AP®︎ U.S. Government & Politics: Topic 2.1 Practice Test

Review: EK 2.1.A.1

Republicanism, the democratic principle that the will of the people is reflected in government debates and decisions by their representatives, is shown in the bicameral structure of Congress. The Senate is designed to represent states equally, while the House is designed to represent the people.

Review: EK 2.1.A.2

Different membership sizes influence the formality of debate in each chamber. Debate in the House, which has 435 members, is more formal than in the Senate, with 100 members.

Review: EK 2.1.A.3

Interactions in Congress are affected by the two-party system and term-length differences. One-third of the Senate is elected every two years, creating a continuous legislative body. All House members are elected every two years.

Review: EK 2.1.A.4

The enumerated and implied powers in the Constitution allow Congress to participate in the public policy process by: i. Passing a federal budget, raising revenue by laying and collecting taxes, borrowing money, and coining money ii. Declaring war and providing the funds necessary to maintain the armed forces iii. Determining the process for naturalization by which people can become citizens of the U.S. iv. Regulating interstate commerce v. Creating federal courts and their jurisdictions vi. Enacting legislation under the authority of the necessary and proper clause vii. Conducting oversight of the executive branch, including federal agencies in the bureaucracy