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  • Which type of organization is most likely to struggle raising funds, based on the material?
  • The term for the system of U.S. courts comprising both federal and state courts.
  • Which region led in granting women's suffrage in the United States?
  • In 1955, the Supreme Court ruled that desegregation should be implemented with all deliberate speed. Which phrase best captures this directive?
  • Which of the following was NOT an argument against Madison's Federal Negative?
  • In a parliamentary system, when members of the government's party vote against the government, the leadership must which of the following?
  • When House and Senate pass bills in different forms, differences are resolved in which committee?
  • In the early United States, political parties were described as
  • The Civil War settled one part of the issue of national supremacy versus states' rights by establishing which source of sovereignty for the national government?
  • What are terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants?
  • Which state is not considered pivotal in presidential elections?
  • Of the following statements about party machines, which is true?
  • All powers granted to the President by the Constitution EXCEPT
  • Realignments such as the 1932 realignment are often cited as examples of lasting shifts in party coalitions; why might such realignments not occur again?
  • The term campaigning has come to be synonymous with which of the following?
  • According to the 2004 experience with 527 organizations, campaign finance laws are most likely to
  • In their struggle for equal treatment, women, unlike Blacks, had to deal with a legal tradition that
  • Based on research, presidential debates tend to what?
  • Which statement best defines a superdelegate in the presidential nomination process?
  • Purposive incentives are most likely to motivate people who join
  • A disadvantage of the new primary system is that it
  • A major weakness of the Articles of Confederation was the central government's inability to levy taxes.
  • This famous Revolutionary leader (and antifederalist) was NOT at the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787.
  • Which of the following is an example of a solidary incentive?
  • 'Stare decisis' is usually translated as
  • What is a per curiam opinion?
  • Under the Articles of Confederation, amendments had to
  • Which term describes a system of government in which power is divided between central and regional governments?
  • The First Amendment says Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. It may, however, which of the following?
  • Which concept describes forming a government along the lines of natural law?
  • There was a general agreement that the essential rights included life, liberty, and property long before Thomas Jefferson wrote them into the Declaration of Independence. Which statement best describes this claim?
  • When a district is so unequal that the votes of citizens are unequal in size, this is called
  • Which term describes a long-term shift in party coalitions and policy preferences?
  • The classical machine-type party was developed and perfected
  • In The Federalist papers, James Madison expressed the view that political factions
  • Which of the following illustrates a difference in treatment toward groups that is generally considered reasonable?
  • Which term describes lobbying that relies on close access to decision-makers?
  • Which country does NOT have a federal system of government?
  • In the Citizens United case, which amendment was a central focus?
  • Which description matches delegates at large chosen by national party leadership?
  • When the president uses the prestige and visibility of the office to guide or mobilize the American people, we say that they are using the bully pulpit.
  • The statement about the privileges and immunities clause of the Fourteenth Amendment discussed in relation to state discrimination is best captured by which option?
  • The Connecticut Compromise is another name for the Great Compromise.
  • Which author argued for a large republic as a cure for faction and tyranny?
  • Which demographic has voted Democratic by at least 80% since 1964?
  • Which design feature did Madison believe would prevent majorities from oppressing minorities?
  • The term 'state of nature' refers to which concept?
  • This state was trying to alleviate public debt by raising taxes which produced economic hardships particularly among the farmers.
  • The term used to describe a two-house legislative body is
  • A supporter of equality of opportunity as a way of redressing past civil rights inequities would be most likely to advocate
  • Early land grants were primarily used for
  • William H. Riker argued that the main effect of federalism since the Civil War has been to promote
  • The movement toward greater rights for women gained momentum during
  • Since 1992, having a member of the clergy offer a prayer or an invocation at a public school graduation ceremony is
  • The term that refers to state authority to regulate health, safety, and morals is
  • A dissenting opinion is written by a justice who
  • By authority, the authors mean the what of power?
  • When a voter votes for the candidate whom he or she considers more likely to do a better job in office, that voting is referred to as which type of voting?
  • Which term best describes the division of power between the national government and the states?
  • In __________ the Supreme Court for the first time, in a decision authored by Chief Justice John Marshall, held that the Court could declare an act of Congress unconstitutional
  • In which case did the Supreme Court hold that the establishment clause forbids prayer in public schools, even if it is non-denominational?
  • One reason strong social movements never produced a significant third party is that
  • Since 1962, the incumbent reelection rate in the U.S. House has never dropped below which percent?
  • Under the Great Compromise, Senate representation was based on
  • In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court ruled that
  • Which of the following factors does the text identify as a critical factor in presidential elections?
  • Which clause permits Congress to take actions that are necessary to execute its enumerated powers?
  • In most Supreme Court cases, the bulk of the arguments presented by either side will be found in the
  • Which statement MOST accurately summarizes the aftermath of the American Revolution?
  • Soft money is money that is obtained by
  • Which case established the right to counsel for indigent defendants?
  • The Espionage and Sedition Acts that were passed in 1917 and 1918 placed restrictions on publications that
  • In a confederation, the national government derives its power from
  • Which Supreme Court case in 1976 set the precedent on linking campaign expenditures with forms of free speech?
  • The ________ manages the day-to-day work of the party.
  • Which concept allows the Supreme Court to strike down federal laws?
  • Since 1962, the incumbent reelection rate in the House has not fallen below 80 percent. Which values represent this threshold?
  • The directive 'with all deliberate speed' is associated with desegregation of which area?
  • Interest groups are an important way for people to have their voices heard because which of the following best captures the reason?
  • What did Anti-Federalists like Brutus argue regarding the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution?
  • In United States v. Lopez (1995), the Supreme Court ruled that Congress overstepped its power to regulate commerce by prohibiting ______ in a school zone.
  • Where is most of the power in Congress found?
  • If presidential terms are four years, how many years are in four terms?
  • In an important recent decision, the Supreme Court upheld a voucher program for students attending religious and other private schools in Cleveland, Ohio, because
  • The Supreme Court's primary weapon in the system of checks and balances is known as
  • Which amendment is primarily associated with the incorporation of the Bill of Rights to apply to the states?
  • What is identified as the most important factor in winning the Presidency?
  • Divided government
  • What does the U.S. Constitution say about the size of the Supreme Court?
  • Which group accounts for the largest share of contributions to congressional candidates?
  • The difference between de facto and de jure segregation is that
  • Which factor is commonly identified as the strongest predictor of a person's vote choice?
  • Richard F. Fenno described which paradox about Congress?
  • The Fourteenth Amendment is commonly understood to guarantee equal protection under the law. Which option best reflects that understanding?
  • Which political figure was the subject of the Citizens United documentary that sparked the court case?
  • Which decision is closely linked to recognizing privacy rights in family planning?
  • The plurality electoral system in the United States means that which of the following is true?
  • The Libertarian and Socialist parties in the United States are examples of which type of parties?
  • The Supreme Court's ruling in Bowers v. Hardwick suggested that the right to privacy does not protect
  • Which of the following best describes recent trends in party identification among voters?
  • In the presidential line of succession, who comes after the Vice President if there is no serving Vice President?
  • In the Senate, a filibuster can be ended by invoking which parliamentary device?
  • Under the Articles of Confederation, the national legislature consisted of a single chamber with one vote per state.
  • Which concern motivated the New Jersey Plan in opposition to the Virginia Plan?
  • Elections based on a plurality system discourage new parties from forming because which statement is most accurate?
  • Which statement would probably have the most difficulty raising money?
  • Campaign finance reforms had an effect related to media and disclosure, summarized as which of the following?
  • In 1776, one important reason independence was desirable was that colonists no longer had confidence that which government would protect their liberties?
  • The dual court system refers to ___________ and ___________courts.
  • What does the exclusionary rule state about evidence obtained in violation of the Constitution?
  • Which type of congressional committee is typically a permanent body with specific legislative responsibilities?
  • The government can prevent publication of material before it is published is called
  • A valence issue is best described as a policy area where voters tend to agree, and candidates differentiate themselves primarily by which of the following?
  • In the context of divided government, which statement is most accurate?
  • Which court level handles most federal cases by initial trial?
  • Block grants have enjoyed only marginal success, in part because
  • The right of free expression, although not absolute, enjoys a higher status than the other rights granted by the U.S. Constitution. This is known as the doctrine of
  • The Annapolis meeting was not well attended. Which statement accurately describes its attendance?
  • The New Jersey Plan was a reaction to the fear that the Virginia Plan would give too much power to populous states.
  • Under Roe, states may ban abortions
  • The Bill of Rights has come to apply to the states through the interpretation of
  • Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is associated with which remedy for desegregation?
  • The grant-in-aid system grew rapidly because it helped state and local officials resolve what dilemma?
  • One reason the NAACP's strategy of using the courts to further black civil rights worked was that it
  • Which amendment is widely associated with equal rights for Black Americans?
  • All of the following were concerns about the Articles of Confederation that led to the Constitutional Convention EXCEPT
  • Campaign Finance Reform first began being discussed after the big spending of what election?
  • The interstate commerce that the federal government can regulate is now interpreted to include
  • Prospective voting refers to evaluating a candidate based on which criterion?
  • From the Civil War to the 1930s, the Supreme Court was primarily occupied with
  • What is the primary purpose of the exclusionary rule?
  • Which statement best describes the emergence of the classical machine-type party?
  • Which statement about a social movement is generally true?
  • The Articles of Confederation are best described as creating which type of relationship among states?
  • Beyond size and wealth, what attribute is often cited as a key driver of influence for interest groups?
  • This method of staff organization poses the risk of isolating or misinforming the president.
  • Which statement best captures the Citizens United view on corporate spending and free speech?
  • What is a caucus best described as?
  • Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution confers on Congress all of the following powers EXCEPT which?
  • United States v. Nixon held that there is which of the following regarding presidential privilege?
  • Which of the following are mandated by the U.S. Constitution?
  • When U.S. Nazis sought to parade in Skokie, Illinois, the courts
  • The federal government provides matching funds for money raised by small donors for which elections?
  • Presidential elections are held every four years. How many years is a presidential term?
  • In Federalist No. 78, which statement did Hamilton make about the Supreme Court?
  • The 1960s trend in federal grants is best described as
  • According to the text, campaign matter for
  • The constitutional powers of the president include all of the following EXCEPT
  • In Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, the Supreme Court held that student expression in school-sponsored publications can be restricted. Which answer best captures the Court's reasoning?
  • In this 1999 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that state employees could not sue to force state compliance with federal fair-labor laws.
  • What explains why Americans participate in civic associations more frequently than citizens in many other countries?
  • Two Kentucky counties could no longer display the Ten Commandments in which locations?
  • Power to veto bills resides with which branch?
  • The list of essential rights demanded by the colonists included life, liberty, and which right?
  • Which activity has the text indicated as the primary means of reaching voters in recent elections?
  • According to the Declaration, from where do natural rights originate?
  • The Annapolis Convention was not well attended. Which option best reflects this statement as a historical note?
  • Since 1911 the size of the House of Representatives has been fixed at how many members?
  • Slander differs from libel in that it refers to
  • Which concept describes the division of power between national and state governments?
  • The Great Compromise finally allocated representation on the basis of
  • In Federalist paper No. 78, Alexander Hamilton described the Supreme Court as
  • Under rational basis review, which law would most likely be sustained?
  • Purposive incentives are most likely to motivate members of which organization?
  • Which statement about political ads is supported by the material?
  • Madison's confidence in the usefulness of separation of powers rested on the assumption that
  • Since 1934, in every off-year election but two, the president's party
  • In 1896, the realignment was driven by issues related to which area?
  • Which case is commonly cited as establishing judicial review?
  • In an open primary
  • Since the 1970s, the Supreme Court has tended to apply this judicial standard to cases of gender discrimination.
  • How often are Congressional elections held?
  • Americans are more likely to join which type of organization than citizens of other countries?
  • Which philosopher was cited in Federalist No 10 and No 51 as a critic of pure democracy and a proponent of the separation of powers?
  • Madison's Federal Negative was approved by the Convention.
  • The campaign finance reforms of 1973 encouraged a rapid growth in which of the following?
  • In the __________ decision, the Supreme Court ruled that "separate-but-equal" facilities were constitutional.
  • The doctrine of nullification refers to
  • Over recent decades, research on party identification has found
  • The first form of grant-in-aid from the national government to the states was
  • Which factor helped to break the civil rights deadlock in the early 1960s?
  • The Antifederalists opposed the Constitution primarily because they believed it gave too much power to the national government.
  • One advantage that incumbents always have over challengers is which of the following?
  • About earmarks, which statement is true?
  • Which item is NOT addressed by the First Amendment?
  • Which statement best reflects the view that democracy and tyranny might not be far apart from one another?
  • The acronym PAC stands for which of the following?
  • During the 1960s, federal grants to states were increasingly based on
  • Which case held that federal guarantees of free speech and free press also applied to the states?
  • Which statement is true about how a bill can be introduced in Congress?
  • Where is the real work of Congress done?
  • Which term describes spending by groups not coordinated with a candidate's campaign that aims to influence elections?
  • Which case established that the right to privacy is broad enough to include a woman's decision to terminate a pregnancy?
  • The material suggests that we might expect to find more mandates in policy areas where the government:
  • What term describes unlimited money given to political parties that is not used to back candidates directly?
  • In 1998, the Supreme Court ruled that a school system was not liable for the misconduct of a teacher who seduced a female student because
  • The single most important activity of interest groups, in the eyes of many lobbyists and scholars of lobbying, is
  • Democrats could be predicted to win every presidential election if the only factor were
  • Which term describes a legislature with two houses?
  • A great change in the status of women took place when
  • Interest groups use ratings for what purpose?
  • A divided government occurs when the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties.
  • In recent elections, candidates have relied increasingly on
  • The 'clear and present danger' test emerged in the Supreme Court's decision in the case of
  • Disputed congressional elections are decided by which entity?
  • When Clarence Brandenburg vacated the street at a Ku Klux Klan cross-burning rally as ordered but threatened to reoccupy it later, the Supreme Court overturned his conviction by arguing that government can only restrict speech when it
  • Which procedure allows voters to remove an elected official from office in many states?
  • In Europe, the vast majority of candidates are nominated by which group?
  • In United States v. Morrison, the Supreme Court ruled that violence against women
  • Soft money refers to funds obtained by which group?
  • The practice of mandating busing plans to remedy school segregation patterns was approved in the case of
  • The number of interest groups has grown rapidly since the
  • The increase in political action committees (PACs) might actually reduce the probability that members of Congress can be bought easily because which of the following is true?
  • If you wished to study the real leadership office in the Senate, you would most likely focus on the
  • What can citizens do when government breaches social contract according to Locke and Jefferson?
  • Regarding earmarks, which statements are true?
  • In Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court ________
  • The early chief justice whose decisions generally gave the broadest possible sweep to federal powers was
  • To be president, a person must be
  • Which type of grant is designed for specific purposes?
  • Why has the Court upheld banning draft card burning but struck down a law banning flag burning?
  • According to John Locke's social contract theory, the government promises to do what?
  • The scholarly evidence that political action committee (PAC) money buys votes in Congress is best described as which?
  • The Supreme Court will grant cert and hear a case if ____________ justices agree to do so?
  • Which group provides the largest share of money to congressional campaigns?
  • Which plan resolved the issue between large and small states by proposing a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in one house and equal representation in the other?
  • The Supreme Court's current definition of obscenity denies free-speech protection to materials lacking
  • In 1984, the Supreme Court ruled that illegally obtained evidence might be admitted if what condition is met?
  • Which Supreme Court nominee became the object of a notable Senate rejection?
  • Which of the following is NOT a power of Congress under Article I, Section 8?
  • Lloyd Gaines had a tremendous impact on the interpretation of the Constitution when he attempted to
  • Which Supreme Court case held that the individual mandate in Obamacare was constitutional because it was a tax?
  • Which term describes the belief that an individual can influence political processes?
  • The Founders—and George Washington in particular—thought of political parties as
  • Which statement about political advertising is true?
  • Which case held that the federal government could not compel state officials to administer or enforce a federal regulation, illustrating limits on federal authority over states?
  • According to the Founders, what was a primary purpose of federalism?
  • Concerned about the shortened length of campaigns, parties have begun to
  • 'Amicus curiae' is usually translated as
  • In Gibbons v. Ogden, which statement about federal power was upheld?
  • The Supreme Court demanded that the evidence obtained in Mapp v. Ohio be excluded because the police
  • Many scholars argue that the foremost factor in determining how people vote is
  • Which level of government has primary responsibility for public schools in the United States?
  • Which statement best explains why conflicts in civil liberties often arise?
  • Progressives called for electoral reforms, such as the initiative and referendum, to give which group a direct say in making laws?
  • The Articles of Confederation created which form of association among the states?
  • The U.S. federal system ensures that the nation's parties are __________ than their European counterparts.
  • Which statement best explains the relationship between government growth and public-interest lobbies?
  • Which form of federal aid provides funds to specific programs and comes with strict conditions?
  • All of the following serve as checks on the power of the federal courts EXCEPT which?
  • Which amendment limits the U.S. president to two terms?
  • In a 1947 decision, the Supreme Court allowed a New Jersey town to fund busing to a parochial school because
  • The central problem of the parties today is how to
  • Which statement best describes Madison's view of factions in The Federalist Papers?
  • Pennsylvania's government was considered 'radically democratic' because it featured no what?
  • Which term describes the practice of drawing district boundaries to favor a candidate or party?
  • What is a major difference between presidential and congressional campaigns?
  • Which decision limited the reach of the Commerce Clause by addressing gun regulation in a school zone?
  • Which case held that the national government has exclusive power to regulate interstate commerce?
  • The concept that there is a wall between church and state is most closely associated with which historical figure?
  • Which statement best describes the typical nature of political ads?
  • In its decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court overruled ______ and the 'separate but equal' doctrine.
  • What is another name commonly used for the Great Compromise?
  • What was the significance of the Great Compromise?
  • The Supreme Court has argued that the right to privacy can be found in ________ of the provisions in the Bill of Rights.
  • Scholars refer to a period when a major lasting shift occurs in the popular coalition supporting one or both parties as what?
  • Clear realignments, like the one that occurred in 1932, may not occur again because which of the following is true?
  • Since 1964, African Americans have voted Democratic by at least which percentage?
  • Which voting approach requires substantial information about candidates and issues?
  • A government official might leave her position and join a corporation to which she previously awarded government contracts. This is a clear example of
  • A bill can be introduced in Congress by
  • The Supreme Court's current definition of obscenity denies free-speech protection to materials or activities that
  • Members of a farm bureau are most likely to have joined as a result of ________.
  • By 1776, most state constitutions had detailed bills of rights. Which of the following best describes this statement?
  • Which philosopher's view is associated with the idea of consent of the governed?
  • From winning office to leaving it, the popularity of most recent presidents tends to what?
  • Which case ruled that the federal government cannot compel state officials to administer or enforce a federal regulation?
  • In which decision did the Supreme Court hold that defendants have the right to legal counsel even if they cannot afford one?
  • Which case is commonly cited as recognizing freedom of speech and freedom of the press as fundamental rights?
  • Which pair of issues dominated the Supreme Court's docket from 1789 to the Civil War?
  • Which document emphasizes natural rights such as life, liberty, and property?
  • Which term describes a district where elections are highly competitive and the incumbent is at risk?
  • Who typically serves as the leader of the Senate's majority party?
  • According to the text, how difficult is it to adopt radical departures in U.S. policy under the constitutional system?
  • Initially, it was supposed that
  • In about half of the states, voters can use this procedure to place legislative measures directly on the ballot by getting enough signatures.
  • Compared with European party systems, American parties are characterized by being more ______.
  • Money affects legislative behavior not by buying votes but by ensuring
  • Which statement concerning the 'right to privacy' is correct?
  • Alexander Hamilton was a strong supporter of the government set up by the Articles of Confederation.
  • Scholars have identified how many critical, or realigning, periods in American politics?
  • Search warrants are not to be issued unless the standard of what is met?
  • This rebellion occurred in January 1787 when a group of ex-Revolutionary War soldiers, fearful of losing their property to creditors and tax collectors, forcibly prevented the courts in western MA from sitting. The event is known as which rebellion?
  • Part of the decline of political machines can be attributed to which factor?
  • The Libertarian and Socialist parties in the United States are best described as which type?
  • In political advertising, what do the largest number of ads emphasize?
  • Which type of organization did the Citizens United ruling enable by allowing unlimited fundraising?
  • Which term describes incumbents' use of government-provided mailings to communicate with constituents?
  • Electoral coattails refers to what phenomenon?
  • In the United Kingdom's parliamentary system, who selects candidates for Parliament?
  • The ______ Amendment appeared to guarantee equal rights for blacks.
  • Which Senate leadership position is primarily responsible for scheduling legislation and party discipline?
  • Which option best describes color-blind administration of the laws?
  • The growth of interest groups since the 1960s can best be described as
  • According to James Madison, which arrangement best controls the effects of faction?
  • Which type of opinion is written when a justice agrees with the outcome but for reasons different from the majority?
  • In McCulloch v. Maryland, which principle about congressional power is established?
  • Independent expenditure refers to political advertising funded by which of the following?
  • According to the Declaration of Independence, governments are instituted among men to ensure what?
  • Which statement best describes the relationship between judicial ideology and judge behavior as reported by studies?
  • Which system concentrates power at the national level?
  • Under the Articles, which power was explicitly granted to the national government?
  • Under a plurality system in the United States, which statement is true?
  • The empirical findings about PAC money's effect on votes are often characterized as which?
  • Under the Great Compromise, representation in the House was based on
  • Which case is associated with the prohibition of school prayer in public schools?
  • Which reform bill from 1907 is named after Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft?
  • Which staff organization method causes confusion and conflict among cabinet secretaries and assistants?
  • In the presidential line of succession, who comes after the Speaker of the House?
  • What is the biggest challenge for a candidate in the presidential primary?
  • How was the Constitution ratified by the states?
  • Which plan called for a bicameral legislature with representation by population in both houses?
  • James David Barber concludes that the most desirable type of presidential character is which?
  • In Europe, the majority of candidates are nominated by party leaders. Which option best represents this process?
  • What is a major difference between presidential and congressional campaigns?
  • The National Organization for Women (NOW) is an example of a feminist organization whose membership incentives are primarily which type?
  • A categorical grant is a transfer of federal funds designed for
  • The growth of numerous public-interest lobbies in the 1960s was an example of interest groups that formed as a result of
  • Which statement best describes the impact of the Hazelwood decision on student expression?
  • The Bush administration held that detainees captured in Afghanistan and detained at Guantánamo are what status?
  • Which environmental organization was organized in the 1890s?
  • What is the term for ending debate in the Senate?
  • Which statement best describes the Court's handling of funding for religious schools in voucher cases?
  • Which statement about social movements is generally true?
  • Of the following statements, which one best describes voters' relationship with political parties?
  • The Founders did not include in the Constitution an explicit statement of state powers but added it later in
  • What was the main argument presented by Citizens United regarding campaign finance and free speech?
  • Which nickname had the Senate earned by the end of the nineteenth century?
  • In the McCain-Feingold law, the part that denied corporations and labor unions the right to run ads violated free speech under the Constitution. Which case struck this down?
  • In which case did the Supreme Court hold that Congress could not require local police officers to conduct background checks on all gun purchases because doing so would violate the Tenth Amendment?
  • The purpose of the convention and primary system was to which of the following?
  • The campaign finance law created in the 1970s was a direct by-product of which event?
  • Probably the best measure of an interest group's influence is its
  • According to the Declaration of Independence, natural rights are: born with.
  • In the 1980 Reagan–Carter vote, voting against Carter's performance is an example of what type of vote?
  • Which term describes the concept that the Constitution protects unenumerated rights inferred from the Bill of Rights?
  • Three-fifths of the slave population was counted for purposes of representation and taxation.
  • Which procedure enables voters to reject a measure adopted by the legislature?
  • An interest group is which of the following?
  • Madison's Diagnosis contained two pillars: dangers of weak confederacies and dangers of small republics.
  • What is the function of the U.S. Solicitor General according to the text?
  • In Reed v. Reed, the Court's ruling regarding gender discrimination can be summarized as:
  • Benjamin Gitlow's case was significant because it resulted in the Supreme Court's declaring that
  • Which description best reflects Antifederalists' view of the Constitution?
  • Which issue is commonly associated with the litmus test in judicial nominations?
  • Which type of committee is formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill?
  • The explanation for congressional voting behavior that assumes members vote to please their colleagues is referred to as __________.
  • Which statement best describes a common source of conflicts in civil liberties?
  • The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
  • PACs are created by which of the following groups?
  • What was the impact of the Citizens United decision on campaign finance?
  • The ______ Amendment made clear that no state may deny the right to vote on the basis of sex.
  • The Citizens United case is primarily associated with which fundraising concept?
  • There are 94 ________ in the federal judiciary.
  • Which group supported a stronger central government and the Constitution?
  • The modern Republican Party emerged as a major party after which period?
  • The most important power of presidents is the power of persuasion because of their
  • A valence issue is best described as?
  • Until ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution, members of the Senate were selected by __________.
  • Under which plan would each state have had an equal number of votes in the legislature?
  • The typical member of Congress is a
  • By the end of the nineteenth century, the Senate was known as the _________ Club.
  • Which statement about political advertising is NOT true?
  • The shift to a convention and primary system was intended to do what to party leadership?
  • The division of powers between national and state governments is called what?
  • Before a search warrant is issued, which standard must be demonstrated?
  • One factor helping to break the deadlock that developed in the civil rights movement during the early 1960s was which of the following?
  • The doctrine of 'separate but equal' was established by which case?
  • Most of the money for congressional candidates comes from which group?
  • Laws addressing public order and the safety and morals of citizens have traditionally been the focus of
  • In Reed v. Reed, the Supreme Court ruled that
  • Realigning periods in American politics are best described as periods of major changes in which of the following?
  • In Supreme Court practice, when a justice agrees with the majority's outcome but writes separately to explain different reasoning, this is called a(n) ______.
  • Which agency is responsible for monitoring federal elections and campaign finance?
  • In Brown v. Board of Education, the Court relied primarily on which type of evidence?
  • Based on Roe v. Wade, a woman has an unfettered right to an abortion
  • Which of the following states is not considered pivotal in presidential elections?
  • In recent years, interest groups frequently use a grassroots lobbying strategy referred to as which?
  • Which right is identified as part of the essential rights demanded by the colonists?
  • According to Richard Neustadt, the president's most important audience is
  • Which description best characterizes the source of governmental power in a confederation?
  • Which type of incentive is most closely associated with monetary or material benefits?
  • Under the Articles of Confederation, delegates to the national legislature were chosen by which body?
  • The origin of the movement to give more rights to women was probably the
  • The formation of antislavery organizations in the 1830s and 1840s illustrates interest groups forming as a result of
  • Which term describes a district where votes are unequal in size?
  • In the Slaughter-House Cases (1873), the Supreme Court ruled
  • Which term describes written defamation?
  • In the Senate, who presides in the absence of the Vice President?
  • What does the legal concept standing determine?
  • The two-party system has worked in the United States, but not in Europe, because
  • The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of flag burning in the case of
  • The Sierra Club was organized in the ________.
  • When the Supreme Court ruled Amish people cannot be forced to send their children to school, it protects the free exercise of religion but opens itself to criticisms regarding establishment. Which option best reflects that conclusion?
  • Under the Great Compromise, the Senate was designed to have
  • A meeting of party followers at which convention delegates are picked is known as a
  • The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about which issue?
  • Where do most dollars spent by individual candidates go?
  • Which statement about the two-party system is correct?
  • Which statement did James Madison argue in Federalist No. 10?
  • Which term refers to the explanation of congressional voting behavior where members vote to please their constituents?
  • Since 1983, labor unions membership has declined due to
  • The following is an example of a valence issue.
  • How many members are there in the U.S. House of Representatives?
  • The effect of Shay's Rebellion on attendance by delegates at the planned Constitutional Convention of 1787 was to
  • Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech was delivered at which location?
  • Which term refers to following earlier court decisions to guide future rulings?
  • In Federalist No 10 (and 51), Madison argued in favor of a large republic, which went against the ideas of this political philosopher.
  • Which case held that the First Amendment does not apply to the states?
  • Which term describes the practice of former government officials moving to private sector employment related to their prior government work?
  • The chief motive for using the litmus test involves a judicial nominee's views on
  • Which approach did Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education approve as a remedy for desegregation?
  • This state was trying to alleviate public debt by printing money which then produced inflation.
  • People who join interest groups for a sense of pleasure, status, or companionship are joining because of
  • In Supreme Court proceedings, the main written arguments submitted by parties are called
  • A commonly cited weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that the national government lacked what power?
  • The chief justice is able to influence his or her impact most effectively by
  • What was the primary argument of the dissenting Supreme Court Justices in Citizens United?
  • According to the data described, presidential popularity generally does what over a president's term?
  • Beginning in the 1960s, the __________ became more bureaucratized, whereas the __________ became more factionalized.
  • Which practice involves a third party offering information to the court in a case where they are not a party?
  • Women were first given the right to vote in states that were
  • Which case is associated with the ruling that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional?
  • During the founding period of U.S. history, political parties could best be characterized as
  • __________is a legal concept that refers to who is entitled to bring a case.
  • Which Supreme Court case established the requirement to inform suspects of their rights before questioning?
  • Which plan proposed representation based on state population?
  • The Constitution's ratification required what concession?
  • The Declaration of Independence listed complaints about social and economic abuses on the colonies.
  • In general, the president's party __________ in off-year midterm elections.
  • To be a member of the House of Representatives, a person must be how old?
  • Three-fifths of slaves were counted for purposes of
  • A stable, long-term attachment to a political party is a voter's which?
  • The EEOC’s influence on defining sexual harassment is best described as
  • Which amendment is associated with the right to counsel for those who cannot afford one?
  • Prior to the Seventeenth Amendment, Senators were chosen by which body?
  • Lobbyists' activities are protected by the ________.
  • If a district is drawn to give an advantage to a candidate by its shape, this is called?
  • The distinctive feature of the Jacksonian era of political parties was which?
  • Which characteristic explains why interest groups are a central channel for participation in American politics?
  • Which concept asserts that rulers derive authority from the governed and can be overthrown if they fail to protect rights?
  • The 1917-1918 Acts restricted publications that advocated
  • In the context of federal grants, which statement best describes the purpose of grant-in-aid.
  • Which description best characterizes the relationship among states under the Articles of Confederation?
  • The principal work of Congress is best described as which of the following?
  • A major purpose of political action committees (PACs) is to raise and distribute money to influence elections.
  • In the Virginia Military Institute case, the Supreme Court required ________ for single-sex schools.
  • The purpose of a filibuster is to
  • Which statement about Senate confirmations of federal judges is correct?
  • Which constitutional clause is most directly associated with expanding federal power in regulating interstate commerce, as seen in cases such as Gibbons v. Ogden?
  • The historical reference to a 'wall of separation' between religion and the state can be found in
  • Congress was designed by the Founders in ways that almost inevitably make it __________.
  • Which amendment established direct election of United States Senators by the people?
  • The position of 'acting president' was created by
  • Which elastic phrase has become a significant source of presidential power?
  • A bill is passed to the president for action while Congress is still in session. After ten days they have still not approved it. What happens to the bill?
  • Which state refused to send a delegate to the Constitutional Convention?
  • Under their police powers, states can enact and enforce all of the following EXCEPT
  • Which act, passed in 1907 and associated with Theodore Roosevelt, restricted corporate contributions to campaigns?
  • Between 1789 and the Civil War, the Supreme Court's primary issues were which of the following?
  • Which statement best describes Reed v. Reed?
  • In a 2003 case involving admissions practices at the University of Michigan, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its decision in Bakke by rejecting the use of
  • Which statement describes how presidents gauge success with legislation in Congress?
  • Which of the following best describes the typical demographic of a member of Congress?
  • Individuals have power when they are able to which of the following?
  • Which statement best summarizes the ruling on sexual harassment as described by EEOC guidelines and Supreme Court interpretation?
  • __________ is a political system in which the national government shares power with local governments.
  • Which statement best summarizes the pertinent question of civil rights?
  • What do the Marshall Plan of 1948 and the Tax Reform Act of 1986 illustrate about government partisanship?
  • Which statement best explains why Brutus is considered an Anti-Federalist?
  • Which statement accurately describes soft money?
  • According to the material, which area is NOT covered by the main provisions of the USA Patriot Act?
  • Elections are decided by which type of voters who evaluate the past government performance?
  • A __________ issue is one in which rival candidates have opposing views on a question that also divides the voters.
  • The Amish school case is often cited for upholding which constitutional protection?
  • Which of the following features of the United States Constitution would most concern the author of Brutus 1?
  • Which term describes judges who adhere to the language of the Constitution and avoid broad interpretations?
  • Written defamation of character is known as
  • Which case first recognized a constitutional right to privacy in the context of contraception?
  • National party conventions were developed as a reform of which practice?
  • What was the principal goal of the American Revolution?
  • Which case was involved in applying federal constitutional protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment?
  • Campaign matter, as described, includes which of the following?
  • The League of Women Voters is an example of a feminist organization whose membership incentives are primarily which type?
  • Writing for the Supreme Court, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes proclaimed that the Congress could punish dangerous speech when that speech
  • Which case established the standard that speech may be regulated if it incites imminent lawless action?
  • The Constitution requires that the president be at least how old?
  • A marginal district is one in which
  • Madison dramatized his perspective in a Federalist paper by observing that 'if men were __________, no government would be necessary'.
  • The Framer's concerns about direct democracy are illustrated by the fact that the Constitution
  • An obvious difference between a president and a prime minister is that the latter always has
  • In Federalist No. 10, Madison argued that factions are
  • In what year did the U.S. House of Representatives become fixed at 435 voting members?
  • The activity by which an issue is agitated or settled is called which of the following?
  • Campaign finance reforms had which of the following effects?
  • Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government could which of the following actions?
  • Ordinary advertising directed at or against a candidate, but not by any candidate's wish, is which of the following?
  • A member of the Senate who keeps the majority leader informed about other party members' opinions is called what?
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