WorksheetsU.S. Government - Topic 6
Total questions: 88
Worksheet time: 44mins
In the Federalist No. 51, James Madison wrote that 'you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.' According to the text, to which part of the government does 'it' refer? To which part of the government does 'itself' refer?
elected officials; appointed bureaucrats
members of Congress; the President
appointed bureaucrats; elected officials
the President; members of Congress
What is one way that Article II of the Constitution has contributed to the creation of the federal bureaucracy?
It is completely silent on the organization of the executive branch.
It stipulates that all three branches of the government be set up as bureaucracies.
It mandates the creation of 15 Cabinet departments.
It gives the President the power to consult with the heads of the executive departments.
Which is the MOST LIKELY reason for variation in the names of government units?
Congress has tried to avoid the use of acronyms when naming federal agencies.
The names were originally chosen by the Framers and have remained unchanged.
The Constitution stipulates the names for all government units.
Government units were created at different times for varying purposes.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides funding for science and engineering endeavors in the United States. For example, the NSF provides equipment, such as telescopes, to institutions where scientists are studying astronomy. What kind of agency is it?
line agency
commission agency
staff agency
administrative agency
Which of the following is considered part of the federal bureaucracy?
a corporate bank
the U.S. Postal Service
a teachers' union
the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles
One reason your school can be considered a bureaucracy is because
teachers teach subjects in their area of expertise.
students often vote on school issues through the student council.
it receives funds from the Federal Government.
it offers a variety of sports and clubs for its students.
Which of the following parts of the executive branch BEST reflects job specialization?
the Vice President
the President
the executive departments
the Executive Office of the President
Some people argue that bureaucracies are undemocratic because
bureaucrats are appointed by the government rather than elected by the people.
bureaucrats often have viewpoints that are different from those of the general public.
bureaucracies are not mentioned in the Constitution.
bureaucracies lack stability because their staffs change every election year.
Which of the following statements BEST illustrates the function of a staff agency?
The Veterans Health Administration provides medical care to military veterans.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations carries out law enforcement and investigations.
The Office of Management and Budget assists the President in preparing the budget.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is responsible for pioneering the future in space exploration.
Why is the Executive Office of the President sometimes called 'the President's right arm'?
It houses agencies staffed by key members of political parties.
It houses agencies staffed by key lobbyists for powerful corporations.
It houses agencies staffed by the majority party leaders in Congress.
It houses agencies staffed by the President's key personal and political aides.
Which of the following events MOST LIKELY led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2002?
terrorists attacked the United States in 2001
Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002
a major earthquake struck El Salvador in 2001
a NASA space probe began to map the surface of Mars in 2002
How does geography influence the selection of Cabinet secretaries?
Candidates are chosen to give regional balance to the Cabinet.
Candidates are chosen to give professional experience to the Cabinet.
Candidates are chosen to give the Senate influence over the Cabinet.
Candidates are chosen to give interest groups access to the Cabinet.
The Executive Office of the President (EOP) BEST helps the President fulfill the role of chief administrator by
advising the President about key issues and assisting with the day-to-day work of the executive branch.
leading the preparation of the federal budget and submitting it to Congress each year.
setting and executing policy related to all laws passed by Congress, except those related to foreign affairs.
limiting the need for the President's involvement in matters related to the nation's security .
How is today's Cabinet similar to the one first established by George Washington?
Today's Cabinet still includes diverse advisors.
Today's Cabinet still includes advisors chosen by the President.
Today's Cabinet is still a small tight-knit group that regularly counsels the President.
Today's Cabinet still represents the interests of political groups seeking to influence policy.
The Office of Management and Budget is one of the largest and most influential units in the Executive Office because
it oversees the Oval Office and communicates the President's policies to the EOP, Congress, and the nation.
it advises the President on national security issues and projects spending requirements for military, foreign intelligence, and domestic security initiatives.
it prepares the federal budget and monitors the funds appropriated by Congress to all federal agencies.
it is the President's major source of information and advice on the state of the nation's economy and helps prepare the annual Economic Report to Congress.
Why it is important for the President to select the heads of the executive departments, rather than Congress?
The President has a better understanding of the laws and policies that the Cabinet must help him implement.
The President must rely on these department heads for assistance with raising campaign funds.
The President must rely on these department heads to help him choose his Cabinet officers.
The President must rely on these department heads for advice and assistance as he fulfills his duties as chief executive.
Consider the following quotation by William Taft: "The Cabinet is a mere creation of the President's will." What did Taft mean by this?
The Constitution specifically states that the President will ask a Cabinet of his choosing for advice.
The Constitution does not mention the Cabinet.
The Constitution implies the need for a Cabinet.
The Constitution allows the President to create whatever offices he thinks necessary.
Which of the following is TRUE about most independent agencies?
They are independent of the President and the executive branch.
They are independent of Congress but subject to the control of the President.
They are not independent of the President and the executive branch.
They are independent of the President but subject to congressional control.
The main goal of the civil service today is to
recruit and keep the best people in the federal workforce.
make sure that federal employees do not favor one political party.
provide jobs for those seeking positions in the Federal Government.
do away with the spoils system and other forms of patronage.
The FCC is headed by five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Only three of the five can belong to the same political party. The FCC is structured in this way to
maintain widespread monitoring of communications usage.
balance leadership between the President and private companies.
ensure consistent rates for public broadcasters.
prevent the President and either party from having too much influence over the FCC.
The biggest advantage of government corporations is their
flexibility.
low operating costs.
profitability.
productivity.
Which of the following is a MAJOR reason why independent agencies were set up outside of the Cabinet departments?
because the Constitution limited the number of Cabinet departments to fifteen
because they can operate without answering to the Federal Government
to protect them from the influence of partisan and pressure politics
to create a system of checks and balances within the federal bureaucracy
Most independent executive agencies
have massive budgets and personnel.
are small and operate behind the scenes.
are found within the fifteen Cabinet departments.
get a great amount of publicity for what they do.
How does the Office of Personnel Management help the federal bureaucracy serve the American people?
It uses a patronage system to hire and reward employees.
It hires Federal Government employees through a competitive process.
It regulates labor practices by private employers and unions.
It oversees the President's selection of executive department heads
How is the Federal Reserve System, an independent regulatory commission, an exception to the principle of separation of powers?
The Federal Reserve System was created by the executive branch, so it is exempt from separation of powers.
The Federal Reserve System possesses a level of executive, legislative, and judicial powers in its work to regulate money.
The Federal Reserve System has executive powers and judicial powers because these powers are required in the work to manage money.
The Federal Reserve System formulates and administers the nation's credit and monetary policy, so it is exempt from separation of powers.
Which of the following statements BEST shows how government regulations can restrict private enterprise?
A small business owner is required to comply with the same regulations as that of a larger business.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission monitors safety for items, such as children's toys.
Regulations require all future products to have updated labels to reflect new standards.
A large business owner spends a small part of its budget on hard hats for its employees.
Which of the following is an example of American foreign policy in action?
The President issues a condemnation of human rights abuses in North Korea.
Congress passes a law regulating emissions from factories and automobiles.
The President travels to Texas to speak on behalf of a candidate for Congress.
Congress proposes an amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced budget.
What was the main goal of the Open Door policy in China?
to expand and protect U.S. trade with China
to promote and establish democracy in China
to promote the involvement of European nations in China
to maintain good diplomatic relations with Japan and China
Which of the following could BEST be used as an argument AGAINST the policy of containment?
the Korean War
the Cuban missile crisis
the Vietnam War
the Berlin blockade
How has the overall direction of American foreign policy changed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries?
The United States focuses on only certain areas of the world.
The United States is reverting to the policy of containment.
The United States is relying more on international cooperation.
The United States has pulled back into a more isolationist position.
Which of the following statements BEST describes American involvement in Vietnam?
The policy of containment was practiced in Asia as well as Europe.
Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson all practiced deterrence during the war.
The "Vietnamization" of the war was an example of Nixon's new policy of détente.
Vietnam was a "cold" war as opposed to a "hot" war.
In his Farewell Address, George Washington advised the nation "to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world." Which American foreign policy is expressed in this statement?
the policy of collective security
the policy of internationalism
the policy of containment
the policy of isolationism
Read the following quotation from John F. Kennedy: "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." What message is the President sending to the nation about American foreign policy?
American foreign policy will no longer be based on the Truman Doctrine.
The United States will pursue a policy of isolationism.
Collective security will remain a focus of American foreign policy.
American foreign policy will include cuts to military budgets.
Which of the following has had a major effect on today's foreign policy challenges?
the Internet
the Vietnam War
the end of the cold war
political parties
What assumption underlies the concept of diplomatic immunity?
Diplomats may act as they please when abroad.
Diplomats will obey the laws of the country where they are stationed.
Diplomats will behave in the same way as people in the country where they are stationed.
Diplomats and their families will become active members of communities where they are stationed.
Which of the following MOST LIKELY influenced the decision to shift U.S. foreign aid from Europe to the Middle East and Africa?
The Europeans rejected offers of foreign aid.
World War II ended, and nations needed help rebuilding.
Europe ceased to be a major trading partner.
America's strategic and military interests changed.
Which of the following BEST describes NATO's anti-terrorist activities?
NATO limits its anti-terrorist activities to political action, patrols, and peacekeeping.
NATO is not directly involved in anti-terrorist activities, although it is prepared to take action if necessary.
NATO takes the lead in military action against all terrorist threats in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
NATO undertakes a wide range of actions including patrols, direct military action, and political action.
How do initial expectations for the UN secretary-general compare to the realities of the position?
The secretary-general was expected to represent the needs of poorer nations but advocated for wealthier nations.
The secretary-general was expected to be a world leader but never achieved that status.
The secretary-general was expected to be a figurehead but instead became an influential leader.
The secretary-general was expected to manage political conflicts but instead became a neutral bystander.
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship of the United States with the United Nations?
simple
detached
consistent
complex
To what degree has the importance of foreign affairs changed in the United States since the nation's founding?
It was very important in our country's early days, but its importance has decreased.
It was very important in our country's early days, and it remains important today.
It was unimportant in our country's early days, but has become very important today.
It was unimportant in our country's early days, and remains relatively unimportant today.
What is the MOST LIKELY reason for the United States to decide not to send an ambassador to a particular country?
to indicate that the United States is displeased with that country's actions
to indicate that the United States considers the country to be an ally
to indicate that the United States does not recognize the country as a sovereign state
to indicate that the United States considers the country to be a threat
How does foreign aid benefit the American economy?
Nations receiving foreign aid must use most of the money to purchase goods and services from American companies.
Nations receiving foreign aid are required to pay back their aid packages with interest.
Nations receiving foreign aid tend to trade with the United States out of gratitude.
Nations receiving foreign aid are required to give American companies special tax and tariff benefits.
How has the fall of the Soviet Union affected NATO's basic mission?
The mission has changed to include cultural exchange activities within Europe.
The mission has been increasingly focused on crisis management and peacekeeping around the world.
The mission now focuses on concerns in Central and South America almost exclusively.
The mission is narrower, focused mainly on defense, and it confines its activities to Western Europe.
Were the UN General Assembly to agree on an action to take in response to a military threat, that action would
require approval of the General Assembly to be valid.
require the support of the United States and Russia.
require the support of 9 of the 15 Security Council members.
require each UN member to vote before action could be taken.
Why did Congress create the Defense Department?
to unify the Army and Navy under one Cabinet department
to prevent the abuse of power by military leaders
to clarify the chain of command in the military
to end disagreements among various branches of the military
Why did the end of the cold war cause a decrease in the size of the armed forces?
In the agreement ending the Cold War, the United States had pledged to decrease its military.
The Department of Homeland Security became the nation's primary defense agency.
Lower taxes led to cuts for all parts of government, including defense.
A large military was no longer needed since a major threat to the country had subsided.
In what way was the creation of the DNI intended to change America's intelligence capabilities?
to increase the budget for intelligence-gathering activities
to provide the President with greater access to military resources
to improve communication between the White House and the intelligence community
to improve communication among intelligence-gathering organizations
What is one strategy used by the DHS to safeguard the nation's security?
commanding the Army, Navy, and Air Force
offering foreign aid to struggling nations
pursuing a policy of deterrence when possible
coordinating the efforts of all levels of government
Which of the following BEST describes the Framers' attitude toward America's military power?
Seasoned military personnel are best suited to lead and make decisions about America's military power.
Elected officials should have the authority to make decisions about the use of military power.
Only the President should have the authority to make decisions about the use of military power.
Each State's militia should have a voice in decisions regarding the use of the America's military power.
The large amounts spent on national defense in recent years may be attributed largely to
an increase in costs for military equipment and personnel.
an increase in the need for larger ground forces in the event of war.
the war on terror, which began after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon in 2001.
the decision to provide more fully for the needs of a volunteer military force and its families.
Which agency would BEST fit the career aspirations of a college student who is interested in helping to fight the war on terror by gathering information about terrorist activities?
the United States Army
the Department of Homeland Security
the Pentagon
the National Counterterrorism Center
One of the biggest challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security is
cuts in the department's budget.
the department's lack of authority.
the sheer size of the country and its infrastructure.
conflicts between the legislative and executive branches on how best to protect the nation.
The budget of the DNI, which controls the CIA and NSA among other agencies, is shrouded in secrecy because
the agency must be able to conduct its work without the government and general electorate knowing the details of various operations.
the agency's budget is part of the larger Defense budget.
the agency's budget does not include critically important funding.
the agency's budget must be hidden from Congress and the President because those branches of government do not have military oversight.
(North American Treaty Organization) an alliance formed to protect the freedom and security of its members through political and military action.
NATO
Regional Security Alliance
United Nations
Security Council
A detailed financial document containing estimates of federal income and spending during the coming fiscal year.
Executive Office of the President
Federal budget
Fiscal Year
Executive Departments
The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides funding for science and engineering endeavors in the United States. For example, the NSF provides equipment, such as telescopes, to institutions where scientists are studying astronomy. What kind of agency is it?
administrative agency
line agency
commission agency
staff agency
A large, complex administrative structure that handles the everyday business of an organization.
Bureaucracy
Administration
Staff Agency
Line Agencies
The 12-month period used by a government and the business world for its record-keeping, budgeting, revenue-collecting, and other financial management purposes
Executive Office of the President
Federal budget
Fiscal Year
Executive Departments
A policy based in the belief that if communism could be kept within its existing boundaries, it would collapse under the weight of its internal weaknesses.
Isolationism
Deterrence
Containment
Cold War
Which of the following statements describes the work conducted by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI)?
Separates foreign, military, and domestic intelligence in defense of the homeland and of United States interests abroad.
Integrates TRFC (The Rock Fan club), the Gymnastics club, and the Music club's intelligence in defense of the homeland and of United States interests abroad.
The DNI develops the operations of 61 separate agencies which make up the federal intelligence community and directs the work of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).
The DNI supervises the operations of the 16 separate agencies that make up the federal intelligence community and directs the work of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).
Which of the following events MOST LIKELY led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2002?
Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002.
A major earthquake struck El Salvador in 2001.
Terrorists attacked the United States in 2001.
A NASA space probe began to map the surface of Mars in 2002.
An organization with 193 members that accept the obligations of the United Nations Charter, a treaty drafted in 1945.
Regional Security Alliance
NATO
United Nations
Security Council
Corporations within the executive branch subject to the President's direction and control, set up by Congress to carry out certain business-like activities.
Independent Agency
Independent Executive Agency
Independent Regulatory Commission
Government Corporation
Why did Congress create the Defense Department?
To prevent the abuse of power by military leaders.
To unify the Army and Navy under one Cabinet department.
To clarify the chain of command in the military.
To end disagreements among various branches of the military.
What does the Constitution say about the administration of the executive branch?
The Constitution leaves the President to do what ever he wants. In Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 “GWITO (Go Wild In The Office)" The president will chill out, party and go feral while the Cabinet runs the entire bureaucracy.
The Constitution specifically forbids the executive branch from establishing any bureaucracy.
The Constitution makes detailed mention of the administrative machinery (the bureaucracy), limiting the ways which the President is to exercise that power.
The Constitution makes only the barest mention of the administrative machinery (the bureaucracy) through which the President is to exercise that power.
Which of the following is an example of American foreign policy in action?
Congress proposes an amendment to the Constitution requiring a balanced budget.
The President travels to Texas to speak on behalf of a candidate for Congress.
The President issues a condemnation of human rights abuses in North Korea.
Congress passes a law regulating emissions from factories and automobiles.
Additional agencies created by Congress located outside the Cabinet departments.
Independent Agency
Independent Executive Agency
Independent Regulatory Commission
Government Corporation
Agencies headed by a single administrator with regional subunits but lacking Cabinet status.
Independent Agency
Independent Executive Agency
Independent Regulatory Commission
Government Corporation
How has the fall of the Soviet Union affected NATO's basic mission?
The mission has changed to include cultural exchange activities within Europe.
The mission has been increasingly focused on crisis management and peacekeeping around the world.
The mission now focuses on concerns in Central and South America almost exclusively.
The mission is narrower, focused mainly on defense, and it confines its activities to Western Europe.
What role does the President play in the structure and/or functioning of government corporations?
The President selects most of the top officers of government corporations with Senate approval.
The Senate selects most of the top officers of government corporations with the President's approval.
Some corporations have no say in their own programs. For example, although the TVA is free from review by the OMB, the President, and Congress, the TVA has no say in the uses of the income its several operations produce.
Some corporations have some say in their own programs. For example, although the Taylor Swift Fan Club (TSFC) is subject to review by the OMB, the President, and Congress, the TSFC can impeach the President and replace him with Taylor Swift.
A period of more than 40 years during which relations between the two superpowers (United States and Soviet Union) were at least tense, and often hostile; a time of threats and military build-up.
Isolationism
Deterrence
Containment
Cold War
Why did the end of the cold war cause a decrease in the size of the armed forces?
The Department of Homeland Security became the nation's primary defense agency.
A large military was no longer needed since a major threat to the country had subsided.
In the agreement ending the Cold War, the United States had pledged to decrease its military.
Lower taxes led to cuts for all parts of government, including defense.
The officials in the executive branch of a government and their policies and principles.
Bureaucracy
Administration
Staff Agency
Line Agencies
In his Farewell Address, George Washington advised the nation "to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world." Which American foreign policy is expressed in this statement?
The policy of isolationism
The policy of internationalism
The policy of containment
The policy of collective security
Why is it important that the President select executive department heads?
These departments are the major mechanism through which money is distributed to criminals, illegal immigrants and terrorists.
These departments are the major mechanism through which the domestic and foreign policies crafted by the Supreme Court and the states are carried out.
The President's choice of department heads can shape policy and impact the lives of citizens.
The President's choice of department heads has no influence on policy and does not impact the lives of citizens.
What caused the process of selecting federal workers to change throughout our history?
The Pendleton Act imposed the merit system, as all hiring for positions in the classified service was to be based on merit, and gradually all were received their service based on merit.
The appointment of positions was based on the vote of companies and the VPC (Vinh Phuc Corporation).
The Pendleton Act removed the merit system, as all hiring for positions in the classified service was to be based on merit, and gradually all were received their service based on merit.
These public agencies are now bribed by private funds appropriated by companies, and private investors.
The policy of making America and its allies so militarily strong that their very strength will discourage, or prevent, any attack.
Isolationism
Deterrence
Containment
Cold War
Agency that performs the tasks for which an organization exists.
Bureaucracy
Administration
Staff Agency
Line Agencies
Independent agencies created by Congress, designed to regulate important aspects of the nation's economy, largely beyond the reach of presidential control.
Independent Agency
Independent Executive Agency
Independent Regulatory Commission
Government Corporation
A 15-member panel that bears the UN's major responsibility for keeping international peace.
Regional Security Alliance
NATO
United Nations
Security Council
Agency that supports the chief executive and other administrators by offering advice and other assistance in the management of an organization.
Bureaucracy
Administration
Staff Agency
Line Agencies
Often called the Cabinet departments, they are the traditional units of federal administration.
Executive Office of the President
Federal budget
Fiscal Year
Executive Departments
A purposeful refusal to become generally involved in the affairs of the rest of the world.
Isolationism
Deterrence
Containment
Cold War
In what way are names for government agencies common, but not standardized?
Cabinet is the name often given to the minor elements in a department, but service, administration, office, branch, and division are often used for the same purpose.
Bureau is the name often given to the major elements in a department, but service, administration, office, branch, and division are often used for the same purpose.
Within each minor agency, the same confusing lack of diversity in names is present, and the government is too lazy to name their agencies properly.
Within each major agency, there are different but well-structured naming practices, and the names are never the same within the same departments.
Treaties in which the US and other countries involved have agreed to take collective action to meet aggression in a particular part of the world.
Regional Security Alliance
NATO
United Nations
Security Council
What assumption underlies the concept of diplomatic immunity?
Diplomats may act as they please when abroad.
Diplomats will behave in the same way as people in the country where they are stationed.
Diplomats will obey the laws of the country where they are stationed.
Diplomats and their families will become active members of communities where they are stationed.
The FCC is headed by five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Only three of the five can belong to the same political party. The FCC is structured in this way to
balance leadership between the President and private companies.
prevent the President and either party from having too much influence over the FCC.
ensure consistent rates for public broadcasters.
maintain widespread monitoring of communications usage.
An organization of several agencies staffed by the President's closest advisors.
Executive Office of the President
Federal budget
Fiscal Year
Executive Departments
