Name ______________

Government Semester Test

Directions:
Choose 8 of the 12 statements to answer.

You will be graded on a plus (+), check plus (+), check (), check minus (-), minus (-), and
zero (0) scale . A plus (+) indicates that you know the topic at hand fully and answered the
question above and beyond. A check plus indicates that you know and understand the topic at
hand, but are missing a few details for complete your answer. A check () indicates that you
understand the topic, but cannot elaborate on details to fully support your answer. A check minus
indicated that you somewhat understand the topic, but are missing many details to support you
answer. A minus (-) indicates that you were unable to show mastery and understanding of the
topic at hand and did not successfully answer the question. A zero (0) indicates that you did not
attempt the question(s) or did not answer the question topic correctly.
Grading scale is as follows:
plus (+) = 3 points
check plus (+) = 2.5 points
check () = 2 points
check minus (-) = 1.5 points
minus (-) = 1 point
Zero (0) - 0 points
*Once your score has been calculated, it will be multiplied by 2 to produce your final exam score

Questions begin on the next page

1. Show the difference in the main viewpoints of liberals and conservatives and make a
determination as to which one you are most similar to.

2. Explain reasons that the Articles of Confederation were abandoned and the Constitution was
established.

3. What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion and explain where
each is used in our society?

4. Choose 3 of the Supreme Court cases we learned about in class and explain the main idea that
was debated in each of these cases and what the outcome of the case was.

5. Discuss your opinion on the effectiveness of the electoral college process and give detailed
reasoning as to why this is your belief.

6. Choose 4 of the 6 roles of the President that were discussed in class (hats that were created)
and give examples of how Presidents have performed each of these roles.

7. Explain the role of the cabinet in the Presidents decisions and choose 4 departments to focus
on through citing the general responsibilities of each of these departments.

8. Explain the differences in the qualifications of members of the Senate and House of
Representatives.

9. Explain the different types of committees used in Congress and give examples of how each is
used.

10. Demonstrate your knowledge of the steps in how a bill becomes a law.

11. Demonstrate your knowledge in identifying the steps in a trial OR the steps in a criminal case
as we discussed in class.

12. Explain the method of selecting and appointing Supreme Court justices in the United States.

Vocabulary Matching
(you must answer all of these)

1. _____

Powers directly stated in the Constitution

2. _____

Talking a bill to death in Congress

3. _____

President does this if he does not want a bill passed

4. _____

Government in which a king or queen normally holds power

5. _____

The person in charge of the Supreme Court

6. _____

Permanent group that oversees the passage of bills

7. _____

A person who is against change just to change things

8. _____

Group of people for whom elected representatives work

9. _____

Powers not specifically stated in the Constitution

10. _____

Rule by a group of people

11. _____

Redrawing district lines to gain political advantage

12. _____

Rights read by police officers at the time of arrest

13. _____

Group of people who generally give the verdict in court

14. _____

A group of jurors discusses how to decide a court case

15. _____

Committee made up of members of both the House and Senate to combine versions
of a bill

16. _____

Person running for office who already holds that office

17. _____

Powers that both the national and state governments have

18. _____

A person who believes in change to help society

19. _____

Rule by the people

20. _____

Committee created to deal with scandal or other current issue

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.

Liberal
Conservative
Checks & Balances
Popular Sovereignty
Separation of Powers
Concurrent Power
Reserved Power
Expressed Power
Implied Power
Democracy
Autocracy
Monarchy
Oligarchy

N.
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S.
T.
U.
V.
W.
X.
Y.
Z.

Incumbent
Gerrymandering
Filibuster
Standing Committee
Conference Committee
Temporary Committee
Constituent
Veto
Jury
Deliberation
Chief Justice
Miranda Rights
Karl Azuz