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. This influential English document signed by King John in 1215 limited the absolute power of the monarchy - established due process - and limited arbitrary seizure of property.






2. The practice of victorious politicians to reward their followers with jobs. Also known as the spoils system.






3. Theory that a government requires the consent of the governed.






4. Devolutionary system in which the national government returns tax dollars to the state and local governments primarily in the form of block grants.






5. This amendment includes the due process clause - the equal protection clause - and gave rights to former slaves.






6. Things government decides to do - example: taxation - crime control - national defense - education - etc.






7. Today the South is is a two-party battleground - in which the ______________ often have the upper hand






8. Type of interest group represented in Washington by another individual or organization. (Ex. Ford Motor Company pays a lobbyist in Washington to represent them.)






9. Loose - competitive relationships among policy experts - interest groups - congressional committees - and federal agencies. Many observers argue that these have replaced iron triangles.






10. A procedure that in certain circumstances permits voters to remove elected state or local officials from office before their terms have expired.






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






12. Makes sure that funds are used safely and wisely. They oversee the state's financial records






13. Important during the Revolution - these bodies organized by the local governments of the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution for the purposes of coordinating written communication outside of the colony.






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






15. He United States Constitution was opposed by which group?






16. Number of years a Representative must reside in the US prior to taking office






17. In charge of state's legal business. provide advice to other state official and represents the state in court if the state is involved in a lawsuit






18. In states using primaries - the most common form of primary election is the ___________ primary.






19. Literally meaning 'right of soil' - confers citizenship by place of birth.






20. What principle - contained in the Fourth Amendment - protects a citizen from unwarranted search and seizure?






21. Guarantees the right to bare arms.






22. Electoral college system and other campaign practices make it exceedingly difficult for even popular ______________ candidates to successfully run for the presidency.






23. Lawsuit brought by an individual or group of people on behalf of all those similarly situated






24. Cabinet department that includes the Coast Guard - Border Patrol - FEMA - Transportation Security Administration - INS and the Secret Service. Established in 2001 in response to 9/11.






25. Prohibits conviction of a crime that occurred before the act became illegal






26. 3 person executive panel responsible for helping the President develop an economic plan for the nation.






27. A system in which national and state government have shared or overlapping powers. FDR's New Deal legislation established this system in the US.






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






29. Political theorist proposed the separation of church and state.






30. The spread of nuclear weapons to more nations.






31. This 1957 judgement prohibited pornography material as utterly without redeeming social significance - later reversed in Miller v. California






32. These dissenting Republicans won 17% of the popular vote in 1924 on a platform for public control of national resources and railways - tax reductions - and changes to the staff of the executive department

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33. In the last 30 years - voter turnout among American 18- to 24-year-olds has been






34. During Presidential election years or when the nation is divided on policy agenda - particularly regarding salient issues - voter turnout is _____________






35. Number of original cabinet positions under George Washington.






36. Colonies controlled by the British king through governors appointed by him and through the king's veto power over colonial laws.






37. These party members tend to be ideologues who put issues ahead of winning elections and withhold support from candidates who do not share their stance on issues. Very active in special interest groups and caucuses within the party. Willing to break a






38. Court cases that concern crimes committed against the public order.






39. A federal tax on imports.






40. Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial.






41. Head of the Supreme Court.






42. Plan that proposed unicameral legislature with each state having one vote.






43. 1974 Act mandating that all government files about private citizens be kept confidential.






44. Members of this party typically include Conservative Christian groups - higher socio-economic classes - middle-class white collar - and suburban voters.






45. The Supreme Court has sometimes used a narrow interpretation of the Establishment Clause allowing the government to provide aid to religious groups as long as it remains ______________ and does not promote one religion at the expense of another. This






46. The power of the president - struck down by the Supreme Court in 1998 - to veto parts of appropriations bills. Most state governors have this power.






47. In Schenck v. US (1919) - The Supreme Court ruled that government may prohibit speech that creates an immediate threat of criminal action. Essentially established different standards for speech during wartime than in peacetime. Thus - establishing th






48. After a bill has passed both the House and Senate - it goes to _________________ where any differences between the house bill and the senate bill are resolved before sending to the President for signature






49. Since 1960 - there has been a general trend of ______________ participation in elections.






50. Formal approval or consent given to a constitution - constitutional amendment - or treaty before it goes into effect.