Test your basic knowledge |

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. Programs such as unemployment insurance - disaster relief - or disability payments that provide benefits to all eligible citizens.






2. Inherent powers of state governments to pass laws to protect the public health - safety - and welfare; the national government has no directly granted police powers but accomplishes the same goals through other delegated powers.






3. A system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage.






4. Implies that although federalism provides 'a sharing of power and authority between the national and state governments - the state's share rests upon the permission and permissiveness of the national government.'






5. Review of all executive branch testimony - reports - and draft legislation by the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that each communication to Congress is in accordance with the president's program.






6. Theory that opposes governmental interference in economic affairs beyond what is necessary to protect life and property.






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






8. Denial of export - import - or financial relations with the target country in an effort to change that nation's policies.






9. Procedure for submitting to popular vote measures passed by the legislature or proposed amendments to a state constitution.






10. Those citizens who follow public affairs closely.






11. 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.






12. The precise legal definition of how government will implement a policy.






13. Congress appropriates funds for a specific purpose - such as school lunches or for building airports and highways. These funds are allocated by formula and are subject to detailed federal conditions - often on a matching basis; that is - the local go






14. A secret ballot printed by the state.






15. Alternative means of health care in which people or their employers are charged a set amount and the HMO provides health care and covers hospital costs.






16. Court order directing an official to perform an official duty.






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






18. Domination of an industry by a single company that fixes prices and discourages competition; also - the company that dominates the industry by these means.






19. A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.






20. Literally - a 'friend of the court' brief - filed by an individual or organization to present arguments in addition to those presented by the immediate parties to a case.






21. An election system in which each party running receives the proportion of legislative seats corresponding to its proportion of the vote.






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






23. A notion held by a nineteenth-century Americans that the United States was destined to rule the continent - from the Atlantic the Pacific.






24. A theory that government should control the money supply to encourage economic growth and restrain inflation.






25. An informal and subjective affiliation with a political party that most people acquire in childhood.






26. Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution - published anonymously by Alexander Hamilton - John Jay - and James Madison in 1787 and 1788.






27. A company with a labor agreement under which union membership cannot be required as a condition of employment.






28. 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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29. Means of communication that are reaching the public - including newspapers and magazines - radio - television (broadcast - cable - and satellite) - films - recordings - books - and electronic communication.






30. Elections in which voters elect officeholders.






31. A writ issued by a magistrate that authorizes the police to search a particular place or person - specifying the place to be searched and the objects to be seized.






32. Programs in which eligibility is based on prior contributions to government - usually in the form of payroll taxes.






33. Government in which the people elect those who govern and pass laws; also called a republic.






34. God's or nature's law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law.






35. Method whereby representatives of the union and employer determine wages - hours - and other conditions of employment through direct negotiation.






36. Powers that grow out of the very existence of government.






37. How voters feel about a candidate's background - personality - leadership ability - and other personal qualities.






38. A formal decision to reject the bill passed by Congress.






39. Attempting to overthrow the government by force or use violence to interrupt its activities.






40. The tendency in elections to focus on the personal attributes of a candidate - such as his/her strengths - weaknesses - background - experience - and visibility.






41. The right to renounce one's citizenship.






42. The widely shared beliefs - values - and norms about how citizens relate to governments and to one another.






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






44. Advisory council for the president consisting of the heads of the executive departments - the vice president - and a few other officials selected by the president.






45. A veto exercised by the president after Congress has adjourned; if the president takes no action for 10 days - the bill does not become law and does not return to Congress for possible override.






46. The total output of all economic activity in the nation - including goods and services.






47. A landmark case in United States law and the basis for the exercise of judicial review in the United States - under Article Three of the United States Constitution. The case resulted from a petition to the Supreme Court by William Marbury - who had b






48. Photo opportunities set up by the candidates. The media have been accused of simplifying complicated political issues by relying on photo ops to explain them to the public.






49. The number of Americans who are out of work but actively looking for a job. The number does not usually include those who are not looking.






50. A formal written statement from a grand jury charging an individual with an offense; also called a true bill.