Foreign Service Exam Practice Questions
What influenced United States foreign policy and thereby helped to bring about the emigrations of
thousands of Jews from the Soviet Union in the 1970's? Correct Answer: American human rights
concerns
Following the creation of an independent Bosnia-Herzegovina, Yugoslavia consisted of two republics and
two semi-autonomous provinces. The republics were Serbia and....? Correct Answer: Montenegro
In public speaking, the term ''poisoning the well'' refers to? Correct Answer: A disingenuous and vilifying
definition of terms or characterization of an argument that does not allow for reasoned opposition.
What is generally considered the most critical drawback to submarine-launched ballistic missiles as a
means of creating a stable system of nuclear deterrence? Correct Answer: Their guidance systems
require a continuous update of the missiles' positions.
The grassland zone of Argentina is known as the...? Correct Answer: Pampas
You own a bond issued by a foreign government; the interest rate is 20 percent in that country's
currency. Last year, the currency declined by 50 percent against the U.S. dollar. For the last year, in
dollar terms, what did you earn on the bond? Correct Answer: 10%
When someone relies on ''due process'' in confronting an accusation before the courts, the claim may
depend, in part, on which U.S. Constitutional amendment? Correct Answer: 14th
What does the 14th amendment do? Correct Answer: -Grants citizenship to "all persons born or
naturalized in the U.S." including former slaves.
-Forbids states from denying any person "life, liberty or property, without due process of law" or to
"deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." (due process)
What are the three basic economic problems that every economy must solve? Correct Answer: What to
produce, how to produce, for whom to produce
One reason for the 1998-99 surplus in the U.S. federal budget was...? Correct Answer: An increase in
federal tax rates
Which of the following is considered the most important contribution of the ancient Greeks to modern
Western civilization? Correct Answer: Their systematic approach to knowledge
A deficit in a nation's current account generally is accompanied by a? Correct Answer: A surplus in the
nation's capital account
How often does Congress overrides presidential vetoes? Correct Answer: Less than 5 percent of the
time
Before the president orders a covert intelligence operation, he must? Correct Answer: Inform the
Congressional intelligence committees
What influenced United States foreign policy and thereby helped to bring about the emigrations of
thousands of Jews from the Soviet Union in the 1970's? Correct Answer: American human rights
concerns
Following the creation of an independent Bosnia-Herzegovina, Yugoslavia consisted of two republics and
two semi-autonomous provinces. The republics were Serbia and....? Correct Answer: Montenegro
In public speaking, the term ''poisoning the well'' refers to? Correct Answer: A disingenuous and vilifying
definition of terms or characterization of an argument that does not allow for reasoned opposition.
What is generally considered the most critical drawback to submarine-launched ballistic missiles as a
means of creating a stable system of nuclear deterrence? Correct Answer: Their guidance systems
require a continuous update of the missiles' positions.
The grassland zone of Argentina is known as the...? Correct Answer: Pampas
You own a bond issued by a foreign government; the interest rate is 20 percent in that country's
currency. Last year, the currency declined by 50 percent against the U.S. dollar. For the last year, in
dollar terms, what did you earn on the bond? Correct Answer: 10%
When someone relies on ''due process'' in confronting an accusation before the courts, the claim may
depend, in part, on which U.S. Constitutional amendment? Correct Answer: 14th
What does the 14th amendment do? Correct Answer: -Grants citizenship to "all persons born or
naturalized in the U.S." including former slaves.
-Forbids states from denying any person "life, liberty or property, without due process of law" or to
"deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." (due process)
What are the three basic economic problems that every economy must solve? Correct Answer: What to
produce, how to produce, for whom to produce
One reason for the 1998-99 surplus in the U.S. federal budget was...? Correct Answer: An increase in
federal tax rates
Which of the following is considered the most important contribution of the ancient Greeks to modern
Western civilization? Correct Answer: Their systematic approach to knowledge
A deficit in a nation's current account generally is accompanied by a? Correct Answer: A surplus in the
nation's capital account
How often does Congress overrides presidential vetoes? Correct Answer: Less than 5 percent of the
time
Before the president orders a covert intelligence operation, he must? Correct Answer: Inform the
Congressional intelligence committees
