question

According to most State constitutions, if a governor resigns or leaves office midterm the _____ serves the remainder of his term. A. lieutenant governor B. secretary of state C. president of the senate D. attorney general

answer

lieutenant governor

question

All of the following are methods of proposing changes to a State constitution EXCEPT A. by the legislature B. by voter initiative C. by constitutional convention D. by the governor

answer

by the governor

question

All of the following are nonlegislative powers held by State legislatures EXCEPT the A. power to approve certain gubernatorial appointments B. power of impeachment C. police power D. power to make and revise constitutional amendments

answer

police power

question

How long are the terms of State legislators? A. 1 or 3 years B. 1 or 2 years C. 2 or 4 years D. 2 or 3 years

answer

2 or 4 years

question

In 27 States, voters may propose the passage of laws by A. initiative B. writer-in ballot C. optional referendum D. mandatory referendum

answer

initiative

question

In most State governments, the secretary of state A. acts as the legal advisor to all State officers B. acts as the chief clerk and record-keeper C. is the chief tax collector D. presides over the Senate

answer

acts as the chief clerk and record-keeper

question

In some States, a serious criminal case may be heard without a petit jury if the A. jurors waive their right to hear and decide the case B. accused waives the right to a trial by jury C. State permits the prosecuting attorney to use information instead D. judge orders that a gran jury be used instead

answer

accused waives the right to a trial by jury

question

In States that have a bicameral legislature, the lower house A. elects a president to preside B. always has nonpartisan leadership C. elects a speaker to preside D. has two presiding officers

answer

elects a speaker to preside

question

Most State constitutions need reform because they are A. all of the above B. too long C. unclear about the difference between fundamental and statutory law D. too old

answer

all of the above

question

Most State legislatures today are A. nonpartisan B. unicameral C. relatively powerless D. bicameral

answer

bicameral

question

The branch of law called equity A. consists of rules and regulations based on the United States Constitution B. is used to prevent potential wrongs before they occur C. consists of statutes enacted by legislative bodies or by the people D. is used to settle disputes after they happen

answer

is used to prevent potential wrongs before they occur

question

The form of law enacted both by the people, through referendum or initiative, and by legislative bodies is called A. common law B. equity C. constitutional law D. statutory law

answer

statutory law

question

The fundamental laws of each State are A. established by the governor B. never subject to change C. determined by State courts D. the State constitution

answer

the State constitution

question

The major function of _____ is to determine whether the evidence against a person charged with a crime is sufficient to justify a trial. A. a grand jury B. the prosecuting attorney C. the magistrate D. a petit jury

answer

a grand jury

question

The names of potential jurors are often selected from A. telephone books B. postal service lists C. political party rolls D. motor vehicle and driver's license lists

answer

motor vehicle and driver's license lists

question

The popular election of judges is supported mainly on the grounds that A. most people believe that the characteristics that make a good judge and those that make a good candidate are always found in the same person B. most people believe that judges should be involved in politics C. it ensures the selection of the best-qualified candidates D. it makes those who apply the law directly accountable to the people

answer

it makes those who apply the law directly accountable to the people

question

The primary cause of long State constitutions is A. the successful separation of fundamental law from statutory law B. too much stress on fundamental law C. distrust of the government D. the desire to be thorough

answer

distrust of the government

question

The _____ is a petition procedure by which voters may remove an elected official from office before the completion of his or her regular term. A. recall B. initiative C. referendum D. commutation

answer

recall

question

The _____ is the usual device by which new State constitutions are written and older constitutions revised. A. constitutional convention B. selection by public initiative C. selection by legislature D. selection by governor

answer

constitutional convention

question

Today, the most widely used method for selecting judges to sit in State and local courts is A. selection by the legislature B. selection by the governor C. popular election D. selection by judicial commission

answer

popular election

question

Unlike a grand jury, a petit jury A. always has 12 jurors B. is a trial used in both civil and criminal cases C. may question witnesses and summon others to testify against a suspect D. is used only in civil cases

answer

is a trial used in both civil and criminal cases

question

Which action is based on the police power of State legislatures? A. requiring the use of seat belts B. imposing a meals tax C. proposing a new State constitution D. impeaching a State judge

answer

requiring the use of seat belts

question

Which of the following could be among the informal requirements for State legislators? A. State of residence B. party identification C. age D. citizenship

answer

party identification

question

Which of the following is NOT true of each State's constitution? A. Each State constitution distributes power among the three branches of State government B. Each State constitution details the mean by which it may be amended C. Each State constitution contains a bill of rights guaranteeing certain rights to the public D. Each State constitution takes priority over all provisions of federal law

answer

Each State constitution takes priority over all provisions of federal law

question

Which of the following is responsible for the formal interpretation of a State's constitutional and statutory law? A. the attorney general B. the governor C. the secretary of state D. the lieutenant governor

answer

the attorney general

question

Which State was the first in which popular approval played a direct role in the adoption and ratification of a State constitution? A. Georgia B. Connecticut C. New York D. Massachusetts

answer

Massachusetts

question

All of the following statements about the kinds of law applied in State courts are true EXCEPT A. The highest law in the country is constitutional law B. Precedents have the weight of law and must be followed regardless of the facts in each individual case C. Statutory laws are those enacted by legislative bodies D. Equity seeks to stop wrongs before they occur.

answer

Precedents have the weight of law and must be followed regardless of the facts in each individual case

question

Although the first State constitutions guarded against too much power in the hands of the governor, the people soon found that A. the qualifications of the office were enough to prevent this problem B. the legislature also needed its powers curbed C. this was the best accomplished by keeping the veto power in the hands of the legislature D. no constitution could really prevent this problem

answer

the legislature also needed its powers curbed

question

For what reason might legislators use an optional referendum for "hot potato" issues? A. Legislators want to see if enough voters feel strongly enough about the issue to gather the required number of signatures B. The Constitution in most States requires voter input on controversial issues C. Legislators wish to "pass the buck" to the governor D. A vote either way on these controversial issues could cause legislators to lose votes in the next election

answer

A vote either way on these controversial issues could cause legislators to lose votes in the next election

question

In the movement to try some juveniles as adults, courts make it clear that A. the juvenile courts are overloaded B. juveniles really cannot be held responsible for their actions C. for justice to be served, certain offenders must be punished regardless of their age D. juveniles have no constitutional rights

answer

for justice to be served, certain offenders must be punished regardless of their age

question

If the decision of an appellate court is appealed, the case then goes before Select one: A. a magistrates court. B. a general trial court. C. a municipal court. D. the State supreme court.

answer

the State supreme court.

question

What structure does the diagram represent? Select one: A. the organization of a typical State court system B. the appeals process under criminal law C. the structure of judicial appointment under the Missouri plan D. the organization of a typical city court system

answer

the organization of a typical State court system

question

Which label should appear at the place marked by the letter W? Select one: A. Municipal Courts B. Court of Appeals C. Small Claims D. Justice Courts

answer

Court of Appeals

question

Which label should appear at the place marked by the letter X? Select one: A. Court of Appeals B. Small Claims C. Municipal Courts D. Justice Courts

answer

Justice courts

question

Judging by the length of a typical State constitution, these documents are A. largely unchanged from colonial days B. quite flexible C. easier to amend than the national Constitution D. based strictly on fundamental law

answer

easier to amend than the national Constitution

question

One major difference between the powers of most governors and those of the President is that A. a governor often must appoint some members of the opposing party to posts in his or her administration B. the State budget originates with the governor C. the people look to the governor for leadership D. the governor is responsible for seeing that the laws of the State are "faithfully executed."

answer

a governor often must appoint some members of the opposing party to posts in his or her administration

question

The fact that the spoils system is alive and well in State legislatures can be seen in A. the way committee chairs and members are appointed B. the role of the lieutenant governor in the legislature C. the fact that almost all State legislatures are bicameral D. the informal requirements for State legislators.

answer

the way committee chairs and members are appointed

question

The high cost of a grand jury is related to A. the amount of work the prosecutor must do in preparation for the grand jury B. the amount of time spent on them by judges and other court officers C. both a and b D. neither a nor b

answer

both a and b

question

The Missouri Plan combines the twin goals of ____ into one approach. A. popular sovereignty and selection of highly qualified judges B. eliminating the fee system and reducing the number of judges C. political party participation and separation of powers D. relieving court caseloads and maintaining efficiency

answer

popular sovereignty and selection of highly qualified judges

question

The recall of a governor reflects A. the system of checks and balances B. the principle of limited government C. the principle of separation of powers D. the principle of popular sovereignty

answer

the principle of popular sovereignty

question

What conclusion can be drawn from the fact that cases are sometimes dropped when a jury cannot reach a verdict? A. the judge has very little authority in most court rooms B. the jury system should be abolished C. the court concludes that there is not enough evidence to find the defendant guilty D. double jeopardy is prohibited by the 5th Amendment

answer

the court concludes that there is not enough evidence to find the defendant guilty

question

When it comes to ratifying a State constitutional amendment, ballot fatigue can lead to A. approval of the amendment by the State supreme court B. complete revision of the State constitution C. the defeat of the amendment D. review of the amendment by the legislature

answer

the defeat of the amendment

question

Which of the following might be one reason the turnover among State legislators is fairly high? A. the compensation is low B. the qualifications are too difficult to meet C. the term is too long D. the session is too short

answer

the compensation is low

question

Which of the following types of federal courts serve(s) the same function as the State appellate courts? A. the courts of appeals B. the Court of Federal Claims C. the general trial courts D. the Supreme Court

answer

the courts of appeals

question

A major factor affecting the economy and budget of most States is A. postal service B. teacher certification C. defense capability D. degree of urbanization

answer

degree of urbanization

question

All of the following are among the major elements of the structure of county government EXCEPT A. a number of boards or commissions B. a governing body C. a number of elected officials D. an independent executive board

answer

an independent executive board

question

All of the following factors contributed to the growth of the nation's suburbs after World War II EXCEPT A. the need for less privacy B. the desire for a higher social status C. the desire for cheaper land D. the need for newer and better public schools

answer

the need for less privacy

question

All of the following include examples of federal limitations placed on State and local taxing powers EXCEPT A. the Due Process Clause B. the taxing of interstate and foreign commerce C. the taxing of the federal government and its agencies D. the taxing of cigarettes and alcohol

answer

the taxing of cigarettes and alcohol

question

All of the following include examples of the common functions of counties EXCEPT the A. dividing of land into residential, commercial, and industrial zones B. maintaining of jails and correctional facilities C. assessing of property for tax purposes D. issuing of marriage and hunting licenses

answer

dividing of land into residential, commercial, and industrial zones

question

An unreasonable tax classification would be one aimed exclusively at A. insurance policy holders B. beer drinkers C. people over 65 D. smokers

answer

people over 65

question

As a type of local government, special districts are created to A. meet general public needs B. meet specified public needs C. serve rural areas only D. coordinate county services only

answer

meet specified public needs

question

At the State and local level, the first step in the typical budget process is that A. governor reviews spending estimates and presents the information to the legislature. B. each agency prepares estimates of its needs and expenditures for the upcoming year. C. the budget is considered part-by-part by the legislature. D. spending estimates are reviewed by an executive budget agency.

answer

each agency prepares estimates of its needs and expenditures for the upcoming year.

question

City zoning is most often opposed on the grounds that it A. has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. B. typically raises property values. C. is used primarily to benefit real estate developers. D. denies people the right to use their property as they choose.

answer

denies people the right to use their property as they choose.

question

In most States, people buying new cars must pay both A. income and sales taxes B. sales and property taxes C. amusement and property taxes D. estate and license taxes

answer

sales and property taxes

question

Many weaknesses of county government are caused by the lack of A. a centralized executive authority B. elected officers authorized to perform countywide duties C. power to levy taxes D. commissions authorized to regulate county services

answer

a centralized executive authority

question

State budgets vary greatly according to the degree of _____ in each State. A. urbanization B. assessment C. entitlement D. incorporation

answer

urbanization

question

State constitutions may limit taxes for A. federal property taxes B. private purposes only C. interstate commerce D. religious and other nonprofit groups

answer

religious and other nonprofit groups

question

The dramatic shift from a rural to an urban population was first made possible on a large scale by the A. steam engine B. airplane C. stagecoach D. automobile

answer

steam engine

question

The main purpose of a city's charter is to A. provide a forum for public debate B. establish the city as a legal body C. set out the city's basic laws D. provide for the election of city officers

answer

set out the city's basic laws

question

The main reason that States hold many important powers is that the A. framers distrusted a strong central government B. States have accrued these powers over the years C. Constitution describes a unitary State D. Constitution does not grant many States' rights.

answer

framers distrusted a strong central government

question

The planning method most cities rely on to classify and control land use within their boundaries is called A. urbanization B. due process C. zoning D. environmental protection

answer

zoning

question

The purpose of a State budget is to A. divide the previous year's surplus among the local units of government B. decide which agencies receive money and how much C. list expenses that have already been made D. give the appearance of order to a chaotic series of steps in spending

answer

decide which agencies receive money and how much

question

The shift from rural to urban society in the United States was due to A. all of the above B. improvements in transportation C. the invention of labor-reducing farm devices D. growth in factory-based industries

answer

all of the above

question

The United States Constitution reserves to the States all powers not delegated to Congress or denied to the States, meaning that the States A. have little responsibility to the Federal Government B. hold almost no power C. have complete authority over the Federal Government D. hold a great number of powers

answer

hold a great number of powers

question

Which of the following include examples of the ways in which metropolitan areas attempt to meet fiscal challenges? A. the annexation of outlying areas B. the creation of special districts in heavily populated urban areas C. the increase of authority given to local county governments D. all of the above

answer

the annexation of outlying areas

question

Which of the following is true of a budget? A. all of the above B. it is a statement of public policy C. it is a financial plan for the use of public money D. it is a political document

answer

all of the above

question

Which of the following services are provided by both State AND local government? A. education and defense B. urbanization and education C. public safety and industrial regulation D. education and public safety

answer

education and public safety

question

Which statement is true about all counties in the United States? A. they can only be created by the state B. their size is based on the size of the state C. they serve only a judicial function D. their size is based on the population of the state

answer

they can only be created by the state

question

As State governments have increased funding to public schools, they have also A. shifted the responsibility for maintaining high quality in schools to local governments B. increased their involvement in education C. reduced the number of public schools D. reduced property taxes

answer

increased their involvement in education

question

As the nation's population shifted from rural to urban, how might State budgets have been affected? A. State budgets would have remained largely unchanged B. State budgets would have mushroomed C. State budgets would have shrank D. State budgets would have become more detailed

answer

State budgets would have mushroomed

question

Cities serve the interests of _____ while counties serve the interests of _____. A. the State/the Federal government B. the State/their residents C. charters/townships D. their residents/the state

answer

their residents/the state

question

Cities that seek federal aid must have a master plan to guide their future growth. What ideology does this reflect? A. a belief that city planning is unconstitutional B. a belief that city planning is a proper and positive use of State powers C. both a and c D. a belief that it is proper for the Federal Government to exert influence over local matters

answer

both a and c

question

In the federal system, counties are major units of local government that A. are subordinate to State government B. comprise the third level of government C. are on the same level of government as the States D. share some powers with the National Government and the States.

answer

are subordinate to State government

question

In which of the following units of local government is it MOST difficult to determine which official is responsible for which government function? A. the special district B. the town C. the township D. the county

answer

the county

question

Under both plans, the city council has the power Select one: A. to make policy. B. to approve the mayor's acts. C. to appoint municipal judges. D. to carry out policy.

answer

to make policy.

question

Under the strong mayor-council plan, what formal power does the mayor have to check the policies of the city council? Select one: A. the veto power B. no formal power is provided C. the power to appoint judges D. the power to make policy

answer

the veto power

question

Under the weak mayor council plan, the city council has A. executive power only B. legislative power only C. both executive and legislative power D. no power

answer

both executive and legislative power

question

Under the weak mayor-council plan, department administrators are directly accountable to the A. municipal judges B. mayor and council C. mayor only D. council and other officials

answer

council and other officials

question

Legislation passed in 1996 changed cash assistance to the poor from A. public welfare to public safety B. uncontrollable to controllable spending C. a block grant to an entitlement D. all of the above

answer

uncontrollable to controllable spending

question

Licensing is used by States A. to raise revenue B. to limit the competition in certain businesses within the State C. to protect citizens' welfare D. both to raise revenue and to protect citizens' welfare

answer

both to raise revenue and to protect citizens' welfare

question

Many observers believe that those county officers whose work does not involve the making of public policy but does involve specialized knowledge A. should be elected every two years B. should have executive but not legislative powers C. should be eliminated from government altogether D. should be appointed rather than elected

answer

should be appointed rather than elected

question

One possible reason that suburbanites have resisted annexation is that A. their needs differ from those of city dwellers B. this approach gives counties too much authority C. their populations are to small to warrant it D. they would prefer to remain part of nearby cities

answer

their needs differ from those of city dwellers

question

Property taxes are largely local taxes in part because A. States have already imposed income and sales taxes B. it is easiest for local government to assess property C. otherwise, they would be regressive taxes D. both a and b

answer

it is easiest for local government to assess property

question

States' reluctance to allow local governments to tax can be traced to A. the fact that all services within a State are provided by the State, not the local, government. B. suburbanitis. C. a desire to relieve local governments of this burden. D. federalism.

answer

federalism

question

The constitutionality of city zoning must be determined in part by measuring A. to what extent the 14th Amendment applies to the States. B. how many cities have adopted zoning ordinances. C. whether the welfare of the majority outweighs the rights of the minority. the power of the Federal D. Government vs. the power of local governments.

answer

whether the welfare of the majority outweighs the rights of the minority. the power of the Federal

question

Under the council-manager form of city government, which of the following would be responsible for deciding whether or not to pass a zoning ordinance? A. the board of commissioners B. the mayor C. the council D. the city manager

answer

the council

question

Which of the following basic principles of government do county governing boards NOT uphold? A. all of the above B. limited government C. popular sovereignty D. separation of powers

answer

separation of powers

question

When a State constitution is revised, Select one: A. a new provision is added to the document. B. a large portion of the document is changed. C. the State courts tend to be less strict in interpreting the new constitution. D. the legislature usually makes the changes.

answer

a large portion of the document is changed.

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