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. An opinion of one or more judges expressing disagreement with the majority opinion of the court which gives rise to its judgment.






2. The median income of women is ___________ percent of men.






3. The ___________ aspects of Federalism include: diversity/diffusion of power - more access points for political participation - fostering of experimentation and innovation - and allowing local governments to manage local problems effectively






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






5. The primary purpose of _______________consolidate the nation's disability laws and provide for strong federal enforcement of a strengthened disability rights mandate






6. _______________ indicates a citizens' faith and trust in government and their own belief that they can understand and influence political affairs






7. Although camera are allowed in most trial courts - they are banned from ______________.






8. A term often used to describe the economic and political ties between the military establishment and the defense-aerospace industry.






9. In his classic study of community power in New Haven - Connecticut - political scientist Robert A. Dahl concluded that the city was a __________ system dominated by many different sets of leaders






10. Something given in exchange for something else; swap






11. Disapproval of a bill by a chief executive - such as the president or a governor.






12. Elections in which the majority party (according to party identification) is defeated in a temporary reversal.






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






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






15. 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'






16. Proponents of limited government - unregulated free markets - national self-reliance - and conventional social values are best describes as






17. Voter turnout is usually ____________ when there is a binding referendum on the ballot.






18. If significant amendments are made to a bill during committee - the bill is sometimes given a new number as a _______________.






19. Appointed by Eisenhower - this Supreme court justice who played an important role in the court's stance on the advancement of civil rights.






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






21. The possible tendency of some voters or convention delegates to support the candidate who is leading in the polls and seems likely to win.






22. While the voting rights act of 1965 did direct the Attorney General to investigate the constitutionality of poll taxes and prohibit literacy tests - it did not expressly prohibit _____________.






23. Responsible for further investigation - hearings - and amendment to a bill






24. Also known as the Massachusetts ballot - groups candidates according to the office for which they are running






25. Cabinet department responsible for managing school lunch programs and food safety. Established in 1862.






26. Department established in 1988 by President G.H. Bush.

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27. This contraversial 2001 law allows anti-terrorism authorities to monitor e-mail and Internet traffic in order to prevent terrorist attacks. The government argues that cyberspace is public domain and that no warrants should be needed to access informa






28. In the year 2000 - the Supreme Court ruled that the Boy Scouts of America had a constitutional right to ban _____________ members.






29. The Supreme Court has ruled that Congress_________________ take away a person's citizenship unless it is freely renounced.






30. An offical who is expected to represent the views of his or her constituents even when personally holding different views; one interpretation of the role of the legislator






31. Number of Federal District courts across 50 states - DC and Puerto Rico.






32. Guaranteed women the right to vote.






33. President requires their approval to appoint judges - ambassadors and other high officials.






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






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






36. The power to tax is an example of _______________ powers.






37. A system of voter registration in which voters must register only once in their district.






38. Gave authority over atomic energy from military to civilians.






39. The power of some municipalities to modify their charters and run their affairs without approval by the state legislature.






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






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






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






43. In 1978 - the Supreme Court - in the 'seven dirty words' case - ruled that the government has the right to prohibit the broadcasting of _______________.






44. The only court specifically outlined in the Constitution.






45. First African American appointed to the Supreme Court






46. Elections that may lead to a basic shift in the party identification of the electorate.






47. According to the Speedy Trial Act of 1974 - federal trials must commence within _______ days of arrest with the exception of delay for mental health testing of the defendant and illness of the defendant or key witness.






48. Article VI - Paragraph 2 - of the Constitution - which declares that the Constitution - and the laws and treaties of the United States made under it - are 'the supreme Law of the Land' and prevail over any conflicting state constitutions or laws.






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






50. Prohibits citizens of one state or foreign country from suing another state.