Question 1

School years are the time when the physical, psychological, and addictive effects of drugs are most severe . . . . Deterring drug use by our nation's schoolchildren is at least as important as enhancing efficient enforcement of the nation's laws against the importation of drugs. - Justice Antonin Scalia, writing for the majority in Vernonia School District 47J v. Acton (1995)
By the reasoning of today's decision, the millions of these students who participate in interscholastic sports, an overwhelming majority of whom have given school officials no reason whatsoever to suspect they use drugs at school, are open to an intrusive bodily harm . . . . Many schools, like many parents, prefer to trust their children unless given reason to do otherwise.
- Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, writing in dissent
In Justice O'Connor's view, the school district's drug-testing policy violates students' constitutional protection against:

Accepted Answer

unreasonable searches and seizures.

Question 2

The Supreme Court today upheld the validity of the 1990 census, ruling unanimously that the federal government had no constitutional obligation to adjust the results to correct an acknowledged undercount in big cities and among minorities . . . . At the core of the legal challenge to the 1990 census was the racially disparate undercount, the existence of which no one disputed. The census missed about 2 percent of the population as a whole, some four million people. But it missed 4.8 percent of the Black population and 5.2 percent of the Hispanic population. - The New York Times, 3/21/1996
Why might it be argued that the census was unfair?

Accepted Answer

It undercounted some groups more than others.

Question 3

We admit that in . . . ordinary times the defendants . . . would have been within their constitutional rights. But the character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done. The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. . . . The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the evils that Congress has a right to prevent. - Justice Holmes, delivering the majority opinion of the Court
According to the Supreme Court decision in this case, free speech should NOT be protected when it

Accepted Answer

endangers others.

Question 4

We admit that in . . . ordinary times the defendants . . . would have been within their constitutional rights. But the character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done. The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. . . . The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the evils that Congress has a right to prevent. - Justice Holmes, delivering the majority opinion of the Court
What argument is the Supreme Court making in this decision?

Accepted Answer

Rights are not absolute and the government may limit them in times of crisis.

Question 5

We admit that in . . . ordinary times the defendants . . . would have been within their constitutional rights. But the character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done. The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. . . . The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the evils that Congress has a right to prevent. - Justice Holmes, delivering the majority opinion of the Court
The Supreme Court decision in Schenck v. The United States, quoted above, involves an interpretation of which of the following parts of the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The First Amendment.

Question 6

In recent years, United States policy toward China has been confused. China is the world's most populous country and a major military power, and has become an increasingly valuable trading partner. It has been the view of Presidents, therefore, that it is in the United States interest to remain on good terms with the Beijing government. However, the human rights situation in China shows few signs of improving. In addition, the end of the Cold War has made the political logic of a close relationship with China less compelling. The trade relationship has been, to put it mildly, strained. The Chinese leadership has not responded to quiet diplomacy. It is, therefore, time to reconsider our relationship and break off diplomatic relations with China. - The Madison Daily News
One disadvantage of following the recommendations in the editorial is that:

Accepted Answer

the United States would lose normal means of communications with one of the world's most important countries.

Question 7

"It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. . . . A law repugnant to the constitution is void." In Marbury v. Madison (1803), quoted above, the Supreme Court argued that it had the authority to:

Accepted Answer

overturn laws it found unconstitutional.

Question 8

"It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. . . . A law repugnant to the constitution is void." The decision in Marbury v. Madison, quoted above, argues that the judiciary should serve as:

Accepted Answer

a check on the power of Congress.

Question 9

The Second World War marked the most substantial change ever in the context in which United States foreign policy is made. The world that emerged after the war had fundamentally changed in economic, political, and military ways. These changes made the world a more dangerous place, and altered the demands placed on foreign policy. The statement calls the world after the Second World War "a more dangerous place." What specific change could one cite to support this claim?

Accepted Answer

The development and spread of nuclear weapons.

Question 10

"All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The Fourteenth Amendment, quoted above, was intended to ensure that:

Accepted Answer

the Bill of Rights would protect citizens from actions by both state and federal governments.

Question 11

Johnson was convicted of flag desecration for burning the flag rather than for uttering insulting words. If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the Government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable. . . . We do not consecrate the flag by punishing its desecration, for in doing so we dilute the freedom that this cherished emblem represents. - Justice Brennan, majority opinion
Uncritical extension of constitutional protection to the burning of the flag risks the frustration of the very purpose for which organized governments are instituted. . . . The flag is not simply another "idea" or "point of view" competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas. . . . I cannot agree that the First Amendment invalidates the. . . laws which make criminal the public burning of the flag.
- Justice Rehnquist, dissenting opinion
The constitutional guarantee at issue in the case is:

Accepted Answer

freedom of speech.

Question 12

There is one column on the ballot entitled "Nomination by Petition." What can you assume from the presence of this column on the ballot?

Accepted Answer

Candidates who are not from major parties but show a certain level of support can get on the ballot.

Question 13

Members of a community have been arguing about the subject matter taught in the local high school. This argument has led both sides to demonstrate outside city council meetings. Also, one group staged a sit-in at the local board of education. Below are quotes from two citizens who have different opinions about these protests. Patrick: Government's most important job is to maintain order and protect public safety. How can elected officials ever do their work if people are criticizing them all the time?
Elena: I think it's important that people let their opinions be known. Protests are okay as long as they are not violent.
The argument between Patrick and Elena shows a debate common in American politics. This debate best reflects the conflict between:

Accepted Answer

the need to maintain order and the rights of individuals.

Question 14

On May 17, 1954, in Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court ruled that laws mandating racially segregated public school systems were unconstitutional. The Supreme Court later argued that federal courts should take steps to bring about the integration of segregated school systems "with all deliberate speed." In 1957, Governor Orval Faubus of Arkansas called on the National Guard to turn away nine African American students as they attempted to enter Central High School in Little Rock. President Eisenhower, who did not support the Brown decision, called out federal troops to protect the rights of the African American students to attend the school. The events at Central High School in Little Rock showed that:

Accepted Answer

the Supreme Court decision by itself did not do away with segregation.

Question 15

According to the European theory, men are divided into classes-some to toil and earn, others to seize and enjoy. According to the Massachusetts theory, all are to have an equal chance for earning. Vast and overshadowing private fortunes are among the greatest dangers to which the happiness of the people in a republic can be subjected. The main idea set forth in the creeds of some political reformers, or revolutionizers, is, that some people are poor because others are rich. This idea supposes a fixed amount of property in the community, which, by fraud or force, or arbitrary law, is unequally divided among men. But education creates or develops new treasures, treasures not before possessed or dreamed of by anyone. The passage implies that poor people will improve their lives through:

Accepted Answer

studying and learning.

Question 16

I often wondered whether we do not rest our hopes too much upon constitutions, upon laws and upon courts. These are false hopes; believe me, these are false hopes. Liberty lives in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it. - Judge Learned Hand, 1941
Which of the following best summarizes Judge Hand's argument about constitutional democracy in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Individual liberties depend on citizens committed to the protection of those liberties.

Question 17

The statute necessarily interferes with the right of contract between the employer and employees.... The general right to make a contract...is part of the liberty of the individual protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.... Under that provision, no State can deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The right to purchase or sell labor is part of the liberty protected by this amendment.... - Justice Peckham, delivering the majority opinion of the Court
It is plain that this statute was enacted in order to protect the physical well-being of those who work in bakeries.... The statute must be taken as expressing the belief of the people of New York that, as a general rule, labor in excess of sixty hours a week...may endanger the health of those who thus labor.... Our duty, I submit, is to sustain the statute as not being in conflict with the Federal Constitution.
- Justice Harlan, in his dissenting opinion
What is one way that political attitudes toward government regulation have changed since the decision in the Lochner case?

Accepted Answer

It is generally accepted that the government should take some actions to defend the health and safety of workers.

Question 18

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights was to

Accepted Answer

limit the power of the federal government.

Question 19

Imagine that Congress is considering severe cutbacks in the Social Security program. Which of the following national interest groups would be most concerned about and opposed to such a policy?

Accepted Answer

American Association of Retired Persons.

Question 20

Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical facilities . . . may be equal, deprive children of the minority group of equal educational opportunities? We believe that it does.To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely on the basis of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status and community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely to ever be undone. . . . Whatever may have been the extent of psychological knowledge at the time of Plessy v. Ferguson, this finding is amply supported by modern authority. Any language in Plessy v. Ferguson contrary to this finding is rejected. We conclude that in the field of public education, the doctrine of separate but equal has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. - Justice Warren, delivering the majority opinion of the Court
The second paragraph discusses an earlier court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson. You can conclude that the Plessy decision had allowed:

Accepted Answer

schools to have "separate but equal" educational facilities.

Quiz 27: (AP) Government Civics, Foreign Service Officer Test Fsot

"It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. . . . A law repugnant to the constitution is void." In Marbury v. Madison (1803) , quoted above, the Supreme Court argued that it had the authority to:

"It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. . . . A law repugnant to the constitution is void." The decision in Marbury v. Madison, quoted above, argues that the judiciary should serve as:

There is one column on the ballot entitled "Nomination by Petition." What can you assume from the presence of this column on the ballot?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights was to

Imagine that Congress is considering severe cutbacks in the Social Security program. Which of the following national interest groups would be most concerned about and opposed to such a policy?