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. 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 _______________.






2. Which two British Acts - passed in 1764 - caused American colonists for the first time to organize protests against the injustices of British rule - and sparked the rallying cry 'no taxation without representation'?






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






4. A form of city government under which a council - usually elected on a nonpartisan ticket - hires a professional city manager - who runs the city government and has power to hire and fire officials.






5. The term most political scientists prefer to describe the bureaucratic process






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






7. The issue of slavery split the Democratic Party into what two factions?






8. 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.






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






10. Impact elections by siphoning off votes from major parties spoiling a party's chance in a close race.






11. This branch of government checks Bureaucracy through its control over the creation and elimination of agencies as well as its control over budget appropriations.






12. This 1963 case extended the right to counsel to all felony cases.






13. In this 1972 case - the Supreme Court established four guidelines for determining if a trial was appropriately speedy and fair: cause of delay - length of delay - affect on the outcome - and the defendant's claim to a speedy trial.






14. This Supreme Court case infamously decided that a slave was not a citizen but property to be 'used in subservience to the interests - the convenience - or the will of his owner'






15. Serious crimes - such as murder - arson - or rape.






16. The president - the vice president - the heads of the major executive departments of the government - and certain other senior officials who may hold 'cabinet rank.'






17. James Madison proposed to deal with the threat of political factions by ______________________.






18. A powerful alliance of mutual benefit among an agency or unit of the government - an interest group - and a committee or subcommittee of Congress. Also called a triangle or a subgovernment.






19. Theory of democracy in which competition among common interest groups promote ideas to influence politics






20. In the 1990 case OR State Employment Division v. Smith 1990 - the Supreme court allowed the state to fire employees who use peyote during native American religious ceremonies because it is in violation of drug laws. In this case - which clause of the






21. The Supreme Court holds _____________ jurisdiction in cases against the US - ambassadors - public ministers - and consuls.






22. Until the law was changed in 2002 - the term described unregulated campaign funds not subject to the limits of federal law because they went to party committees and not directly to candidates. The 2002 law banned contributions of soft money to nation






23. After analyzing 1 -795 platform pledges over a 10-year period - Gerald M. Pomper concluded that almost ____________ of these promises were fulfilled






24. Guarantees that any rights not explicitly outlined heretofore are reserved for the states.






25. Year of the 2nd Continental Congress.






26. 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






27. Guarantees the right to a civil trial by jury.






28. This article of the Constitution establishes the Executive Branch.






29. Presidential management model in which corporate CEO tactics are used employing committees - task forces - and special advisors. Successfully utilized by Clinton and G W Bush.






30. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments provide for _____________.






31. This amendment applied the Bill of Rights to states.






32. In the mid-term elections following a President's inauguration - his party tends to ___________ seats in Congress.






33. Powers of the national government that flow from its enumerated powers and the 'elastic clause' of the Constitution.






34. Th joint listing of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on the same ballot as required by the twelfth amendment






35. Proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 as an attempt to form a union of the colonies. Later used to help form the Articles of Confederation.






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






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






38. The fundamental rights of a free society that are protected by the Bill of Rights against the power of the government - such as freedom of speech - religion - press - and assembly.






39. Test whereby the Supreme Court established criteria by which state may provide aid to religious groups.






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






41. Broadly worded warrants used by British soldiers during colonial America to search for contraband and prevent smuggling.






42. Literally meaning 'right of blood' - confers citizenship to a child from the parents.






43. Which form of registration prevails in all but a few states?






44. Laws on Schools - Marriage - and owning property;Licensee Lawyers - Doctors - and Teachers.






45. The responsibility of the President to appoint federal judges when vacancies occur on the bench is referred to as






46. This customary power allows the President to grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses.






47. The practice that allows senators to delay or even kill floor action on legislation - a nomination - or other matters by asking their party leaders not to schedule them.






48. A loose grouping of people and organizations who seek to influence policy formation.






49. The policy established after the Second World War that America must take an active leadership role in world affairs






50. This group of voters historically supported Republicans - a party founded on an anti-slavery platform. During the 1930's they began supporting the New Deal policies of the Democratic party.