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. Belief in the superiority of one's nation or ethnic group.






2. The difference between the political opinions or political behavior of men and of women.






3. 30-second statements on the evening news shows. The media have been accused of simplifying complicated political issues by relying on sound bites to explain them to the public.






4. A formal agreement between a U.S. president and the leaders of other nations that acquires approval by both houses of Congress.






5. The residents of a congressional district or state.






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






7. Presidential custom of submitting the names of perspective appointees for approval to senators from the states in which the appointees are to work.






8. Interpretation of the First Amendment that would permit legislatures to forbid speech encouraging people to engage in illegal action.






9. Agreement signed by the United States - Canada - and Mexico in 1992 to form the largest free trade zone in the world.






10. An economic system characterized by private property - competitive markets - economic incentives - and limited government involvement in the production - distribution - and pricing of goods and services.






11. Agency that administers civil service laws - rules - and regulations.






12. Exemption from prosecution for a particular crime in return for testimony pertaining to the case.






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






14. An election during periods of expanded suffrage and change in the economy and society that proves to be a turning point - redefining the agenda of politics and the alignment of voters within parties.






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






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






17. The assigning by Congress of congressional seats after each census. State legislatures reapportion state legislative districts.






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






19. The presiding officer in the House of Representatives - formally elected by the House but actually selected by the majority party.






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






21. Synonymous with 'collective action -' it specifically studies how government officials - politicians - and voters respond to positive and negative incentives.






22. A rise in the general price level (and decrease in dollar value) owing to an increase in the volume of money and credit in relation to available goods.






23. Voting based on what a candidate pledges to do in the future about an issue if elected.






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






25. The principle of a two-house legislature.






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






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






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






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






30. National Health Insurance program for the elderly and disabled.






31. The process of putting a law into practice through bureaucratic rules or spending.






32. The right to keep executive communications confidential - especially if they relate to National Security.






33. 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.






34. Agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant that the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser offense to avoid having to stand trial for more serious offense.






35. Literacy requirements some states imposed as a condition of voting - generally used to disqualify black voters in the South; now illegal.






36. Economic theory based on the principles of John Maynard Keynes stating that government spending should increase during business slumps and be curbed during booms.






37. Primary election in which any voter - regardless of party - may vote.






38. 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.






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






40. Party leader who is the liaison between the leadership and the rank-and-file in the legislature.






41. A policy adopted by the Bush administration in 2001 that asserts America's right to attack any nation that has weapons of mass destruction that might be used against U.S. interests at home or abroad.






42. A consistent pattern of beliefs about political values and the role of government.






43. A minor party that believes in extremely limited government. Libertarians call for a free market system - expanded individual liberties such as drug legalization - and a foreign policy of nonintervention - free trade - and open immigration.






44. An electoral district in which voters choose one representative or official.






45. The rights of all people to dignity and worth; also called human rights.






46. An agency of Congress that analyzes presidential budget recommendations and estimates the cost of proposed legislation.






47. Widespread agreement on fundamental principles of democratic governance and the values that undergird them.






48. A technique of Congress to establish federal regulations. These sanctions permit the use of federal money in one program to influence state and local policy in another. For example - a 1984 act reduced federal highway aid by up to 15 percent for any






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






50. An organization that seeks political power by electing people to office so that its positions and philosophy become public policy.