AP GoPo Unit 1 & 2 Review

Front

Which political philosopher argued that people exist in a "state of nature" and form governments by social contract to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property?

Back

John Locke

Answer explanation

John Locke argued that in a 'state of nature', individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He believed that governments are formed through a social contract to protect these rights, making him the correct choice.

Front

The principle that government derives its authority from the people is known as:

Back

Popular sovereignty

Answer explanation

The principle that government derives its authority from the people is known as popular sovereignty. This concept emphasizes that the legitimacy of government comes from the consent of the governed.

Front

In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court established which of the following principles? A) States can tax federal institutions, B) The federal government has Supremacy over the states, C) Only enumerated powers are constitutional, D) The Bill of Rights applies to the states

Back

The federal government has Supremacy over the states

Answer explanation

In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government holds supremacy over the states, affirming that states cannot tax federal institutions, thus establishing federal authority.

Front

Which of the following was NOT a weakness of the Articles of Confederation? Inability to regulate interstate commerce, No executive branch, Strong central government, No power to tax

Back

Strong central government

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation had a weak central government, lacking the ability to regulate commerce or tax. Therefore, 'strong central government' is not a weakness, making it the correct choice.

Front

The Anti-Federalists primarily opposed the Constitution because:

Back

It lacked a bill of rights

Answer explanation

The Anti-Federalists primarily opposed the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights, fearing that individual liberties would not be protected under the new government framework.

Front

The principle of federalism is best defined as:

Back

Division of power between national and state governments

Answer explanation

The principle of federalism refers to the division of power between national and state governments, allowing both levels to govern concurrently. This distinguishes it from other concepts like separation of powers or individual liberties.

Front

In United States v. Lopez (1995), the Supreme Court ruled that:

Back

Congress had exceeded its Commerce Clause authority

Answer explanation

In United States v. Lopez (1995), the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had exceeded its Commerce Clause authority by attempting to regulate gun possession in schools, which was not an economic activity affecting interstate commerce.

Front

Powers that are specifically granted to the national government in the Constitution are called:

Back

Enumerated powers

Answer explanation

Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution are known as enumerated powers. These are explicitly listed in the Constitution, distinguishing them from reserved and implied powers.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a power of Congress under Article I of the Constitution?
Declare war,
Coin money,
Appoint Supreme Court justices,
Regulate interstate commerce

Back

Appoint Supreme Court justices

Answer explanation

The power to appoint Supreme Court justices is not granted to Congress under Article I. This power belongs to the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The other options are powers explicitly given to Congress.

Front

The case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) established:

Back

The Supreme Court's power of judicial review

Answer explanation

The case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review, allowing it to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, thus reinforcing the judiciary's role in the government.