Download • - POLYTECH High School

Civics Final Exam Study Guide
Date: ______________
Time: ______________
* You will be expected to be seated and prepared to take the exam at the scheduled time. You
may not leave the room during the exam for any reason, so use the restroom during the break.
You may not leave the room after you have completed the exam unless you have a pass from
another teacher signed beforehand. Bring a pencil to class with you. The exam will be due by
the time the exam period ends.
Multiple Choice- 1 point each (50).
Unit 1: Structures of Government
1. What is the primary difference between a presidential and parliamentary government?
2. Which factor most distinguishes dictators from monarchs?
3. Under which system of government are all political powers in the state concentrated at the central level?
4. How does a dictator gain power?
5. How is power divided in a federal government system?
6. A ruler’s legitimacy depends mainly on…
7. What are the features of a command economy?
8. What are the features of a market economy?
Unit 2a: The Dynamic Constitution
1. Define the principle of popular sovereignty. Where is this evident in the Constitution (phrase from Preamble)?
2. Define the principle of separation of powers.
3. Why did the framers of the Constitution create three separate branches of government?
4. Give an example of constitutional checks and balances.
5. Which groups are needed to amend the Constitution?
6. What is the difference between enumerated and implied powers?
7. Define informal amendment. Give an example.
8. Explain the purpose of the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.
9. What event triggers reapportionment of seats in the House of Representatives?
10. How can Congress override a Presidential veto?
11. Why did the Framers include the Necessary and Proper Clause in the Constitution?
12. Define the principle of judicial review.
Unit 2b: Federalism
1. Define federalism.
2. Define delegated powers. List some examples.
3. Define concurrent powers.
4. Define reserved powers.
Unit 3: The Role Political Parties and Special Interest Groups
1. What is the primary goal of political parties?
2. What is found in a party platform?
3. Which constitutional principle is most reflected in elections in the United States?
4. What would be your best advice to a person who wants to learn more about political issues- How many sources
should be considered?
5. How many electoral votes are needed to secure a victory in the general election?
Unit 4: The Responsibilities, Rights, and Privileges of Citizens
1. Define suffrage.
2. What is the most reliable source of public opinion?
3. What is the most influential source of political information for most people?
4. How does mass media seem to affect politics most?
5. Why does a democracy have a free press?
6. Which clause in the Constitution does the Supreme Court use to incorporate amendments?
7. List some examples of actions that demonstrates responsible citizenship.
8. Who plays the largest role in interpreting the Bill of Rights?
9. Which amendments protect your rights in the legal system?
10. List some examples of civil liberties.
11. List some examples of duties for American citizens.
12. Is political party membership required? How do you decide which party to join?
13. What is the most significant reason for nonvoting in United States elections today?
Unit 5: Civic Participation
1. Why do communities rely on volunteers?
Absence from Exams (This is the school-wide policy.)
During final exams, students must notify the school prior to the scheduled exam if they will be
absent from an exam. If an emergency arises and the reason for the absence is valid, students may
reschedule the exam at the teacher’s discretion. If the reason is not valid or the school has not been
notified prior to the exam, no make-up exam will be scheduled and the grade will be a zero.