AP U.S. Government & Politics 2

Question 1

In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court relied on which clause to uphold Congress's power to create a national bank?

Accepted Answer

The Necessary and Proper Clause

Answer

The Court used the Necessary and Proper Clause to find that creating a bank was an implied power supporting Congress's enumerated powers.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'iron triangles' in American policymaking?

Accepted Answer

A stable alliance among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups

Answer

Iron triangles describe the mutually beneficial, lasting relationships among committees, agencies, and interest groups in a policy area.

Question 3

A candidate wins the popular vote nationally but loses the presidency. This outcome is possible because of:

Accepted Answer

The Electoral College system

Answer

The Electoral College awards electors mostly by state winner-take-all, so the national popular vote winner can still lose.

Question 4

Which constitutional principle is most directly illustrated by the President's veto power over legislation?

Accepted Answer

Checks and balances

Answer

The veto lets the executive check the legislative branch, a core example of checks and balances.

Question 5

The 'incorporation doctrine' refers to the process by which the Supreme Court:

Accepted Answer

Applies most Bill of Rights protections to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment

Answer

Selective incorporation uses the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause to apply Bill of Rights protections to state governments.

AP Practice Test