Topic 4.1 Practice Quiz

How did the government, designed by the Framers, focus on national, rather than individual, interests?

• It included a broad system of checks and balances on the legislature's powers.
• It included a system that was based on a body chosen directly by the people.
• It included a strong system of individual decision-making powers for the legislature.
• It included a system that preserved the average citizen's focus on individual interests.

A representative must vote on a bill that most of her constituents support, but that will also increase deficit spending. Under what circumstances do you think she might choose to vote as a partisan or a trustee on this bill, rather than as a delegate?

• if her constituents believe that the benefits of the bill will outweigh the costs
• if she believes the most important goal is to conform to her constituents' wishes
• if her constituents believe that she should vote according to their wishes
• if she believes the most important goal is a balanced budget

What option does the Constitution give the President if Congress adjourns without an approved budget?

• The President can prorogue a session of Congress, based on Article II, Section 3.
• The President can call a special session, based on Article II, Section 3.
• The President can meet with party leaders, based on Article I, Section 2, Clause 1.
• The President can adjourn Congress, based on Article 1, Section 5, Clause 4.

The Constitution specifies that Congress has the power to fix its own pay. Why was it important to modify this authority with the 27th Amendment?

• so that there would be a system of checks and balances
• so that the President could veto any raises
• so that all Congressmen had a chance to vote
• so that changes could be put to public vote

Under which of the following circumstances might the President call a special session of Congress?

• when Congress has just convened a session
• in order to ask Congress to consider a particular bill
• as a way to weaken the party in power in Congress
• when the House will not consent to adjournment

A poll showed that voters prefer to have members of Congress vote as delegates. This information probably influences representatives more than senators because.

• they know that it is most important to research issues and vote accordingly.
• they know their term in office means an election is right around the corner.
• they know that they must remain in line with their party's position on issues.
• they represent a diverse constituency, and have a long six-year term in office.

Congress, through its committees, uses its oversight function

• to ensure that legislative agencies are carrying out the policies it has set.
• to assist the judicial branch in interpreting constitutional law.
• as a means of overriding presidential vetoes.
• as a system of checks and balances on the executive branch.

What does this political cartoon suggest about congressional elections in the United States?

• Candidates are required to give consideration to both sides of issues.
• Candidates mostly tell the public whatever they think constituents want to hear.
• Voters make it impossible for candidates to make up their minds on important issues.
• Voters unfairly force candidates to take a stand on issues they might not be ready to address.

Most modern legislators view their position in Congress...

• as a short-term service to the country, and so are more likely to vote as trustees.
• as a step on the way to membership in the upper house, and vote as politicos.
• as a long-term career, and are thus more likely to vote as delegates of the people.
• as a commitment to their party, and so are more likely to vote as partisans.

Representation in Congress is closest to the general population in terms of...?

• education.
• ethnicity.
• gender.
• profession.