American Government Final Exam

Public bureaucracies are not organized to make a profit, while private corporations are. This means that the primary goal of government bureaucracies is to serve the public and fulfill their responsibilities, rather than generating financial gains. On the other hand, private corporations aim to maximize profits for their shareholders and owners. This fundamental difference in organizational objectives shapes the decision-making processes, priorities, and overall functioning of these two entities.

Recessions are economic downturns characterized by a significant decline in economic activity, including factors such as a decrease in GDP, high unemployment rates, and a decrease in consumer spending. This option states that recessions take place when the economy suffers a severe slowdown, which accurately describes the nature of a recession. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Tax loopholes refer to legal methods that individuals and corporations can use to lower their taxable income. These methods exploit gaps or inconsistencies in tax laws, allowing taxpayers to take advantage of deductions, exemptions, or other provisions to reduce the amount of income subject to taxation. By utilizing these loopholes, taxpayers can legally minimize their tax liability and retain more of their income. This answer accurately describes the purpose and function of tax loopholes.

The correct answer is that the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 created the Office of Personnel Management and the Merit Systems Protection Board. This act was enacted to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government's personnel system. The Office of Personnel Management was established to oversee the federal workforce and ensure fair and merit-based hiring practices. The Merit Systems Protection Board was created to protect federal employees from prohibited personnel practices and provide a neutral forum for hearing appeals and complaints.

A whistleblower is a person who brings to public attention gross governmental inefficiency or illegal action. This means that a whistleblower is someone who exposes wrongdoing or misconduct within a government organization, whether it is inefficiency or illegal activities. They play a crucial role in holding government accountable and ensuring transparency.

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that aims to provide financial assistance for healthcare expenses to individuals with low income or limited resources. It is specifically designed to support the healthcare needs of the poor population by covering a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and long-term care. Medicaid is different from Medicare, which primarily serves the elderly and disabled individuals. Social Security is a separate program that provides income support for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors. Medivac and Blue Cross are not specific government programs for healthcare subsidies.

The correct answer is "poppy" because the poppy crop, specifically opium poppy, has served as a major source of revenue for the Taliban in Afghanistan. The production and sale of opium, which is derived from the poppy plant, has been a significant part of the Taliban's funding strategy.

The "Government in the Sunshine Act" requires federal agencies that are run by committees to conduct their business regularly in public session. This means that these agencies must hold their meetings in a public setting, allowing for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. This requirement ensures that the public has access to information and can participate in the democratic process by being aware of and informed about the actions and decisions made by these agencies.

The concept of privatization refers to the replacement of government services with services provided by private firms. This means that instead of the government directly providing certain services such as healthcare, education, or transportation, these services are outsourced to private companies. The goal of privatization is often to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and introduce competition into sectors that were previously monopolized by the government.

A justiciable controversy refers to a real and substantial controversy rather than a hypothetical or academic one. It implies a dispute that can be resolved by a court, involving actual legal rights and claims. This term is used to distinguish cases that are suitable for judicial review from those that are not. In the context of concurring opinions, a justiciable controversy forms the basis for such opinions because it represents a genuine legal issue that the judges agree on, even if they have different reasoning or approaches to the case.

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The given correct answer is "is larger than any other federal department." This means that the Department of Defense is bigger in terms of size and scope compared to all other federal departments. It implies that the Department of Defense has more resources, personnel, and responsibilities than any other department in the federal government.

Bureaucracy is defined as a large organization that is structured hierarchically and carries out specific functions. This means that it is a formal system of organization and administration designed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in achieving goals. Bureaucracies are characterized by a clear chain of command, division of labor, and adherence to rules and procedures. They are commonly found in government agencies and large corporations, and their purpose is to streamline processes and ensure that tasks are carried out in a systematic and organized manner.

Agenda building refers to the process of bringing attention to an issue and making Congress aware that it needs to be addressed through legislative action. It involves highlighting the importance and urgency of the issue, gathering support from stakeholders, and advocating for its inclusion in the legislative agenda. This process aims to prioritize certain issues and ensure that they receive the necessary attention and consideration from lawmakers.

Monetary policy refers to the actions taken by a central bank to control the money supply and interest rates in an economy. This includes using changes in the rate at which new money is put in circulation to alter national economic variables. By increasing or decreasing the money supply, the central bank can influence interest rates, inflation, and overall economic activity. This tool allows policymakers to stimulate or slow down the economy as needed, in order to achieve their desired economic goals.

Capture refers to a situation where an industry that is being regulated gains control over the agency that is supposed to regulate it. This can occur through various means, such as lobbying, bribery, or the revolving door phenomenon, where industry insiders move into positions of power within the regulatory agency. When capture happens, the regulated industry is able to influence and manipulate the regulatory process to serve its own interests, often at the expense of the public or consumers.

Alexis de Tocqueville, a nineteenth-century observer of American society, believed that Americans turn to courts to resolve political questions. This implies that Americans see the judicial system as a means of settling disputes and making decisions on matters related to politics. The other options are not supported by the information given and do not align with Tocqueville's observations.

A court rule bearing on subsequent legal decisions in similar cases is called a precedent. Precedents are established when a court makes a decision on a particular legal issue, and these decisions serve as a guide for future cases with similar facts or legal principles. Precedents help maintain consistency and predictability in the legal system and are an important part of common law systems. They provide guidance to judges and lawyers in interpreting and applying the law in similar cases, ensuring fairness and equality in the legal process.

The correct answer is "the opinion." In a court ruling, the opinion refers to the written explanation of the court's decision. It outlines the legal reasoning, analysis of facts, and interpretation of the law that led to the final judgment. The opinion is crucial as it provides guidance and establishes precedent for future cases. It allows the court to explain and justify its decision, ensuring transparency and accountability in the judicial process.

The correct answer is foreign and domestic policy designed to protect the nation's independence and political and economic integrity. This answer accurately describes national security policy as a combination of both foreign and domestic policies aimed at safeguarding a nation's independence and ensuring the integrity of its political and economic systems. It implies that national security policy encompasses a wide range of measures and actions taken by a country to protect itself from external threats and maintain its sovereignty.

The correct answer is directly accountable to the president. Cabinet departments are part of the executive branch of the government and are headed by secretaries who are appointed by the president. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing policies and programs of the president. As such, they are directly accountable to the president for their actions and decisions.

Independent executive agencies are not part of cabinet departments but report directly to the president. This means that they operate independently from the cabinet departments and have a direct line of communication and accountability to the president. Unlike cabinet departments, which are headed by secretaries and are part of the executive branch, independent executive agencies have their own leadership and are not under the direct control of the president.

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The correct answer is "the rule of four." The rule of four is a procedure used by the Supreme Court to determine which cases it will hear. It states that if four out of the nine justices agree to hear a case, then the Court will grant a writ of certiorari and the case will be heard. This rule ensures that the Court's docket is limited to cases that have the support of a significant number of justices, preventing the Court from being overwhelmed with cases.

The correct answer is adoption. Adoption refers to the stage in the policy making process where a specific policy is chosen from the various proposals that have been discussed. This involves selecting and approving a policy that will be implemented. The other options, such as formulation, implementation, choices, and determination, do not accurately describe this particular stage of policy making.

The selection and promotion of government employees on the basis of examinations is a result of the merit system. This system ensures that individuals are hired and promoted based on their qualifications, skills, and abilities rather than political connections or favoritism. It aims to create a fair and transparent process that allows the most qualified individuals to serve in government positions.

The correct answer is that the Kyoto protocol called for a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases to 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. This is true because the Kyoto protocol was an international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. It set specific targets for countries to reduce their emissions, with the overall goal of reducing global emissions. The target of 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2012 was one of the key commitments of the protocol.

The correct answer is "an advisory body to the president on foreign policy matters." The National Security Council (NSC) is a group of advisors that assist the president in making decisions related to national security and foreign policy. They provide recommendations and analysis on various issues, such as military actions, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic relations. The NSC helps the president formulate and implement policies that protect and promote the country's interests and security on a global scale.

The correct answer is "remained relatively stable for the last several decades." This means that the number of federal government employees has not seen significant increases or decreases over the past several decades.

Tax courts and bankruptcy courts are examples of courts of limited jurisdiction because they have specific subject matter jurisdiction and can only hear cases related to tax or bankruptcy issues. These courts do not have general jurisdiction to hear a wide range of cases like general jurisdiction courts. Appellate courts hear appeals from lower courts, territorial courts have jurisdiction over specific territories, and international courts handle disputes between countries.

In 2009, President Obama took a step towards reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by raising fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles. This move aimed to improve the efficiency of vehicles and reduce their fuel consumption, thereby decreasing the demand for oil. By implementing higher fuel-efficiency standards, the United States could potentially reduce its reliance on foreign oil and move towards a more sustainable and energy-independent future.

Fiscal policy refers to the use of changes in the amount of taxes and government expenditures to affect business activity. This means that the government can adjust tax rates and government spending in order to stimulate or slow down economic growth. By increasing government spending or decreasing taxes, the government can stimulate business activity and encourage economic growth. On the other hand, by decreasing government spending or increasing taxes, the government can slow down business activity and control inflation. This is an important tool used by governments to manage the overall economy.

Enabling legislation refers to a statute passed by Congress that grants authority to create an administrative agency. This legislation outlines the agency's purpose, powers, and responsibilities. It serves as the legal basis for the agency's existence and operations. An appropriations authorization, on the other hand, pertains to the allocation of funds for a specific purpose. An executive order is a directive issued by the President, while statutory authorization refers to the approval of a law by the legislative branch. The Civil Service Act of 1978 is unrelated to the creation of administrative agencies.

The federal court derives its power from Article III of the Constitution. This article establishes the judicial branch of the federal government and outlines the powers and jurisdiction of the federal courts. It grants the courts the authority to interpret and apply the law, hear cases involving federal laws and the Constitution, and resolve disputes between states and between individuals and the federal government. The power of the federal court is derived directly from this constitutional provision, making it the correct answer.

A class-action suit is a type of lawsuit where a group of individuals who have suffered similar harm or have similar legal claims collectively file a lawsuit seeking damages for "all persons similarly situated." This means that instead of each individual filing separate lawsuits, they join together as a class to pursue their claims more efficiently and effectively. By doing so, they can pool their resources, share the costs and risks of litigation, and have a stronger voice in seeking justice and compensation for their grievances.

Technical assistance refers to the sending of experts with technical skills to aid other nations. This assistance is provided to help countries improve their technical capabilities and solve problems in various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and education. It is a form of international cooperation that aims to promote development and strengthen relationships between nations. Unlike other options such as in-kind subsidy, tariff, exports, or military aid, technical assistance specifically focuses on sharing knowledge and expertise to support the development efforts of other countries.

The Bush administration conducted multilateral negotiations with North Korea concerning its nuclear capabilities, but refused to engage in negotiations with Iran. This suggests that the Bush administration prioritized addressing the nuclear threat posed by North Korea over that of Iran.

The correct answer is "the executive agency that has primary authority over foreign affairs." This answer is supported by the fact that the State Department is responsible for conducting diplomacy, negotiating treaties, and managing international relations on behalf of the United States government. As an executive agency, it falls under the authority of the President and is responsible for implementing and carrying out the foreign policy decisions made by the President.

In the formative years, a major determinant of U.S. foreign policy was the fact that the country was unable to raise an army and had no international power. This suggests that the U.S. had limited military capabilities and lacked influence on the global stage. As a result, the U.S. had to rely on diplomatic strategies and alliances to protect its interests and establish itself as a powerful nation. This limitation played a significant role in shaping the early foreign policy decisions of the U.S. government.

George W. Bush was unable to convince the United Nations that military action was necessary, so the U.S. took the initiative on its own to begin the second Gulf War, or Iraq War, in 2003.

Some people argued that the government should nationalize banks, or take them over completely, in order to prevent them from becoming so-called "zombie banks." Nationalizing banks would mean that the government would have full control and ownership over them, allowing them to make decisions and take actions to prevent them from failing and becoming unproductive or inactive, hence avoiding the creation of "zombie banks." This would ensure that the banks are properly managed and regulated by the government to protect the economy and the interests of the public.

During the period of American isolationism, the United States pursued a policy of avoiding involvement in foreign affairs and conflicts. This policy began to change with the onset of the Great Depression, as economic struggles led to a reevaluation of isolationist principles. However, it was the bombings of the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor by Japan in 1941 that brought about a permanent end to American isolationism. The attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and prompted the United States to enter World War II, marking a shift towards international engagement and an end to its policy of isolation.

Congress has the authority to authorize or appropriate funds for particular agencies. This means that Congress has the power to allocate money to specific government agencies, determining how much funding each agency will receive. By controlling the purse strings, Congress can influence the functioning and priorities of the federal bureaucracy. This power allows Congress to shape the policies and activities of the agencies by either increasing or decreasing their funding.

Foreign policy refers to a nation's external goals and the methods and strategies employed to accomplish those goals. It encompasses a country's approach towards other nations, including diplomatic negotiations, alliances, trade agreements, and military interventions. This answer accurately defines the concept of foreign policy, which involves the pursuit and implementation of a nation's objectives on the global stage.

Somali piracy exploded as a result of more expensive goods being shipped in trade routes off of the Somali coast. This is because the pirates saw an opportunity to hijack these valuable cargoes and demand ransom from the shipping companies. The increase in the value of goods being transported attracted the attention of the pirates and incentivized their criminal activities.

The correct answer is "the awarding of government jobs to political supporters and friends." The spoils system refers to the practice of giving government positions to individuals based on their political loyalty rather than their qualifications or merit. This system has been criticized for promoting corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency within the federal bureaucracy. It allows politicians to reward their supporters and friends with government jobs, which can undermine the overall effectiveness and professionalism of the government.

The correct answer is "less than one case in four thousand." This means that out of the total number of cases decided each year, only a very small fraction, specifically less than one case out of every four thousand cases, are reviewed by the Supreme Court. This indicates that the Supreme Court's involvement is extremely limited and selective, as they only choose to review a very small number of cases.

When all Supreme Court justices agree to an opinion, it is known as a unanimous opinion. This means that all the justices have reached a consensus and are in complete agreement on the decision or ruling.

The Awakening refers to an uprising of tribal leaders in Iraq's Anbar Province who called on the U.S. to help them against Al Qaeda. This uprising marked a significant turning point in the fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq, as the tribal leaders formed alliances with the U.S. military and actively fought against the extremist group. This collaboration led to a significant decrease in violence and helped to weaken Al Qaeda's presence in the region.

The given correct answer suggests that today's dollar is worth about a nickel relative to a dollar of a century ago. This implies that the value of the dollar has significantly decreased over the past century, as a nickel is worth five times less than a dollar.