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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. In Johnson v. Texas (1989) - the Supreme Court ruled that burning the flag in a manner that does not pose a threat to people or property is allowed as this type of freedom of speech.






2. Presidential management model in which the Chief of Staff plays a prominent role as the head of a military style chain of command. Used successfully by Reagan and Eisenhower.






3. There are 11 circuit ____________________ who have no original jurisdiction.






4. ______________ refers to the differences in political attitudes and voting behavior between men and women






5. ____________ often influence political appointments in an effort to influence bureaucracy.






6. The total amount of money that the United States owes to its creditors.






7. Once the Supreme Court justices have agreed to hear an appeal - they issue a _________________.






8. Total number of Representatives apportioned to the states based on population and reapportioned with the census every 10 years






9. Redefined Presidential succession and disability.






10. A Latin phrase meaning 'stand by past decisions -' a principle that judges often use in deciding cases. Ruling based on precedents.






11. These two Senate standing committees have existed - largely unchanged - since 1816.






12. Overturning unjust laws is the responsibility of _________________.






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






14. 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.






15. Puerto Rico has ____________ status.






16. In which case did the Supreme Court rule that the 1964 Civil Rights Act does not prohibit private affirmative action programs?






17. Lawsuit brought by an individual or group of people on behalf of all those similarly situated






18. Powers of the national government that flow from its enumerated powers and the 'elastic clause' of the Constitution.






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






20. The formal source of all authority in each major political party. It nominates the party candidates for president and vice president - writes a platform - settles disputes - writes rules - and elects the members of the national committee.






21. Presidential management model requiring the President to have strong leadership skills and a keen eye for detail. FDR and JFK were well known for this style of leadership.






22. A compulsory national insurance program - financed by taxes on employers and employees. The insurance falls into four categories: old-age and survivors insurance - disability insurance - Medicare - and unemployment insurance.






23. An economy in which most economic decisions result from the interaction of buyers and sellers in markets - but in which the government plays a significant role in the allocation of resources.






24. 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.






25. Plan that proposed unicameral legislature with each state having one vote.






26. Federal categorical grants in which the granting agency has less discretion over how the recipient spends the money.






27. First step in the Policy Making Cycle.






28. Appointed by Eisenhower - this Supreme court justice who played an important role in the court's stance on the advancement of civil rights.






29. This 1st amendment clause prohibits the government from making any law prohibiting the exercise of any religion






30. The claim by presidents of an inherent right to withhold information from Congress and the judiciary.






31. In a political campaign - the surest way of reaching the largest number of voters is usually _____________.






32. Number of years a Representative must reside in the US prior to taking office






33. _____________ was the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in controlling New York City politics and helping immigrants (most notably the Irish) rise up in American politics from the 1790s to the 1960s.






34. A policy of avoiding foreign involvement.






35. Court cases that concern crimes committed against the public order.






36. David R. Mayhew has suggested that this influences congressional behavior. The ________________ is the relationship between members of Congress and their constituents.






37. Lead by Daniel Webster and Henry Clay. Dedicated to defending federal authority and high tariffs. Gained supports of merchants - bankers - industrialists and planters.






38. A system of _______________ - as in Italy - encourages the existence of many parties by allotting seats to competing candidates according to the percentage of votes they win.






39. A jury of 6 to 12 persons who determine guilt or innocence in a civil or criminal action






40. The principle - established by Chief Justice John Marshall in 1819 in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland - that the Constitution must be interpreted flexibly to meet changing conditions.






41. The introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution - setting forth the general principles of American government and beginning with the words - 'We the people of the United States - in order to form a more perfect union. ...'






42. Control of a market by a single company.






43. The single biggest item in campaign spending at the presidential level is ___________________.






44. Tips the balance between two leading candidates by attracting a minority of voters who otherwise might have voted for one of the leading candidates.






45. The period of time after the election of FDR until the Vietnam War was dominated by the Democratic Party and know as the __________________ Era.






46. Tests of a voter's ability to read and write - which were often used to keep recent immigrants and blacks from voting.






47. In the 1925 Gitlow case - the Supreme Court began a process of ______________ of the Bill of Rights to the states.






48. This 1963 case extended the right to counsel to all felony cases.






49. A term popularized by sociologist Floyd Hunter to describe the community leaders who he said determined policy in Atlanta - Georgia. More broadly - the term is used to describe 'power elites' generally.






50. Cabinet department that includes the Coast Guard - Border Patrol - FEMA - Transportation Security Administration - INS and the Secret Service. Established in 2001 in response to 9/11.







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