GOVERNMENT Practice Test

Transcription

1 GOVERNMENT Practice Test

2 Acknowledgements: Cartoon You don t have to vote, Sam by Sidney Harris, copyright 2002 by Sidney Harris. Used by permission. Cartoon Economy Rate Cuts by Daryl Cagle, Daryl Cagle. Used by permission. Developed and published under contract with the Maryland State Department of Education by Measured Progress. Copyright 2018 by the Maryland State Department of Education. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the Maryland State Department of Education.

3 Session Choice - B Sample A The mass media is sometimes referred to as the fourth branch of the government because it A endorses all governmental policies B C influences public opinion is a powerful federal agency D is paid for with federal taxes Choice - C Sample B On anuary 1, 1999, the euro became the common currency for eleven European countries. The adoption of the euro created a region based on a common political ideology G defense strategy H economic interest cultural characteristic 1

4 Session Choice - D 1 Which of these is a characteristic of the United States system of government? A State governments may choose to ignore national laws. B C The executive and legislative powers of government are combined into one branch. The executive branch of government can choose to dissolve the judicial branch. D The powers of government are divided between the national and state governments Choice - A 2 Read the excerpt below. No [business] shall discriminate against a qualified individual with a disability... in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge [firing] of employees.... from the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 Based on the excerpt, the Americans with Disabilities Act is most concerned with social equality G national security H student education consumer protection Choice - C 3 Which of these was an effect of the Supreme Court decision in McCulloch v. Maryland? A It guaranteed the right to an attorney in criminal cases. B C It established the separate but equal doctrine. State laws that conflicted with federal laws became unconstitutional. D Congress had only those powers that were stated in the Constitution. 2

5 Session Choice - B 4 The United States legal system requires that people accused of crimes be held in prison until trial G informed of the charges against them H responsible for proving their innocence given money if they are found to be innocent Choice - D 5 Which of these is the goal of a state law to reduce air and water pollution? A expanding the economy B promoting economic equity C protecting individual rights D protecting public health Choice - B 6 Which of these government actions is meant to ensure the Constitution s guarantee of equal protection of the laws? regulating trade with other nations G prohibiting segregation in public facilities H restricting illegal immigration into the country publishing election ballots in foreign newspapers 3

6 Session Choice - B 7 Which of these could result if a state s population declined over time? A increased funding from Congress for social programs B reduced representation in the House of Representatives C reduced representation in the United States Senate D greater number of electors to the Electoral College Choice - A 8 Read the news headline below. GOVERNMENT INES COMPANY OR AILING TO CORRECT HAZARDOUS MACHINE PARTS Based on the headline, which of these is a purpose of this action? to protect workers from injury G to teach workers how to use machines H to make new machine parts to find jobs for unemployed workers Choice - A 9 Which of these would most likely be involved in resolving a border dispute between China and Vietnam? A United Nations B C North Atlantic Treaty Organization International Red Cross D North American ree Trade Agreement 4

7 Session Choice - D 10 Study the chart below. INSTRUMENTS O THE EDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Instrument unction Interest Rate Interest rate charged to banks by other banks or the ederal Reserve Reserve Requirements Requirements on the amount of funds banks must hold in reserve against deposits Open Market Operations The buying and selling of United States government securities in the open market Based on the chart, which of these would be a result of open market operations by the ederal Reserve System? interest rates on loans decrease G new types of currency are created H the operating hours of banks change the size of the money supply changes 5

8 Session Cluster - Venn diagram - presidential v parliamentary democracies Shared Stimulus Choice - A 11 Study the Venn diagram below. Which term is a shared characteristic that would complete the Venn diagram? A representative democracy B authoritarian rule C confederate government D constitutional monarchy Extended Text - 12 Read the quotation below and use it to answer the CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE item that follows. CR It usually takes a hundred years to make a law, and then after it has done its work, it usually takes a hundred years to get rid of it. Henry Ward Beecher Do you agree or disagree with this quote about the law-making process in the United States? How could the law-making process be improved? Explain your answer. Include details and examples to support your answer. Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Sheet. 6

9 Session Choice - C 13 Which of these is an example of separation of powers? A Representatives rewrite a bill in committee meetings. B Representatives hold hearings to hear public opinion. C The President enforces a law passed by Congress. D The President fires a cabinet member who is performing poorly Choice - D 14 Which of these government agencies is directly responsible for monitoring business competition? ederal Aviation Administration (AA) G ederal Communications Commission (CC) H Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ederal Trade Commission (TC) Choice - B 15 In which of these circumstances will a judge grant a writ of habeas corpus? A the accused person is charged with negligence B the accused person is being held without cause C the accused person is under the age of eighteen D the accused person is a repeat offender 7

10 Session Choice - B 16 Which of these excerpts from the Constitution describes federalism? The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases... arising under this Constitution.... G The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution... are reserved to the States.... H The right of citizens... who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied... on account of age. The right of the people to be secure in their persons... against unreasonable searches... shall not be violated.... 8

11 Session Choice - D 17 Which of these influenced the Supreme Court s decision in the Tinker v. Des Moines case? A The opinions of the protesters were the same as the majority of students. B C The school board agreed with the students opinions. There was evidence that the students received good grades. D There was a lack of evidence that the students actions disrupted learning Choice - C 18 Read the excerpt below. No freeman shall be taken or imprisoned... unless by the lawful judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land. Magna Carta, 1215 Which of these constitutional protections is based on the principle described in the excerpt above? the right to petition the government G the right to vote H the right to a trial by jury the right to bear arms 9

12 Session Choice - C 19 Which of these is the main economic cost of the federal government removing taxes on imported goods? A a decline in the number of people who visit the United States B C a reduction in the number of countries willing to trade with the United States a reduction in the ability of United States businesses to compete with foreign companies D a decline in employment opportunities for United States workers with foreign companies Choice - C 20 Why do some nations adopt command economies during wars? to increase the standard of living G to discourage the growth of monopolies H to focus resources on essential industries to satisfy demand for consumer goods 10

13 Session Extended Text - 21 Study the maps below and use them to answer the CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE item that follows. CR MARYLAND BY REGION Western Baltimore Metropolitan Area Upper Shore Metropolitan Washington N W E Southern Lower Shore S PERCENTAGE O PERSONS WHO LIVE IN URBAN AREAS Percentage of Urban Population N 0 19% 20 45% W E 46 70% S % Explain how the problems faced by local governments in the metropolitan areas of Maryland differ from those in other regions of the state. Which problem is most critical? Explain why. Include details and examples to support your answer. Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Sheet. 11

14 Session Cluster - Don t have to vote, Election Projections Shared Stimulus - Directions Study the political cartoon below. Then answer the following two questions Choice - D 22 Which of these does the cartoon suggest occurs as a result of media predictions of election results? Polling places close before their scheduled time. G Candidates withdraw from elections. H Networks give different information about candidates. Citizens are discouraged from going to the polls Choice - C 23 With which of these statements would the cartoonist most likely agree? A The media should stop covering elections. B Voters should be aware of voting trends on election day. C The media should wait until all polls close before projecting winners. D Voters should stop voting for candidates who advertise on television. 12

15 Session Choice - C 24 Which of these is a power reserved for state governments by the United States Constitution? the power to coin money G the power to maintain an army and a navy H the power to establish public schools the power to make treaties with foreign countries Choice - C 25 Which of these actions would most likely violate civil rights laws? A an airline bans smoking on flights B a school system requires a dress code for students C an employer refuses to consider senior citizens for jobs D a police department uses written tests to help select recruits Choice - A 26 Which of these would not require regional cooperation by local governments? raising the property tax in Baltimore City G maintaining the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay H building a transportation system from Baltimore to Annapolis solving traffic congestion problems in metropolitan Washington, D.C. 13

16 Session Choice - A 27 Read the information below. In 1958, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the state of Alabama violated the due process clause of the ourteenth Amendment by requiring the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to hand over the names and addresses of its members. Which of these best describes the decision in this case? A State actions are limited by the United States Constitution. B C The Supreme Court lacks the power to review state laws. Political organizations are required to maintain accurate membership records. D Citizens must report their memberships in organizations to the government Choice - D 28 The United States Census Bureau projects that the percentage of people over 85 years old will triple in the next fifty years. What federal government action could best help the United States adjust to this demographic trend? granting college scholarships to low-income students G providing low-interest loans to first-time home buyers H increasing the minimum wage funding health care services 14

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18 Session Choice - D 29 The government provides a lawyer to a person who cannot afford one if that person is A preparing a will B C filing for divorce being sued by a business partner D being charged with a serious crime Extended Text - 30 Read the information below and use it to answer the CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE item that follows. CR CONGRESS TO VOTE ON DEBT RELIE The United States Congress is expected to vote on a bill that would forgive the debts of poor nations. The International Monetary und (IM) supports the bill and has been encouraging such debt relief. If a poor nation s debt is erased, the money saved by debt relief must be used for development programs. Why does the International Monetary und (IM) support debt relief for poor countries? Explain whether or not you think Congress should support the bill. Include details and examples to support your answer. Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Sheet. 16

19 Session Choice - D 31 Read the excerpt below. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution... are reserved to the States... or to the people.... Article 3, Maryland Declaration of Rights Which of these principles of government is described in the excerpt? A Citizens elect representatives in government to make laws. B C Each branch of government has different responsibilities. State governments exist at the will of the federal government. D Powers are divided among different levels of government Choice - B 32 Congress may respond to United States Supreme Court rulings by declaring rulings of the court invalid G rewriting a law overturned by the court H deciding which lawyers may argue the case determining which justices will review a particular case 17

20 Session Cluster - Graph Made in China--annual US imports Shared Stimulus - D irections Study the graph below. Then answer the following question Choice - D 33 Which of the following is most likely a result of the trend shown in the graph? A higher interest rates B C lower healthcare costs higher income taxes D lower consumer prices 18

21 Session Choice - A 34 Which of these is an economic benefit of the federal minimum wage law? Workers are guaranteed a certain income. G Employers are encouraged to hire more workers. H Employers are required to train more workers. Workers are allowed to organize into unions Choice - A 35 In the 1930s, the federal government formed the ederal Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC), an insurance system to protect bank deposits. Why would the government create this corporation? A to increase public confidence in banks B C to encourage commercial trade between member banks to stop funding to participating banks D to prohibit the state governments from regulating banks Choice - D 36 Read the quotation below.... let us resolve to wage an unrelenting [continuous] battle against poverty and for shared prosperity so that no part of humanity is left behind in the global economy.... President Bill Clinton, at the United Nations, September 21, 1999 Which of these topics is most related to the excerpt? arms reduction G climatic changes H military deployment development assistance 19

22 Session Choice - C 37 The Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the Maryland Department of Transportation administer a grant program that helps area businesses establish ways that employees can work from home. Which of these is most likely the purpose of this program? A to improve public roads B C to decrease urban sprawl to reduce traffic congestion D to provide computer training Cluster - The ederalist Papers, Number 78, Alexander Hamilton Shared Stimulus Choice - D 38 Read the excerpt below. The interpretation of the laws is the [job]... of the courts. A constitution... must be regarded by the judges... as a fundamental law. [It is their role to explain] its meaning, as well as the meaning of any particular [legislative] act. The ederalist Papers, Number 78, Alexander Hamilton In the excerpt, Alexander Hamilton implies that the framers of the Constitution made it difficult to amend the Constitution G gave too much power to the Supreme Court H wanted the Supreme Court to hear all cases appealed to it established the Constitution as the supreme law of the land 20

23 Session Choice - A 39 The role of a grand jury is to determine A whether there is enough evidence for an indictment B what evidence may be admitted during the trial C how much money should be awarded in a court case D whether the defendant in a trial is guilty or innocent Extended Text - 40 Read the information below and use it to answer the CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE item that follows. CR In a civil case, plaintiffs and defendants often reach out-of-court settlements instead of bringing a case to trial. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an out-of-court settlement. Should judges and attorneys encourage out-of-court settlements? Explain why or why not. Include details and examples to support your answer. Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Sheet Choice - D 41 Which of these is an example of following the rule of law? A Citizens vote for a new amendment. B The General Assembly approves the governor s budget. C Political parties hold a convention to nominate candidates. D The governor is impeached for wrongdoing. 21

24 Session Choice - C 42 Read the news article excerpt below. The ederal Emergency Management Agency (EMA) announced that federal disaster funds would be available for eastern states hit by record snowfall. EMA provides funds to states for sanding and salting roads, search and rescue operations, and other emergency services provided during the recent snowstorm. Based on the article, which of these is a function of the ederal Emergency Management Agency (EMA)? operating public hospitals G constructing state highways H ensuring the welfare of citizens developing technology to predict weather Choice - B 43 The state of Maryland purchased a large tract of open space from a housing developer. Which of these is most likely the reason for this purchase? A to provide jobs B C to preserve the land to increase tax revenues D to encourage industrial growth 22

25 Session Choice - A 44 Which of these is the best example of a special interest group? an organization whose focus is to advocate legislation favorable to the elderly G an organization whose purpose is to nominate candidates to run for elected offices H a private company that hires extra employees for temporary work a charitable foundation that gives money to help needy children overseas Choice - D 45 Read the excerpt below. Older workers can sue over pay or benefits plans that favor younger employees,... the Supreme Court ruled. USA Today, 2005 What was the purpose of the Supreme Court ruling described above? A to maintain public order B to expand productivity C to provide job training D to promote equity 23

26 Session Choice - C 46 Read the information below. The mission of the International Red Cross is... to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. According to its mission, the Red Cross would most likely be involved in which of these activities? holding peace talks G creating defense alliances H visiting prisoner of war camps trying military leaders for war crimes Choice - A 47 Which of these clauses from the United States Constitution gave Congress the authority to approve the North American ree Trade Agreement (NATA)? A To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations... B To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting... C To borrow Money on the credit of the United States... D To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin Choice - C 48 Which of these acts is least likely to take place in a totalitarian system? The government makes rules about what jobs people may have. G Leaders dictate what will be taught in schools. H Political parties compete for control of the government. Local officials take orders from national officials. 24

27 Session Choice - B 49 Study the political cartoon below. What rates are being cut as shown in the political cartoon? A tariff B interest C personal income tax D corporate income tax 25

28 Session Choice - A 50 In the United States political process, special interest groups vote for candidates favoring their views G vote on bills favoring their cause H conduct voting in the House and Senate supervise voting on election day Choice - C 51 In which economic system does the government have the most control over a country s economy? A mixed B C market command D traditional Choice - D 52 Read the quotation below. The Government of [the United States], then, is... truly a government of the people.... Its powers are granted by them, and are to be exercised directly on them for their benefit. ohn Marshall, 1810 Which of these constitutional principles best applies to Marshall s quotation? judicial review G checks and balances H separation of powers representative democracy 26

29 Session Choice - B 53 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may issue regulations to be carried out by state and local government officials. Which of these would most likely be a common complaint by the local government officials? A Regulations are not made available to the public. B C unding is not provided for enforcement of new responsibilities. ederal management of the environment is more efficient. D ederal agencies lack authority to address environmental concerns. 27

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32 Session Choice - B 54 Which of these headlines most involves a due process right? Politician Promises Stricter Gun Laws G udge Criticizes Police or Withholding Evidence H Residents Start Campaign to Throw Out Mayor County Executive Withdraws Bill to Increase Parking Tax Choice - B 55 Study the graph below. Percent Change from Previous Year 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% PERCENT CHANGE IN REAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, GDP Year Which of these best characterizes the condition of the United States economy between 1975 and 1978? A a rapidly rising unemployment rate B C increased economic growth a constant inflation rate D steady interest rates 30

33 Session Choice - A 56 Read the headline below. House of Representatives proposes amendment to ban flag burning Which principle of government would be affected by the proposed amendment? individual rights G popular sovereignty H separation of powers checks and balances Extended Text - 57 Read the information below and use it to answer the CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE item that follows. CR In 2002, the Maryland General Assembly voted to purchase undeveloped land on the Chesapeake Bay before a construction company could purchase it. The state plans to use the land as a park for recreational activities. Describe the opportunity costs and the benefits of the purchase. Is it appropriate for the state government to buy undeveloped land? Explain why or why not. Include details and examples to support your answer. Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Sheet. 31

34 Session Choice - D 58 Which of these could be a disadvantage of living under an authoritarian government? a slow legislative process G a weak executive branch H a lack of national laws a lack of individual freedoms Choice - C 59 Which of these excerpts from the United States Constitution best reflects the principle of checks and balances? A This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States... shall be the supreme Law of the Land.... B C All persons born or naturalized in the United States... are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Every Bill which shall have passed [Congress] shall, before it becomes a Law, be presented to the President of the United States. D The [listing] in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be [interpreted] to deny... others retained by the people. 32

35 Session Extended Text - 60 Read the headline below and use it to answer the CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE item that follows. CR What are advantages and disadvantages of the new tax described in the headline? Analyze other ways the state government can raise revenue. Explain your answer. Include details and examples to support your answer. Write your answer on the lines provided in your Answer Sheet Choice - C 61 The International Monetary und (IM) would most likely be involved in A managing failing companies B developing immigration policies C providing financial assistance to member countries D funding candidates in political campaigns 33

36 Session Choice - B 62 Read the news article excerpt below. Officials announced today that parts of the Savage River State orest will be incorporated into the Maryland Wildlands Preservation System. The forest provides a habitat for many wildlife species. The Maryland Wildlands Preservation System is the state's version of the ederal Wilderness System. Which of these statements is supported by the excerpt? Wildlife preservation is mainly a responsibility of private organizations. G The federal and state governments share responsibilities for preserving wildlife. H The state government relies mainly on private developers to enforce wildlife regulations. Wildlife regulations issued by the state government take priority over federal regulations. 34

37 Session Choice - C 63 A statewide poll of Marylanders showed wide differences in their reactions to issues such as crime, education, taxes, employment, and traffic. Which of these most likely had the greatest impact on the results of this poll? A the number of registered voters in the state B C the results of similar polls from surrounding states the gender, age, and ethnicity of the people polled D the political beliefs of government officials in the state Choice - B 64 Which of these is an economic benefit of the government providing unemployment payments to people who have lost their jobs? tax rates decline G consumer spending levels remain stable H job opportunities for younger workers increase businesses have fewer people to choose from when hiring new employees 35

38 Session Cluster - Supreme Court ruling over VMI admissions Shared Stimulus - Directions Read the information below. Then answer the following two questions. or over 150 years, the state of Virginia operated an all-male college called the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). In 1990, the United States government sued the state of Virginia at the request of a female high school student seeking admission to VMI. The Supreme Court ruled that VMI had to admit women who could meet the physical and other requirements Choice - A 65 Which of these statements best explains the reason for the decision in this case? A Public colleges cannot discriminate on the basis of gender. B C Public colleges must have minimum standards for admission. A military institution cannot discriminate based on physical ability. D State schools must admit a majority of the people who apply for admission Choice - B 66 Which of these principles of law most likely influenced the Supreme Court s decision? common law G equal protection H implied contract presumption of innocence 36

39 Session Choice - B 67 In 1974, Congress passed a law that restricts financial institutions from considering factors such as race, religion, gender, or age when considering an applicant for credit. This law was most likely passed to A reduce the number of businesses offering financial loans B C protect groups of people from unfair business practices increase the length of time it takes to process credit applications D prohibit businesses from verifying financial information Choice - C 68 Read the quotation below. Americans are free... to disagree with the law but not to disobey it. or in a government of laws and not of men, no man, however prominent or powerful, and no mob however unruly or boisterous, is entitled to defy a court of law. President ohn. Kennedy The quotation above most directly supports presidential actions that improve international relations G improve the economy H ensure public order and safety ensure individual rights 37

40 Session Choice - D 69 Which of these environmental issues would be the least likely topic for joint action by the United States and Canada? A air pollution B C wildlife migration water quality D residential development Choice - A 70 Read the excerpt below. Everyone is entitled... to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal [judge/jury], in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him. Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights According to the excerpt, all people are entitled to the right to due process of law G freedom of expression H freedom from cruel or unusual punishment the right to representation by legal counsel Choice - A 71 Which of these is a purpose of Social Security? A granting retirement benefits B enforcing affirmative action laws C monitoring unfair business practices D developing workplace safety regulations 38

41 Session Cluster - Senate rules-no meals from lobbyists Shared Stimulus - Directions Read the information below. Then answer the following two questions. The Senate passed new rules to prevent senators from accepting meals and travel from lobbyists Choice - A 72 Why would the Senate make these rules? to limit the influence of lobbyists on lawmakers G to prevent lobbyists from affecting Supreme Court decisions H to increase interest group access to lawmakers to promote attendance at congressional committee hearings Choice - A 73 Lobbying groups would most likely argue these new rules violate the principle of A individual rights B C equal protection judicial review D separation of powers 39

42 Session Choice - D 74 Which of these would involve the ood and Drug Administration (DA)? limiting the cost of a hospital stay G regulating the location of nursing homes H approving the qualifications of new doctors conducting research on the effects of medicines Choice - B 75 Which of these legal documents orders a witness to appear in court? A a contract B C a subpoena an indictment D a search warrant Choice - B 76 Of the top 50 nations that buy American agricultural products, 43 received United States foreign aid. Based on this information, which of these is the immediate effect of providing foreign aid? decreased jobs for United States workers G creation of trading partners for the United States H increased competition for United States businesses movement of businesses from the United States to other countries 40

43 Session Choice - C 77 One of the main purposes of the Bill of Rights is to A restrict individual freedoms B strengthen federal laws C limit the power of government D improve the court system Choice - D 78 Which of these is a responsibility of the government when a land developer proposes to build a shopping mall? to hire workers for the project G to fund the construction of the project H to encourage public support for the project to review the environmental impact of the project 41

44 Session Cluster - Congress shall have Power Shared Stimulus Extended Text - 79 Read the excerpt below and use it to answer the CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE item that follows. CR The Congress shall have Power... To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution... all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or any department or officer thereof. U.S. Constitution, Article 1 Describe how this excerpt from the Constitution has justified the expansion of Congressional powers. Does the system of checks and balances prevent Congress from abusing the powers described in this excerpt? Explain your answer. Include details and examples to support your answer. Write your answer on the lines provided in your Answer Sheet Choice - A 80 United States industrial pollution accounts for almost half of the acid rain that falls on Eastern Canada. Which of these would be the most effective solution to this problem? The two countries could sign an agreement to reduce pollution. G Canada could fine United States companies for high pollution. H Canada could stop trading with United States companies. The two countries could decrease immigration quotas. 42

45 Session Choice - A 81 Which of these represents a similarity between civil and criminal law? A Cases can be tried in front of juries. B Cases can be settled by plea bargaining. C A reasonable doubt is needed for an acquittal. D A preponderance of evidence is needed for a conviction. 43

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48 GOVERNMENT PRACTICE TEST A B C D E Printed in the USA