Contemporary American Political Issues
Final Test Solutions
Course Introduction
This course explores the major political challenges and debates shaping the United States today, examining topics such as polarization, electoral reforms, civil rights, immigration, healthcare, economic inequality, and environmental policy. Through the analysis of current events, legislation, court decisions, and political movements, students gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic forces influencing American democracy. The course encourages critical thinking about the causes and consequences of these issues and their implications for the future of American society and governance.
Recommended Textbook
Government By the People 2014 Elections and Updates Edition 25th Edition by David
Available Study Resources on Quizplus
18 Chapters
1918 Verified Questions
1918 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/1585
Page 2
B. Magleby
Chapter 1: Constitutional Democracy
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
54 Verified Questions
54 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31467
Sample Questions
Q1) Explain the difference between majority rule and plurality rule.
Answer: An ideal response will:
1.Note that majority rule requires that the candidate or party that wins more than half of the votes wins the election.
2.Explain that plurality rule requires that the candidate or party with the most votes wins the election.The winner may not have a majority of votes.Democracies often function under plurality rule rather than majority rule.
Q2) Many of our political values come together in the __________,a complex set of ideas that holds that the United States is a land of opportunity where individual initiative and hard work can bring economic success.
Answer: American dream
Q3) The __________ Compromise was a setback for the large states,which agreed to it only when the smaller states made it clear this was their price for union.
Answer: Connecticut
Q4) Initiatives and referendums are not permitted in all states.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 3
Chapter 2: Constitutional Foundations
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
107 Verified Questions
107 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31468
Sample Questions
Q1) When the Constitution was adopted,it granted judges the power of judicial review.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q2) Partisanship is a strong allegiance to one's own political party,often leading to unwillingness to compromise.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) Recent political science research indicates that a divided system of government leads to which of the following when compared to other systems of government?
A)a stronger economy
B)more political corruption
C)more protests
D)better performance
Answer: D
Q4) The __________ Amendment gave some former slaves the right to vote.
Answer: Fifteenth
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 4
Chapter 3: American Federalism
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
109 Verified Questions
109 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31469
Sample Questions
Q1) Prior to the ratification of the Constitution,the 13 states were governed by the Articles of __________.
A)Confederation
B)Federalism
C)Independence
D)Unity
Answer: A
Q2) The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is based on preemption.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) The power of both the state and federal governments to levy taxes is an example of
A)layer-cake federalism
B)marble-cake federalism
C)devolution
D)a mandate
Answer: B
Q4) The power to create post offices is reserved for the __________.
Answer: national government
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 5
Chapter 4: The American Political Landscape
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31470
Sample Questions
Q1) In the 1960s,southern segregationists used the creed of __________ to justify their views.
A)states' rights
B)manifest destiny
C)American exceptionalism
D)equal opportunity
Q2) Four of five people in the United States now live in suburban areas.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Define race and ethnicity and provide examples of groups in your city or community that fit these definitions.
Q4) Explain how geography affects politics in the United States.Be sure to include specific illustrations of the differences among regions/areas and the reasons for the political choices of voters in those places.
Q5) Gays and lesbians constitute between __________ percent of the U.S.population.
A)1 and 3
B)2 and 5
C)2 and 10
D)5 and 15
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 6
Chapter 5: Interest Groups
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31471
Sample Questions
Q1) How has union leadership changed since the mid-20 century?
A)It has become more powerful.
B)It has become less consolidated.
C)It has become weaker.
D)It has become less ideological.
Q2) Which of the following raise money from individuals and then distribute it in the form of contributions to political candidates?
A)527 organizations
B)coordinating committees
C)501(c)3 organizations
D)political action committees
Q3) You are the leader of a consumer rights group that has been unable to get a meeting with its elected representative in Congress.How could you get the attention of your legislator on the issues your group cares about?
A)Organize a demonstration in the representative's district and invite the media.
B)File an amicus curiae brief.
C)Draft a bill and introduce it in Congress.
D)Contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
7
Chapter 6: Political Parties
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31472
Sample Questions
Q1) Party platforms are ratified at national party conventions.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Crossover voting is permitted in what type of primary?
A)a direct primary
B)a closed primary
C)an open primary
D)a partisan primary
Q3) Describe the three major functions of political parties.
Q4) How does the American two-party system facilitate or hinder democracy? Compare the U.S.electoral system to multiparty systems.How did the American electoral system arise,and who has manipulated it? Offer an analysis of the potential for realistic prodemocratic change in the U.S.electoral system.
Q5) Minor parties have played a more important role in the United States than in virtually any other democratic nation and have become even more important.
A)True
B)False
Q6) Hispanics are increasingly identifying with the _________ party.
Q7) Briefly assess whether dealignment in the party system has actually occurred.
Page 8
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 7: Public Opinion, ideology, participation, and Voting
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31473
Sample Questions
Q1) Gabriel is a white middle-class father of two,who works as a librarian in the public library system of a large city in the American West.He is 57 years old.Although Gabriel is generally inclined to support Democratic candidates whose policies provide an economic safety net for those hardest hit by recessions,he will occasionally vote Republican or as an Independent.He is especially concerned about equal access to health care and is inclined to support more aggressive measures to protect the environment from careless polluters.In terms of political ideology,how is Gabriel likely to self-classify himself?
A)conservative
B)liberal
C)extremely liberal
D)non-ideological
Q2) Social conservatives focus less on economics and more on morality and lifestyle.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Political socialization is a process that continues throughout our lives.
A)True
B)False
Q4) As a group,African Americans vote ___________ than Caucasians,although this is beginning to change.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 9
Chapter 8: Campaigns and Elections
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31474
Sample Questions
Q1) According to political scientist Gary Jacobson,coattail effects are __________.
A)large and unusual
B)modest and predictable
C)erratic and modest
D)large and predictable
Q2) What does it mean for the party leadership to "clear the field" in campaigns?
A)to the purge the voter rolls of people who are ineligible to vote
B)to discourage some candidates from running while endorsing a preferred candidate
C)to discourage minor parties from running candidates in the general election
D)to discourage the opposing campaign from running negative ads
Q3) The constitutional amendment limiting presidents to two terms was adopted in
A)1791
B)1865
C)1920
D)1951
Q4) A __________ is a person chosen by local partisans to represent them in selecting nominees,party leaders,and party positions.
Q5) Describe two early steps a candidate must take when running for Congress.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 10
Chapter 9: The Media and Uspolitics
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31475
Sample Questions
Q1) The growth of the Internet has led to fragmentation of media audiences.
A)True
B)False
Q2) The __________ is an independent regulatory agency charged with licensing television and radio stations.
A)EPA
B)FDA
C)FCC
D)FED
Q3) What television network provides uninterrupted coverage of congressional deliberations and presidential nominating conventions?
A)CNN
B)C-SPAN
C)MSNBC
D)CBS
Q4) For a potential candidate,looking and sounding good on television are increasingly important.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 11
Chapter 10: Congress
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31476
Sample Questions
Q1) In the face of inaction by House membership,a discharge petition signed by a majority can force a bill out of a committee and to the floor.
A)True
B)False
Q2) The Constitution specifies that the presiding officer of the Senate is the vice president;however,the __________ presides in the vice president's absence.
Q3) Appropriations committees help determine the programs that will be funded,while authorizations committees determine the amount of monies to be distributed.
A)True
B)False
Q4) What can be inferred from a district in which one party has a clear majority of voters?
A)An open seat is likely.
B)A safe seat is likely.
C)Reapportionment is likely.
D)Strong challengers are likely.
Q5) __________ is the counterpart to the majority leader in the House opposition party.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 12
Chapter 11: The Presidency
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
109 Verified Questions
109 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31477
Sample Questions
Q1) Historically,presidents begin their terms of office with higher approval ratings and tend to lose popularity over time.
A)True
B)False
Q2) One factor that has affected presidents' use of signing statements in recent decades is __________.
A)the decline in the number of bills passed by Congress
B)the ban on riders
C)the decline in public approval of Congress
D)the expansion of presidents' inherent powers
Q3) Which of the following statements best characterizes the nature of the conflict between presidents and Congress?
A)The conflict is a by-product of the weakening of American political parties.
B)The conflict is integral to the design of the Constitution,deliberately intended by its authors.
C)The conflict is a by-product of the recent polarization of the American party system.
D)The conflict is a by-product solely of divided government.
Q4) Explain how presidents can check judicial power.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 13
Chapter 12: The Federal Bureaucracy and the Public Policy Process
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31478
Sample Questions
Q1) How does the president exercise control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy?
A)by confirming federal appointees
B)by nominating federal appointees
C)by signing executive agreements
D)by creating or abolishing agencies
Q2) Distinguish between independent agencies and independent regulatory commissions.Be sure to provide examples of each.
Q3) One purpose of the Administrative Procedure Act is to __________.
A)ensure opportunities for public participation in the rule-making process
B)give federal agencies greater discretion in the rule-making process
C)streamline bureaucratic activities in the rule-making process
D)give the president greater control over the rule-making process
Q4) What factors might contribute to inefficiencies within the federal bureaucracy?
Q5) Define and give an example of a government corporation.Why are some services provided by government corporations rather than by traditional departments or agencies?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 14
Q6) How much has diversity increased in the federal workforce in the last 50 years? How diverse is the workforce now? How might the federal bureaucracy increase its diversity?
Chapter 13: The Judiciary: the Balancing Branch
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31479
Sample Questions
Q1) How do President Obama's judicial nominees compare to those of past presidents?
A)Obama's nominees are more likely to have advanced law degrees.
B)Obama's nominees are more likely to be male.
C)Obama's nominees tend to be slightly younger.
D)Obama's nominees tend to be slightly older.
Q2) The list of potential cases that reach the Supreme Court is called the __________.
Q3) If North Dakota sues South Dakota,the case will be heard by the __________.
Q4) The president and the Senate often appoint justices whose decisions reflect their values.
A)True
B)False
Q5) When the U.S.Supreme Court agrees to hear a case appealed to it from a circuit court,it is exercising its __________ jurisdiction.
A)original
B)constitutional
C)mandatory
D)appellate
Q6) What are the opposing viewpoints regarding diversifying the federal judiciary?
Q7) Describe the role of senatorial courtesy in presidential judicial appointments.
Page 15
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 14: Civil Liberties
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31480
Sample Questions
Q1) The USA PATRIOT Act expands an exception found in which amendment to allow spying?
A)First
B)Second
C)Fourth
D)Fifth
Q2) Explain the difference between procedural and substantive due process.
Q3) What did the National Research Council conclude in its examination of the death penalty?
A)that the death penalty has no impact on the incidence of violent crime
B)that the costs associated with the death penalty outweigh the benefits
C)that the death penalty has a small,but significant deterrent effect
D)that the studies examining the death penalty's deterrent effect are flawed
Q4) The establishment clause was created,in part,as a reaction to which of these?
A)Native American principles
B)French civil law
C)the English legal system
D)Spanish jurisprudence
Q5) Yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater is a classic example of speech that creates a
16
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 15: Civil Rights
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31481
Sample Questions
Q1) The case of Fisher v.Texas concerned which of the following?
A)the use of race as a factor in college admissions
B)sexual harassment in the workplace
C)same-sex marriage
D)accessibility of facilities to people with disabilities
Q2) What was the basis for the Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v.Ferguson (1896)that upheld the constitutionality of a state law requiring segregated railroad facilities?
A)Former slaves are not entitled to full citizenship rights because they did not immigrate to the United States willingly.
B)The Constitution does not prohibit segregation;it only mandates equal protection under the law.
C)Railroad transportation involves interstate commerce,which is regulated by Congress;there is no provision in federal law that prohibits segregation.
D)Each state has the right to interpret the Constitution as it sees fit,as long as the interpretation is "reasonable and without malice."
Q3) Explain how the Constitution's protections of civil rights and liberties apply to noncitizens.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 17
Chapter 16: Making Economic Policy
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
109 Verified Questions
109 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31482
Sample Questions
Q1) What is the purpose of deregulation in the American political economy?
A)Deregulation seeks to increase the political power of labor unions.
B)Deregulation seeks to increase the power of large economic monopolies.
C)Deregulation seeks to remove inefficient barriers in the collection of taxes.
D)Deregulation seeks to remove inefficient barriers to productivity and growth.
Q2) Discuss the historical trend of regulation in the United States.Why do we regulate the economy and economic sectors,and are there any associated costs? Should the United States continue the identified trend? Why or why not?
Q3) The cost of borrowing money is directly linked to the interest rate a bank's best customers receive on short-term loans,or the __________.
A)the federal funds rate
B)the prime rate
C)the fixed rate
D)the adjustable rate
Q4) Which of the following is true of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?
A)It failed to create jobs.
B)It created millions of jobs,but at a high cost per job.
C)It is widely credited with helping the economy out of recession.
D)It failed to stimulate investment.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 18
Chapter 17: Making Social Policy
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31483
Sample Questions
Q1) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a social insurance program.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Which of the following is true of the Affordable Care Act,colloquially known as Obamacare?
A)It creates a new government-run health insurance policy.
B)It provides universal coverage to all Americans.
C)It creates new legal protections for doctors against medical malpractice lawsuits.
D)It requires Americans who are not covered to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.
Q3) Southern states tend to be more generous with their social insurance policies because they have a greater number of people in poverty.
A)True
B)False
Q4) __________ is a broad-ranging term that applies to a number of programs designed to assist groups who may lack resources,such as the poor.
Q5) Medicare is designed to help the __________ population.
Q6) How is the federal government involved in health care? Why is this the case?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 19
Chapter 18: Making Foreign and Defense Policy
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
110 Verified Questions
110 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/31484
Sample Questions
Q1) What is the primary factor driving U.S.foreign policy in Iran and North Korea?
A)the goal of developing trade relations
B)retaliation for the September 11 terrorist attacks
C)the goal of promoting democracy
D)the threat the countries pose to the United States
Q2) During the Cold War,the notion of __________ kept both the United States and the Soviet Union from using their nuclear weapons,but also kept each on constant alert in case the other dared to act first.
A)mutual active deterrence
B)multilateral accord doctrine
C)mutual assured destruction
D)military action detonation
Q3) The use of a blend of propaganda techniques and modern information warfare to cast an enemy into a less favorable light,mold the public image of a conflict,and clarify the goals of U.S.foreign policy is called __________ diplomacy.
Q4) The Joint Chiefs of Staff serve as advisers to the president on military policy.
A)True
B)False
Q5) The use of __________ was instrumental in getting South Africa to end apartheid.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 20