Foundations of American Democracy
The principle that government power is divided between the national government and state governments is known as what constitutional principle?
Federalism.
Congress passes a law, but the president refuses to sign it. What constitutional tool allows Congress to override the president?
A two-thirds vote override in both chambers of Congress.
A government creates a law banning criticism of elected officials. Which First Amendment protection is most directly violated?
Freedom of speech.
A person believes government should reduce taxes, limit regulation, and encourage free markets. This reflects which ideology?
Conservatism.
A citizen votes for candidates from multiple political parties on the same ballot. What type of voting is this?
Split-ticket voting.
A state argues that the federal government cannot require it to implement a federal program because the Constitution does not give Congress that power. Which constitutional principle is the state relying on?
Reserved powers under the Tenth Amendment.
The Senate refuses to approve a president’s nominee for a federal judgeship. Which constitutional power is the Senate using?
Advice and consent.
A newspaper publishes information embarrassing to the government. The government attempts to stop publication before it occurs. What constitutional issue is involved?
Prior restraint under the First Amendment.
A citizen believes government should expand social programs and regulate businesses to reduce inequality. This reflects which ideology?
Liberalism.
A voter supports a candidate because they believe the candidate will improve the economy. This is an example of what type of voting?
Rational-choice voting.
A president argues that they can take an action because it is necessary to protect national security, even though Congress has not specifically authorized it. Which constitutional debate does this represent?
The debate over separation of powers and the scope of presidential power.
A president issues an executive order directing federal agencies to change how they enforce existing laws. Which statement best explains the limit on this power?
Executive orders cannot override laws passed by Congress or violate the Constitution.
A state law requires students to participate in a religious exercise before class begins. Which constitutional clause is most directly involved?
The Establishment Clause.
A poll shows that many citizens support a policy but do not vote for candidates who support it. What concept does this demonstrate?
Public opinion does not always translate directly into political behavior.
The Supreme Court refuses to hear a case because it does not believe the issue is appropriate for judicial resolution. What doctrine is involved?
Judicial restraint.
The Supreme Court strikes down a federal law because it violates the Constitution. Which constitutional principle allows the Court to take this action?
Judicial review, established in Marbury v. Madison.
Congress refuses to approve funding for a presidential policy initiative. Which constitutional principle does this demonstrate?
Checks and balances because Congress controls government spending through the power of the purse.
A city bans all protests in public parks because some demonstrations may become controversial. Which constitutional concern does this raise?
The government is likely violating freedom of speech because restrictions must be content-neutral and narrowly tailored.
A voter believes government should protect traditional values but also support government assistance programs. Which concept explains why their views may not fit neatly into one ideology?
Political ideology exists on a spectrum and individuals may hold mixed beliefs.
A Supreme Court justice argues that judges should interpret the Constitution according to the meaning it had when written. What judicial philosophy is this?
Originalism.
A state government refuses to enforce a federal law, arguing that the federal government exceeded its constitutional authority. What Supreme Court case established that federal law generally takes priority over conflicting state law?
McCulloch v. Maryland established federal supremacy and confirmed broad federal powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
A president claims executive privilege to prevent Congress from obtaining information during an investigation. Which Supreme Court case limited this presidential power?
United States v. Nixon, which held executive privilege is not absolute.
A state requires one group of citizens to meet higher legal requirements than another group before receiving government benefits. Which constitutional principle is most directly implicated?
Equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment.
A policymaker argues that government should avoid economic regulation because markets naturally correct themselves. Which economic philosophy does this reflect?
Free-market or laissez-faire economics.
A third-party candidate receives many votes but wins no electoral votes. What feature of the American electoral system contributes to this outcome?
The winner-take-all Electoral College system and single-member districts make it difficult for third parties to win.