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AP Government

Subjects : civics, ap
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 clause of the Constitution (Article I - Section 8 - Clause 3) that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.






2. A meeting of the members of a party in a legislative chamber to select party leaders and to develop party policy. Called a conference by the Republicans.






3. The process by which individuals screen out messages that do not conform to their own biases.






4. Tax levied on imports to help protect the nation's industries - labor - or farmers from foreign competition. It can also be used to raise additional revenue.






5. Clause of the Constitution (Article I - Section 10) originally intended to prohibit state governments from modifying contracts made between individuals; for a while interpreted as prohibiting state governments from taking actions that adversely affec






6. Weakening of partisan preferences that points to a rejection of both major parties and a rise in the number of independents.






7. The right to vote.






8. The president's annual statement to Congress and the nation.






9. Congress appropriates a certain sum - which is allocated to state and local units and sometimes to nongovernmental agencies - based on applications from those who wish to participate. Examples are grants by the National Science Foundation to universi






10. Remedial action designed to overcome the effects of discrimination against minorities and women.






11. Legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of one states to officials of the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed.






12. Constitutional arrangement that concentrates power in a central government.






13. A rising public approval of the president that follows a crisis as Americans 'rally 'round the flag' and the chief executive.






14. State laws formerly pervasive throughout the South requiring public facilities and accommodations to be segregated by race; ruled unconstitutional.






15. Divisions within society that cut across demographic categories to produce groups that are more heterogeneous or different.






16. A jury of 6 to 12 persons that determines guilt or innocence in a civil or criminal action.






17. Usually the largest organization in government with the largest mission; also the highest rank in Federal hierarchy.






18. Federal laws (starting with the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890) that try to prevent a monopoly from dominating an industry and restraining trade.






19. The rule of precedent - whereby a rule or law contained in a judicial decision is commonly viewed as binding on judges whenever the same question is presented.






20. Words that by their very nature inflict injury on those to whom they are addressed or insight them to acts of violence.






21. A system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends.






22. The cluster of presidential staff agencies that help the president carry out his responsibilities. Currently the office includes the Office of Management and Budget - the Council of Economic Advisers - and several other units.






23. Procedure for submitting to popular vote the removal of officials from office before the end of their term.






24. Governance according to the expressed preferences of the majority.






25. Democratic and civic habits of discussion - compromise - and respect for differences - which grow out of participation in voluntary organizations.






26. The powers of the national government in foreign affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government.






27. Federal program that provides medical benefits for low-income persons.






28. A procedure for terminating debate - especially filibusters - in the Senate.






29. Committee appointed by the presiding officers of each chamber to adjust differences on a particular bill passed by each in different form.






30. The difference between the revenues raised annually from sources of income other than borrowing and the expenditures of government - including paying the interest on past borrowing.






31. The powers expressly given to Congress in the Constitution.






32. Those citizens who follow public affairs carefully.






33. Period at the beginning of the new president's term during which the president enjoys generally positive relations with the press and Congress - usually lasting about six months.






34. Elections in which voters elect officeholders.






35. Elections in which voters determine party nominees.






36. A large body of people interested in a common issue - idea - or concern that is of continuing significance and who are willing to take action. Movements seek to change attitudes or institutions - not just policies.






37. Libel - obscenity - fighting words - and commercial speech - which are not entitled to constitutional protection in all circumstances.






38. A commission created by the 1974 amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act to administer election reform laws. It consists of six commissioners appointed by president and confirmed by the Senate. Its duties include overseeing disclosure of camp






39. A formal - public agreement between the United States and one or more nations that must be approved by two thirds of the Senate.






40. In a criminal action - the person or party accused of an offense.






41. A meeting of party delegates to vote on matters of policy and in some cases to select party candidates for public office.






42. The system created by Congress in 1913 to establish banking practices and regulate currency in circulation and the amount of credit available. It consists of 12 regional banks supervised by the Board of Governors. Often called simply the Fed.






43. Federal laws (starting with the Sherman Act of 1890) that tried to prevent a monopoly from dominating an industry and restraining trade.






44. Programs that the Federal government requires States to implement without Federal funding.






45. Presidential refusal to allow an agency to spend funds that Congress authorized and appropriated.






46. A court order requiring explanation to a judge why a prisoner is being held in custody.






47. An action taken by Congress to reverse the presidential veto - requiring a two-thirds majority in each chamber.






48. The desire to avoid international entanglement altogether.






49. Consumer tax on a specific kind of merchandise - such as tobacco.






50. Rebellion led by Daniel Shays of farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787 - protesting mortgage foreclosures. It highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out.

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