CLEP American Government Version 1
Practice exam for College Level Examination Program CLEP under College Placement Exams (College Exams). 5 sample questions.
Sample Questions
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Question 1
To amend the United States Constitution, an amendment must be proposed by
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct process for amending the U.S. Constitution, as outlined in Article V, requires a proposal by a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate (or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures), followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states. This ensures broad consensus across federal and state levels. Choice B is wrong because the president has no formal role in approving amendments. Choice C is incorrect as it misstates the voting thresholds and involves states proposing rather than ratifying. Choice D wrongly involves the Supreme Court in proposal. Choice E confuses supermajority thresholds and invents a Supreme Court approval role, which does not exist.
Rationale: The correct process for amending the U.S. Constitution, as outlined in Article V, requires a proposal by a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate (or by a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures), followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states. This ensures broad consensus across federal and state levels. Choice B is wrong because the president has no formal role in approving amendments. Choice C is incorrect as it misstates the voting thresholds and involves states proposing rather than ratifying. Choice D wrongly involves the Supreme Court in proposal. Choice E confuses supermajority thresholds and invents a Supreme Court approval role, which does not exist.
Question 2
Which of the following is an example of a right that is protected by the First Amendment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, which includes symbolic speech like flag burning, as affirmed in Texas v. Johnson (1989), where the Supreme Court ruled it as expressive conduct. Choice A relates to jury duty under the Sixth Amendment. Choice B involves Second Amendment rights but with state regulations. Choice C is a common law right, not constitutionally protected under the First. Choice E is protected by the Fifth Amendment's right against self-incrimination.
Rationale: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, which includes symbolic speech like flag burning, as affirmed in Texas v. Johnson (1989), where the Supreme Court ruled it as expressive conduct. Choice A relates to jury duty under the Sixth Amendment. Choice B involves Second Amendment rights but with state regulations. Choice C is a common law right, not constitutionally protected under the First. Choice E is protected by the Fifth Amendment's right against self-incrimination.
Question 3
Which of the following constitutional provisions establishes that national laws are superior to state laws?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Article VI's Supremacy Clause declares the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the 'supreme Law of the Land,' making them superior to conflicting state laws. Choice A (Necessary and Proper Clause) allows Congress to make laws needed for enumerated powers but doesn't address supremacy. Choice B (Establishment Clause) prohibits government establishment of religion. Choice D (Emoluments Clause) bars federal officials from receiving foreign gifts. Choice E (Commerce Clause) empowers Congress to regulate interstate commerce but not superiority.
Rationale: Article VI's Supremacy Clause declares the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the 'supreme Law of the Land,' making them superior to conflicting state laws. Choice A (Necessary and Proper Clause) allows Congress to make laws needed for enumerated powers but doesn't address supremacy. Choice B (Establishment Clause) prohibits government establishment of religion. Choice D (Emoluments Clause) bars federal officials from receiving foreign gifts. Choice E (Commerce Clause) empowers Congress to regulate interstate commerce but not superiority.
Question 4
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) was added to protect individual liberties from federal overreach, addressing Anti-Federalist concerns during ratification. Choice A contradicts its limiting purpose. Choice C refers to Article I, Section 8. Choice D is the Fourteenth Amendment's role. Choice E involves shared powers, not addressed in the Bill of Rights.
Rationale: The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) was added to protect individual liberties from federal overreach, addressing Anti-Federalist concerns during ratification. Choice A contradicts its limiting purpose. Choice C refers to Article I, Section 8. Choice D is the Fourteenth Amendment's role. Choice E involves shared powers, not addressed in the Bill of Rights.
Question 5
The necessary and proper clause is one of the most powerful clauses of the Constitution because it
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Article I, Section 8's Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) enables Congress to pass laws essential to executing its enumerated powers, expanding federal authority (e.g., McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819). Choice A is Article I's vesting clause. Choice B refers to separation of powers. Choice C is a procedural House rule, not constitutional. Choice D reverses federal supremacy.
Rationale: Article I, Section 8's Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) enables Congress to pass laws essential to executing its enumerated powers, expanding federal authority (e.g., McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819). Choice A is Article I's vesting clause. Choice B refers to separation of powers. Choice C is a procedural House rule, not constitutional. Choice D reverses federal supremacy.