American Government
Week 12 District Test
Multiple Choice:
For each of the following, write the letter of the best choice in the space provided.
_____ 1.
In the United States, a political party is made up of a group of people who
A. disagree on how to resolve the basic issues affecting the country.
B. work to control government by getting candidates elected to political offices.
C. work separately to support one major program or policy.
D. support split-ticket voting.
_____ 2.
People who belong to a particular political party choose to do so
A. according to regulations of State law.
B. voluntarily based on personal choice.
C. based on the location of the State in which they live.
D. according to regulations of federal law.
_____ 3.
The two-party system developed in the United States mainly because
A. the Constitution established a democratic government.
B. conflicts about the Constitution created opposing viewpoints.
C. leaders and voters agreed on the existence of two parties.
D. it was voted on and approved by both houses of Congress.
_____ 4.
Which of the following is a sign of weakened political parties?
A. split-ticket voting.
B. straight-ticket voting.
C. newly registered voters.
D. campaigning for party candidates.
_____ 5.
An increasing number of Americans today
A. hold political parties in high regard.
B. vote a straight party line.
C. favor mandatory party membership.
D. identify with neither political party.
_____ 6.
The length of a United States senator’s term is
A. two years.
B. four years.
C. six years.
D. none of the above.
_____ 7.
The Senate is referred to as a continuous body because
A. the length of their term is longer.
B. all of its seats are never up for election at the same time.
C. senators have more power and prestige than members of the House.
D. senators are appointed for life.
Revised: 3-30-08
_____ 8.
As a rule, a greater number of people vote
A. in primary or special elections.
B. in general presidential elections.
C. in off-year elections.
D. for county offices rather than for State offices.
_____ 9.
Disproportionally few members of Congress today
A. are minorities.
B. have college degrees.
C. are white males.
D. are married.
_____ 10. The number of seats in the House of Representatives is set by
A. the Constitution.
B. a nation-wide vote.
C. Congress.
D. the Census Bureau.
_____ 11. More often than not, in off-year elections the party that holds the presidency
A. gains seats in Congress.
B. loses seats in Congress.
C. is not affected by off-year elections.
D. is defeated by third-party candidates.
_____ 12. The United States Congress is bicameral, which means
A. it meets twice a year.
B. it is divided into two houses.
C. it has twice the members of the Senate.
D. it is divided into two parties.
_____ 13. Congressional terms last for two years, and each term
A. is made up of two sessions.
B. has twice the members of the Senate.
C. lasts until a vote of no confidence.
A. is divided into two parties.
_____ 14. Which of the following best describes the concept of limited government?
A. All political power belongs to the people.
B. Government must operate within certain rules established by the people.
C. The people must behave according to rules set by the government.
D. Government is free to use any means to pursue its goals.
_____ 15. The president’s power to veto an act of Congress is an example of
A. judicial review.
B. checks and balances.
C. limited government.
D. popular sovereignty.
Revised: 3-30-08
_____ 16. Which of the following is an example of checks and balances?
A. The U.S. Supreme Court declares that a law is unconstitutional.
B. Power is divided between the National Government and the States.
C. The Senate observes senatorial courtesy.
D. Congress passes a law.
_____ 17. Which of the following is a direct result of the government’s concern about the general welfare of its
citizens?
A. providing an army
B. establishing a state church
C. establishing schools
D. resolving disputes between local governments
_____ 18. The government of the United States is
A. a democracy, federal, and presidential.
B. a dictatorship, unitary, and parliamentary.
C. a democracy, confederate, and parliamentary.
D. a dictatorship, unitary, and presidential.
_____ 19. All of the following are significant reasons for nonvoting in United States elections today EXCEPT
A. widespread use of religious and literacy tests.
B. long term mental or physical illness or illness on election day.
C. rules and regulations that make registration and voting cumbersome.
D. apathy or distrust of politics.
_____ 20. In Congress, screening bills for floor consideration is a major duty of
A. committee members.
B. constituent servants.
C. constituent representatives.
A. lobbyists.
Revised: 3-30-08
American Government Week 12 District Test
Answer Key
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Revised: 3-30-08
B
B
B
A
D
C
B
B
A
C
B
B
A
B
B
A
C
A
A
A