War Powers in the U.S. Constitution
The framers of the U.S. Constitution divided war powers between Congress and the president. Congress has the power to declare war and to create and fund the military. The president, as commander in chief, has the power to command and control U.S. military forces.
In 1950, President Harry Truman deployed U.S. troops in South Korea as part of a United Nations military force. President Truman referred to the Korean War as a "police action" meant to uphold the rule of law. He never asked Congress for a declaration of war and one was never delivered. Later, as a result of the Vietnam War, Congress passed legislation requiring the president to withdraw troops from combat within 60 days if Congress has not declared war or approved the use of force.
Nevertheless, while Congress and the president continue to argue over war powers, the division of these powers in the U.S. Constitution remains unchanged.
Which statement provides the main idea of the passage?
- A. The founders understood the importance of dividing war powers in the U.S. Constitution.
- B. President Truman used presidential war powers to send troops to South Korea.
- C. Congress restricted presidential war powers as a result of the Vietnam War.
- D. A conflict over presidential war powers exists in the U.S. government.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D effectively captures the overarching theme of the passage by highlighting the ongoing conflict regarding presidential war powers within the U.S. government. This statement reflects the central issue discussed throughout the text. Option A, while relevant, focuses solely on the founders' intentions rather than the current implications of war powers. Option B is too specific, addressing a single historical instance rather than the broader concept of power dynamics. Option C, although it mentions a relevant event, limits the discussion to the Vietnam War and does not encompass the ongoing nature of the conflict over these powers.
Option D effectively captures the overarching theme of the passage by highlighting the ongoing conflict regarding presidential war powers within the U.S. government. This statement reflects the central issue discussed throughout the text. Option A, while relevant, focuses solely on the founders' intentions rather than the current implications of war powers. Option B is too specific, addressing a single historical instance rather than the broader concept of power dynamics. Option C, although it mentions a relevant event, limits the discussion to the Vietnam War and does not encompass the ongoing nature of the conflict over these powers.
Other Related Questions
Which event occurred first?
- A. Michael moved to Ohio.
- B. Michael attained U.S. citizenship.
- C. The IRO was created.
- D. The UN was established.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
To determine the sequence of events, it’s essential to consider historical timelines. The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, laying the groundwork for international cooperation. The International Refugee Organization (IRO) was created shortly after, in 1946, to address post-war refugee issues. Michael attaining U.S. citizenship likely occurred after these events, as it typically follows immigration processes. Lastly, Michael moving to Ohio would depend on his citizenship status and individual circumstances, making it the most recent event in this context.
To determine the sequence of events, it’s essential to consider historical timelines. The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, laying the groundwork for international cooperation. The International Refugee Organization (IRO) was created shortly after, in 1946, to address post-war refugee issues. Michael attaining U.S. citizenship likely occurred after these events, as it typically follows immigration processes. Lastly, Michael moving to Ohio would depend on his citizenship status and individual circumstances, making it the most recent event in this context.
What is the mean number of people who became legal residents of the United States during this five-year period?
- A. 1,119,823
- B. 223,504
- C. 5,599,113
- D. 1,107,126
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
To determine the mean number of legal residents over the five-year period, one must sum the total number of residents and divide by five. The correct calculation yields a mean of 1,119,823, reflecting the average annual influx. Option B (223,504) represents a miscalculation, likely reflecting a single year's data rather than an average. Option C (5,599,113) incorrectly totals the residents without division, suggesting a cumulative number rather than an average. Option D (1,107,126) is close but does not accurately reflect the mean, indicating a minor arithmetic error.
To determine the mean number of legal residents over the five-year period, one must sum the total number of residents and divide by five. The correct calculation yields a mean of 1,119,823, reflecting the average annual influx. Option B (223,504) represents a miscalculation, likely reflecting a single year's data rather than an average. Option C (5,599,113) incorrectly totals the residents without division, suggesting a cumulative number rather than an average. Option D (1,107,126) is close but does not accurately reflect the mean, indicating a minor arithmetic error.
Which one statement identifies the main idea of President Johnson's speech?
- A. The federal government has the responsibility to guarantee the rights of citizens.
- B. The expansion of educational opportunities should be the next goal of the civil rights movement.
- C. The expansion of voting rights can eliminate poverty.
- D. The federal government has power over state governments.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A accurately captures the essence of President Johnson's speech, which emphasizes the government's duty to protect citizens' rights, particularly in the context of civil rights and social justice. Option B, while relevant to the civil rights movement, does not encapsulate the primary focus of the speech, which is broader than just education. Option C suggests a direct correlation between voting rights and poverty alleviation, which, though important, is not the main thrust of Johnson's address. Option D misrepresents the speech's intent, as it does not primarily discuss the federal government's authority over states but rather its role in ensuring citizen rights.
Option A accurately captures the essence of President Johnson's speech, which emphasizes the government's duty to protect citizens' rights, particularly in the context of civil rights and social justice. Option B, while relevant to the civil rights movement, does not encapsulate the primary focus of the speech, which is broader than just education. Option C suggests a direct correlation between voting rights and poverty alleviation, which, though important, is not the main thrust of Johnson's address. Option D misrepresents the speech's intent, as it does not primarily discuss the federal government's authority over states but rather its role in ensuring citizen rights.
Assuming that the majority of senators and representatives voted along party lines, which conclusion about the U.S. government in 2011 does the table support?
- A. The party that passed more legislation could be anticipated.
- B. The party that would win the next presidential election could be predicted.
- C. Party divisions were a challenge to the legislative process.
- D. Party affiliations are a requirement for congressional membership.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The data suggests that party divisions significantly impacted the legislative process in 2011, indicating that partisan alignment often hindered bipartisan cooperation. Option A incorrectly implies that the quantity of legislation passed directly correlates with party strength, which is not supported by the information. Option B assumes a direct link between legislative success and electoral outcomes, which cannot be inferred from party voting patterns alone. Option D misrepresents the nature of congressional membership, as party affiliation is not a formal requirement but rather a common practice among members.
The data suggests that party divisions significantly impacted the legislative process in 2011, indicating that partisan alignment often hindered bipartisan cooperation. Option A incorrectly implies that the quantity of legislation passed directly correlates with party strength, which is not supported by the information. Option B assumes a direct link between legislative success and electoral outcomes, which cannot be inferred from party voting patterns alone. Option D misrepresents the nature of congressional membership, as party affiliation is not a formal requirement but rather a common practice among members.