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WTP Unit 4

Total questions: 25

Worksheet time: 25mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which phrase best summarizes appellate jurisdiction?

a)

The legal authority of the circuit court to hear a case

b)

The authority of the legislature to declare a decision of the Supreme Court unconstitutional

c)

The legal authority of a court to hear appeals from a lower court

d)

The authority of the Supreme Court to hear a case for the first time

2.

Which definition best explains a “bill”?

a)

A proposed law that has been submitted to either the House or Senate

b)

Proposed legislation that is supported by both houses of Congress

c)

Proposed legislation that is supported by all members of the House and Senate

d)

A proposed law submitted by citizens or a member of Congress

3.

“Administration of a government chiefly through bureaus or departments staffed with nonelected officials.” -American Heritage® Identify the term which best describes the American Heritage® definition.

a)

executive branch

b)

legislative branch

c)

Federalism

d)

bureaucracy

4.

Which statement best describes the significance of the president’s cabinet?

a)

Department heads of the executive branch advise the president

b)

Department heads of the executive branch vote to determine which actions the president will take

c)

The cabinet determines foreign policy for the president

d)

Cabinet members may check the actions of the president

5.

In Article II, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution, "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States."


As commander in chief, the president has the authority to place U.S. military forces on alert and to authorize military force.” What phrase best describes the power of the president as commander in chief?

a)

The president’s control of the military is limited to the militia.

b)

The president must have authority from congress to use military force.

c)

The president is the highest-ranking person of all military forces.

d)

Authorization of military force by the president must be approved by the Joint Chief of Staff.

6.

Identify, the best reason why the Framers incorporated the delegate theory.

a)

It reduced the decision making burden of members of Congress.

b)

The constituents were provided a direct check on members of Congress.

c)

It prevented representatives from voting party lines.

d)

A legislative representative should mirror his/her constituents‘views in deciding public policy.

7.

Which term best describes the rights and powers of the U.S. government as outlined in the U.S. Constitution?

a)

Legislative rights

b)

Reserved rights and policies

c)

Enumerated rights

d)

Delegated rights

8.

Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution provides that the "executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States," making the president the head of the Executive branch of the federal government. Sections 2 and 3 enumerate specific powers granted to the president, which include the authority to appoint judges, ambassadors, and other high-ranking government officials; veto legislation; call Congress into special session; grant pardons; issue proclamations and orders; administer the law; and serve as commander in chief of the armed forces.”


Read and analyze the above section of the U.S. Constitution. Which statement best summarizes this section?

a)

The president is limited to the items specified in Article II, Section 1.

b)

The president has the authority to carry out and enforce the law.

c)

The president must have congressional authorization to carry out the above powers.

d)

The Framers believed the executive branch should be more powerful than Congress or the Judicial branch.

9.

Identify, which phrase best, explains the possible impact of a filibuster.

a)

It could prevent the Senate from voting on a bill.

b)

It could prevent the House and Senate from voting on a bill.

c)

It could prevent the House from introducing a bill.

d)

It could prevent the Senate from introducing a bill.

10.

“The process of dividing a particular state or territory into election districts in such a manner as to accomplish an unlawful purpose, such as to give one party a greater advantage.” The Free Legal Dictionary Read and analyze the above definition.


What is the best inference from the selection above?

a)

This policy could give one political party a legislative advantage.

b)

State law allows this policy though unethical

c)

This policy is consistent with representative democracy

d)

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld this policy

11.

Which action best describes the concept of federalism?

a)

The passage of No Child Left Behind

b)

Missouri, requiring helmets to ride a motorcycle through the state

c)

The federal government forcing states to set a standard speed limit on the interstate

d)

Revenue sharing of federal tax dollars

12.

Which phrase best illustrates the definition of impeachment?

a)

To bring charges against a public official

b)

To convict a public official of a wrongdoing

c)

To charge and convict a public official

d)

To file charges in the Senate and try the public official in the House

13.

Which statement best explains implied powers?

a)

Specific powers that apply to each state

b)

Powers which are granted only to the Senate

c)

Powers which are granted only to the president and the Senate

d)

Powers not expressly stated but are inferred from state powers

14.

Which are the effects of inherit powers?

a)

Over the decades the states have acquired additional rights.

b)

Over the decades, the president has acquired more powers.

c)

Within the concept of federalism, state and federal governments have remained unchanged regarding powers.

d)

Rights and power may never be increased.

15.

In Missouri, Sam Smith feels that the government should have a mandatory recycling law. Which term best describes an action he might start?

a)

Appeal

b)

Recall

c)

Initiative

d)

Cloture

16.

Which phrase best summarizes the concept of jurisdiction?

a)

The power or authority to hear cases and make decisions

b)

Courts may choose if they want to hear a federal or state case.

c)

The type of case a court will hear is based on where the court is located.

d)

Federal courts will always have original jurisdiction over state law.

17.

Identify the best description of lobbying.

a)

A group or individual attempting to impact legislation by influencing legislators

b)

A group of individuals hired by a legislator to research a bill

c)

A group or individual hired by an organization to promote the common good

d)

Individuals, located in the halls of congress that are hired to help congressmen

18.

Which example best illustrates local government?

a)

A community having members in the state legislature

b)

A town or community appoints all members of its government

c)

A town or city using a mayor council form of government

d)

A town or community working under the charter of the federal government

19.

What statement best describes original jurisdiction?

a)

The first court to hear a case from a lower court

b)

The individual or group who first submits a case for litigation

c)

The authority of a court to issue an opinion

d)

The authority of a court to hold a trial

20.

Which example best illustrates the practice of patronage?

a)

The power of political parties to elect officials to serve on committees

b)

The power to appoint people to government or political positions

c)

The practice of accepting contributions from political parties

d)

The governor of a state appoints a member of the opposite party to a state position

21.

“The indirect veto of a bill received by the President within ten days of the adjournment of Congress, effected by retaining the bill unsigned until Congress adjourns.” Identify the term which best fits this definition.

a)

Veto

b)

Pocket pardon

c)

Pocket veto

d)

Executive veto

22.

Which of these circumstances best illustrates the concept of recall?

a)

Missouri holds a special election to remove an elected official from office

b)

Missouri holds a special election to replace an official who has resigned

c)

Missouri holds a special election because of alleged voter fraud

d)

Missouri holds a special election to increase the sales tax .08%

23.

Identify a possible effect of a referendum.

a)

It distributes power so that one branch or official can dominate others

b)

It requires revenue bills to start in the senate

c)

Popular sovereignty, and the will of the people will force a law change

d)

Legislative supremacy is maintained

24.

Which phrase best distinguishes the difference between reserved powers and delegated powers?

a)

Reserved powers are granted to the federal government by the “elastic clause”

b)

Reserved powers are left to the states through the Ninth and Tenth Amendments

c)

All reserved powers are listed in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments

d)

Reserved powers are delegated powers left to the states

25.

Which headline best illustrates the impact of seniority?

a)

The Speaker of the House has appointed the longest serving member of the opposite party as chairman of the Ways and Means committee

b)

The Speaker of the House asks the longest serving members of both parties to select new committee chairs

c)

The President Pro Temp has replaced the chairman of the Transportation committee with a member of his own party

d)

The Speaker of the House places the bills on the calendar based on when they were submitted