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Government PreTest

Last updated over 5 years ago
21 questions
1

What are the four characteristics that make up a state?

1

A government in which the people choose individuals to govern on their behalf is called a:

1

According to the Declaration of Independence, when do citizens have the right to rebel against their government?

1
1

The Legislature makes the laws, the Executive branch enforces the laws, and the Courts interpret the laws. This description establishes the Constitutional principle of:

1

The Democratic Party today can best be described as ____________, while that of the Republican Party can best be
described as _________________.

1

Which of the following is true of the House of Representatives?

1

Based on the language of the Constitution, the ______________ is responsible for presiding over the U.S. House of
Representatives, while the _____________ is responsible for presiding over the U.S. Senate.

1

A bill is introduced in the House of Representatives. It survives committee and the House floor votes to pass
the bill. What is the next step for this bill?

1

___________ is the number of electoral votes needed to win the Presidency.

1

If the President does not act on a bill within 10 days of receiving it (and Congress has not adjourned), what
happens to the bill?

1

What was the major outcome of Marbury v. Madison?

1

When a person is charged with a crime, they are provided “due process under the law” as stated in the
Constitution. In which of the following amendments can some of a citizen’s due process rights be found?

1

“Prior to any questioning, the person must be warned that he has a right to remain silent, that any statement he does make may be used as evidence against him, and that he has a right to the presence of an attorney, either retained or appointed.” – Chief Justice Earl Warren, 1966

Chief Justice Warren’s comment above was from which of the following Supreme Court decisions?

1

According the 5th, 6th and 8th amendments, the rights of the accused DO NOT include which of the
following:

1

What is the main idea of the author in the political cartoon shown above?

1

According to the chart above, among recent Presidents, the typical approval rating in public opinion polls has
been:

1

What does the map and chart show about how the states are represented in Congress?

8

Directions: Please answer 2 of the 3 short answer questions provided. Each short-answer question is worth 8 points. To receive all 16 points, students must follow the rubric provided. For each short answer question you choose; a claim/thesis statement must be provided and you should give the necessary details and supports to complete your answers.

Should individual states have more or less power compared to the federal government when implementing laws dealing with topics such as the legalization of marijuana, gay marriage, and abortion?

8

Compare and contrast the two major political parties in the United States. What are some of the main ideals that each party stands for?

8

The Founding fathers included the Bill of Rights in the Constitution to help protect the rights of its citizens from unreasonable and/or excessive intrusions by the federal government. Choose 3 of the protections contained within the Bill of Rights and after identifying the protection, explain its importance in 21st century America.