Practice test #4

Front

To which characteristic of American government does the term "federalism" refer?

Back

The division and sharing of power between the national and state governments

Front

The swift adoption of the Bill of Rights in the years following ratification of the Constitution demonstrates the

Back

states' fears of an overpowerful national government

Front

Which of the following is true of court cases in which one private party is suing another? Options: They are tried in civil court, The federal court system has exclusive jurisdiction over them, They are tried in criminal court, The state court system has exclusive jurisdiction over them

Back

They are tried in civil court

Front

The term "budget deficit" refers to the

Back

amount the government spends in excess of its revenues

Front

The legislative successes of the National Rifle Association, antiabortion activists, and other powerful interest groups demonstrate that

Back

majority opinion on an issue can sometimes be overridden by the intensity of a minority's commitment to activism

Front

During the second half of the twentieth-century, the Supreme Court's position on free speech was that

Back

free speech is essential to liberty and therefore may be abridged only under extreme circumstances.

Front

The national and state governments share all of the following powers EXCEPT the power to: administer elections, impose taxes, establish courts, borrow money

Back

administer elections

Front

Which group most frequently benefits from political action committee (PAC) donations? Options: Federal judges, Incumbents running for reelections, Political interest groups, Research institutes

Back

Incumbents running for reelections

Front

The president executes a "pocket veto" by doing which of the following? Failing to sign a bill after Congress has adjourned 

Back

Failing to sign a bill after Congress has adjourned 

Front

The graph above supports which of the following conclusions? Options: If the trend shown on the chart continues, the Republican party will soon control most state legislatures, In most states, registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans, Democrats had more seats then Republicans in state legislatures throughout the early 1900s, The number of Republican governors increases between 1990 and 1996

Back

Democrats had more seats then Republicans in state legislatures throughout the early 1900s