This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Standard "1.0 Civics," Indicator "1.1.1"
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Which of these has the authority to make laws?
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Which of these quotes from the Constitutional Convention best represents the principle of separation of powers?
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Which responsibility of the executive branch did President Eisenhower demonstrate when he sent federal troops to integrate a public high school?
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Which of these principles of government is demonstrated when the Maryland Court of Appeals declares a Maryland state law unconstitutional?
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Which of these is part of the legislative branch of the United States government?
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Read the scenario below.
In Congress, representatives from the Northwest are asking for funds to clean up the Pacific Ocean after an oil spill, while representatives from the Southeast are asking for money to rebuild after a devastating hurricane.
What problem does this present to Congress?
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Which action by the governor of Maryland would be an example of maintaining order and safety?
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Which of these is a power shared by the federal and state governments?
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The political institution in Maryland most like the United States Congress is the
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The process of amending the Constitution is an example of federalism because it requires
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Read the quotation below.
" . . . in all that people can individually do for themselves, government ought not to interfere."
Abraham Lincoln
Which of these constitutional principles best applies to this quote?
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In 1908, Theodore Roosevelt said, "Oh, if I could be President and Congress too, for just ten minutes."
Which principle of United States government was frustrating President Roosevelt when he made this statement?
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Which of these is a responsibility of Maryland's state government?
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Which of these principles of government is demonstrated when the governor of Maryland vetoes a bill?
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When a defendant was tried and found innocent of a crime, the state prosecutor was disappointed but could not legally try the case again. Doing so would violate the defendant's right to protection from
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When flooding occurs in Maryland, which of the following actions could the governor take immediately to preserve order and ensure the safety of citizens?
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Why are federal judges appointed for life?
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Read the excerpt below.
The President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities [military conflicts] . . . and after every such introduction shall consult regularly with the Congress until United States Armed Forces are no longer engaged in hostilities. . . .
The War Powers Act of 1973
Based on the excerpt, the War Powers Act was most likely issued in response to
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Which of these officials is responsible for making laws?
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The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure is an example of
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Which of these is a responsibility of the Maryland General Assembly?
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Which of these has the most control over the United States' defense spending?
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A case that must be tried in a federal court is one involving
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Which of these examples best reflects the principle of representative democracy?
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When a famous actress was accused of wrong-doing, the newspapers covered the event extensively. The actress was convicted of the crime, but appealed the verdict on the grounds that the pre-trial publicity prejudiced the jury.
Which of these rights is in conflict with the freedom of the press?
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Read the information below.
In Utah, students from a Native American reservation had to travel 90 miles to the nearest high school. As a result, the United States Department of Justice sued the school district for failing to build a high school near the reservation.
Based on the information above, what is the role of the United States Department of Justice?
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Read the quotation below.
"Our citizens have wisely formed themselves into one nation as to others and several States as among themselves . . . "
Thomas Jefferson, 1801
The quotation refers to the principle of
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Which of these is a power of the United States Supreme Court?
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If the President and Congress disagree over a tax bill, the President can veto the bill.
Which of these applies to a presidential veto?
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Read the news article excerpt below.
Officials announced today that parts of the Savage River State Forest will be incorporated into the Maryland Wildlands Preservation System. The forest provides a habitat for many wildlife species. The Maryland Wildlands Preservation System is the state's version of the Federal Wilderness System.
Which of these statements is supported by the excerpt?
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Which of these is a power reserved for state governments by the United States Constitution?
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Which of these is an example of separation of powers?
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Which of these is an example of following the rule of law?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the quotation below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
"It usually takes a hundred years to make a law, and then after it has done its work, it usually takes a hundred years to get rid of it."
Henry Ward Beecher
- Do you agree or disagree with this quote about the law-making process in the United States?
- How could the law-making process be improved? Explain your answer.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
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Congress may respond to United States Supreme Court rulings by
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Read the quotation below.
"The Government of [the United States], then, is . . . truly a government of the people. . . . Its powers are granted by them, and are to be exercised directly on them for their benefit."
John Marshall, 1810
Which of these constitutional principles best applies to Marshall's quotation?
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A treaty signed by the President of the United States must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate before it can go into effect.
Which principle of government does this reflect?
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Which of these Maryland courts has authority most similar to the United States Supreme Court?
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Study the circle graphs below.
Based on the circle graphs, which of these statements is the most accurate?
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Read the headline below.
Which principle of government would be affected by the proposed amendment?
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Which of the following federal government positions is not appointed by the President?
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Read the headline below.
The Supreme Court's ruling in this situation is an example of
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According to the U.S. Constitution, which of these actions is a power of the states?
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Which of these happens first in the United States presidential election process?
| A | Key: |
| B | This happens after the general election, after both the primary and general elections. |
| C | This comes after each party selects its nominee. |
| D | Delegates must be selected before the parties' national conventions. |
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the quotation and use it to answer the constructed-response item.
"It usually takes a hundred years to make a law, and then after it has done its work, it usually takes a hundred years to get rid of it."
—Henry Ward Beecher
- Do you agree or disagree with this quote about the law-making process in the United States?
- How could the law-making process be improved? Explain your answer.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is an example of separation of powers?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is a power reserved for state governments by the United States Constitution?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Congress may respond to United States Supreme Court rulings by
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is an example of following the rule of law?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the quotation below.
"The Government of [the United States], then, is . . . truly a government of the people. . . . Its powers are granted by them, and are to be exercised directly on them for their benefit."
—John Marshall, 1810
Which of these constitutional principles best applies to Marshall’s quotation?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the headline below.
Which principle of government would be affected by the proposed amendment?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
Officials announced today that parts of the Savage River State Forest will be incorporated into the Maryland Wildlands Preservation System. The forest provides a habitat for many wildlife species. The Maryland Wildlands Preservation System is the state's version of the Federal Wilderness System.
Which of these statements is supported by the excerpt?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt.
"A member of the General Assembly shall be elected by the registered voters of the legislative or delegate district from which he seeks election . . . "
—Maryland Constitution, Article 3
Which principle of government is supported by this excerpt?
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Which of these is an example of checks and balances?
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Which of these situations best demonstrates the principle of majority rule?
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Which headline best illustrates an example of representative democracy?
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Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution best reflects the principle of representative democracy?
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Which statement describes a characteristic of federalism?
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Which federal court only exercises original jurisdiction to hear cases?
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Which body must approve the President’s Cabinet appointments?
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Which of these principles of government is used by the U.S. Supreme Court when it rules that a law is unconstitutional?
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Study the political cartoon.
Which principle of U.S. government does the political cartoonist imply the President is destroying?
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Which headline illustrates a power of local government?
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Read the news feed.
Which executive power is best demonstrated by this headline?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which person would most likely be selected to serve as an elector in the Electoral College?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Use your knowledge of government to answer the constructed-response question.
- Describe how the separation of powers helps to prevent government abuse.
- Explain how separation of powers might assist or impede the lawmaking process.
- Use details and examples to support your response.
Type your answer in the space provided.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select several options.
Select the two actions that would most likely be taken by the Maryland General Assembly.