wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

AP Gov Review

Total questions: 105

Worksheet time: 56mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
The power to declare war is given to:
a)
the President
b)
Congress
c)
the People
2.
How many U.S. Senators are there?
a)
200
b)
88
c)
100
d)
50
3.

Please pick the Amendment below that best matches this description:


A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

a)

5th Amendment

b)

2nd Amendment

c)

3rd Amendment

d)

4th Amendment

4.

Please pick the Amendment below that best matches this description:


No search or seizure without a warrant.

a)

5th Amendment

b)

6th Amendment

c)

7th Amendment

d)

4th Amendment

5.

The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were primarily about which of the following issues?

a)

The right of the people to rebel

b)

The existence of slavery

c)

The scope of power of the central government

d)

The need to establish a standard currency

6.

Which of the following statements about gerrymandering is true?

a)

It has been banned by United States Supreme Court decisions starting with Baker v. Carr

b)

It was used traditionally to maintain urban control of the House of Representatives.

c)

It can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible.

d)

It guarantees greater constituency control over elected representatives.

7.
Even with large majorities in their own party in Congress, presidents experience difficulty in exercising legislative leadership because
a)
the president must compete against state governors for influence
b)
the weak nature of political parties hampers the president's ability to control Congress
c)
the president's use of the veto is ineffective with Congress
d)
the president seldom addresses the same issues as members of Congress
8.

Which of the following statements about the Senate is true?

a)

Each state is represented in the Senate according to its population.

b)

The Senate, unlike the House, has a Rules Committee.

c)

The Senate is more responsible than the House for initiating appropriations legislation.

d)

Individual senators can exercise substantial influence over the legislative process.

9.

The role Congress plays in ensuring that executive branch agencies are carrying out their legislated responsibilities is known as

a)

judicial review

b)

legislative oversight

c)

executive privilege

d)

bicameralism

10.

All of the following are ways that the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch EXCEPT:

a)

Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.

b)

The Senate may refuse to approve a presidential appointment.

c)

Congress may override a presidential veto.

d)

Congress may remove the president through its impeachment and conviction powers.

11.

Advocates of shifting the task of drawing United States House districts from state legislatures to independent commissions are likely to claim which of the following as an advantage of independent commissions?

a)

Independent commissions are more likely to create majority-minority districts districts where they are appropriate.

b)

Independent commissions are more likely to create districts where minor parties are victorious.

c)

House districts drawn by independent commissions are immune from challenges by the United States Department of Justice.

d)

Independent commissions significantly reduce the influence of partisan gerrymandering in the redistricting process.

12.
The --- confirms or denies presidential appointments to the Federal bureaucracy. 
a)
Supreme Court
b)
Congress
c)
House of Representatives 
d)
Senate
13.

Which of the following is NOT true of the Congress?

a)

Each house determines its own leadership and rules

b)

Terms of Congress last for two years

c)

Congress is unicameral in nature

d)

Only the president may call special sessions of Congress

14.

After a national census has been taken, changes in population distribution cause the changing of congressional seats among the states. This effect is commonly called

a)

Congressional redistricitng

b)

Apportionment

c)

Gerrymandering

d)

Repportionment

15.

Which of the following best describes a nonlegislative power of Congress?

a)

Power to declare war

b)

Power to tax

c)

Impeachment power

d)

Power to regulate commerce

16.
A law passed in 1973 that requires the presidents to consult with Congress whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension.
a)
War Powers Resolution
b)
United Nations
c)
Hatch Act
d)
Pendleton Civil Service Act
17.
A legislature divided into two houses.
a)
Bicameral Legislature
b)
Balance of Trade
c)
Joint Committee
d)
Legislative Oversight
18.

drawing the boundaries of legislative districts in bizarre or unusual shapes to favor one party

a)

lizarding

b)

partisan districting

c)

gerrymandering

d)

sleazy

19.
A tactic to block legislation that involves one or more Senators holding the floor indefinitely is called...
a)
Filibustering
b)
Riding
c)
Logrolling
d)
Hot-Airing
20.
Members of Congress are granted generous franking privileges that
a)
permit them to mail letters to their constituents for free.
b)
allow them to charge items to a special expense account.
c)
allow members unlimited phone calls to their district without charge.
d)
permit them to receive four, round-trip airfares to their district.
21.
The president of the Senate is
a)
the leader of the majority party in the Senate.
b)
the senator with the most seniority, regardless of party.
c)
the fourth person in line to succeed the president.
d)
the vice president of the United States.
22.
According to the Constitution, the minimum age to be a Senator is
a)
25
b)
30
c)
35
d)
40
23.
The House consists of _____ members.
a)
100
b)
270
c)
435
d)
50
24.
Who is next in line to become President of the United States if the Vice President is unable to take over?
a)
Majority Leader of the Senate
b)
President of the Senate
c)
President pro tempore of the Senate
d)
Speaker of the House
25.
The Chair of a committee is likely the...
a)
Member of the majority party with the most constituents
b)
Oldest
c)
Member of the Minority Party with the most seniority
d)
Member with the most expertise
26.
Every two years, _____ of the Senate must stand for reelection
a)
one-half
b)
three-quarters
c)
two-thirds
d)
one-third
27.
Which body originates ALL bills concerning revenue and taxes? 
a)
House
b)
Senate
c)
Congress
d)
Supreme Court
28.
A member of the House is elected for a term of how many years?
a)
1 year
b)
2 years
c)
4 years
d)
6 years
29.
How many members are in Congress?
a)
100
b)
270
c)
435
d)
535
30.

Your individual freedoms listed in the Bill of Rights are known as your

a)

civil rights

b)

civil liberties

31.

The due process guarantee can be found in

a)

5th Amendment

b)

6th Amendment

c)

14th Amendment

d)

5th and 14th Amendments

32.

The government may not curb or censor expression before the fact; this is known as

a)

symbolic speech

b)

commercial speech

c)

prior restraint

d)

sedition

33.

An American Socialist distributes pamphlets discouraging young men from signing up for the draft during WW1.

a)

Tinker v. Des Moines

b)

Brandenburg v. Ohio

c)

McDonald v. Chicago

d)

Schenck v. United States

34.

Contains clauses addressing : citizenship, privileges and immunities, due process, and equal protection under the law.

a)

5th Amendment

b)

7th Amendment

c)

10th Amendment

d)

14th Amendment

35.

Established in Schenck v. United States decision.

a)

time, place, and manner restrictions are legal

b)

strict scrutiny test

c)

clear and present danger rule

d)

Lemon Test

36.

Public school students wear armbands to protest the Vietnam War.

a)

Schenck v. United States

b)

Gitlow v. New York

c)

Tinker v. Des Moines

d)

McDonald v. Chicago

37.

The right of an individual to keep and bear arms is incorporated.

a)

Gitlow v. New York

b)

McDonald v. Chicago

c)

Barron v. Baltimore

d)

Tinker v. Des Moines

38.

Protection from unreasonable search and seizure

a)

2nd Amendment

b)

3rd Amendment

c)

4th Amendment

d)

5th Amendment

39.

Expression by conduct is known as

a)

marketplace of ideas

b)

prior restraint

c)

symbolic speech

d)

bad tendency

40.

The Pentagon Papers case; Daniel Ellsberg release classified documents about the Vietnam War for publication; Nixon tries to stop the papers from publishing the documents.

a)

U.S. v. Nixon

b)

Washington Post v. Nixon

c)

New York Times v. United States

d)

Woodward v. Bernstein

41.

Which of the following receives the most protection?

a)

political speech

b)

libel

c)

slander

d)

fighting words

42.

This clause of the First Amendment prevents the government from creating a national religion, nor may it sanction or favor a religion.

a)

Due Process Clause

b)

Establishment Clause

c)

Free Exercise Clause

d)

Elastic Clause

43.

This clause of the First Amendment prevents government from interfering in the practice of one's religion.

a)

Establishment Clause

b)

Due Process Clause

c)

Elastic Clause

d)

Free Exercise Clause

44.

SCOTUS rules that a non-denominational prayer provided by the New York Board of Regents violated the 1st Amendment Establishment clause.

a)

New York Times v. United States

b)

Engel v. Vitale

c)

Brown v. Board of Education

d)

Schenck v. United States

45.

The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to

a)

prevent states from taxing agencies of the federal government

b)

reserve powers to the states

c)

allow for the burning of the flag as an expression of protest

46.

Which of the following is commonly identified as a failure of the Articles of Confederation?

a)

The judicial branch was elected and did not consistently adhere to rule of law.

b)

The executive branch was granted too much power over the legislature.

c)

The national government lacked an effective power to raise revenue.

47.

A liberal response to the “strained resources” of local government most likely would include

a)

a reduction of federal income taxes so that state and local governments can use those resources

b)

less federal regulation and more authority for local school boards to create curricula and standards

c)

an increase in federal spending on public education and more programs aimed at helping lower-income communities

48.

Which of the following constitutional principles best explains why there is variation among states on the use of capital punishment?

a)

Checks and balances

b)

Federalism

c)

Separation of powers

49.

Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of the political cartoon?

a)

State governments have used the Tenth Amendment to override the federal government’s mandates.

b)

State governments prefer federal funding but do not want federal oversight over how the money is spent.

50.

Which of the following policies would the states most likely prefer according to the political cartoon?

a)

Categorical grants

b)

Block grants

c)

Federal mandates

51.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides protections for the disabled, is an example of

a)

a federal mandate

b)

dual federalism

c)

state supremacy

52.

According to the clear and present danger test, speech may be restricted

a)

when it incites violent action

b)

when it lacks a political purpose

c)

whenever the United States is at war

53.

In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld?

a)

The President has the support of the Supreme Court.

b)

Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President.

54.

The decision in United States v. Lopez (1995) reflected new ideas about federalism at the time that can be best characterized by which of the following?

a)

A consolidation of power in the national government based on national supremacy

b)

A delegation of power from the federal government to state governments, increasing state and local sovereignty

55.

Of the following, the most significant difference between the Constitution of 1787 and the Articles of Confederation was that the Constitution...

a)

provided for a strong national government with many powers, while the Articles created a weak central government with few independent powers

b)

made states sovereign over the national government, while the Articles were based on national sovereignty

56.

Civil rights include the fundamental right of people to be:

a)

given a trial by jury.

b)

treated equally under the laws and policies of government.

c)

given precedence for certain jobs

d)

treated better than the majority

57.

In the Fourteenth Amendment, the         clause deals with civil rights

a)

equal protection

b)

separate but equal

c)

necessary and proper

d)

due process

58.

The       was passed in 1990 and helped to protect disabled Americans from discrimination at work.

a)

Rehabilitation Act

b)

Administrative Procedure Act

c)

Americans with Disabilities Act

d)

Occupational Safety and Health Act

59.

The Supreme Court ruled in Dred Scott v. Sanford that former slaves and the descendants of slaves were:

a)

unable to obtain land because they were not citizens

b)

unable to obtain an education because they were not born in the United States

c)

equired to be segregated in schools based on race

d)

not U.S. citizens and did not have the same rights as U.S. citizens

60.

The Thirteenth Amendment was created to:

a)

give African Americans the right to vote

b)

provide reparations to former slaves

c)

ensure that African Americans were paid the same wages as Caucasians

d)

completely end slavery in the United States

61.

African Americans gained the right to vote after the         Amendment passed in 1870.

a)

13th

b)

14th

c)

15th

d)

19th

62.

Legal segregation is a type of segregation supported by:

a)

custom

b)

consensus

c)

law

d)

the NAACP

63.

De jure segregation is segregation that is:

a)

illegal

b)

written in to law

c)

allowed by both races

d)

accepted by state law only

64.

             is a type of segregation that is a personal preference

a)

Cultural segregation

b)

Personal segregation

c)

De facto segregation

d)

De jure segregation

65.

Affirmative action is a policy designed to help address the consequences of:

a)

previous discrimination

b)

Brown v. Board of Education

c)

current discrimination

d)

Gratz v. Bollinger

66.

Which of the following best reflects the philosophy expressed in Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan that the framers eventually drew on to shape the government of the United States?

a)

Without a social contract, man lives a life that is "nasty, brutish, and short."

b)

The state exists only to serve the will of the people.

c)

Political leaders are appointed by God and have divine right to rule.

d)

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary."

67.

Which of the following ideologies consists of an emphasis on community and family and government playing a more limited role?

a)

libertarianism

b)

conservatism

c)

socialism

d)

liberalism

68.

Which of the following is a true statement about the role of the media in providing citizens with information?

a)

There has been an increase in social media and Internet news consumption by the public, causing the top five media conglomerates to have greater control over public opinion.

b)

Demand for instantaneous news reporting has led to the growth of 24-hour news operations and a shift to online media consumption.

c)

Investigative reporting dominates the news because it is less expensive than political commentary.

d)

The media is increasingly controlled by the major political parties, who determine which stories are covered by the press.

69.

James Madison's model of government is based on the idea that

a)

a system of checks and balances is not necessary.

b)

the majority should have direct control of the government.

c)

states should retain most powers.

d)

the power of the government's institutions should be separated.

70.

Each state must recognize official documents and civil judgments rendered by the courts of other states due to

a)

the necessary and proper clause.

b)

the supremacy clause.

c)

the full faith and credit clause.

d)

the federal system.

71.

Federalist #51 focuses on the topic of

a)

factions and the dangers of tyranny in the American government.

b)

the Bill of Rights.

c)

the branches of government and their independence from one another.

d)

the power of state and local governments.

72.

"Dual federalism" refers to the fact that

a)

both the national and state governments can levy taxes on citizens.

b)

there is a distinct line between policies surrounding public education and private education in the states.

c)

the Constitution provides two layers of government in the nation- the national and the state.

d)

there are two distinct eras in American history- the era before cooperative federalism and the era since the development of cooperative federalism.

73.

One reason that minority groups are more likely to favor liberal policies is that they

a)

have greater distrust in the government.

b)

usually belong to a high socioeconomic class.

c)

have benefited from federal social programs in the past.

d)

typically pay more in federal income taxes.

74.

The Federal Election Campaign Act did all of the following EXCEPT

a)

require strict disclosure.

b)

ban the use of soft money.

c)

limit campaign spending and contributions.

d)

create the Federal Election Commission.

75.

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the reasoning for the decision in Baker v. Carr (1962) ?

a)

To ensure equal protection under the law, there should be an equal number of rural and urban districts in a state.

b)

Congressional redistricting must involve traditionally excluded groups in the process or it violates the equal protection clause.

c)

There should be redistricting every ten years at the federal level, but the state can choose not to redistrict at the state and local levels.

d)

Because rural districts had fewer people, representation was unevenly distributed; thus, Baker was denied equal protection under the law.

76.

Miranda V. Arizona set what precedent?

a)

Peaceably protesting in schools

b)

a non segregated education (overturned Plessy)

c)

You must have your rights read to you upon arrest

d)

Separate but equal

77.

The Anti-Federalists' oppoisition to the Constitution was predicated on the belief that a strong central government would

a)

empower the general public and undermine government officials

b)

create states that were free to act in their own interests

c)

not be an effective way to deal with other nations

d)

strip states and individuals of their rights and the authority to make laws

78.
Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, decided what major aspects of our current constitution? (I.A, I.D)
a)
How representatives would be chosen for each state
b)
The bicameral system (House and Senate)
c)
The direct election of senators
d)
How representatives would be chosen and the bicameral system
79.

What is Judicial Review?

a)

The courts can review laws and declare them unconstitutional

b)

Judges have a review system for some court cases

c)

The courts have the ability to reverse a decision

80.

14th Amendment

Separate but Equal=Bad

Schools

1954

a)

US v Lopez

b)

Brown v Board of Education

c)

Roe v Wade

d)

Plessy v Ferguson

81.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Supremacy Clause

National Bank

1819

a)

McCulloch v Maryland

b)

Marbury v Madison

c)

US v Nixon

d)

Bush v Gore

82.

14th Amendment

Equal Representation

Racial Gerrymandering

1993

a)

New York Times v US

b)

Mapp v Ohio

c)

Baker v Carr

d)

Shaw v Reno

83.

6th Amendment

Florida

No legal counsel

1963

a)

Miranda v Arizona

b)

Gideon v Wainwright

c)

Schenck v US

d)

US v Lopez

84.

4th Amendment

14th Amendment

Abortion

1973

a)

Roe v Wade

b)

Regents of the University of California v Bakke

c)

Bush v Gore

d)

Engle v Vitale

85.

14th Amendment

Equal Representation

1 person = 1 vote

1962

a)

Tinker v Des Moines

b)

Baker v Carr

c)

Plessy v Ferguson

d)

McDonald v Chicago

86.

1st Amendment

Freedom of the Press

Newspapers

1971

a)

Schenck v US

b)

US v Nixon

c)

Citizens United v Federal Election Committee

d)

New York Times v US

87.

1st Amendment

Freedom of Religion

Freedom to practice their religion

1972

a)

Engle v Vitale

b)

Wisconsin v Yoder

c)

Miranda v Arizona

d)

Dred Scott v Sandford

88.

1st Amendment

Establishment Clause

Schools

1962

a)

Engle v Vitale

b)

Brown v Board

c)

Wisconsin v Yoder

d)

Mapp v Ohio

89.

Article III

Established Judicial Review

Judges didn't get their judgeships

1803

a)

Plessy v Ferguson

b)

Dred Scott v Sandford

c)

McCulloch v Maryland

d)

Marbury v Madison

90.

1st Amendment

Free Speech

World War I Draft

1919

a)

Shaw v Reno

b)

Schenck v US

c)

Us v Nixon

d)

New York Times v US

91.

2nd Amendment

Guns ok for self-defense

2nd Amendment applies to state and local governments

2010

a)

Korematsu v US

b)

District of Columbia v Heller

c)

US v Lopez

d)

McDonald v Chicago

92.

Article I

Commerce Clause

Not 2nd Amendment

1995

a)

US v Lopez

b)

Hazelwood v Kuhlmeier

c)

Mapp v Ohio

d)

Texas v Johnson

93.

A person casting her vote for the challenger based on her displeasure with the incumbent is an example of which type of voting?

a)

Retrospective

b)

Prospective

c)

Rational-choice

d)

Party-line

94.

Buddy will vote for absolutely anybody as long as they are Republican. Buddy’s behavior is typical of which type of voting?

a)

Retrospective

b)

Prospective

c)

Rational-choice

d)

Party-line

95.

What is the most likely result in states that require photo ID for voting?

a)

Lower voter turnout, especially among low income and older populations

b)

Increased voter turnout

c)

No effect on voter turnout

d)

A significant decrease in instances of voter fraud

96.

What is the best predictor of how a person will vote in an election?

a)

Gender

b)

Income level

c)

Character of the candidates

d)

Party identification

97.

What is the primary purpose of a political party?

a)

To influence public policy

b)

To gain power by winning elections

c)

To unite the nation

d)

To establish a one world government

98.

All of the following are functions of political parties EXCEPT

a)

GOTV and mobilization

b)

Recruit and nominate candidates

c)

Establish a party platform

d)

Lobby congressmen and their staffs

99.

All of the following are barriers to third party success EXCEPT

a)

Single member congressional districts

b)

State laws banning minor parties

c)

Winner-take-all

d)

Plurality system

100.

Which of the following highlights a difference between political parties and interest groups?

a)

Interest groups are always nonpartisan

b)

Only political parties engage in fundraising

c)

Only interest groups recruit and nominate candidates for office

d)

Interest groups are focused on a narrower set of issues than a political party

101.

Which of the following best describes an iron triangle?

a)

A political party, interest groups, and a PAC

b)

President, congress, and Supreme Court

c)

A symbiotic relationship between an interest group, a congressional committee, and a bureaucratic agency

d)

Federal, state, and local governments

102.

How is a social movement different from an interest group?

a)

Less focus on leadership, more on individual action

b)

More reliant on corporate donations

c)

More organized

d)

Employ well-played lobbyists

103.

The Electoral College is an example of which model of democracy?

a)

Participatory democracy

b)

Pluralist democracy

c)

Elite democracy

d)

Direct democracy

104.

Which of the following statements about campaign finance is FALSE?

a)

PACs and Super PACs are allowed to independently spend an unlimited amount of money

b)

Citizens United paved the way for the creation of Super PACs

c)

Corporations and unions can give an unlimited amount of money to PACs

d)

Most PAC contributions are made to incumbent candidates

105.

What is a result of today’s consumer-driven and ideologically oriented news programming?

a)

People are mostly exposed to sources that reaffirm their biases

b)

People are better informed

c)

People have fewer options and ways to receive news

d)

There is increased political unity and out political discourse has never been loftier