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Unit 1 of 5

Unit 1: Constitutional Foundations

Study guide for CLEP CLEP American Government — Unit 1: Constitutional Foundations. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

233

Practice Questions

12

Flashcards

6

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

separation of powers
federalism
constitutional amendments
checks and balances
democratic theory (pluralist vs elite)
majority rule vs minority rights

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 233.

Q1MEDIUM

Which of the following is a result of the incorporation doctrine?

A) States have more power to restrict individual rights
B) The federal government has less power to enforce individual rights
C) The Bill of Rights applies only to the federal government
D) States must provide the same protections as the federal government
E) The Supreme Court has less power to review state laws
Show Answer

Answer: D — States must provide the same protections as the federal government is correct because the incorporation doctrine requires states to provide the same level of protection for individual rights as the federal government, effectively nationalizing the Bill of Rights.

Q2EASY

The Social Security Act of 1935 contributed to

A) reduced federal spending
B) expansion of the federal bureaucracy
C) lower tax rates
D) decreased government regulation
E) state takeover of social services
Show Answer

Answer: B — expansion of the federal bureaucracy is correct because the Social Security Act increased federal bureaucracy.

Q3MEDIUM

Which of the following best describes the formation of the National Labor Union?

A) A response to the growth of big business
B) A reaction to the decline of the railroad industry
C) An attempt to restrict immigration
D) A movement to promote states' rights
E) A call for the abolition of slavery
Show Answer

Answer: A — The National Labor Union was formed as a response to the growth of big business, because it sought to address the economic and social challenges faced by workers in the post-Civil War period, by applying collective action to promote labor rights.

Q4MEDIUM

A college student earns a score of 4 on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam. What does this score indicate about the student's performance?

A) The student performed better than 80% of test-takers.
B) The student met the criteria for college-level coursework in U.S. Government and Politics.
C) The student answered every multiple-choice question correctly.
D) The student's score was curved to ensure grade distribution.
E) The student exceeded the national average by two standard deviations.
Show Answer

Answer: B — The AP exam is criterion-referenced, meaning students who meet the criteria receive the corresponding score.

Q5EASY

Which clause gives Congress the power to make laws necessary for national welfare?

A) Necessary and Proper Clause
B) Commerce Clause
C) Supremacy Clause
D) Establishment Clause
E) Due Process Clause
Show Answer

Answer: A — Necessary and Proper Clause is correct because it grants this power.

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Study Tips for Unit 1: Constitutional Foundations

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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