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 1973 ruling gave local communities the authority to determine obscenity - established three part test for obscene material. To qualify as obscene - speech must be considered obscene by the 'average' person - depict or describe material that is a






2. Libel - obscenity - fighting words - and commercial speech - which are not entitled to constitutional protection in all circumstances.






3. The coming to power of a new coalition - replacing an old dominant coalition of the other party






4. The body composed of electors from the 50 states who formally have the power to elect the president and vice president of the United States. Each state has a number of electors and electoral votes equal to its number of senators and representatives i






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






6. Tips the balance between two leading candidates by attracting a minority of voters who otherwise might have voted for one of the leading candidates.






7. A philosophy that Supreme Court justices and other judges should boldly apply the Constitution to social and political questions.






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






9. 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.






10. Dissenting Democrats focused on foreign affairs. Aligned with the US Communist Party.






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






12. A system of _______________ - as in Italy - encourages the existence of many parties by allotting seats to competing candidates according to the percentage of votes they win.






13. In Congress - _____________ are informal organizations of individual congressional representatives with like interests or constituencies. Members work together to promote the interests of the groups they represent through legislation - policy - and p






14. Article II of the Constitution establishes the ______________ branch.






15. 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.






16. Designed to protect the individual against the arbitrary power of the state.






17. The formal source of all authority in each major political party. It nominates the party candidates for president and vice president - writes a platform - settles disputes - writes rules - and elects the members of the national committee.






18. Charge of misconduct brought against a government official.






19. A meeting of party leaders to select candidates - elect convention delegates - etc






20. Spending by the national committees of the political parties to support the election of congressional candidates is known as






21. Compromise between the large states and small states that established the bicameral Legislature consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives. Also included 3/5 compromise on the status of slaves in representation.






22. A word that comes from two Greek roots - demos - 'the populace -' and kratia - 'rule'






23. A study of Bennington College students in the 1930s illustrated that the influence of the family on political attitudes tends to ______________ as they grow older and come into contact with other groups.






24. In 1872 - Susan B Anthony was arrested in Rochester - New York for






25. The estimated number of illegal aliens living in the US.






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






27. This 1964 case established strict standards for proving slander and libel - court must prove intent of malice on the part of the publisher.






28. A policy of avoiding foreign involvement.






29. A system in which the national government provides grants-in-aid to states using conditions to elicit control.






30. 1925 Supreme Court case overturned Baron v. Baltimore and applied the Bill of Rights to states.






31. In his historic decision in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - Chief Justice Marshall established the principle of _____________.






32. Constitutionally empowered to appoint judges - ambassadors - and other high officials - Constitutionally empowered to make treaties with foreign countries.






33. The provisions of the Constitution that divide power among three constitutionally equal and independent branches of government






34. Programs are designed to give preferential access to education - employment - health care - or social welfare to groups of people - especially minorities and women - who have historically been discriminated against.






35. Eisenhower's philosophy of being liberal in all things human and being conservative with all things fiscal. Appealed to both Republicans and Democrats.






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






37. The Articles of Confederation established a ________________ legislature.






38. _____________ is responsible for monetary policy.






39. Includes the 13th - 14th - and 15th Amendments. Abolished slavery and guaranteed due process and equal protection to all citizens.






40. 1798 Act that criminalized speech that was derisive to the government. Later ruled unconstitutional - Andrew Jackson issued blanket pardon in 1801






41. 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






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






43. The only amendments to be ratified through the process of 'ratifying conventions -' not a vote in the state legislatures






44. The federal fiscal year begins ___________.






45. In addition to the doctrine of implied powers - Chief Justice Marshall - in his decision in the Supreme Court case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) - established the key concept of:






46. Tax legislation must originate in this house.






47. This House committee is responsible for all taxes - tariffs - and other revenue raising measures in addition to social security - child support - Medicare - foster care - and unemployment.






48. A course of action decided upon by a government






49. 1946 Act requiring bureaucratic agencies to appeal to the affected parties before adopting new policies. Legislative check on Bureaucracy.






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