A Trivia On Foreign Service Officer Test: Quiz!
Below is a trivia on Foreign Service officer test that is perfect for anyone who is willing to perform in the place of the U. S. Department of State. Not only does the quiz ensure you pass the upcoming test, but it also ensures that you are able to see how the questions are set up. Give it a try and all the best in your new career path.
- 1.
Before a case can be heard by a court, it must have all but one of the following. The one condition that need not be present is:
- A.
Two real parties.
- B.
Parties must have a personal and substantial interest injury.
- C.
The case must be a real situation and not a hypothetical situation.
- D.
The case must be based on the common law.
Correct Answer
D. The case must be based on the common law.Explanation
All the conditions in A through C must be present before a court will consider a case. The case need not be a common law case but could be based upon statutory law. Statutory law is a law that is passed by the legislature. Common law is a law that comes from judicial decisions.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A political device of drawing irregular district lines in order to favor one political power over another is called:
- A.
Gerrymandering.
- B.
Filibustering.
- C.
Federalizing.
- D.
Rezoning.
Correct Answer
A. Gerrymandering.Explanation
Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to benefit one political party or group. It involves drawing irregular district lines in a way that gives an unfair advantage to a particular political power. This tactic is often used to concentrate the voting power of one group, dilute the voting power of another, or create safe districts for incumbents. Filibustering refers to the act of prolonging a debate or delaying a decision in a legislative assembly, while federalizing refers to the process of transferring power from a central government to regional or local authorities. Rezoning involves the redrawing of boundaries for administrative purposes and is not specifically related to political manipulation.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Someone gets married in Illinois and moves to Wisconsin. On what constitutional grounds is the marriage recognized?
- A.
Full, faith, and credit.
- B.
Due process.
- C.
Equal protection.
- D.
Right of rendition.
Correct Answer
A. Full, faith, and credit.Explanation
States are required to give full, faith, and credit to papers and legal decisions made in other states. Marriage has generally been considered part of the full, faith, and credit provisions. Historically some states had refused to accept mixed racial marriages if their own state did not allow it. Today, states may not accept same-sex marriage. The federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act explicitly excludes same-sex marriage from the full, faith, and credit provisions. However, it still remains to be seen whether the courts will accept this act as constitutional, because it provides an exception to the full, faith, and credit constitutional provision.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Congress can override a Presidential veto of a congressional bill by:
- A.
Not signing the bill.
- B.
Passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses.
- C.
Filibustering.
- D.
Voting to place the bill in the congressional record.
Correct Answer
B. Passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses.Explanation
The correct answer is passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses. This is because the Constitution allows Congress to override a Presidential veto by re-passing the bill with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This demonstrates the checks and balances system in place, where Congress has the power to counteract the President's veto if they have enough support.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following groups was the last to receive the right to vote in the United States?
- A.
Women.
- B.
Non-property owners.
- C.
African Americans.
- D.
Youth ages 18 to 21 years old.
Correct Answer
D. Youth ages 18 to 21 years old.Explanation
Youth received the vote by constitutional amendment in 1971 -- the 26th Amendment. Women were granted the right to vote by the 19th Amendment, and African Americans by the 15th Amendment.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following amendments to the constitution affect the political process by declaring that the Federal government should not interfere with the press?
- A.
First.
- B.
Fifth.
- C.
Seventh.
- D.
None - no amendment refers to the press.
Correct Answer
A. First.Explanation
The First Amendment to the Constitution affects the political process by declaring that the Federal government should not interfere with the press. This amendment guarantees freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to assemble peacefully. It ensures that the government cannot censor or control the media, allowing for a free and independent press to hold the government accountable and provide information to the public.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following taxes would most likely be considered progressive?
- A.
Property tax.
- B.
Sales tax.
- C.
Income tax.
- D.
Cigarette tax.
Correct Answer
C. Income tax.Explanation
Progressive taxes are taxes that take a greater precent income from the rich than the poor. They are advocated based upon the principle of the "ability to pay." Of the taxes listed, the income tax with its graduated tax brackets is typically progressive. All the other taxes are regressive. Few sales taxes are progressive -- only those that exempt many necessities and also tax services such as attorney's fees that wealthy people use more tend to be.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Open market operations in economic policy refer to which of the following?
- A.
The buying and selling of securities by the Federal Reserve to affect the economy.
- B.
The reduction in trade barriers to facilitate trade (for example, NAFTA).
- C.
The clearance of checks by the Federal Reserve.
- D.
The lending by the Federal Reserve to member banks who then make loans.
Correct Answer
A. The buying and selling of securities by the Federal Reserve to affect the economy.Explanation
Open market operations involve the buying and selling of securities by the Federal Reserve. An Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve (also known as the Fed) makes the decision. Securities are sold to counter inflation and are bought to put more money in the economy to counter recession.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The scientific management school of public administration affected the organization of many cities. Its approach was based upon the conception of the city as:
- A.
A responsive mechanism; the need of the city to be responsive to all groups in a city.
- B.
A representative mechanism; the city must have on the council exact proportions of each major social group in the city.
- C.
A service deliverer concerned with efficiency and economy of service provision.
- D.
A holding corporation whose purpose is to contract with private businesses to provide services.
Correct Answer
C. A service deliverer concerned with efficiency and economy of service provision.Explanation
The scientific management school of public administration was aimed at developing organizations and management that would achieve the goals of efficiency and economy. (A similar movement can be found in business administration.) In terms of cities, they viewed the city as delivering services, which would be done as efficiently as possible, and not making the same type of policy decisions found at the state and national levels. The city manager form of government was advocated by this school of thought.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following describes the differences between Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)?
- A.
TANF is entirely federal, which AFDC was a federal-state cooperative program.
- B.
There was no time limit on receiving AFDC; for TANF, you can only receive funding for five years.
- C.
AFDC did not go to non-citizen immigrants; TANF does include them.
- D.
AFDC included the provision of child care; TANF does not.
Correct Answer
B. There was no time limit on receiving AFDC; for TANF, you can only receive funding for five years.Explanation
TANF's main feature is that welfare is limited to five years, although there can be some people exempt from this requirement. AFDC did not have any such time limit. AFDC did go to immigrants, while TANF restricts immigrants who are not citizens from getting funding.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Medicare does use tax dollars from the general treasury for some of its programs. Other programs are restricted to amounts in the trust fund. For what are tax dollars used as a portion of the funding?
- A.
Hospital payment.
- B.
Physicians and outpatient services.
- C.
Nursing homes for custodial care.
- D.
Experimental procedures.
Correct Answer
B. Physicians and outpatient services.Explanation
Medicare's Part B, which goes for physicians and other outpatient services, includes tax dollars. Three-fourths of the cost comes from general taxes. Part A, which pays for hospital care, comes only from money in the trust fund, which people pay into while they are working. Custodial nursing home care is not covered by Medicare, nor are experimental procedures.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The Council of Economic Advisers advices which of the following on monetary and fiscal policy:
- A.
The Federal Reserve Bank.
- B.
The Joint Economic Committee of Congress.
- C.
The President of the United States.
- D.
The Senate Budget Committee.
Correct Answer
C. The President of the United States.Explanation
The Council of Economic Advisers advises the President of the United States on monetary and fiscal policy. This advisory body provides economic analysis and recommendations to the President, helping to shape and inform economic policy decisions. The Council's role is to provide expert advice and analysis on economic issues, ensuring that the President has access to the best possible economic information and guidance when making policy decisions.Rate this question:
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- 13.
On what basis does Medicare pay hospitals for the care of those covered by Medicare?
- A.
On the basis of what is charged.
- B.
By establishing a grant to the hospital based upon how many Medicare patients are treated.
- C.
By a price list for each service rendered (established by a national expenditure committee).
- D.
On the basis of a predetermined amount for the condition for which the person was admitted.
Correct Answer
D. On the basis of a predetermined amount for the condition for which the person was admitted.Explanation
Since 1983 Medicare pays a specific sum based upon the condition for which the person was admitted. This system is called the Prospective Payment System (PPS) and bases its payment on a classification of illnesses called Diagnostic Related Groups (DRG). With the former system of paying the individual's bill, physicians and hospitals were encouraged to keep patients longer. With the PPS system, early discharge is pushed.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Concerning the poverty rate for senior citizens, which of the following is correct?
- A.
It has significantly increased over the last 25 years.
- B.
It has been reduced primarily because of the indexing of social security.
- C.
It has remained the same despite policy efforts to reduce it.
- D.
It fell from 1980 to 1990, then rose again, approximating the level in 1980.
Correct Answer
B. It has been reduced primarily because of the indexing of social security.Explanation
The poverty rate for the elderly has been reduced, while the poverty rate for others has increased. The indexing of social security to inflation is considered among the major reasons for this change.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Following WWII, the United States instituted a massive effort to rebuild Europe. What is the name to this policy?
- A.
The Marshall Plan.
- B.
NATO.
- C.
SEATO.
- D.
Point Four.
Correct Answer
A. The Marshall Plan.Explanation
The Marshall Plan called for the reconstruction of Europe to prevent Soviet incursion. Point Four was aimed at developing countries. The other two -- NATO and SEATO -- were collective security agreements.Rate this question:
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- 16.
From recommendations of the 9/11 commission, what change did Congress make in the U.S. national security structure?
- A.
Combined the CIA and the NSA.
- B.
Made the National Security Council a cabinet department equal with the State and Defense.
- C.
Created an independent office of Director of Intelligence, a job previously performed by the director of the CIA.
- D.
Removed the counter-intellicence function from the FBI and gave it to the CIA.
Correct Answer
C. Created an independent office of Director of Intelligence, a job previously performed by the director of the CIA.Explanation
A separate Director of Intelligence was created to coordinate the 15 agencies in the intelligence community. Prior to this time, the Director of the CIA was also the Director of Intelligence. However, it was argued that it was difficult to be director of one agency in the intelligence community while also coordinating all agencies, because in doing the latter role, the individual had little power. In establishing the new office, there was conflict over whether to give the new director personnel and budget authority. The final bill establishes limited budget authority.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following is not a statutory member of the National Security Council?
- A.
Vice president.
- B.
Secretary of State.
- C.
Secretary of Defense.
- D.
Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff
Correct Answer
D. Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of StaffExplanation
The National Security Council was established in 1947 to ensure that both military and diplomatic view points were heard in making foreign policy. The statutory membership is limited. Other can be invited by the president to participate. For example, the secretary of the Treasury is often involved although not a statutory member. During the Ford Administration, legislation was enacted to add the Treasure secretary, but President Ford vetoed it, stating that he did not want to make the group too large. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the assistant to the president for national security affairs are both advisory and not statutory members.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Unless told otherwise, a professional journalist will most likely consider anything said by a source to be:
- A.
Off the record.
- B.
On the record.
- C.
On background.
- D.
Not attributable.
Correct Answer
B. On the record.Explanation
A professional journalist will most likely consider anything said by a source to be "on the record." This means that the information can be reported and attributed directly to the source. It implies that the source is willing to have their statements publicly associated with them and is giving permission to use their name and position when reporting the information. This is the default assumption unless the journalist is explicitly told otherwise, such as if the source wants the information to be "off the record" or "on background" (where the information can be used but without attribution).Rate this question:
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- 19.
The National Labor Relations Act established:
- A.
A "cooling off" period before workers in a critical industry could strike.
- B.
The right of the federal workers in non-defense agencies to organize and strike.
- C.
The government's right to prohibit strikes by industrial workers during war time.
- D.
Collective bargaining and the right to organize as a national policy.
Correct Answer
D. Collective bargaining and the right to organize as a national policy.Explanation
The National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act, was passed in 1935 and established collective bargaining and the right to organize as a national policy. This act aimed to protect the rights of workers to form labor unions, engage in collective bargaining with employers, and strike if necessary. It also created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to enforce these rights and mediate labor disputes. The act was a significant milestone in labor history and helped to improve working conditions and strengthen the power of unions in the United States.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Freedom of Information Act, enacted by the Congress in 1966, was expanded in 1996 to encompass:
- A.
Audiotaped transcripts.
- B.
Supreme Court deliberations.
- C.
Electronic records.
- D.
Presidential campaign contributions.
Correct Answer
C. Electronic records.Explanation
The correct answer is electronic records. The Freedom of Information Act, enacted in 1966 and expanded in 1996, allows the public to access government information. The expansion in 1996 included electronic records, recognizing the increasing use of technology and the need to make government information available in digital formats. This amendment aimed to ensure transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to request and obtain electronic records from government agencies.Rate this question:
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- 21.
In federal government budgeting, "mandatory" spending differs from "discretionary" spending in which way?
- A.
Legislative committees may not cut mandatory spending levels.
- B.
Mandatory spending is not subject to the annual appropriations process.
- C.
Discretionary spending increases in one budget category must be offset by reductions elsewhere.
- D.
Bill to re-categorize mandatory funding as discretionary must originate in the House.
Correct Answer
B. Mandatory spending is not subject to the annual appropriations process.Explanation
Mandatory spending is not subject to the annual appropriations process, which means that it is not determined on a yearly basis by Congress. Instead, mandatory spending is based on laws that have already been passed and requires the government to spend a certain amount of money on specific programs or entitlements. This differs from discretionary spending, which is determined through the appropriations process and can be adjusted by Congress on a yearly basis.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Why did President Franklin Roosevelt recommended expanding the size of the Supreme Court?
- A.
Because it had a large backlog of cases.
- B.
He wanted the court to represent a greater diversity of the population.
- C.
The Court had invalidated many New Deal programs.
- D.
He wanted to divide the court into a criminal and a civil panel.
Correct Answer
C. The Court had invalidated many New Deal programs.Explanation
The Supreme Court had ruled against many New Deal programs. He recommended adding members to the court for every member who was over 70.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Comparing 1964 to 1994, what happened to American's trust in government?
- A.
It declined.
- B.
It stayed about the same.
- C.
It rose.
- D.
It rose sharply, and then fell sharply.
Correct Answer
A. It declined.Explanation
Trust in government has declined over the years, although there have also been some years of improvement. For example, more people believe that government wastes money than it did in former years. Trust in government represents an attitudinal index based on several public opinion questions. The most often cited trust index is derived from the regular survey done by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.Rate this question:
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- 24.
President Bush has proposed a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage. To have this amendment added to the Constitution, what must happen?
- A.
The amendment must be proposed by three-fourths of both houses of Congress and approved by legislatures of two-thirds of the states.
- B.
The amendment must be proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and approved by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
- C.
The amendment must be proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress, signed by the President, and approved by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
- D.
Ame amendment must be approved by conventions in two-thirds of the states, and the approved by three-quarters of both houses of Congress.
Correct Answer
B. The amendment must be proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and approved by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.Explanation
Article V gives the method of approval. There are actually two methods, one allowing the states to call for a constitutional convention. The most common method, however, is a proposal by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and approval by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states. (The Congress could select conventions in the states for approval.) The president does not have to approve.Rate this question:
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- 25.
If the Office of Vice President is vacant, what happens?
- A.
It remains vacant until the next election.
- B.
The president's political party holds a mini convention to select a new vice president.
- C.
The Senate selects a new vice president.
- D.
The president nominates a new vice president, who must be approved by a majority of the Congress.
Correct Answer
D. The president nominates a new vice president, who must be approved by a majority of the Congress.Explanation
The 25th Amendment said a new vice president could be appointed by the president and approved by a majority of the Congress to serve out the term. Prior to the 25th Amendment, the office remained vacant.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The post-World War II defense policy used to maintain a balance of power in the world is known as:
- A.
Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD).
- B.
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).
- C.
The Marshall Plan.
- D.
The Truman Doctrine.
Correct Answer
A. Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD).Explanation
Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) has been the U.S. defense policy. It worked to keep the Soviet Union from acquiring a first-strike capability, which meant that if the Soviet Union struck first, the United States would be able to knock out an effective retaliation. The MAD doctrine said that if a nation struck first, the other side would be able to retaliate and inflict unacceptable damage. Based upon this policy, the international system was said to be in balance.Rate this question:
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- 27.
What is the theory that suggested that U.S. democracy is based on many groups, each pressing its own interests?
- A.
Elistism.
- B.
Pluralism.
- C.
Entrepreneurial politics.
- D.
Conflict resolution.
Correct Answer
B. Pluralism.Explanation
Robert Dahl and others have written about the American political system as being pluralistic.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Conference Committees are:
- A.
Permanent Joint Committees for dealing with serious national concerns, such as 9/11.
- B.
Temporary Committees of House and Senate members to resolve bill differences between the chambers.
- C.
Special Committees that study issues but have no power to report legislation.
- D.
Meetings between members of Congress and the Executive departments.
Correct Answer
B. Temporary Committees of House and Senate members to resolve bill differences between the chambers.Explanation
Conference committees are used when differences exist between House and Senate bills. Each house's conferees vote separately and both sets must agree to approve a provision. Ultimately, the floors of each chamber must approve a Conference Committee's report.Rate this question:
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- 29.
The President may veto:
- A.
The entire bill and items in an appropriations bill.
- B.
The entire bill and items in a tax bill.
- C.
The entire bill and items in any bill.
- D.
The entire bill only.
Correct Answer
D. The entire bill only.Explanation
The president, unlike many governors, does not have an item veto. There was an attempt to give him the equivalent of one through legislation, but the Supreme Court ruled that attempt unconstitutional.Rate this question:
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- 30.
One consequence attributed to malapportionment was that:
- A.
Urban areas were overrepresented.
- B.
Urban areas were underrepresented.
- C.
Suburban areas were overrepresented.
- D.
The minority party was concentrated, resulting in fewer minorities being elected than their percentage population.
Correct Answer
B. Urban areas were underrepresented.Explanation
Malapportionment prior to the Supreme Court decision ordering reapportionment resulted in rural areas being overrepresented and urban areas underrepresented. The apportionment of congressional and state legislative districts did not keep pace with the movement of people from rural areas to cities (and, subsequently, to suburban areas) and immigrants who came primarily to cities.Rate this question:
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- 31.
The function of the Office of Management and Budget to review all legislative proposals by the department of government for consistency and conformity with the president's policies is termed:
- A.
Central clearance.
- B.
Review and comment procedure.
- C.
Legislative oversight.
- D.
Bottom-up review.
Correct Answer
A. Central clearance.Explanation
Started to make sure that policy proposals from the departments did not conflict with the president's budget, it has been extended to all policy proposals made by the departments to ensure conformity to the administration's policy. Central clearance function began after the president received executive budget authority in the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The marble cake theory of federalism implies:
- A.
The establishment of separate functions for the national and state governments.
- B.
The sharing of functions between the national government and the states.
- C.
The reservation of all non-delegated powers to the states.
- D.
The establishment of a federal form rather than a confederational form of government.
Correct Answer
B. The sharing of functions between the national government and the states.Explanation
The marble cake theory of federalism was described by Morton Grodzins. It is frequently used to describe the sharing of functions between the federal government and the states.Rate this question:
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- 33.
The Constitution requires that members of the Supreme Court:
- A.
Be a member of a state bar.
- B.
Be at least 25 years old.
- C.
Be born in the United States.
- D.
No specific requirement is mentioned.
Correct Answer
D. No specific requirement is mentioned.Explanation
The Constitution does not include any requirements for a Supreme Court justice. There are also no requirements in the judiciary statutes.Rate this question:
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- 34.
The courts are inundated with habeas corpus writs. The courts turn to Congress to help and ask them to suspend the writ for one year to allow them to get caught up. Can Congress do this?
- A.
Yes. Article I gives the Congress the right to do this.
- B.
No. Only the president can do this.
- C.
No. Congress can suspend the writ but only in cases of rebellion and invasion.
- D.
No. Habeas corpus is a fundamental right and cannot be suspended.
Correct Answer
C. No. Congress can suspend the writ but only in cases of rebellion and invasion.Explanation
Habeas corpus, which requires that someone who is arrested be taken before a judge, can be suspended by the Congress but only when there is a rebellion or invasion. President Lincoln tried to suspend the right during the Civil War, but the Supreme Court said only Congress may do so.Rate this question:
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- 35.
A writ of certiorari is employed when:
- A.
Appealing to the Supreme Court.
- B.
The police want to search one's home.
- C.
Obtaining an injunction to stop the implementation of a law.
- D.
The president wants to send a judicial nominee to the Senate for confirmation.
Correct Answer
A. Appealing to the Supreme Court.Explanation
The writ of certiorari is the main way that cases go to the Supreme Court. The writ asks for Supreme Court review. Only a small percent of writs received by the Court are granted.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Judiciary review:
- A.
Is clearly supported in the Federalist Papers.
- B.
Was first applied to the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison.
- C.
Is explicitly defined in the Constitution.
- D.
Was a power given to the Supreme Court by the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Correct Answer
B. Was first applied to the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison.Explanation
Judiciary review allows the courts to overturn a statute on the basis that it is not constitutional. Marbury v Madison is the famous case in a decision by John Marshall that overturned a portion of the Judiciary Act of 1789 on the basis of its constitutionality, establishing the judicial review precedent for the Court.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Which of the following comes closest to defining stare decisis?
- A.
Majority opinion of the Supreme Court.
- B.
Predecent.
- C.
Legislative intent of a statute.
- D.
Dissenting opinion.
Correct Answer
B. Predecent.Explanation
Stare decisis, meaning "let the decision stand," are decisions that act as precedent for future decisions. Cases are cited by attorneys as precedents that the decision in their case should follow.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Freedom of religion would protect which of the following against state interference?
- A.
Polygamy practice by Mormons.
- B.
The refusal of the Amish to allow their children to attend school after 8th grade.
- C.
The use of deadly snakes in religious ceremonies.
- D.
The failure of Christian Scientists to seek treatment by an M.D. for their children who have a serious condition.
Correct Answer
B. The refusal of the Amish to allow their children to attend school after 8th grade.Explanation
The court has ruled in all of these areas. The only one protected are the Amish, who do not have to send their children to school after the 8th grade (Wisconsin v. Yoder).Rate this question:
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- 39.
Medicare does use tax dollars from the general treasury for some of its programs. Other programs are restricted to amounts in the trust fund. For what are tax dollars used as a portion of the funding?
- A.
Hospital payment.
- B.
Physicians and outpatient services.
- C.
Nursing homes for custodial care.
- D.
Experimental procedures.
Correct Answer
B. Physicians and outpatient services.Explanation
Medicare's Part B, which goes for physicians and other outpatient services, includes tax dollars. Three-fourths of the cost comes from general taxes. Part A, which pays for hospital care, comes only from money in the trust fund, which people pay into while they are working. Custodial nursing home care is not covered by Medicare, nor are experimental procedures.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the War Powers Act?
- A.
The Supreme Court has overturned the act as violating the president's commander in chief powers.
- B.
Sanctions for violating the War Powers Act is a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than ten years.
- C.
Presidents must seek a resolution from Congress to continue military action more than 60 days (90 if it is necessary to get the troops out safely).
- D.
The act only allows a president to take defensive military action without a resolution of approval from the Congress.
Correct Answer
C. Presidents must seek a resolution from Congress to continue military action more than 60 days (90 if it is necessary to get the troops out safely).Explanation
The War Powers Act was enacted in 1973 over the veto of President Nixon. It allows the president to engage in military actions (also instituted if troops are moved into harm's way) for 60 days (90 to get troops out safely). The Congress must pass a resolution or the troops must come out. The Court has said that an appropriation to support the action constitutes a resolution supporting the engagement. The Supreme Court has never ruled on the constitutionality of the act, and there are no penalties specified in the act. Several presidents have questioned the constitutionality of the act but have followed it.Rate this question:
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- 41.
In the war on poverty, what did maximum feasible participation mean?
- A.
The poor would serve on Community Action Agency (CAP) boards to develop community programs.
- B.
The poor must receive services regardless of race or religion.
- C.
Local governments must contribute the maximum percent of the cost of the program in order to be entitled to receive any federal funds.
- D.
CAP boards must be elected in community elections with efforts made to maximize turnout.
Correct Answer
A. The poor would serve on Community Action Agency (CAP) boards to develop community programs.Explanation
Maximum feasible participation was one of the most controversial aspects of the war on poverty. Its intent was to involve the clients -- the poor -- in the development of community programs. It was a fundamental shift in philosophy of having the programs developed for the poor by middle class reformers. The argument was that the poor knew most about their problems, involvement would encourage a sense of community, and there would be more acceptance of programs they developed themselves. CAP boards challenged local government, which resulted in significant controversy for the program. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, political scientist and later senator from New York, wrote a book on the subject titled Maximum Feasibility Misunderstanding.Rate this question:
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- 42.
What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?
- A.
To end slavery.
- B.
To convince conventions in the states to ratify the Constitution.
- C.
To seve as the original party platform of Washington and Adams, laying out their plans for the new nation.
- D.
To propose President Flanklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal
Correct Answer
B. To convince conventions in the states to ratify the Constitution.Explanation
The Federalist Papers were written by Jay, Hamilton, and Madison. It was a series of newspapers pieces to encourage the ratification of the new constitution.Rate this question:
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- 43.
In Congressional elections, party loyalty is a variable that describes the largest percent of the vote. When someone votes for a candidate of the party opposite their party identification, what is the most frequent explanation for that vote?
- A.
Personality of the candidate.
- B.
Issues raised in the election.
- C.
Incumbency.
- D.
The state of the economy.
Correct Answer
C. Incumbency.Explanation
Incumbency has been a powerful force in congressional elections. Deviation from party go overwhelmingly to the incumbent. The incumbent typically has more money to spend, has the experience of past campaigns, has performed constituent service, and is better known than the challenger.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Concerning national turnout in presidential elections, which of the following is accurate?
- A.
It is high, typically around 70 percent of the eligible voters.
- B.
It typically is about 50 percent of the eligible voters.
- C.
Is is typically low, around 30 percent of eligible voters.
- D.
Is is very low at 15 percent.
Correct Answer
B. It typically is about 50 percent of the eligible voters.Explanation
National turnout in presidential elections is around 50 percent; some years in which the contest is close, the percentage is a bit higher. Turnout in local elections is even lower, sometimes no more than 15 percent.Rate this question:
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- 45.
Well known in American political history is the spoils system. What is it?
- A.
The allocation of projects to districts of powerful members of Congress.
- B.
The expiration of programs after a specified time.
- C.
Contracts given to large private corporations.
- D.
Jobs given to supporters of winning candidates.
Correct Answer
D. Jobs given to supporters of winning candidates.Explanation
The spoils system is based on the idea that jobs are given to supporters of the winning candidate. "To the victor belongs the spoils" is not dead, but such patronage has been reduced on the national level by civil service reforms, beginning with the Pendleton Act in 1883 that followed the assassination of President Garfield by a disappointed office seeker. State and local governments have civil service systems that vary in the completeness of their coverage.Rate this question:
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- 46.
Concerning economic inequality in the United States, which of the following is correct?
- A.
The distribution of income has become more unequal in the last two decades.
- B.
The distribution of income has remained relatively constant over the last two decades.
- C.
The distribution of income has become more equal in the last two decades.
- D.
The distribution is represented by a cycle -- more unequal for a decade, and then more equal for the subsequent decade.
Correct Answer
A. The distribution of income has become more unequal in the last two decades.Explanation
Income distribution has become more unequal. This was a focus of a recent American Political Science Association Task Force. Inequality can be shown on a Lorenz curve, which now bows further out, representing greater inequality. The area under the curve is measured by the Gini coefficient, which is an index of income inequality ranging between 0 (perfect equality) and 1 (absolutely inequality).Rate this question:
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- 47.
The District of Columbia does not have voting representation in Congress. Because the electoral votes are allocated based upon the number in the Congressional delegate, can they provide votes in the Electoral College?
- A.
No. They have argued to be included for many years.
- B.
Yes. The district's population is included with Maryland's for the purpose of voting for president.
- C.
Yes. They have been given electoral votes equal to that of the smallest state (which is three).
- D.
Yes. They are given electoral votes based upon their population, just like a state.
Correct Answer
C. Yes. They have been given electoral votes equal to that of the smallest state (which is three).Explanation
The District of Columbia secured the right to vote for president by the 23rd Amendment in 1961. The number of votes is specified as equal to that of the smallest state.Rate this question:
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- 48.
President Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives but not convicted by the Senate. Could the federal prosecutor have indicted him on the same charges on which he was found innocent in the Senate trial?
- A.
No. This would amount to double jeopardy.
- B.
No. The Constitution specifically prohibits civilian trials of public officials found not guilty at impeachment trials.
- C.
Yes. But only if the Senate approves by two-thirds vote.
- D.
Yes. The Constitution specially says that a person found guilty by the Senate can be subject to trial by law. By extension, a person found innocent could as well.
Correct Answer
D. Yes. The Constitution specially says that a person found guilty by the Senate can be subject to trial by law. By extension, a person found innocent could as well.Explanation
The Constitution (Article I, Section 3) specifically allows a person to be charged and tried for a crime even if he has been impeached. This has occurred with federal judges.Rate this question:
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- 49.
Concerning affirmative action in college admissions decisions, what has the Supreme Court ruled?
- A.
That affirmative action is permissible if done in a systematic way, such as adding points to a minority's application for admission to school.
- B.
That affirmative action is discriminatory and cannot be used.
- C.
That affirmative action is permissible, and race can be taken into account in making admissions decisions.
- D.
Affirmative action is permissible but must be limited to encourage minority applicants to apply and cannot be used for the final admission decision.
Correct Answer
C. That affirmative action is permissible, and race can be taken into account in making admissions decisions.Explanation
Since the Bakke case, the Supreme Court has allowed affirmative action. However, they have stated that there cannot be quotas or adding a specific number of points to a minority's application. The latter was a focus of the University of Michigan affirmative action decisions (Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger). D is not correct because the court did not limit affirmative action to simply encourage applicants; it can used as a factor in making decisions. In the two University of Michigan cases cited (those involving Bollinger), the Supreme Court said in the law school case that affirmative action could be used as an element in admission decision-making, but in the undergraduate case, where points were added based on race, the Supreme Court said that this method was impermissible.Rate this question:
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- 50.
A realigning election means:
- A.
That groups switch parties, and a new party comes out with a majority.
- B.
That an election has high turnout.
- C.
That an election has many competitive states (battleground states).
- D.
That a third party wins the election, changing the party system.
Correct Answer
A. That groups switch parties, and a new party comes out with a majority.Explanation
Realigning elections have been extensively discussed in the party literature. Clearly, 1932 was a realigning election. Speculation is that the election of George W. Bush could represent another, but we have not seen massive change that occurred in previous realigning periods and it is uncertain whether the realignment will be long term. Some political scientists are considering this a realignment, while others are not sure.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 09, 2015Quiz Created by
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