AP US Government Review Institutions

Which of the following is true of amicus curiae briefs?

• They are used by interest groups to lobby courts
• They are used exclusively by liberal interest groups
• They are used exclusively by conservative interest groups
• They are now unconstitutional

 In the Constitution as originally ratified in 1788, the provisions regarding which of the following most closely approximate popular, majoritarian democracy?

•  Election of members of the House of Representatives
• Election of members of the Senate
• Election of the President
•  Ratification of treaties

All of the following powers are granted to the President by the Constitution EXCEPT

• commissioning officers in the armed forces
•  receiving ambassadors 
• granting pardons for federal offenses
• forming new cabinet-level departments

A major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is 

• filibusters are possible only in the House
• revenue bills must originate in the Senate
• each state has equal representation in the House but not in the Senate
• there is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House

Agreement among four justices on the Supreme Court is always sufficent to

• decide the  outcome of the case
• write a majority opinion
• set a precedent
• accept a case for consideration

Which of the following is true of nominees for federal judgeships?

• They are recruited from the current pool of United States attorneys
• They are nominated by the Senate
• They are elected in popular elections
• They are appointed for life by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate 

In selecting members of the White House staff who do not require Senate confirmation, President’s primarily seek people who

• are personally loyal to the President

• give the White House ideological balance

• have extensive governmental experience

• can bring a nonpartisan perspective to policy deliberations

Those who believe that the Supreme Court in its rulings should defer to the elective institutions of government are advocating

• “Social Darwinism”
• “judicial activism”
• “judicial restraint”
• “incorporation”

The minimum age of a member of the House is

• 25
• 30
• 35
• 18

States are authorized to redraw congressional districts following each U.S. Census and often create districts favorable to the party in power in a process called 

• realignment
• gerrymandering
• reapportionment
• logrolling