TEMPLE COLLEGE
Fall, 1998
GOVT 2301
EXAM #3
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MULTIPLE CHOICE. INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer each of the following multiple
choice questions by marking the letter on your answer sheet that corresponds to the
BEST response. 65 questions/1.54 points each/100 points total.
1. Constitutionally dividing governmental powers between the states and the national
government is referred to as
a. dual legitimacy.
b. egalitarianism.
c. federalism.
d. separation of powers.
2. The Federalists advocated a
a. return to British rule.
b. return to the Articles of Confederation.
c. strong central government and the new Constitution.
d. strong state government system.
3. The Bill of Rights originally limited
a. the power of the central government.
b. the power of the state governments.
c. the rights of the people in each state.
d. both the power of the central government and the state governments.
4. In a unitary system of government, the ultimate government authority is the
a. national or central government. b. state or provincial government.
c. local or city government. d. none of these.
5. In a confederal system of government, the ultimate government authority is the
a. national or central government. b. state or provincial government.
c. local or city government. d. none of these.
6. In a federal political system, power is
a. always vested in a bicameral legislature.
b. shared between the central government and regional governments.
c. bestowed in the central government, with no power being granted to the
constituent governments.
d. concentrated in a unicameral legislature within a strong central government.
7. According to Article I, sec. 8:18 of the Constitution, Congress has the power to make
all laws
a. that it considers to be necessary and proper.
b. that promote the general welfare.
c. that are necessary and proper to carry out the powers expressly delegated to the
national government.
d. that it danged well pleases.
8. What is the constitutional basis for Congress’ implied powers?
a. the concept of checks and balances b. the necessary and proper clause
c. the doctrine of separation of powers d. the supremacy clause
9. The idea that state governments reserve any powers not delegated by the
Constitution to the national government is found in the
a. 10th Amendment. b. Article 1, sec. 8:18. c. Article VI, par. 2.
d. the Preamble.
10. The constitutional provision referred to in question #9 reflects
a. the political philosophy of the Anti-Federalists.
b. the political philosophy of the Federalists.
c. the political philosophy of Alexander Hamilton.
d. the wisdom of preventing politics from affecting constitution-writing.
11. The implied powers of the national government
a. are limited by the decisions of the state governments.
b. are delegated in Article II, section 6.
c. give elasticity to our constitutional system.
d. restrict Congress from passing legislation that is not specifically delegated in the
Constitution.
12. The 10th Amendment states that the powers not delegated to the United States by
the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are
a. the sole authority of Congress.
b. reserved to the central government.
c. reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
d. the sole authority of the executive branch.
13. In McCulloch v Maryland (1819), Chief Justice John Marshall argued that
a. the Constitution was highly specific and mentioned all permissible powers of
Congress.
b. the states can countermand an act of Congress if the act isn’t based on any
specific grant of authority in the Constitution.
c. the necessary and proper clause was irrelevant to the case.
d. Congress has the power to enact laws, which are necessary and proper to carry
out its expressly delegated powers.
14. A basic principle upheld in McCulloch v Maryland is that
1. the powers of the national government come from the states.
2. the national government has powers in addition to those expressly enumerated in
the Constitution.
3. the powers of the national government must be strictly limited to those expressly
enumerated in the Constitution.
4. ultimate political sovereignty rests with the states.
5. the national government has the power to do anything it wants.
a. 1 and 4 b. 2 and 5 c. 2 only d. 3, 4, and 5
15. When Chief Justice Roger Taney wrote (in Dred Scott v Sanford, 1857) that the
Constitution “speaks not only in the same words, but with the same meaning and
same intent as when it came from the hands of the framers,” he was
1. interpreting the Constitution broadly.
2. interpreting the Constitution flexibly.
3. interpreting the Constitution strictly.
4. reflecting his Federalist political philosophy.
5. reflecting his Democratic-Republican political philosophy.
a. 1 and 4 b. 2 and 5 c. 3 and 5 d. 1, 2, and 4
16. According to the authors of your AMERICAN GOVERNMENT text, in the case of
MCCULLOCH V MARYLAND, strict constructionists contended that
a. Congress had the power to establish a national bank.
b. Congress can do whatever is needed in a time of crisis.
c. the national government is supreme and can act for the good and welfare of the
public.
d. the national government had only those powers expressly delegated by the
Constitution.
17. According to the authors of your AMERICAN GOVERNMENT text, in the case of
MCCULLOCH V MARYLAND, broad constructionists contended that
a. Congress is limited in its use of power to those powers that are expressly
mentioned in the Constitution.
b. Congress did not have the power to establish the Bank of the United States.
c. Congress had passed legislation that violated the Constitution, and therefore the
Supreme Court must declare the law unconstitutional.
d. none of these.
18. The authors of your AMERICAN GOVERNMENT text contend that the Civil War, which
was brought about in large part because of the South’s desire for increased powers
for the states, resulted in
a. an increase in the political power of the national government.
b. a compromise that allowed states to increase their powers in certain areas.
c. more state control of economic regulation.
d. an attempt to create a league of friendship of Northern states.
19. Which provision declares the supremacy of the Constitution and all laws made in
pursuance of the Constitution?
a. Article I b. Article II c. Article VI, par. 2 d. 10th Amendment
20. Roger Taney’s interpretation of federalism assumed
a. states’ right to secede from the Union.
b. federal and state laws affected each other as co-equals; that the national
government and the states were “dual sovereign.”
c. concurrent national and state control over education.
d. southern states’ right to maintain slavery.
21. The national government’s power to declare war, to regulate interstate commerce,
and to coin money are examples of ____________ delegated powers.
a. implied b. inherent
c. expressly d. reserved
22. Opponents of the Constitution in the late 1780s demanded inclusion of the Bill of
Rights because they feared abuse of power by
a. the national government. b. the state governments. c. local governments.
d. government at all levels.
23. According to the authors of your AMERICAN GOVERNMENT text and in-class
discussions, the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution means that
a. the original Constitution is superior to any amendment.
b. the original states have a superior status than those created after 1789.
c. states cannot use their reserved powers to thwart legitimate national laws.
d. Congress cannot pass legislation that would contravene state laws.
24. The doctrine of nullification is usually attributed to
a. Hamilton. b. Madison. c. Jefferson. d. Calhoun.
25. Which prominent 19th century doctrine assumed that individual states could declare
a law made by Congress void within its borders?
a. the Monroe Doctrine b. dual federalism c. nullification d. national federalism
26. In the case MISSOURI V HOLLAND [1920], the Supreme Court ruled that the act of
Congress establishing closed hunting seasons and other rules was
a. constitutional because the justices were conservationists and believed that it
was the government’s duty to protect endangered species.
b. unconstitutional because the Constitution does not specifically delegate these
powers to Congress and are therefore powers that are reserved to the states.
c. constitutional because the Constitution gives Congress the power to make any
laws it believes are “necessary and proper” for the nation.
d. constitutional because the Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws
that are “necessary and proper” to give effect to the president’s treaty-making
power.
27. The idea that government can be used as a “positive tool” to address social,
economic, and other concerns facing a community is MOST consistent with which of
Elazar’s three culture types?
a. moralistic b. individualistic c. traditionalistic d. liberal
28. According to Elazar, which culture types are apparent in Texas?
1. moralistic 2. individualistic 3. traditionalistic 4. liberal 5. conservatism
a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 1, 2, and 3 d. 2, 3, 4, and 5
29. Elazar explains geographical patterns of culture types in terms of immigration.
Given Texas’ dominant culture type, from where is it reasonable to conclude that
most of the state’s early Anglo-American settlers came?
a. Europe b. the American South c. England d. New England
30. Which of the following would be consistent with a traditional political culture?
a. high levels of voter turnout b. high levels of benefits in welfare programs
c. strong third parties d. none of these
31. Which of the following is given the highest priority in an individualistic political
culture?
a. economic development b. quality of life values c. helping the poor
d. none of these
32. Which of the following statements correctly characterizes the fiscal dilemma of the
American federal system through much of the 20th century?
a. The burdens of government are mainly at the state and local levels while the
bounties of government are mainly at the national level.
b. The burdens of government are mainly at the national level while the bounties of
government are mainly at the state and local levels.
c. The national level has taken up the burdens of government while public opinion
indicates that the national government should stay out of local concerns.
d. The national government has refused to assist state and local governments in
dealing with substantial burdens.
33. According to the authors of your AMERICAN GOVERNMENT text, federal grants
that provide funds to state and local governments for fairly narrow, specific purposes
are _______________ grants.
a. block b. categorical c. discretionary d. revenue sharing
34. Which type of program gives local governments the most discretion over how to
spend federal grant money?
a. categorical b. block c. formula d. revenue sharing
35. According to the authors of your AMERICAN GOVERNMENT text, recent examples
of federal mandates include
a. minimum water purity requirements for specific localities.
b. minimum prison sentencing for specific crimes.
c. access for the disabled to public buildings.
d. all of the above.
36. Since Texas became a state of the United States in 1845, Texans have been
governed by five constitutions. Voters in ratified the constitution currently in effect
a. 1975 b. 1869 c. 1876 d. 1961
37. According to the authors of TEXAS POLITICS TODAY, constitutions should be written to
a. establish major governing institutions. b. assign governmental powers.
c. limit governmental power. d. all of these.
38. Which of the following best describes the Texas Constitution of 1876?
a. short b. general c. frequently amended. d. all of the above.
39. The 1876 Texas Constitution is
a. statute-like. b. well organized.
c. brief.
d. all of the above.
40. The 1876 Texas Constitution established an executive branch, which is
a. singular. b. plural. c. strongly centralized. d. all of the above.
41. Since 1876, the Texas Constitution has been amended approximately _____ times.
a. 25 b. 100 c. 250 d. 370+
42. Annual salaries for members of the Texas legislature are
a. $7,200.
b. set in the state’s constitution.
c. supplemented by a per diem allowance when the legislature is in session.
d. all of the above.
43. Given the feature(s) of Texas legislative salaries indicated in question #42, which of
the following are likely outcomes?
1. The membership of the legislature reflects a cross-section of the state’s
population in general.
2. Members of the legislature can secretly vote themselves a pay raise.
3. The Texas legislature has become one of the most professional legislative bodies
in the United States.
4. The primary incentive for running for the legislature is the salary.
5. Lawyers and persons who own their own businesses tend to be underrepresented in the legislature because the salary is too low to justify taking time
away from their primary professions.
a. all of the above. b. 1, 2, and 3 c. 1, 2, 3, and 4 d. none of the above
44. Amending the Texas Constitution requires
a. a 2/3 vote of both chambers of the legislature to propose the amendment and a
simple majority vote of the people to ratify.
b. a simple majority vote of both chambers of the legislature to propose the
amendment and a 2/3 vote of the people to ratify.
c. a finding by the United States Supreme Court that the amendment does not
contradict any provisions of the United States Constitution.
d. none of these.
45. Which philosophy expresses faith in the ability of “common persons” to be involved
in the affairs of government?
a. Jeffersonian/Jacksonian republicanism b. Jeffersonian/Jacksonian democracy
c. Hamiltonian/Madisonian republicanism d. Hamiltonian/Madisonian democracy
46. Which philosophy is the United States Constitution based on?
a. Jeffersonian/Jacksonian republicanism b. Jeffersonian/Jacksonian democracy
c. Hamiltonian/Madisonian republicanism d. Hamiltonian/Madisonian democracy
47. Which philosophy is the Texas Constitution based on?
a. Jeffersonian/Jacksonian republicanism b. Jeffersonian/Jacksonian democracy
c. Hamiltonian/Madisonian republicanism d. Hamiltonian/Madisonian democracy
48. Which of the following features of the Texas Constitution illustrates the philosophy
indicated by the correct answer to question #47?
a. constitutional referenda b. appointment of state judges
c. centralized executive power d. open-ended legislative sessions
49. According to the authors of TEXAS POLITICS TODAY, the 1875 constitutional
convention of Texas was dominated by
a. Republicans. b. Democrats. c. labor unions. d. minorities.
50. Which of the following best describes the Texas executive branch?
a. centralized b. decentralized c. led by a strong governor
d. similar to the U.S. presidency
51. The current Texas constitution provides a judiciary which
a. is appointed.
b. has one state supreme court.
c. uses partisan elections to elect state judges.
d. uses non-partisan elections to elect state judges.
52. Under the Texas constitution, county governments are organizationally
a. flexible. b. rigid. c. undefined. d. proscribed.
53. State elections on constitutional amendments often draw a turnout of about
a. 1%. c. 10%. c. 35%. d. 50%.
54. Several amendments to the Texas constitution were proposed in 1975. According to
the authors of TEXAS POLITICS TODAY, these amendments would have accomplished
all of the following EXCEPT
a. shortened the constitution by nearly 75%.
b. eliminated much of the statutory “deadwood.”
c. allowed semi-annual legislative sessions.
d. The 1975 amendments would have done none of these things.
55. According to the authors of TEXAS POLITICS TODAY, a lasting legacy of Governor E.J.
Davis is
a. trust in the governor’s office.
b. distrust in the governor’s office.
c. a positive view of Reconstruction.
d. a liberal Republican Party in Texas.
56. During Reconstruction, the political process in Texas characterized by
a. segregationist racial policies.
b. frugal state spending.
c. Republican Party dominance.
d. all of the above.
57. According to the author of the web article, “Republic of Texas’ Facts, Goals, and
Tactics Are Highly Questionable,” constitutions are ultimately political documents, as
well as legal documents, because
a. Politicians write them.
b. they reflect a consensus among members of a political community about how
they want to organize their governmental affairs.
c. they “legalize” or condone corrupt activities by elected officials.
d. none of these.
58. According to the author of the web article, “Republic of Texas’ Facts, Goals, and
Tactics Are Highly Questionable,” the Republic of Texas’s argument that Texas was
illegally annexed by the United States in 1845 is incorrect and irrelevant because
a. the United States may annex new territory even though the U.S. Constitution
does not specifically give the government that authority.
b. Texans in the 1840s sought to be annexed by the United States; they were not
annexed against their will.
c. generations of Texans since 1845 have behaved as American citizens.
d. all of these.
59. The referendum is
a. a method used by lawyers to avoid the state court system.
b. only used at the national level, and only when 2/3 of both houses of Congress
agree on an issue.
c. a proposal by the state legislature that is submitted to the voters of a state for
their approval or rejection.
d. another term used to describe the long ballot.
60. In the council-manager plan of municipal government,
a. the council has legislative powers and the mayor has executive powers.
b. the city council appoints a professional, who acts as the chief executive.
c. the city manager is responsible for selecting members of the executive council.
d. only the state legislature can remove the city manager.
61. In the mayor-council plan of municipal government, the
a. mayor is elected as chief executive officer and the council is elected as the
legislative body.
b. mayor has virtually an unlimited amount of power.
c. the mayor selects council.
d. city must petition the state legislature for school administrators and teachers.
62. The form of municipal government in which the council acts as a policy-making body
and hires a chief administrator for the city is _______________ form.
a. strong mayor-council b. weak mayor-council c. council manager
d. commission
63. According to the author of the article “Who Pays for Sports Stadiums? The Politics
of Local Taxes,” the phenomenon in which local municipal governments use taxes
that will be paid largely by non-residents of the city is known as
a. tax evasion. b. tax “bumping” c. tax exportation. d. none of these.
64. According to the author of the article “Who Pays for Sports Stadiums? The Politics
of Local Taxes,” which of the following taxes do local political leaders see as
possible “candidates” for the phenomenon described by the answer to question #63?
a. hotel/motel tax b. local sales tax c. car rental tax d. all of these
65. According to the author of the article “Who Pays for Sports Stadiums? The Politics
of Local Taxes,” why has the phenomenon described by the answer to #63 become
so important in local politics?
a. local politicians want the residents of their cities to understand the full costs of city
services.
b. city governments do not have the authority under the state constitution to impose
taxes on their own residents.
c. In an era of “tight” budgets for city governments, politicians look for ways to
provide their residents with the services the voters want without incurring the
political liabilities that come with raising the voters’ taxes.
d. none of these.