AP US Government & Politics 2

Question 1

Which clause of the Constitution is the basis for the federal government's authority to regulate activity that crosses state lines?

Accepted Answer

The Commerce Clause

Answer

The Commerce Clause in Article I gives Congress power to regulate trade among the states.

Question 2

A president issues a directive managing federal agencies without congressional approval. This action is best described as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Executive order

Answer

Executive orders let presidents direct the executive branch without new legislation.

Question 3

In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court relied most directly on which principle to uphold the national bank?

Accepted Answer

Implied powers

Answer

The Court used implied powers from the Necessary and Proper Clause to justify the bank.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of a political party's national convention?

Accepted Answer

Formally nominating the presidential candidate and adopting the platform

Answer

National conventions formally nominate the candidate and approve the party platform.

Question 5

The practice of 'logrolling' in Congress refers to:

Accepted Answer

Members trading votes to support each other's bills

Answer

Logrolling is the mutual exchange of voting support among legislators.

AP Practice Test