/* */

Test your basic knowledge |

CSET Political Science Government

Subjects : cset, civics
Instructions:
  • Answer 32 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. A federation - such as the US - is a union of 2 or more local governments under 1 central gov. - with both the central & local govs excercising independent spheres of authority - either in theory or in practice. In encourages unity in matters of gene






2. Powers are carefully separated & balanced among executive - legislative - & judicial branches to avoid centralization of powers & resultant tyranny.






3. The primary role of gov. & of the state is to develop - promote - & protect economic interests such as trade - markets - commerce - & wealth. Economic interestss that thrive under the protection of the state are powerful in determining the direction






4. Sometimes disappear - but the development of a new second party is the traditional pattern.






5. Forbids states to deny women the right to vote.






6. Government resting on the will of a single person or a small group of persons. The welfare of the state is often held above the welfare of the individual.






7. It defines citizenship - providing supremacy of national citizenship over state citizenship. It restrains the states from depriving persons of life - liberty - or property without due process of law or denying persons the equal protection of laws.






8. Forbids states to collect a poll tax as a prerequisite to voting in national elections.






9. Is an example of a legislative check on the executive branch.






10. The Constitution & laws is an example of a check the judicianry holds over the president & Congress.






11. Is enhanced by a two - party system as opposed to a multiparty system.






12. This forbids the states to enter treaties - coin money - subvert the national currency - or pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts - and so on. It outlaws tariffs by states.






13. Policy - making executives are the prime minister & the # of the cabinet - all of whom are members of the legislature & dependent on support of the legislature for continuance in office. Parliamentary gov. differs from the American system of separati






14. ...see following cards.






15. A loose union of states in which the principal power of gov are retained by the individual member states. Central gov. exists to perform a limited # of functions - such as national defense. The US was a confederation for 8 years under the Articles of






16. Stands for relatively rapid & sweeping economic collectivism (govt. ownership).






17. Has ever had a president elected.






18. This theory holds that the state is a product of force & conquest. Like other theories - it cannot be proved & is generally considered inadequate as an explanation of the origin of the state.






19. The primary meaning is government by the people. Indirect democracy implies government by the people's representatives - as in the U.S.






20. A distictive feature of the executive is that he or she is elected independently of the legislative & holds office for a fixed period. Also - the executive has extensive power not subject to control by the legislature. The term presidential governmen






21. During most of US history - power has alternated between 2 major parties.






22. Intended to give blacks the right to vote.






23. The right of the ruler to rule was inherited from his or her ancestors - who were believed to have been appointed by a supreme being. It is identified w/absolutist governments. It was accepted as the justification for the rule of kings in much of the






24. Of court decisions is a check of the executive over the judicial branch.






25. Allows 18- year olds to vote in national elections.






26. Is an example of an executive check on the legislative branch.






27. Are usually majority decisions - encouraging majority support for governmental policies.






28. Advocates the restriction of governmental activities within narrow limits - leaving a broad area of freedom to the individual.






29. Holds that all government is evil - unnecessary - & undesirable.






30. Can be confronted with an either - or choice - thus simplifying decisions & political processes.






31. Do arise & influence national politics. Minor parties have sometimes had senators & representatives elected and have occasionally dominated state & local politics.






32. Laws - & treaties of the US.






//