Unit 4 of 5
Study guide for CLEP CLEP American Government — Unit 4: Institutions of Government. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.
69
Practice Questions
7
Flashcards
6
Key Topics
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Which of the following is an example of an iron triangle in American government?
The relationship between the Department of Education, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the National Education Association
The relationship between the Department of Defense, the House Committee on Armed Services, and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
The relationship between the Department of State, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and the United Nations
The relationship between the Department of Energy, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Environmental Protection Agency
The relationship between the Department of Agriculture, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Farm Bureau
Answer: E — The relationship between the Department of Agriculture, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Farm Bureau is correct because the relationship between the Department of Agriculture, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Farm Bureau is a classic example of an iron triangle. This network has formed to shape agricultural policies, such as farm subsidies and crop insurance programs, that benefit farmers and agricultural interests. The close ties between these entities enable them to work together to influence policy decisions and distribute benefits to their constituents. This iron triangle has been instrumental in shaping the agricultural sector and has had a significant impact on the development of agricultural policies in the United States.
What is the gatekeeping function of the media in the context of policy formation?
To censor information
To regulate social media
To conduct public opinion polls
To select and prioritize news stories
To promote media consolidation
Answer: D — To select and prioritize news stories is correct because gatekeeping involves selecting and prioritizing news stories, influencing the public agenda.
When the Senate refuses to confirm a President's Supreme Court nominee, which constitutional principle is most directly being exercised?
Judicial review, allowing the Senate to overturn Court decisions
Executive privilege, protecting the President's confidential deliberations
Federalism, which reserves judicial appointments to state legislatures
The Senate's check on executive power through its advice and consent role
The filibuster rule, which requires a supermajority for all nominations
Answer: D — The Senate's confirmation power over Supreme Court nominees is a direct constitutional check on presidential power (Article II, Section 2)..
The presidential power to grant reprieves and pardons is found in
Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution
Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution
Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution
The 14th Amendment
The 22nd Amendment
Answer: B — Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution is correct because Article II, Section 2 grants the president power to grant reprieves and pardons..
What concept describes the media's ability to decide what information reaches the public?
Agenda-setting
Gatekeeping
Framing
Social media influencing
Public relations
Answer: B — Gatekeeping is correct because gatekeeping refers to the media's control over the flow of information..
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