AP US Government : Other Civil Rights

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US Government

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Other Civil Rights

The Sherbert test, which is derived from the 1963 Supreme Court decision in Sherbert v. Verner, deals with the part of the First Amendment which guarantees

Possible Answers:

the free exercise of religion.

freedom of the press.

freedom to assemble.

freedom of speech.

congress shall not establish a religion.

Correct answer:

the free exercise of religion.

Explanation:

Adell Sherbert was a Seventh Day Adventist who refused to work on Saturday, as it was her religion's sabbath. When her employer fired her, she sued her employer, arguing she had a constitutional right to not be fired for freely exercising her religion. After her case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, the court found in her favor, and established the so-called Sherbert test. The Sherbert test was used to determine whether someone's ability to freely exercise his or her religion was being limited by the government.

Example Question #2 : Other Civil Rights

Eminent Domain __________.

Possible Answers:

allows the Federal Government to prohibit freedom of speech in specific, dangerous instances.

allows the Federal Government to seize private property

prohibits the President from declaring war without the consent of Congress.

prohibits the Federal Government from seizing private property

allows the Federal Government to prohibit freedom of religion in specific, dangerous instances

Correct answer:

allows the Federal Government to seize private property

Explanation:

Eminent Domain has been a policy of the US Government since independence from the British Empire. It allows the Federal government to seize private property for public use. Due to the fact that it inherently violates the right of an individual to own property it has always been at least somewhat controversial. It reappears as a major public issue from time to time throughout American history.

Example Question #3 : Other Civil Rights

Which President arranged the desegregation of the armed forces?

Possible Answers:

Harry Truman

Abraham Lincoln

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Dwight Eisenhower

Ulysses S. Grant

Correct answer:

Harry Truman

Explanation:

Desegregation of the armed forces took place in 1948 and was ordered by President Harry Truman. Roosevelt had recently banned racial discrimination and segregation in government offices.

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