Reference no: EM132305403

American Government & Political Order

Part I - Multiple Choice: Circle the choice which best answers the question.

1. How many Electoral College votes are required for a candidate to be elected President of the United States?
a. 250
b. 325
c. 271
d. None of the above

2. True or False. U.S. Bankruptcy Court judges are appointed for life.
a. True
b. False

3. What is the required number of votes in both houses of Congress necessary to override a Presidential veto?
a. a simple majority
b. a 2/3rd majority
c. a 3/4th majority
d. None of the above.

4. True of False. The doctrine of stare decisis requires lower court to follow precedent set by higher courts.
a. True
b. False

5. True or False. Both houses of Congress must vote to impeach a sitting President.
a. True
b. False

6. In order for the government to exercise its eminent domain power, there must be -
a. Public Purpose
b. Just Compensation
c. Both of the above.
d. None of the above

7. True of False. Federal judges may be impeached.
a. True
b. False

8. True or False. In the federal courts, an unsuccessful litigant's right to appeal a judgment is automatic with regard to the Circuit Courts of Appeal and discretionary with regard to the U.S. Supreme Court (at the Supreme Court's discretion).
a. True
b. False

9. Which is the proper line of presidential succession
a. Vice President - President of the Senate - Secretary of State - Secretary of the Treasury
b. Vice President - Speaker of the House - Senate Majority Leader - Senate Minority Leader
c. Vice president - Speaker of the House - President Pro Tempore of the Senate - Secretary of State
d. None of the above

10. True or False. One of the Constitutional duties of the Vice President is to cast a deciding vote in the Senate in case of a tie.
a. True
b. False

11. The President's State of the Union Address is constitutionally mandated.
a. True
b. False

12. True or False. A lawsuit against the Secretary of Interior, in his/her official capacity, must be brought in federal court.
a. True
b. False

13. True or False. The Supremacy Clause contained in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution implies that where there is a conflict between state law and federal law, the state law must yield.
a. True
b. False

14. True or False. Only Congress can regulate interstate commerce.
a. True
b. False

15. True or False. During impeachment proceeding (when the President is being impeached), the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court acts as presiding officer of the Senate.
a. True
b. False

16. In order for a treaty between the United States to be ratified, it must be approved by -
a. Both houses of Congress
b. By the Senate
c. By a 2/3rd majority in the Senate
d. By a 2/3rd majority in the House of Representatives

17. True or False. All bills for raising revenues must originate in the Senate.
a. True
b. False

18. True of False. The President has the power to veto only certain provision of a bill.
a. True
b. False

19. If the Vice President resigns or dies, the President can choose a successor Vice President, but that choice is subject to the approval of -
a. A majority vote of the Senate
b. A majority vote of the House of Representatives
c. A majority vote of both house of Congress
d. None of the above.

20. Circle True for two (2) easy points.
a. True
b. False.

Part II - Short Answer: Answer each of the questions below. A complete answer should consist of two (2) well-structured paragraphs.

1. How are members of the Electoral College chosen by each state?

2. Under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, federal judges are appointed for life. What is the reason behind this provision?

3. Explain the President's pardon power and whether there are any checks on that power.

4. Explain the Senate's advice and consent power with regard appointments.

Part III - Essay Section: Answer two (2) of the three question below. A complete answer should consist of two (2) typewritten pages containing five (5) to six (6) well-structured paragraphs.

1. What is the function of the Electoral College, should it be abolished, and why?

2. U.S. Senators were not elected by direct popular vote until 1914. How were U.S. Senators chosen prior to that date and what was the reason for that method.

3. Is the power of Congress to declare war inconsistent with the President's power to act Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces?