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. 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.






2. A grouping of human beings with distinctive characteristics determined by genetic inheritance.






3. The process by which provisions of the bill of rights are brought within the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment and so applied to state and local governments.






4. The set of arrangements - including checks and balances - federalism - separation of powers - rule of law - due process - and a bill of rights - that requires our leaders to listen - think - bargain - and explain before they act or make laws. We then






5. The right of women to vote.

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6. A tax on increased value of the product at each stage of production and distribution rather than just at the point of sale.






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






8. Views the Constitution as giving a limited list of powers—primarily foreign policy and national defense—to the national government - leaving the rest to the sovereign states. Each level of government is dominant within its own sphere. The Supreme Cou






9. 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.






10. An elected office that is predictably won by one party or the other - so the success of that party's candidate is almost taken for granted.






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






12. The clause in the Constitution (Article 1 - Section 8 - Clause 1) that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.






13. A government entity that is independent of the legislative - executive - and judicial branches.






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






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






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






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






18. The total amount of money the Federal government has borrowed to finance deficit spending over the years.






19. Government by the people - both directly or indirectly - with free and frequent elections.






20. A president's claim of broad public support.






21. The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.






22. The process by which we develop our political attitudes - values - and beliefs.






23. A theory that is based on creating enough military strength to convince other nations not to attack first.






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






25. The power of a court to refuse to enforce a law or a government regulation that in the opinion of the judges conflicts with the U.S. Constitution or - in a state court - the state constitution.






26. Constitutional requirement that governments act reasonably and that the substance of the laws themselves be fair and reasonable; limits what the government may do.






27. The boost that candidates may get in an election because of the popularity of candidates above them on the ballot - especially the president.






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






29. A national meeting of delegates elected in primaries - caucuses - or state conventions who assemble once every four years to nominate candidates for president and vice president - ratify the party platform - elect officers - and adopt rules.






30. A monopoly that controls goods and services - often in combinations that reduce competition.






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






32. 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






33. An individual who does not to join a group representing his or her interests yet receives the benefit of the group's influence.






34. Divisions within society that reinforce one another - making groups more homogenous or similar.






35. A provision in a deed to real property prohibiting its sale to a person of a particular race or religion. Judicial enforcement of such deeds is unconstitutional.






36. Voting by member of one party for a candidate of another party.






37. The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals - groups - and parties can spend unlimited amounts in campaigns for or against candidates as long as they operate independently from the candidates. When an individual - group - or party does so - they are






38. Money government provides to parents to pay their children's tuition in a public or private school of their choice.






39. 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.






40. Unlimited and undisclosed spending by an individual or group on communications that do not use words like 'vote for' or 'vote against -' although much of this activity is actually about electing or defeating candidates.






41. A court order forbidding specific individuals or groups from performing certain acts (such as striking) that the court considers harmful to the rights and property of an employer or community.






42. 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






43. A policy-making alliance that involves a very strong ties among a congressional committee - an interest group - and a Federal Department or agency.






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






45. Relationships among interest groups - congressional committees and subcommittees - and the government agencies that share a common policy concern.






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






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






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






49. Government in which citizens vote on laws and select officials directly.






50. Opponents of ratification of the Constitution and of a strong central government - generally.