Political Science Major Field Test
Comprehensive Review Questions and Answers
Covering All Core Areas of Political Science
1. American Government and Politics
Question 1:
The principle of federalism in the U.S. Constitution refers to:
A) The separation of powers among three branches
B) The division of power between national and state governments
C) The system of checks and balances
D) The Bill of Rights protections
Answer: B) The division of power between national and state governments
Federalism is the constitutional arrangement where power is shared between the
federal government and state governments, each having distinct spheres of authority.
Question 2:
Which case established the principle of judicial review?
A) McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
B) Marbury v. Madison (1803)
C) Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
D) Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Answer: B) Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Marbury v. Madison established the Supreme Court's power to review and strike
down laws that violate the Constitution, a power not explicitly stated in the
Constitution itself.
Question 3:
The Electoral College system means that:
A) The president is elected by direct popular vote
B) Each state gets electoral votes equal to its total congressional delegation
C) Only large states matter in presidential elections
D) The House of Representatives always chooses the president
Answer: B) Each state gets electoral votes equal to its total congressional
delegation
Each state receives electoral votes equal to its number of senators (2) plus its number
of House representatives, creating a system that somewhat balances population with
state equality.
Question 4:
The Commerce Clause has been used to:
A) Limit federal power over the economy
B) Expand federal regulatory authority
C) Eliminate state governments
, D) Create the Federal Reserve
Answer: B) Expand federal regulatory authority
The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) has been broadly interpreted by the
Supreme Court to allow extensive federal regulation of economic activity and
interstate commerce.
2. Comparative Politics
Question 5:
A parliamentary system differs from a presidential system in that:
A) There is no executive branch
B) The executive is chosen by and accountable to the legislature
C) There are no political parties
D) Elections are not held regularly
Answer: B) The executive is chosen by and accountable to the legislature
In parliamentary systems, the prime minister and cabinet are selected from the
legislature and can be removed through votes of no confidence, unlike presidential
systems where executives are independently elected.
Question 6:
Which of the following is characteristic of a totalitarian regime?
A) Limited government control over private life
B) Multiple competing political parties
C) Extensive state control over society and economy
D) Strong protection of individual rights
Answer: C) Extensive state control over society and economy
Totalitarian regimes seek to control all aspects of public and private life, including
the economy, education, media, and personal relationships.
Question 7:
The European Union is best described as:
A) A federal state
B) A supranational organization
C) An international alliance
D) A confederation
Answer: B) A supranational organization
The EU represents a unique form of supranational governance where member states
have pooled sovereignty in certain areas while maintaining national sovereignty in
others.
3. International Relations
Question 8:
Realism in international relations theory emphasizes:
Comprehensive Review Questions and Answers
Covering All Core Areas of Political Science
1. American Government and Politics
Question 1:
The principle of federalism in the U.S. Constitution refers to:
A) The separation of powers among three branches
B) The division of power between national and state governments
C) The system of checks and balances
D) The Bill of Rights protections
Answer: B) The division of power between national and state governments
Federalism is the constitutional arrangement where power is shared between the
federal government and state governments, each having distinct spheres of authority.
Question 2:
Which case established the principle of judicial review?
A) McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
B) Marbury v. Madison (1803)
C) Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
D) Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Answer: B) Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Marbury v. Madison established the Supreme Court's power to review and strike
down laws that violate the Constitution, a power not explicitly stated in the
Constitution itself.
Question 3:
The Electoral College system means that:
A) The president is elected by direct popular vote
B) Each state gets electoral votes equal to its total congressional delegation
C) Only large states matter in presidential elections
D) The House of Representatives always chooses the president
Answer: B) Each state gets electoral votes equal to its total congressional
delegation
Each state receives electoral votes equal to its number of senators (2) plus its number
of House representatives, creating a system that somewhat balances population with
state equality.
Question 4:
The Commerce Clause has been used to:
A) Limit federal power over the economy
B) Expand federal regulatory authority
C) Eliminate state governments
, D) Create the Federal Reserve
Answer: B) Expand federal regulatory authority
The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) has been broadly interpreted by the
Supreme Court to allow extensive federal regulation of economic activity and
interstate commerce.
2. Comparative Politics
Question 5:
A parliamentary system differs from a presidential system in that:
A) There is no executive branch
B) The executive is chosen by and accountable to the legislature
C) There are no political parties
D) Elections are not held regularly
Answer: B) The executive is chosen by and accountable to the legislature
In parliamentary systems, the prime minister and cabinet are selected from the
legislature and can be removed through votes of no confidence, unlike presidential
systems where executives are independently elected.
Question 6:
Which of the following is characteristic of a totalitarian regime?
A) Limited government control over private life
B) Multiple competing political parties
C) Extensive state control over society and economy
D) Strong protection of individual rights
Answer: C) Extensive state control over society and economy
Totalitarian regimes seek to control all aspects of public and private life, including
the economy, education, media, and personal relationships.
Question 7:
The European Union is best described as:
A) A federal state
B) A supranational organization
C) An international alliance
D) A confederation
Answer: B) A supranational organization
The EU represents a unique form of supranational governance where member states
have pooled sovereignty in certain areas while maintaining national sovereignty in
others.
3. International Relations
Question 8:
Realism in international relations theory emphasizes:
