1 American Government Pre-Test Name:___________________________ Date:________________ Class Period______ DIRECTIONS: Complete the following knowledge assessment.

Answer the questions by circling the correct answer. There is only one possible answer for each question. *This assessment will be graded in class and will be followed by a discussion. 1. What is the name of the type of federal grant that gives wide discretion to local officials? A: fund grant B: block grant C: mandated grant D: revenue-sharing grant E: categorical grants

2. Whose power is the Bill of Rights intended to restrict? A: the citizens B: the President C: the federal government D: the Senate E: the House of Representatives

3. Which amendment to the Constitution specifically outlines the powers delegated to the states? A: Seventh B: Eighth C: Ninth D: Tenth E: Eleventh

4. How did political parties nominate presidential candidates until the early nineteenth century? A: direct election B: series of state primaries C: selection by party chairman D: lottery E: congressional caucuses

5. Who is responsible for issuing a writ of certiorari? A: Congress B: Supreme Court C: Attorney General D: President E: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

2 6. According to the Constitution, the members of which body must be chosen by popular election? A: Senate B: House of Representatives C: Supreme Court D: Cabinet E: Department of Defense

7. According to research, what is the primary determinant of political affiliation? A: income B: ethnicity C: parents D: religion E: friends

8. Which of the following strategies can Congress use to restrict the power of the federal courts? A: Congress can take jurisdiction away from the courts. B: Congress can repeal Supreme Court rulings. C: Congress can force intransigent judges to retire. D: Congress can petition the president to fire Supreme Court justices. E: Congress can overturn controversial verdicts. 9. What is the name for the idea that states can declare a federal law void if it violates the Constitution? A: excommunication B: nullification C: solidarity D: federalism E: deracination

10. What is the name for an elected official or party leader who does not have to pledge in advance to support a particular presidential candidate? A: super delegate B: primary official C: nominating official D: nominee E: delegate counter