1.
In which form of government do sovereign states have more power than the central (national) government?
Correct Answer
B. Confederate
Explanation
In a confederate form of government, sovereign states have more power than the central government. This means that each state has the ability to make decisions and govern themselves independently, while the central government has limited power and authority. In a confederate system, the central government is usually created by and reliant on the individual states, rather than having authority over them. This allows the states to retain a significant amount of power and autonomy, making the confederate form of government a decentralized and less centralized system.
2.
In which form of government do local governments have the least political power?
Correct Answer
C. Unitary
Explanation
In a unitary form of government, local governments have the least political power. This is because power is concentrated at the central government level, and local governments are subordinate to the central authority. In a unitary system, the central government has the authority to create, modify, or abolish local governments as it sees fit. Local governments are often dependent on the central government for funding and decision-making, and they have limited autonomy and control over their own affairs. Therefore, in a unitary system, local governments have the least political power compared to other forms of government.
3.
In the United States, the central (national) government and the state governments share power. Which of these terms best describes this type of government?
Correct Answer
C. Federalism
Explanation
Federalism is the best term to describe the type of government in the United States where power is shared between the central (national) government and the state governments. In a federalist system, there is a division of powers between the national and state governments, with each level of government having its own separate authority and responsibilities. This allows for a balance of power and autonomy for both the central and state governments, ensuring that neither becomes too dominant.
4.
Which of these items is most likely true about nations with a market economy?
Correct Answer
A. Businesses that do not make profits will likely go out of business
Explanation
In nations with a market economy, businesses that do not make profits will likely go out of business. This is because in a market economy, businesses operate based on supply and demand. If a business is not able to generate profits, it indicates that there is little demand for its products or services. In such a competitive environment, businesses need to be profitable to survive and thrive. Therefore, it is most likely true that businesses that do not make profits will eventually go out of business in nations with a market economy.
5.
Which of these statements is true of a representative democracy?
Correct Answer
D. The people elect government leaders
Explanation
A representative democracy is a system in which the people elect government leaders. In this form of government, citizens have the power to choose their representatives through voting. These elected officials then make decisions and govern on behalf of the people. This system allows for the participation of citizens in the political process while also ensuring that decisions are made by individuals who have been chosen by the majority. It is important to note that in a representative democracy, individual rights are protected, but they are not unlimited as they are subject to the laws and regulations put in place by the elected government leaders.
6.
Which of these actions would most likely take place in a command economy?
Correct Answer
C. Government leaders decide how goods will be produced
Explanation
In a command economy, the government has control over the production and distribution of goods. This means that government leaders would be the ones making decisions on how goods will be produced. This is because in a command economy, the government typically owns and controls the means of production, and they determine what goods will be produced, how much will be produced, and how they will be distributed. The other options mentioned, such as industrial leaders controlling prices, stock traders creating wealth, and consumers deciding sales policies, are more likely to occur in a market economy where decisions are driven by supply and demand forces.
7.
Which of these cases helped establish the right of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of federal law?
Correct Answer
A. Marbury v Madison
Explanation
Marbury v Madison is the correct answer because this landmark case in 1803 established the principle of judicial review, which gives the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. In this case, Chief Justice John Marshall asserted that it is the duty of the court to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws that violate it. This decision solidified the Court's authority to review the constitutionality of federal laws and has had a lasting impact on the balance of power between the branches of government.
8.
“The purse and the sword must not be in the same hands.” Which of these principles of government is expressed by this statement?
Correct Answer
B. Separation of powers
Explanation
The statement "The purse and the sword must not be in the same hands" expresses the principle of separation of powers. This principle advocates for the division of governmental powers among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. By keeping the control of financial resources (purse) and military force (sword) separate, it aims to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power and becoming tyrannical. This principle ensures a system of checks and balances, promoting accountability and safeguarding against abuse of power.
9.
Read the following quotation:"...in all that people can individually do for themselves, government ought not to interfere."- Abraham LincolnWhich of these constitutional principles best applies to this quote?
Correct Answer
C. Limited government
Explanation
The quotation by Abraham Lincoln suggests that government should not interfere in the individual actions and choices of people. This aligns with the principle of limited government, which advocates for a government that is restricted in its powers and intervention in the lives of its citizens. Limited government emphasizes individual freedom and the protection of individual rights, allowing individuals to make decisions for themselves without excessive government interference.
10.
The process of amending the Constitution is an example of federalism because it requires
Correct Answer
D. Approval of 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of the states
Explanation
The process of amending the Constitution is an example of federalism because it requires approval from both the national and state governments. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and governs the entire country, but it also recognizes the autonomy and authority of individual states. By requiring approval from both 2/3 of Congress (representing the national government) and 3/4 of the states, the amendment process ensures that any changes to the Constitution reflect the will of both the national and state governments, thus embodying the principles of federalism.
11.
Which of these principles of government is demonstrated when the Maryland Court of Appeals declares a Maryland state law unconstitutional?
Correct Answer
D. Checks and balances
Explanation
When the Maryland Court of Appeals declares a Maryland state law unconstitutional, it demonstrates the principle of checks and balances. This principle ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit and balance the powers of the other branches. In this case, the court is exercising its power to check the legislative branch by declaring a law passed by the state government as unconstitutional, thus maintaining a balance of power between the branches of government.
12.
The "elastic clause" gives Congress power to act in areas not specifically enumerated (listed) in the Constitution at the time it was written.Congress is exercising its power under the "elastic clause" when it _____.
Correct Answer
C. Authorizes the testing of nuclear weapons
Explanation
The "elastic clause" or the Necessary and Proper Clause grants Congress the authority to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. Authorizing the testing of nuclear weapons falls under the purview of national defense and security, which is an enumerated power of Congress. Therefore, Congress is exercising its power under the "elastic clause" when it authorizes the testing of nuclear weapons.