Lewis US Government Exam: Three Branches

Imagine a group of friends, including Liam, Emma, and Ava, are forming a club. Some friends want voting power to be based on how many people each person represents, while others want everyone to have an equal say, no matter the size of their group. Explain how a compromise similar to the 'Great Compromise' could help them decide on a fair way to make decisions, and how this solution would balance the interests of both larger and smaller groups within the club.

Congress is debating whether it has the authority to create a new federal agency, such as the Internal Revenue Service, to help collect taxes. Which of the following powers would Congress be exercising if it creates this agency under the Necessary and Proper Clause?

• Declaring war

• Creating the Internal Revenue Service

• Regulating interstate commerce

• Coining money

Imagine a student council at a large school, where there are two groups: the Representatives and the Council of Elders. If a student leader is accused of breaking the rules, the Representatives investigate and decide whether to bring formal charges, while the Council of Elders holds a trial to determine if the leader should be removed from office. Compare and contrast the roles of the Representatives and the Council of Elders in this process. Why might the school's founders have designed the system this way?

Imagine that Evelyn wants to create a new rule for her school. Explain how Evelyn's proposed rule could become an official school policy. In your answer, address the role of committees (such as a student council committee), floor debate (discussion among students and staff), conference committees (if different groups have different versions), and the principal's action (approval or veto).

Michael is learning about the powers of the U.S. Senate in his civics class. His teacher asks: The Senate has the power of 'advice and consent' for:

• Federal judicial appointments only

• Treaties only

• Cabinet appointments only

• Treaties and presidential appointments

Maya is part of a student council where members are debating a new rule. During the meeting, Maya keeps talking for hours to delay the vote on the rule, hoping to prevent it from passing. What is this tactic called? How can the other council members end it, and why has this tactic become more controversial in recent years?

In a school government, students are deciding who should have the exclusive right to propose ideas for new fundraising events. Which group has the sole power to introduce fundraising (revenue) proposals?

• House of Representatives

• Senate

• Either chamber

• Joint committees only

Luna is a member of Congress who wants to ensure that the executive branch is acting within its legal limits and using its powers appropriately. Explain the concept of 'congressional oversight' in this context. Provide two specific examples of oversight powers that Luna and other members of Congress can use to check the executive branch.

Imagine Isla, Evelyn, and Avery are members of a student government. Their organization has different types of committees: standing committees that handle ongoing responsibilities, select committees formed for special tasks, and joint committees that include members from different groups. Describe the differences between these types of committees. Why might these committees be considered the 'workhorses' of the student government?

Imagine Daniel, Harper, and Avery are part of a student council at their school. Instead of letting every student vote directly for the council president, the school uses a system where each class elects a representative, and those representatives then vote to choose the president. This system is similar to the Electoral College in the United States. Explain the purpose and function of this system. What are two arguments FOR and two arguments AGAINST using this kind of system instead of a direct vote by all students?