Pre-AP Political Science Mid-Term Exam
KEY TERMS
Constitution
executive power
parliamentary government presidential government
Anti-Federalists
boycott
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
English Bill of Rights
Federalists
separación de poderes
representative government
Petition of Right
charter colonies
proprietary colonies
amendment
checks and balances
constitutionalism
rule of law
separation of powers
concurrent powers
exclusive powers
reserved powers
act of admission
grants-in-aid program
inherent powers
Privileges and Immunities Clause
political party
major parties
split-ticket voting
precinct
economic protest parties
consensus
splinter party
one-party system
electorate
poll tax
preclearance
political efficacy
gerrymandering
split-ticket voting.
coattail effect
runoff primary
blanket primary
closed primary
unitary government
legislative power
Connecticut Compromise
Magna Carta
Virginia Plan
Articles of Confederation
Bill of Rights
article
block grant
revenue sharing
extradition
enabling act
coalition
minor party
pluralistic society
two-party system
minor party
literacy
independent
nomination
polling place
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
What does the Preamble do?
Locke, Harrington, Hobbes, and Rousseau have what in common?
The theory underlying modern democracies was developed to challenge what which
prevailing idea?
The dominant political unit in the world today is the what?
A federal government is one in which does what?
The four characteristics of a state?
The Internet seems especially suited to satisfy which of these needs in a democracy?
Name the major themes in the Declaration of Independence?
Which feature did the State constitutions and the Articles of Confederation have in
common?
Which of these State constitutions is the oldest and still in force today?
Where was George Washing inaugurated?
The government set up by the Articles of Confederation had what problems?
What was the major achievement of the Second Continental Congress?
With the words, "We the People," the Constitution establishes its authority on the basis of
which principle?
Describe the concept of limited government?
How do you formally add an amendment?
The basic constitutional rights of the people were FIRST set out in what?
Name two concurrent powers.
An enabling act directs any area desiring Statehood by having the state do what?
Name three expressed power of the National Government?
Citizens who commit a crime in one State and then flee to another State to escape
prosecution are to be what?
returned to the original State under
The Constitution requires the National Government to guarantee each state has what?
Who were the Federalist?
In the past, some States limited voting rights by doing what?
The phenomenon in which fewer votes are cast for offices farther down the ballot is
called what?
What are significant reasons for nonvoting in United States elections?
The term political socialization can be defined….
People with no sense of political efficacy don’t do what?
The oldest form of the nominating process in the United States is what?
The most costly item in a typical campaign budget today is?
Essay
1) Two broad purposes of American government—insuring domestic tranquility and
securing the blessings of liberty—sometimes come into conflict. Considering this, do you
agree or disagree with Benjamin Franklin's view: "They that can give up essential liberty
to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"? Explain your
reasons.
2) The text states, "America has a two-party system because America has a two-party
system." Give evidence to explain and support the meaning of this statement. What is the
alternative to a two party system? Explain the evolution of political parties through
American history.
3) The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution. These basic rights
are the foundation for our freedoms. Explain how the Bill of Rights was conceived. Who
were the largest voices demanding a Bill of Right throughout the ratification process?
What historical documents were used to guide our young legislative body in the creating
of these first 10 Amendments?
EXTRA:
Make sure you know the entire CONSTUTION and facts from your Founding Father’s
book.