American Government District Semester Exam Questions
1.
Explain how the basic democratic concepts of individual freedom, limited government have and
majority rule have shaped the American economic system and how this system has evolved over
time. (Chapter 1, Section 3)
2.
Identify five examples of checks and balances in our system of government, in doing so identify
both the branch of government that has the check and which branch of government that is
checked. (Chapter 3, Section 1)
3.
Explain how the role of government has expanded with the advent of new technologies. Cite five
examples of how government’s role has expanded as a result of new technologies. (Chapter 20)
4.
Identify two demographic voting groups. Explain for which party each is most to likely to vote
and why. (Chapter 5, Section 2)
5.
Consider the issue of global warming due to increased carbon emissions. Given the role of the
three branches of government, how might each branch—legislative, executive, and judicial—be
involved with this issue. (Chapter 10, Chapter 13, and Chapter 18)
6.
For what reasons must seats in Congress be reapportioned every ten years? (Chapter 10, Sec 2)
7.
Do members of Congress represent a typical cross section of the American people? Why or why
not? (Chapter 10, Section 4)
8.
The roles of the president include (1) Chief of State, (2) Chief Executive, (3) Chief
Administrator, (4) Chief Diplomat, (5) Commander in Chief, (6) Chief Legislator, (7) Chief of
Party, (8) Chief Citizen. Explain the president’s job in fulfilling any five of these roles.
(Chapter 13, Section 1)
9.
Why have some critics called for the repeal of the 22nd Amendment? (Chapter 13, Section 1)
10.
Why is it so important for courts to have the power of judicial review? What famous court case
established the Supreme Court’s right to exercise the power of judicial review?
(Chapter 18, Section 3)
Revised: 7-20-10
American Government District Semester Exam Scoring Rubric

All points are awarded for content only.

Points will be awarded for correct content.

Clearly contradictory content will not be awarded points.

Irrelevant content will not be awarded points.

Acceptable responses my include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
Question 2 (5 points maximum)
Legislative Branch checking Executive Branch
— creates and funds executive branch agencies, departments, and programs
— override presidential veto with 2/3 vote of both houses
— impeachment
— Senate approves treaties and presidential appointments
Legislative Branch checking Judicial Branch
— creates lower courts
— impeachment
— Senate approves or rejects appointment of justices and judges
Executive Branch checking Legislative Branch
— veto legislation
— call special session
— appeal to the people
Executive Branch checking Judicial Branch
— appoints justices
— appoints judges
Judicial Branch checking Legislative Branch
— declare acts of Congress unconstitutional
Judicial Branch checking Executive Branch
— appointed for life
— declare presidential actions unconstitutional
Question 5 (3 points maximum)
The legislative branch (Congress) might pass some bill to regulate or establish some standard
regarding levels of carbon emissions. The legislative branch might hold hearings in committee to
gather information regarding the topic or to conduct oversight of executive department or agency
actions. The executive branch might give an agency or department the power to inspect or regulate
levels of carbon emissions and fine violators. The executive branch (President) might sign or veto a
bill passed by Congress regarding carbon emissions. The judicial branch would be involved only if
someone filed a lawsuit. The Supreme Court would be involved if the lawsuit was between States or if
this lawsuit brings into question the constitutional power of the legislative or executive actions
regarding this matter.
Revised: 7-20-10