American Gov Unit 2: Legislative Branch Summative Assessment

1. Which of these has the authority to make laws?

• A. the Congress
• B. the Cabinet
• C. the President
• D. The Supreme Court

2.Which of these is part of the legislative branch of the United States government?

• A. the Cabinet
• B.the President
• C. The House of Representatives
• D. The Supreme Court

3.The political institution in Maryland most like the United States Congress is the

• A. the State Archives
• B. the trial court
• C. the Court of Appeals of Maryland
• D. the Maryland General Assembly

4. Suppose the Maryland Medical Association wants to change state licensing requirements for doctors. What would be the association's best course of action to bring about this change?

• A. hiring a firm to conduct an opinion poll of Maryland residents
• B. rallying support from Maryland hospitals
• C. advertising their position in Maryland periodicals (Magazines that come out regularly)
• D. lobbying the Maryland General Assembly

5. Which of these is the most direct way for a group of teenagers to influence the outcome of a bill that would raise the minimum driving age?

• A. launching a voter registration drive
• B. writing to a foreign ambassador
• C. appealing to a high court
• D. testifying at a legislative hearing

6. Over the past fifty years, many Americans have moved from the Northeast and the Midwest to the South and the West. As a result of this population shift, the South and the West have gained influence in:

• A. the House of Representatives
• B. the Supreme Court
• C. the Maryland General Assembly
• D. the State Department

7. Which of these explains a difference between political parties and interest groups?

• A. Political Parties evaluate government policy, while interest groups set government policy
• B. Political parties influence laws, while interest groups ratify laws
• C. Political parties address many issues while interest groups usually focus on one issue
• D. Political parties support candidates, while interest groups nominate candidates

8. Which of these is a responsibility of the Maryland General Assembly?

• A. approving the annual state budget
• B. supervising the Maryland State Police
• C. reviewing criminal case appeals
• D. vetoing unpopular laws

9. Which argument best supports a policy of open primaries before the general election?

• A. Political parties would have greater influence in local races
• B. Candidates would make fewer promises to special interest groups
• C. Independents would have greater influence in candidate selection
• D. Increased visibility of state races would encourage voter registration

10. "A member of the General Assembly shall be elected by the registered voters of the legislative or delegate district from which he seeks election  . . . " —Maryland Constitution, Article 3 Which principle of government is supported by this excerpt?

• A. federalism
• B, representative democracy
• C. judicial review
• D. separation of powers