This page shows a list of test questions in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Standard "1.0 Civics," Indicator "1.1.4"

What is a reason people join third parties?

Suppose the Maryland Medical Association wants to change state licensing requirements for doctors.

What would be the association's best course of action to bring about this change?

Which of these is the most direct way for a group of teenagers to influence the outcome of a bill that would raise the minimum driving age?

The mass media is sometimes referred to as "the fourth branch of the government" because it

Which of these explains a difference between political parties and interest groups?

Which of these explains why former members of the legislature are often hired as lobbyists?

The mass media is sometimes referred to as "the fourth branch of the government" because it

Some groups are lobbying to permit citizens to register and vote on election day.

Which of these is an argument against such a measure?

Which of these activities is most likely performed by political parties?

Which of these describes the main purpose of an interest group?

Read the news article excerpt below.

• Describe what actions these Allegany residents could take to influence the government on this issue.

• Which of these actions would be most effective? Explain why.

• Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

News organizations predict the winners of elections before all the votes are counted. On election day 2000, supporters of George W. Bush complained that news organizations predicted Al Gore to be the winner in California hours before the polls closed on the West Coast.

• Explain reasons why Bush supporters may have been displeased with the early predictions.

• Should news organizations predict the winners of elections? Explain why or why not.

• Use details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

The state legislature passed a bill allowing a tax increase to improve roads. The proposed law was then placed on the ballot for voters to decide on the tax increase.

Which of these terms describes this action?

An interest group is most likely to

Which of these is an example of lobbying by a special interest group?

A city council is considering a measure to ban skateboarding on city streets.

Which of these would be the most effective way for citizens to express their opposition to the ban?

Which of these best explains why candidates for public office often spend more money on advertising during the last week of a campaign?

Use your knowledge about government to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE.

• Explain the role of political parties in the United States.

• Do political parties have too much or too little influence on government officials? Explain your answer.

• Include details and examples to support your answer.

Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.

For which of these does a lobbyist most likely work?

In the United States political process, special interest groups

Which of these is the best example of a special interest group?

Which of these statements is true about third parties in the United States?

A group of people disagrees with a law supported by the Maryland General Assembly.

In attempting to overturn this law, which process would the group most likely use?

Which headline describes an action most likely to have a positive effect on a presidential candidate's campaign?

Which action would a special interest group take to gain support for a law proposed in Congress?

The mass media is sometimes referred to as "the fourth branch of the government" because it

Which of these is the best example of a special interest group?

In the United States political process, special interest groups

Read the information.

Which outcome would be the most likely impact of the students’ actions?

This photograph shows a 2017 rally in Maryland.

What was the most likely goal of this environmental rally?

Which issue would a candidate most likely address to attract the votes of senior citizens?

Why would political candidates most likely use digital communications during election campaigns?

What is the most likely result when the same political party controls both houses of Congress and the presidency?

What is one benefit of an open primary?

Study the timeline.

Which of these arguments would a supporter of the Supreme Court’s 2007 decision make?

Which of these would be the most effective way for a special interest group to gain nationwide attention for its cause?

Why would political candidates most likely use digital communications during election campaigns?

Which argument best supports a policy of open primaries before the general election?

Select the two best ways for citizens to directly influence government actions.