Test your basic knowledge |

CLEP American Government

Subjects : clep, civics
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. A group of independent states or nations that come together for a common purpose and whose central authority is usually limited to defense and foreign relations.






2. A writ designed to protect against illegal imprisonment by requiring that a person who is detained be brought before a judge for investigation.






3. In the area of foreign affairs - _______________ often have the advantage because






4. In order to win support for ratification of the Constitution - the Federalists had to promise that the first order of business under a new government would be to _______________.






5. During the period from 1976 to 1824 - This party was lead by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. They wanted a stronger national government that would rectify the pitfalls of the Articles of Confederation. Their supporters held a stronghold in New






6. Direct oral or written speech directed at a specific individual or group






7. Legislative house whose members were intended to represent the people.






8. The federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy)






9. In _______________ cases such as Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978) - the Supreme Court has upheld that while Affirmative action policies are legal - race and gender cannot be the only determining factors.






10. California measure designed to deny welfare and other benefits to illegal aliens. Overwhelmingly passed the popular vote - but overturned in federal court because it extending beyond the bounds of state rights to attempt to control immigration.






11. Under this governing document - national government lacked authority to set up tariffs - regulate commerce - levy taxes - control international relations - establish common currency






12. 1944 case established that as as long as a person accepted their beliefs in good faith that it is not the government's authority to determine whether those beliefs are valid.






13. New Jersey v. TLO (1985) established that school authorities may search students without _____________ as long as they are reasonable.






14. Laws passed by state legislatures that are designed to protect reporters from being forced to reveal their news sources.






15. Cabinet department oversees nuclear reactors.Established in 1973 in response to the Energy Crisis.






16. Defamation by oral utterance rather than by writing - pictures






17. According to one survey - what percentage of Americans belongs to groups that sometimes take a stand on public issues






18. Organization of individuals with similar policy goals who enter the political process to influence legislation that affects the organizations interests






19. Independent agencies governed by an appointed and confirmed commission. Examples include the Food and Drug Administration - Environmental Protection Agency - and the Securities and Exchange Commission.






20. The sum of the goals - decisions - and actions that govern a nation's relations with the rest of the world.






21. Popular until the early 20th century when they lost favor to primaries due to corruption - now used in only 12 states.






22. Charge of misconduct brought against a government official.






23. This event was an important factor in creating the climate for a new Constitution.

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24. When the President's own party gains power and influence - it more puts pressure on the President to conform to the will of the party - leading to________________ between the President and the party to define their public identities






25. A broadly based coalition that attempts to gain control of the government by winning elections in order to exercise power and reward its members.






26. Formerly known as the Anti-Federalist - this party lead by Thomas Jefferson advocated states rights pressing the causes of the common people and agrarian interest. Dominated the political arena until the Civil War.






27. While these voters have traditionally supported the Democrats - some have begun to support Republicans in light of the Democrats liberal policies on abortion.






28. First proposed in 1789 - this amendment passed in 1992 prohibits Congress from raising their own pay. Pay raises may not take affect until the beginning of the next term.






29. Authority based on an individual's outstanding traits - which attract followers






30. The response of the rest of society to actions by the authorities.






31. In Woodson v. North Carolina - the Supreme Court struck down mandatory sentencing of capital punishment as ______________________ because it does not allow for any discretion.






32. An economy in which most economic decisions result from the interaction of buyers and sellers in markets - but in which the government plays a significant role in the allocation of resources.






33. Contacts - coalitions - and interactions across national boundaries






34. The pursuit and exercise of power






35. The spread of nuclear weapons to more nations.






36. This clause of the 1st amendment establishes a 'wall of separation' between church and state.






37. The philosophy that government should intervene as little as possible in economic affairs.






38. The Equal Rights Amendment was defeated in 1982 because ____________________________.






39. In Sweatt v. Painter (1950) - The Supreme Court upheld that ___________________ was inherently not the case as is applied to the University of Texas Law School.






40. This powerful House committee is in charge of determining under what rule other bills will come to the floor.






41. Committees appointed for investigative or crisis situations.






42. A public policy that takes something away from one person or group and gives it to another person or group.






43. The vote cast by a person who does not like either candidate and so votes for the less objectionable of the two - putting a clothespin over his nose to keep out the unpleasant stench






44. Passed in 1883 - it created a federal civil service so that hiring and promotion would be based on merit rather than patronage.






45. The expansion of cable and satellite tv has _________________ the president's power to influence public opinion.






46. In a political campaign - the surest way of reaching the largest number of voters is usually _____________.






47. Included are Agriculture - Nutrition - and Forestry; Appropriations; Armed Services; Banking - Housing and Urban Affairs; Commerce - Science and Transportation; Energy and Natural Resources; Environment and Public Works; Finance; Health - Education -






48. According to the Constitution - the electors in the Electoral College shall be appointed in a manner to be determined by the






49. Organizations or groups - such as labor unions or fraternal - professional - or religious groups - that may influence an individual's opinion.






50. The Democrats control over politics during the 20th century ended with this President's unpopular handling of the Vietnam War.