This page shows a list of units in the American Government public release collection at MSDE. American Government
Released Questions in Unit "The Legislative Branch"
Select a question from the following list. The content of that question will be shown, and you can interact with it here.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these has the authority to make laws?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
What is a reason people join third parties?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
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?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is part of the legislative branch of the United States government?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
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?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The political institution in Maryland most like the United States Congress is the
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
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?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Over the past fifty years, many Americans have moved from the Northeast and the Midwest to the South and the West.
As a result of this population shift, the South and the West have gained influence in
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these explains a difference between political parties and interest groups?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these explains why former members of the legislature are often hired as lobbyists?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The population of Massachusetts has increased since 1970, but its representation in Congress has declined.
Which of these best explains why this has happened?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The population of Massachusetts has increased since 1970, but its representation in Congress has declined.
Which of these best explains why this has happened?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Some groups are lobbying to permit citizens to register and vote on election day.
Which of these is an argument against such a measure?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these activities is most likely performed by political parties?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these officials is responsible for making laws?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these describes the main purpose of an interest group?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is a responsibility of the Maryland General Assembly?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these has the most control over the United States' defense spending?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
An interest group is most likely to
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these government responsibilities is most related to the United States Census?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is an example of lobbying by a special interest group?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Study the graph below and use it to answer the BRIEF CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE that follows.
- Using the information in the bar graph, identify funding decisions the Maryland General Assembly would make regarding money for local governments.
- Describe the effects these decisions would have on local government decisions.
- Include details from the graph to support your answer.
Write your answer on the lines in your Answer Book.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these best explains why candidates for public office often spend more money on advertising during the last week of a campaign?
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 question with 2 parts, including a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Reapportionment is based on changes in the
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these could result if a state’s population declined over time?
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.
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.
Maryland is considering a law banning handheld cell phone use while driving.
Which of these best explains why the General Assembly would pass this law?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these is the best example of a special interest group?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
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?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Why are the seats of the House of Representatives reapportioned every 10 years?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Study the circle graphs below.
Based on the circle graphs, which of these statements is the most accurate?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these statements is true about third parties in the United States?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
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?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Study the table below.
| Maryland Population | |||
| 1990 Census | 2010 Projected | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All of Maryland | 4,781,468 | 5,738,350 | +20% |
| Baltimore City | 736,014 | 672,500 | –9% |
| Baltimore County | 692,134 | 739,000 | +7% |
| Calvert County | 51,372 | 96,000 | +87% |
| Frederick County | 150,208 | 243,000 | +62% |
Which of these predictions can be made from the table about redistricting after the 2010 census?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
According to the U.S. Constitution, which of these actions is a power of the states?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which action would a special interest group take to gain support for a law proposed in Congress?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
The mass media is sometimes referred to as "the fourth branch of the government" because it
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which of these could result if a state's population declined over time?
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 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 the best example of a special interest group?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
In the United States political process, special interest groups
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?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which situation would require a state to redraw its congressional districts?
This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.
Study the political cartoon and use it to answer the constructed-response question.
- Describe the viewpoint presented in the cartoon.
- Explain why election districts may be gerrymandered.
- Include details and examples to support your answer.
Write your answer on the lines on your Answer Sheet.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Why would political candidates most likely use digital communications during election campaigns?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
What is the most likely result when the same political party controls both houses of Congress and the presidency?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Why would political candidates most likely use digital communications during election campaigns?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Which argument best supports a policy of open primaries before the general election?
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select several options.
Select the two best ways for citizens to directly influence government actions.
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.