This page shows a list of units in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Released Questions in Unit "The Executive Branch"
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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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A federal regulatory commission recently charged a nationwide chain store with pressuring manufacturers to supply toys exclusively to its stores.
The federal regulatory commission's action is an example of
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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 regulatory agencies is responsible for inspecting airline equipment, maintenance, and safety procedures?
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Which of these is a power shared by the federal and state governments?
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Sugar substitutes are used in many diet soft drinks. They were tested for many years before being approved for use.
Which of these regulatory agencies is responsible for giving this approval?
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Which of the following government agencies would be most involved in developing proposals to preserve wetlands such as swamps, bogs, and marshes?
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Which of these is a responsibility of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?
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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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Which of the following is a responsibility of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?
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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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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
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information below.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — federal agency that requires businesses to make workplaces safe for employees and to ensure that employees follow safety guidelines.
- Describe advantages and disadvantages of OSHA regulations.
- Should the federal government be involved in regulating workers' safety? Why or why not?
- Include details and examples to support your response.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
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Which of these is most likely a reason the federal government requires permits for utility companies to release pollutants into the air?
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Which of these is a responsibility of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
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Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?
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Which of these is a function of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?
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Which of these is a responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
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While working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some counties in Maryland have begun a program to encourage residents to recycle electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, and telephones.
Which of these is most likely a purpose of this program?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the news headline below.
- Describe ways that the state limits the privileges of people who own, drive, or ride in cars.
- Should the state government have this power? Explain why or why not.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
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The purpose of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is to promote health and safety by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
Which of these is most likely a responsibility of this government agency?
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Which of these statements best describes a responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?
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Read the information below.
" . . . to place qualified individuals with mental disabilities in community settings . . . The Federal Government must . . . help ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to live close to their families and friends . . . and to participate in community life."
Executive Order 13217
What was the purpose of the executive order above?
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal government agency, regulates consumer products by developing and enforcing safety standards, and educating consumers.
Based on this information, which of these would most likely be a responsibility of the CPSC?
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are similar in that they both
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Which of these is a function of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)?
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Which of these is most likely a reason Presidents issue executive orders?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the excerpt below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
Children's Television Programming
"[An educational program] must be a regularly scheduled, weekly program of at least 30 minutes, and aired between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The program must also be identified as educational and informational for children when it is aired. . . . Broadcasters will . . . air three hours per week of [educational] programming."
from an order issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1996
- Describe benefits of the FCC regulations outlined above.
- Do you consider the regulations outlined above to be a form of censorship? Explain why or why not.
- Include details and examples to support your response.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
The governor of Maryland is empowered to maintain order during state emergencies such as natural disasters or public rioting.
- Describe actions the governor might take in these situations.
- Do you think the governor should have these powers in emergencies? Explain why or why not.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
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Which of these is a role of regulatory agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?
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Read the quotation below.
“Americans are free . . . to disagree with the law but not to disobey it. For in a government of laws and not of men, no man, however prominent or powerful, and no mob however unruly or boisterous, is entitled to defy a court of law.”
President John F. Kennedy
The quotation above most directly supports presidential actions that
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that all products labeled "Made in the USA" be "all or virtually all" made in the United States.
Which of these is the main reason for the above requirement?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster funds would be available for eastern states hit by record snowfall. FEMA provides funds to states for sanding and salting roads, search and rescue operations, and other emergency services provided during the recent snowstorm.
Based on the article, which of these is a function of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these government regulatory agencies enforces legislation to limit or reduce water pollution?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
Governments sometimes make rules that restrict their employees from speaking to the press about their jobs.
- Explain which rights this rule might violate.
- Should governments be permitted to restrict their employees from speaking to the press about their jobs? Explain why or why not.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
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Which of these government agencies is directly responsible for monitoring business competition?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news headline below.
Based on the headline, which of these is a purpose of this action?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these would involve the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these statements about presidential executive orders is true?
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In the 1930s, the federal government formed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), an insurance system to protect bank deposits.
Why would the government create this corporation?
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Some gas station operators were told by a regulatory agency that their underground gasoline tanks had to be removed and new ones installed. The order was given because the tanks were old and leaking fuel into the ground.
Which of these regulatory agencies has the authority to issue the replacement order?
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a federal agency that enforces safety standards for consumer products. The agency was most likely created because
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Which of the following federal government positions is not appointed by the President?
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Which headline describes an action most likely to have a positive effect on a presidential candidate's campaign?
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Which of these does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulate?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
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 multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these government agencies is directly responsible for monitoring business competition?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the news article excerpt below.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster funds would be available for eastern states hit by record snowfall. FEMA provides funds to states for sanding and salting roads, search and rescue operations, and other emergency services provided during the recent snowstorm.
Based on the article, which of these is a function of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these would involve the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt.
"Packages and their labels should enable consumers to obtain accurate information as to the quantity of the contents and should [assist in] value comparisons. Therefore, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to assist consumers and manufacturers in reaching these goals in the marketing of consumer goods."
—U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 1967
Based on the excerpt, how does the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act increase market competition?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt.
"Packages and their labels should enable consumers to obtain accurate information as to the quantity of the contents and should [assist in] value comparisons. Therefore, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to assist consumers and manufacturers in reaching these goals in the marketing of consumer goods."
U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, 1967
Which of these describes why this act was passed?
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Read the information.
Starting on June 1, 2009, the federal government required American citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and seventeen nations in the Caribbean to present a passport for reentry back into the United States.
Which of these is most likely the purpose of this requirement?
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What is one benefit of an open primary?
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Which body must approve the President’s Cabinet appointments?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Read the information and use it to answer the constructed-response item.
In 1942, an executive order and an act of Congress gave the military the power to move Japanese Americans from the West Coast. Japanese Americans were sent to internment (detention) camps in other parts of the country.
- Describe how these government decisions violated the constitutional protections of United States citizens' basic rights.
- Do you believe the government is justified in restricting rights during a crisis? Why or why not?
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
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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?
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Which person would most likely be selected to serve as an elector in the Electoral College?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select several options.
Select the two actions a government regulatory agency would most likely take in response to a market failure.