American Government CLEP Exam Questions With 100% Correct Answers

American Government CLEP Exam Questions With 100% Correct Answers Federalism - answerA system in which the power to govern is shared between national and state governments Dual / Layer Cake Federalism - answerA system in which national and state governments are competitors with distinct powers. This system was prominent in the US from the during the 19th century until 1937. Cooperative / Marble Cake Federalism - answerA system in which national and state government have shared or overlapping powers. FDR's New Deal legislation established this system in the US. Regulatory Federalism - answerA system in which the national government sets requirements that are then implemented by state and local governments. Fiscal Federalism - answerA system in which the national government provides grants-in-aid to states using conditions to elicit control. New Federalism - answerDevolutionary system in which the national government returns tax dollars to the state and local governments primarily in the form of block grants. Federalism - answerThe negative aspects of this system include: conflicts between state and national government, economic and racial discrimination, uneven enforcement of law, and dominance of local governments by special interest groups Federalism - answerThe positive aspects of this system include: diversity/diffusion of power, more access points for political participation, fostering of experimentation and innovation, and allowing local governments to manage local problems effectively Federal - answerThis type of government suits a large country with a diverse population Enumerated Powers - answerPowers specifically outlined in the Constitution as assigned to one branch of government. Article II - answerThis article of the Constitution establishes the Executive Branch. Categorical Grant - answerFederal grants in which the recipient has little discretion over how the money is spent. The national government sets narrowly defined rules for use of funds and often requires the states or local governments to provide matching funds. These grants account for 90% of federal aid dollars. Examples include Head Start, Food Stamps, Medicaid, and the Interstate Highway System Block Grant - answerFederal grants in which the recipient has a lot of discretion over how the money is spent. These grants are issued in support of general government functions such as education and law enforcement. Project Grant - answerFederal categorical grants in which the granting agency has much discretion over how the recipient spends the money. Formula Grant - answerFederal categorical grants in which the granting agency has less discretion over how the recipient spends the money. Commander in Chief - answerThe President's role in the armed forces which during the 20th century has allowed Presidents to circumvent Congress' refusal to declare war. State of the Union - answerConstitutionally required address by the President typically given in a joint session of Congress. President - answerConstitutionally empowered to appoint judges, ambassadors, and other high officials President - answerConstitutionally empowered to make treaties with foreign countries. Senate - answerPresident requires their approval to appoint judges, ambassadors and other high officials. Grant Clemency - answerThis customary power allows the President to grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses. 35 - answerAge requirement for President 14 - answerNumber of years a President must reside in the US prior to taking office Pyramid Model - answerPresidential management model in which the Chief of Staff plays a prominent role as the head of a military style chain of command. Used successfully by Reagan and Eisenhower. Hub and Spoke Model - answerPresidential management model requiring the President to have strong leadership skills and a keen eye for detail. FDR and JFK were well known for this style of leadership. Ad Hoc Structure - answerPresidential management model in which corporate CEO tactics are used employing committees, task forces, and special advisors. Successfully utilized by Clinton and G W Bush. Max Weber - answerGerman sociologist theorized that the engine of government needs bureaucracies to provide expertise in a way that short-term elected or appointed official cannot. Bureaucracy - answerThe structure and set of regulations in place to control activity, usually in large organizations and government. it is represented by standardized procedure (rule- following) that dictates the execution of most or all processes within the body, formal division of powers, hierarchy, and relationships. National Security Council - answerThe executive office established in response to intelligence lapses during WWI. Oversees American foreign policy and includes the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and is lead by the National Security Advisor. Council of Economic Advisors - answer3 person executive panel responsible for helping the President develop an economic plan for the nation. Office of Management and Budget - answerExecutive office responsible for helping the President write the federal budget and monitoring federal spending. US Trade Representatives - answerExecutive office responsible for negotiating trade with foreign powers. 15 - answerNumber of current cabinet positions under GW Bush. 3 - answerNumber of original cabinet positions under George Washington. Labor - answerCabinet department responsible for collective bargaining and union activity. Established in 1913 Housing and Urban Development - answerCabinet department responsible for insuring mortgages and providing housing subsidies. Established in 1965 Agriculture - answerCabinet department responsible for managing school lunch programs and food safety. Established in 1862. Commerce - answerCabinet department responsible for regulating and promoting trade and maintaining the census Established in 1913.. Energy - answerCabinet department oversees nuclear reactors.Established in 1973 in response to the Energy Crisis. Homeland Security - answerCabinet department that includes the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, FEMA, Transportation Security Administration, INS and the Secret Service. Established in 2001 in response to 9/11. Interior - answerCabinet department responsible for the management of public lands, wildlife, natural resources, and Native American affairs. Established in 1849 Transportation - answerCabinet department that includes the FAA and the National Hwy Traffic Safety Administration. Established in 1966. Governmental Corporations - answerCorporations formed by the government to act as a business to produce a product or service. Often monopolies with varying degrees of independence. Regulatory Agencies - answerIndependent agencies governed by an appointed and confirmed commission. Examples include the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Legislative - answerGovernment branch established in Article I of the Constitution. Bicameral - answerLegislative branch incorporating two houses. Senate - answerLegislative house responsible for impeachment trials. 2 - answerNumber of Senators elected at large per state, 17th - answerAmendment that deleg