Practice Exam I Answers

Refer to the image.What aspect of the representative democracy model does the cartoon illustrate?

Refer to the image.What conclusion can be drawn from the image about elections in a representative democracy?

Refer to the passage.Another advantage accruing from this ingredient in the constitution of the Senate is, the additional impediment it must prove against improper acts of legislation. No law or resolution can now be passed without the concurrence, first, of a majority of the people, and then, of a majority of the States. It must be acknowledged that this complicated check on legislation may in some instances be injurious as well as beneficial; and that the peculiar defense which it involves in favor of the smaller States, would be more rational, if any interests common to them, and distinct from those of the other States, would otherwise be exposed to peculiar danger. But as the larger States will always be able, by their power over the supplies, to defeat unreasonable exertions of this prerogative of the lesser States, and as the faculty and excess of law-making seem to be the diseases to which our governments are most liable, it is not impossible that this part of the Constitution may be more convenient in practice than it appears to many in contemplation.–Federalist, no. 62

Refer to the passage.Another advantage accruing from this ingredient in the constitution of the Senate is, the additional impediment it must prove against improper acts of legislation. No law or resolution can now be passed without the concurrence, first, of a majority of the people, and then, of a majority of the States. It must be acknowledged that this complicated check on legislation may in some instances be injurious as well as beneficial; and that the peculiar defense which it involves in favor of the smaller States, would be more rational, if any interests common to them, and distinct from those of the other States, would otherwise be exposed to peculiar danger. But as the larger States will always be able, by their power over the supplies, to defeat unreasonable exertions of this prerogative of the lesser States, and as the faculty and excess of law-making seem to be the diseases to which our governments are most liable, it is not impossible that this part of the Constitution may be more convenient in practice than it appears to many in contemplation.–Federalist, no. 62

Refer to the chart. CongressPresidentA.Bills passed by Congress can be vetoed by the president.The Supreme Court can remove presidential appointments for dereliction of duty.B.The Supreme Court can invalidate legislation passed by Congress.The president can be removed by Congress through the impeachment process.C.Members of Congress can be removed from office by the Supreme Court.Members of the president’s cabinet can be subpoenaed to appear before Congress.D.The president can refuse to spend money for programs appropriated by Congress.Congress can require the president to obtain preapproval for all international agreements.

A sizable majority of US voters are concerned about the influence of large campaign donations on candidates for public office. Bowing to pressure from constituents, Congress passes a law restricting how campaign money can be spent, how much can be donated, and to whom these donations can be given. The president signs the law.

A candidate for president promises to reform the country’s healthcare system. Public polling indicates that most voters agree that the system needs reform. The candidate wins by a significant margin and claims a mandate to pursue this reform. Yet no significant changes to the healthcare system occur during the president’s term. The president then seeks reelection despite having failed to achieve the main campaign promise.

Refer to the graph.

Refer to the graph.

Which of the following accurately explains the role of cooperative federalism in policy-making?

The federal government has worked to expand healthcare reforms to give all citizens access to affordable health care. States such as Washington chose to expand their Medicaid programs, giving more citizens access to free or low-cost healthcare. States such as Texas have opted not to expand Medicaid programs, leaving low-income citizens without access to affordable health care.

Refer to the chart. House of RepresentativesSenateA.Initiates a filibuster against legislationInitiates revenue-related legislationB.Impeaches federal officialsConducts impeachment trialsC.Creates international treatiesApproves presidential treatiesD.Confirms presidential appointmentsElects the president in the case of an Electoral College draw

Which of the following statements accurately describes the roles of committees in Congress?

Congress has just passed new legislation and sent it to the president to be vetoed or signed into law. The president decides to sign the legislation but wants to direct executive agencies on how the new legislation should be implemented.

Executive agencies are run by department heads. A new administration takes over and has a radically different agenda from the previous administration. The new president wants to align executive agencies to the administration's goals.

Refer to the chart. Reasons to Cooperate with Opposing PartyReasons to Obstruct Goals of Opposing PartyA.Public expresses high levels of dissatisfaction with performance of CongressPresident belongs to opposing party and is popular in member’s districtB.Member’s district has been gerrymandered to ensure member’s party will win the seatIncumbent president is not eligible for reelectionC.Member’s district supported opposing party’s presidential candidate in last electionParty leaders threaten to support rival candidate in upcoming primary electionD.Member is being challenged by a high-profile candidate in upcoming primary electionMidterm congressional elections are less than two months away, and control of Congress is at stake

Refer to the graph.Which of the following conclusions can be supported by the data in this graph?

Refer to the graph.Which of the following statements best identifies how congressional incumbents could use the data in this graph to improve their chances of winning reelection?

In the State of the Union address, the president announces a plan to overhaul the federal tax code by reducing tax rates and eliminating tax loopholes.

A newly elected president campaigned on a pledge to reduce wasteful government spending by eliminating pork-barrel projects and closing redundant military bases across the country.