AP US Government : Enactment of Public Policy

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US Government

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Public Policy

The most prevalent method of execution in the United States today is ____________.

Possible Answers:

Lethal injection

Food poisoning

Firing squad

Electric chair

Lethal gas

Correct answer:

Lethal injection

Explanation:

The most common form of execution in the United States today is lethal injection. The Constitution does not state that any of these methods of execution are inhumane or cruel and unusual. The standards for cruel and unusual punishment have also changed with the times. Although a controversial issue, lethal injections are most widely used as a humane form of execution today.

Example Question #21 : Public Policy

A Congressperson who want to introduce a bill on a subject that he or she fears will be controversial. In order to test public reaction to it, s/he call a friend at a major newspaper. The friend publishes a story about the fact that this issue is likely to be considered by Congress soon. What have I done?

Possible Answers:

Used loaded language 

Written a feature story

Attributed a source

Swayed public opinion

Floated a trial balloon

Correct answer:

Floated a trial balloon

Explanation:

Floating a "trial balloon" is the term for anonymously giving information to a news source to test the public reaction to a policy or appointment before it is formally introduced in Congress or another forum.

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