Test Bank for American Government 12th Edition by OConnor  Multiple-Choice Questions How does the Preamble to the Constitution begin? a “We the People…” b “We hold these truths to be self-evident…” c “When in the Course of human events…” d “In Order to form a more perfect Union…” Answer: a Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.1.1 Topic: Roots of American Government: We the People Learning Objective: LO 1.1: Trace the origins of American government Page Reference: Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy What was the most common initial reason for settlement in North America by the first colonists? a family reunification b religious freedom c flight from diseases rampaging through Europe d commerce Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.1.2 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Topic: Roots of American Government: We the People Learning Objective: LO 1.1: Trace the origins of American government Page Reference: Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate In a direct democracy, decisions are made collectively by citizens using a indirect democracy b majority rule c enlightened representatives d trustee representatives Answer: b Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.3 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate The ancient Greeks considered representative government to be a nearly perfect b a natural right c aristocratic d undemocratic Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.4 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy Indirect democracy uses which of the following? a plebiscites b unanimity © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved c representation d “mob rule” Answer: c Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.5 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate What are republics? a representative democracies b direct democracies c a hallmark of direct democracy d forms of government frequently found in totalitarian regimes Answer: a Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.6 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy In an oligarchy, rule is by which of the following? a the many in their self-interest b a few people in their self-interest c one person in the best interest of society d the many in the best interest of society Answer: b Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.7 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved 8 Which function of government stated in the Preamble is consistent with the notion of having government-provided police protection? a establishing justice b securing the blessings of liberty c promoting the general welfare d ensuring domestic tranquility Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.3.8 Topic: Functions of American Government Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Explain the functions of American government Page Reference: Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate Which of the following expanded Americans’ conceptions of personal liberty? a indirect democracy b the Fourteenth Amendment c the American Dream d political ideology Answer: b Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.4.9 Topic: American Political Culture and the Basic Tenets of American Democracy Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Describe American political culture, and identify the basic tenets of American democracy Page Reference: Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 10 The idea that governments draw legitimacy and power from the governed is referred to as which of the following? a majority rule b direct democracy c capitalism d popular consent Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.4.10 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Topic: American Political Culture and the Basic Tenets of American Democracy Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Describe American political culture, and identify the basic tenets of American democracy Page Reference: 10 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 11 Which of the following is the doctrine that society should be governed by certain ethical principles that are part of nature and can be understood by reason? a ethical law b contract law c natural law d Newton’s law Answer: c Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.4.11 Topic: American Political Culture and the Basic Tenets of American Democracy Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Describe American political culture, and identify the basic tenets of American democracy Page Reference: 10 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 12 The Framers agreed that the new nation had to be founded on notions of which of the following? a economic equality b aristocracy c racial equality d religious freedom Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.4.12 Topic: American Political Culture and the Basic Tenets of American Democracy Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Describe American political culture, and identify the basic tenets of American democracy Page Reference: 10 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved 13 How many citizens did the Constitution initially mandate that each member of the House of Representatives should represent? a 30,000 b 60,000 c 100,000 d 130,000 Answer: a Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.13 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 11 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 14 In general, which of the following is true about the U.S population? a It is mostly under the age of thirty b It is getting older c It is becoming more homogeneous d It is becoming more Christian Answer: b Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.14 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 12, 14 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 15 What percentage of Americans are immigrants? a 0.7 percent b percent c percent d 15 percent Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.15 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Page Reference: 12 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 16 Which accurately compares Southerners to Northerners? a Northerners are more religious b Northerners are more likely to favor states’ rights c Southerners are more in favor of civil rights d Southerners are more likely to favor downsizing the federal government Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.16 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 14 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult 17 Approximately what percentage of children live in a household with both parents? a 40 percent b 50 percent c 60 percent d 70 percent Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.17 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 15 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 18 Based on the average age of the state’s population, which issue would you expect to be least important to voters in Florida, which has the oldest state population in the U.S.? a Social Security b Medicare c public education d prescription drug costs © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Answer: c Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.18 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 14 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 19 Which of the following public policies would social conservatives be most likely to support? a decreasing defense spending b prohibiting any references to God or religion on money or government buildings c restricting abortions d regulating the banking and financial sectors Answer: c Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.19 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Difficult 20 Members of which of the following groups are most likely to be social conservatives? a evangelical Protestants b African Americans c the elderly d single mothers Answer: a Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.20 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 21 Which of the following is a true statement about liberals? © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved a They believe individuals should look to churches and other social service organizations for assistance b They are more likely to vote Republican than Democratic c They generally favor government intervention to promote equality d They seek to end costly welfare programs Answer: c Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.21 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult 22 Which of the following is a true statement about moderates? a They created the Tea Party movement b They comprise over half of the U.S population c They largely support an overhaul of the welfare system d They believe that a centrist approach to politics is best Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.22 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 19 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 23 Over time, Americans’ expectations of government have generally a increased b decreased c been related to national defense d been related to foreign policy Answer: a Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.7.23 Topic: Toward Reform: People and Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.7: Characterize changes in Americans’ attitudes toward and expectations of government © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Page Reference: 19 – 20 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Moderate 24 Americans’ confidence in government institutions in the United States has a remained stagnant over time b generally increased c generally decreased d fluctuated considerably depending on who is in office Answer: c Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.7.24 Topic: Toward Reform: People and Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.7: Characterize changes in Americans’ attitudes toward and expectations of government Page Reference: 20 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 25 Americans generally have the lowest levels of confidence in which of the following institutions? a the press b business and industry c the executive branch d Congress Answer: d Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.7.25 Topic: Toward Reform: People and Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.7: Characterize changes in Americans’ attitudes toward and expectations of government Page Reference: 20 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 26 Which of the following was expected of the federal government 200 years ago? a regulating business b providing national defense c providing poverty relief d inspecting food 10 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Answer: b Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.7.26 Topic: Toward Reform: People and Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.7: Characterize changes in Americans’ attitudes toward and expectations of government Page Reference: 19 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate  True-False Questions 27 Indigenous peoples had been living in North America for more than 30,000 years before the arrival of the first European colonists Answer: TRUE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.1.27 Topic: Roots of American Government: We the People Learning Objective: LO 1.1: Trace the origins of American government Page Reference: Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 28 Monarchy is a type of government that Aristotle considered rule by “tyranny.” Answer: FALSE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.28 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 29 Many colonists were uncomfortable with the term democracy because it conjured up fears of the people and mob rule Answer: TRUE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.29 Topic: Types of Government 11 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 30 Conservatives tend to want the government to respond quickly to societal changes Answer: FALSE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.30 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Difficult 31 Over the years, our attitudes about personal liberty have remained unchanged Answer: FALSE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.4.31 Topic: American Political Culture and the Basic Tenets of American Democracy Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Describe American political culture, and identify the basic tenets of American democracy Page Reference: Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 32 The elderly often vote against programs favored by younger voters; younger voters often vote against programs favored by the elderly Answer: TRUE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.32 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 14 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 33 Large numbers of nonvoters can threaten democratic legitimacy 12 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Answer: TRUE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.4.33 Topic: American Political Culture and the Basic Tenets of American Democracy Learning Objective: LO 1.4: Describe American political culture, and identify the basic tenets of American democracy Page Reference: 10 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 34 Fewer Americans consider themselves to be liberal than to be conservative Answer: TRUE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.34 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 35 The Framers did not envision that the U.S government would as much to “promote the general welfare” as it has been doing in recent years Answer: TRUE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.3.35 Topic: Functions of American Government Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Explain the functions of American government Page Reference: Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy  Fill-in-the-Blank Questions 36 Although many people still view the United States as a nation, a great number of religious groups—including Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims—have established roots in the United States Answer: Christian 13 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.36 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 14 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 37 The United States has undergone a tremendous change in the number of states allowing for marriage Answer: same-sex Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.37 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 15 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 38 is the coherent set of values and beliefs people hold about the purpose and scope of government Answer: Political ideology Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.38 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 16 Skill Level: Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 39 believe that moral decay must be stemmed and that government should support and further traditional moral teachings Answer: Social conservatives Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.39 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 17 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 14 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved 40 believe in extensive government control of personal and economic liberties Answer: Statists Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.40 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 19 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 41 Americans tend to share the common goal of achieving the , which generally includes a happy and successful life, wealth, a house, and a better life for one’s children Answer: American dream Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.7.41 Topic: Toward Reform: People and Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.7: Characterize changes in Americans’ attitudes toward and expectations of government Page Reference: 19 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate  Short Answer Questions 42 What was the primary reason that colonists settled in America? Discuss the establishment of at least two specific colonies Answer: An ideal response will: Explain how wealthy people in England and other European nations wanted to increase their wealth They brought laborers with them Thus, commerce was the primary reason for many people to settle in America Discuss the establishment of at least two colonies For example, there were English commercial settlements in Virginia Puritans left Europe in 1620, landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts Settlers from Finland, Germany, and Sweden colonized New Amsterdam, which was later named New York Ultimately settlements were established in many areas of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York 15 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.1.42 Topic: Roots of American Government: We the People Learning Objective: LO 1.1: Trace the origins of American government Page Reference: – Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 43 What is the main difference between direct democracy and indirect democracy? Assess which plays a more prominent role in government of the United States Answer: An ideal response will: Define direct democracy as a system of government in which the people meet to discuss issues and make political decisions by majority rule Define indirect democracy as a system in which the people vote for representatives who make decisions based on the people’s behalf The term republic is often used to describe indirect, representative democracies Explain that in the United States, the voters elect lawmakers to represent them This is a form of indirect democracy Elements of direct democracy are much less prominent in the United States Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.43 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries may employ Page Reference: – Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate 44 How is the large number of immigrants to the United States likely to affect public policy? Answer: An ideal response will: Note that 15 percent of the population is an immigrant, and that many of them are Hispanic Discuss how this may affect politics in a number of ways For example, policies will likely reflect the needs and concerns of this growing minority In some cases, governments have to decide whether to conduct business solely in English or in Spanish as well Discuss other policies that are important to immigrants more broadly, such as immigration policy 16 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.44 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 11 – 12 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Moderate 45 Evaluate same-sex marriage from a conservative perspective and from a liberal perspective Would conservative and social conservative viewpoints be the same? Why or why not? Answer: An ideal response will: Note that, generally speaking, conservatives favor the status quo and making change only slowly, whereas liberals are more in favor of rapid change to promote equality Discuss why this means that liberals would more likely favor same-sex marriage than conservatives Indicate that there might be some differences between conservatives and social conservatives While both conservatives and social conservatives would likely oppose same-sex marriage, they would so on different grounds Social conservatives tend to believe that same-sex marriage is inconsistent with the traditional moral teachings that government should promote Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.45 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 15 – 17 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult 46 How have Americans’ expectations of their government changed over time? Answer: An ideal response will: Review that in the first 150 years of our nation’s history the federal government had fewer functions, which were limited to national defense, printing money, and collecting taxes and tariffs Note that as the country expanded economically and in size, greater demands were placed on the government 17 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved The government began to play a role in things like regulating business activity, assisting the poor, and inspecting food Discuss how Americans are suspicious of government and also frustrated with it Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.7.46 Topic: Toward Reform: People and Politics Learning Objective: LO 1.7: Characterize changes in Americans’ attitudes toward and expectations of government Page Reference: 19 – 21 Skill Level: Understand the Concepts Difficulty Level: Moderate  Essay Questions 47 Explain what the Framers meant by “securing the blessings of liberty,” and discuss how far a government should go to ensure citizens’ liberty Answer: An ideal response will: Explain that the Framers used the term “securing the blessings of liberty” to refer to the freedom to criticize the government or petition it when they disagreed with its policies Discuss that American political culture and the basic tenets of American democracy suggest that government should go a long way in “securing the blessings of liberty.” The Framers were very concerned with personal liberty and political equality They were also concerned with popular consent, majority rule, popular sovereignty, notions of individualism, and religious freedom Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.3.47 Topic: Functions of American Government; American Political Culture and the Basic Tenets of American Democracy Learning Objective: LO 1.3: Explain the functions of American government; LO 1.4: Describe American political culture, and identify the basic tenets of American democracy Page Reference: – Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult 18 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved 48 Why are there regional and sectional differences within the United States? Explain how these differences arose Answer: An ideal response will: Discuss regional and sectional differences in the United States Regional sectionalism can be explained based on where people settled and where they came from For example, people who settled in Virginia and southward were largely concerned with commerce; those who settled in the Northeast were seeking religious freedom Provide examples such as Scandinavians settling in Minnesota or the Irish, Italians, and Jews settling in the Northeast These groups brought with them views on the appropriate role of government Identify the different views across different regions of the country Northerners were more supportive of civil rights than Southerners Westerners were concerned with issues like free land Some Westerners have been concerned with water rights Analyze urban and rural differences in the United States Urban areas tend to be much more liberal than rural areas, which are more conservative Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.5.48 Topic: The Changing American People Learning Objective: LO 1.5: Analyze the changing characteristics of the American public Page Reference: 11 – 15 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Difficult 49 Political scientists note that ideologies perform four key functions After discussing each function, decide and explain which most affects your own ideology Answer: An ideal response will: Identify and discuss the four functions political scientists attribute to ideologies: (1) Explanation—ideologies help explain why political and social conditions are a certain way (2) Evaluation—ideologies provide a means for evaluating events, political institutions, and social conditions (3) Orientation—ideologies help locate issues and positions relative to some benchmark (4) Political Program—ideologies help make political decisions and guide political action 19 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved 2 Make a case for which of these functions most affects your ideology Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.49 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 16 Skill Level: Apply What You Know Difficulty Level: Difficult 50 Why might the labels of “conservative” and “liberal” be misleading? Answer: An ideal response will: Indicate that studies have found that people may label themselves ideologically one way but may indicate the opposite ideological position on some issues People may have conservative views on some issues, such as economics, and liberal views on others, such as civil rights Discuss how the simple left-right continuum may be inadequate for creating an accurate ideological picture for many people Alternatively, in addition to the left-right scale, it would be useful to consider a position ranging from statist positions to libertarian ones Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.6.50 Topic: Political Ideology Learning Objective: LO 1.6: Assess the role of political ideology in shaping American politics Page Reference: 17 – 19 Skill Level: Analyze It Difficulty Level: Difficult 20 © Copyright © 2016, 2014, 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc or its affiliates All rights reserved  ... society d the many in the best interest of society Answer: b Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.7 Topic: Types of Government Learning Objective: LO 1.2: Evaluate the different types of governments countries... the United States, the voters elect lawmakers to represent them This is a form of indirect democracy Elements of direct democracy are much less prominent in the United States Test Bank Item Title:... Remember the Facts Difficulty Level: Easy 28 Monarchy is a type of government that Aristotle considered rule by “tyranny.” Answer: FALSE Test Bank Item Title: TB_Q1.2.28 Topic: Types of Government Learning