Unit 1 Review

Which of the following is the best example of checks and balances as it functions today?

• The congressional veto

• A declaration of war by Congress

• The appointment of the Speaker of the House

• The ratification of treaties by the Senate

Which of the following documents best describes a government based on unity, natural rights, and the social contract theory?

• Articles of Confederation

• Declaration of Independence

• Mayflower Compact

• US Constitution

Which of the following was NOT a weakness of government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The national judiciary resolved arguments between the states

• Congress lacked the power to tax

• It lacked a national judiciary

• It was unable to control commercial interests

Those who support the pluralist theory of democracy believe that

• government depends on the "consent of the governed"

• interest groups compete to promote their preferences

• democracy is based on choosing officials to run the government

• a small number of powerful corporate and military leaders rule their own self-interest

The Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803)

• supported the concept of national supremacy

• established the principle of judicial review

• allowed Congress to amend the Constitution

• strengthened the powers of the states

Amending the Constitution is a multi-step process. Which of the following steps are required to amend the Constitution?

• proposal at the national level

• proposal at the state level

• presidential signature

• congressional ratification

A major strength of federalism lies in the fact that it promotes both national and state activities in which of the following manners?

• provides for complex government activities

• avoids concentration of political power

• guarantees the inherent inflexibility of a written constitution

• allows for the duplication of government offices and functions

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) was an important Supreme Court case involving federalism because

• it called for a republican form of government

• it provided for a national law protecting against domestic violence

• following this case, the Supreme Court became the third powerful branch of the national government

• the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution was upheld

Which of the following is NOT a concurrent power of the national and state governments?

• protecting the public's health, welfare, and morals

• borrowing money

• chartering banks

• establishing courts

Federalism as a form of government has many disadvantages. A major disadvantage of federalism is

• conflicts may arise over authority of government

• there is concentration of political power

• government is not close to the people

• existing state governments are not accommodated