AP Government Quiz for Students

Which department head oversees the Department of Justice?

• Chief Justice

• Solicitor General

• Vice-President

• Attorney General

A judicial activist would most likely agree with which of the following positions?

• The Supreme Court should hear as few cases as possible.

• In a disagreement between a state and the federal government, the court should side with the state.

• Judges should limit their own power and hesitate to strike down laws unless obviously unconstitutional.

• The meaning of the Constitution should evolve with the times and reflect contemporary values.

Which type of case is the Supreme Court most likely to take?

• A case involving civil liberties where Congress requests intervention.

• A case with broad constitutional significance where appeals courts have conflicting rulings.

• A case where public opinion is evenly divided.

• A case that has already been ruled upon by the Supreme Court.

What is the main purpose of the following excerpt? "If, then, the courts of justice are to be considered as the bulwarks of a limited Constitution against legislative encroachments, this consideration will afford a strong argument for the permanent tenure of judicial offices, since nothing will contribute so much as this to that independent spirit in the judges which must be essential to the faithful performance of so arduous a duty."

• Establish Federalism

• Convince states to vote against the U.S. Constitution

• Advocate for a strong chief executive

• Argue for an independent judiciary with lifetime appointments.

What happens during oral arguments at the Supreme Court?

• The Supreme Court issues its ruling.

• The Senate serves as the jury.

• The Solicitor General may represent the U.S. government.

• All Supreme Court members vote publicly on a ruling.

Which group approves presidential nominations for cabinet members?

• The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives

• The Supreme Court

• The U.S. Senate

• Cabinet members do not need confirmation.

How are Marbury v. Madison (1803) and McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) similar?

• Both limit the power of the executive.

• Marbury v. Madison establishes judicial review; McCulloch v. Maryland limits state government power.

• Both interpret the First Amendment.

• Both focus on the commerce clause.

Which of the following is true about members of the civil service?

• They are apolitical and promoted based on merit.

• They serve at the President's will and can be fired at any time.

• They are part of the Judicial Branch.

• They can be impeached by Congress.

Why does the Supreme Court often issue 5-4 rulings?

• Public opinion is closely divided.

• We have divided government.

• The four justices who attended Harvard always vote together.

• The number mirrors the party affiliation of the presidents who nominated them.

How can Congress and the President control the bureaucracy?

• Congress may hold hearings; the President may fire cabinet heads.

• Congress does not control the bureaucracy; the President may oversee hearings.

• Congress may appoint cabinet members; the President may abolish the cabinet.

• Congress may fire lower-level bureaucrats; the President can impeach agency heads.