign goods imported to this country and sales of U.S. products overseas.






24. A term often used to describe the economic and political ties between the military establishment and the defense-aerospace industry.






25. Legislative branch incorporating two houses.






26. Defamation by written or printed words - pictures - or in any form other than by spoken words or gestures.






27. First Roman Catholic elected President.






28. A legal principle of fair dealing - which may provide preventive measures and legal remedies that are unavailable under existing common law and statutory law.






29. Urban or rural areas in which businesses are encouraged to locate because of tax breaks and other incentives.






30. Guaranteed women the right to vote.






31. Finding that enough evidence exists to warrant a criminal trial.






32. Puerto Rico has ____________ status.






33. This contraversial 2001 law allows anti-terrorism authorities to monitor e-mail and Internet traffic in order to prevent terrorist attacks. The government argues that cyberspace is public domain and that no warrants should be needed to access informa






34. 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.






35. The agency that provides Congress with evaluations of public policies is the






36. Makes sure that funds are used safely and wisely. They oversee the state's financial records






37. The Supreme Court holds _____________ jurisdiction in cases against the US - ambassadors - public ministers - and consuls.






38. This House committee is responsible for all taxes - tariffs - and other revenue raising measures in addition to social security - child support - Medicare - foster care - and unemployment.






39. Money spent by individuals or gorups not asociated with candidates to elect or defeat candidates for office






40. Early civil rights leader established the Niagara Movement and helped to establish the NAACP.






41. If 10 days remain in session and the president does not sign an act of Congress - the law is ___________.






42. The 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine that prompted King George III's Prohibitory Act and the sending of mercenaries to the colonies.






43. These voters are registered as a party member but only participate by voting in primary and general elections. Tend to vote straight-party ticket and follow the leads of local party officials.






44. ________________ of the Constitution governs the relationships of the states.






45. The yearly value of goods and services produced within a country.






46. It is possible either to describe people - government - politics - and power as isolated - static elements - or to look at them as interacting elements in a_______________.






47. Powers specifically outlined in the Constitution as assigned to one branch of government.






48. Authority based on an individual's outstanding traits - which attract followers






49. Age Requirement for House of Representatives.






50. Economists generally agree that the major responsibility for promoting prosperity and full employment falls on ________________.