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
What was the mean population across the British American colonies in 1700?
- A. 56,000
- B. 21,000
- C. 6,000
- D. 16,000
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
In 1700, the mean population across the British American colonies was approximately 16,000. This figure reflects the early colonial growth and settlement patterns during that period. Option A (56,000) overestimates the population, as it does not account for the smaller settlements and rural areas that characterized the colonies at that time. Option B (21,000) is also too high, misrepresenting the demographic data available for the early 18th century. Option C (6,000) significantly underestimates the population, ignoring the established colonies with growing communities. Thus, D accurately represents the mean population based on historical records.
In 1700, the mean population across the British American colonies was approximately 16,000. This figure reflects the early colonial growth and settlement patterns during that period. Option A (56,000) overestimates the population, as it does not account for the smaller settlements and rural areas that characterized the colonies at that time. Option B (21,000) is also too high, misrepresenting the demographic data available for the early 18th century. Option C (6,000) significantly underestimates the population, ignoring the established colonies with growing communities. Thus, D accurately represents the mean population based on historical records.
Complete the U.S. System of Federalism chart based on information from the passage. Click on the title below you want to select and drag it into the top of each column in the chart. - State Government Powers - National Government Powers - Shared Powers of National and State Governments -
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer:
In the U.S. system of federalism, powers are distributed among different levels of government. **State Government Powers** include authority over education, transportation, and local law enforcement, allowing states to address local needs effectively. **National Government Powers** encompass defense, foreign affairs, and immigration, ensuring a unified national policy in these critical areas. **Shared Powers** involve taxation, infrastructure, and law enforcement, illustrating collaboration between state and national governments to maintain order and promote welfare. Other options may misplace powers or overlook the collaborative nature of federalism, leading to misunderstandings about government functions.
In the U.S. system of federalism, powers are distributed among different levels of government. **State Government Powers** include authority over education, transportation, and local law enforcement, allowing states to address local needs effectively. **National Government Powers** encompass defense, foreign affairs, and immigration, ensuring a unified national policy in these critical areas. **Shared Powers** involve taxation, infrastructure, and law enforcement, illustrating collaboration between state and national governments to maintain order and promote welfare. Other options may misplace powers or overlook the collaborative nature of federalism, leading to misunderstandings about government functions.
Which statement best explains the situation described in the paragraphs?
- A. Crude oil prices in 2014 encouraged U.S. families to buy less gasoline in 2015.
- B. Crude oil production levels have caused U.S. gasoline prices to fall.
- C. Greater crude oil reserves have caused the U.S. government to reduce gasoline prices.
- D. Lower crude oil production will cause U.S. gasoline prices to return to 2014 levels by 2016.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B accurately reflects the relationship between crude oil production levels and gasoline prices. Increased production typically leads to lower prices, as supply outstrips demand. Option A incorrectly suggests a direct correlation between crude oil prices in 2014 and gasoline purchases in 2015, neglecting the influence of production levels. Option C misrepresents the role of reserves; while greater reserves can impact prices, it is production levels that directly affect market prices. Option D speculates on future price increases due to lower production, which is uncertain and not directly supported by the information provided.
Option B accurately reflects the relationship between crude oil production levels and gasoline prices. Increased production typically leads to lower prices, as supply outstrips demand. Option A incorrectly suggests a direct correlation between crude oil prices in 2014 and gasoline purchases in 2015, neglecting the influence of production levels. Option C misrepresents the role of reserves; while greater reserves can impact prices, it is production levels that directly affect market prices. Option D speculates on future price increases due to lower production, which is uncertain and not directly supported by the information provided.
Which statement is supported by both the table and the map?
- A. Differences in the total populations of the states led to political differences between the North and the South.
- B. Differences among the economies of the states contributed to political differences between the North and the South.
- C. Political differences between the North and the South reflected differences in education among the states.
- D. Political differences between the North and the South reflected differences in the standards of living in the states.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B is supported by both the table and the map, as they illustrate how varying economic structures—such as agriculture in the South versus industrialization in the North—contributed to distinct political ideologies and policies. Option A incorrectly attributes political differences solely to population size, overlooking the economic factors at play. Option C suggests education differences as the main cause, which is not evident in the provided data. Option D implies that living standards were the primary influence, but the economic context is more directly linked to the political divide. Thus, B effectively encapsulates the relationship between economy and political differences.
Option B is supported by both the table and the map, as they illustrate how varying economic structures—such as agriculture in the South versus industrialization in the North—contributed to distinct political ideologies and policies. Option A incorrectly attributes political differences solely to population size, overlooking the economic factors at play. Option C suggests education differences as the main cause, which is not evident in the provided data. Option D implies that living standards were the primary influence, but the economic context is more directly linked to the political divide. Thus, B effectively encapsulates the relationship between economy and political differences.