American Government CLEP Exam | Questions & Answers (100 %Score) Latest Updated
2024/2025 Comprehensive Questions A+ Graded Answers | With Expert Solutions
Federalism - A system in which the power to govern is shared between national and
state governments
Dual / Layer Cake Federalism - A 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 - A 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 - A system in which the national government sets requirements
that are then implemented by state and local governments.
Fiscal Federalism - A system in which the national government provides grants-in-aid to
states using conditions to elicit control.
New Federalism - Devolutionary system in which the national government returns tax
dollars to the state and local governments primarily in the form of block grants.
Federalism - The 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 - The 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 - This type of government suits a large country with a diverse population
Enumerated Powers - Powers specifically outlined in the Constitution as assigned to
one branch of government.
Article II - This article of the Constitution establishes the Executive Branch.
Categorical Grant - Federal 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 - Federal 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 - Federal categorical grants in which the granting agency has much
discretion over how the recipient spends the money.
Formula Grant - Federal categorical grants in which the granting agency has less
discretion over how the recipient spends the money.
Commander in Chief - The 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 - Constitutionally required address by the President typically given in
a joint session of Congress.
President - Constitutionally empowered to appoint judges, ambassadors, and other high
officials
President - Constitutionally empowered to make treaties with foreign countries.
Senate - President requires their approval to appoint judges, ambassadors and other
high officials.
Grant Clemency - This customary power allows the President to grant reprieves and
pardons for federal offenses.
35 - Age requirement for President
14 - Number of years a President must reside in the US prior to taking office
Pyramid Model - Presidential 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 - Presidential 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 - Presidential 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 - German sociologist theorized that the engine of government needs
bureaucracies to provide expertise in a way that short-term elected or appointed official
cannot.
,Bureaucracy - The 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 - The 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 - 3 person executive panel responsible for helping the
President develop an economic plan for the nation.
Office of Management and Budget - Executive office responsible for helping the
President write the federal budget and monitoring federal spending.
US Trade Representatives - Executive office responsible for negotiating trade with
foreign powers.
15 - Number of current cabinet positions under GW Bush.
3 - Number of original cabinet positions under George Washington.
Labor - Cabinet department responsible for collective bargaining and union activity.
Established in 1913
Housing and Urban Development - Cabinet department responsible for insuring
mortgages and providing housing subsidies. Established in 1965
Agriculture - Cabinet department responsible for managing school lunch programs and
food safety. Established in 1862.
Commerce - Cabinet department responsible for regulating and promoting trade and
maintaining the census Established in 1913..
Energy - Cabinet department oversees nuclear reactors.Established in 1973 in
response to the Energy Crisis.
Homeland Security - Cabinet 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 - Cabinet department responsible for the management of public lands, wildlife,
natural resources, and Native American affairs. Established in 1849
, Transportation - Cabinet department that includes the FAA and the National Hwy Traffic
Safety Administration. Established in 1966.
Governmental Corporations - Corporations formed by the government to act as a
business to produce a product or service. Often monopolies with varying degrees of
independence.
Regulatory Agencies - Independent 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 - Government branch established in Article I of the Constitution.
Bicameral - Legislative branch incorporating two houses.
Senate - Legislative house responsible for impeachment trials.
2 - Number of Senators elected at large per state,
17th - Amendment that delegated the election of Senators to popular vote.
Senate - Legislative house whose membership was intended to represent the state.
Filibuster - Form of obstruction in the Senate where an attempt is made to infinitely
extend debate upon a proposal in order to delay the progress or completely prevent a
vote on the proposal taking place.
Vice President - Presides over the Senate without voting privileges except in the case of
a tie.
President Pro Tempore - Presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice
President. Position awarded to the longest serving Senator from the majority party. 3rd
in line of succession for the Presidency.
Conference Committee - A joint committee of Congress established to help negotiate
discrepancies and gain consensus between legislation passed in each house before
sending the bill to the President.
House of Representatives - Legislative house whose members were intended to
represent the people.
435 - Total number of Representatives apportioned to the states based on population
and reapportioned with the census every 10 years
Speaker of the House - Leader of the House of Representatives, elected by the majority
party. 2nd in line of succession for the Presidency.
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