Foundations of Government
(Unit 2)
(Unit 2)
What is the census used for?
It is used to count the people who live in every house and also the overall population.
What is a simple definition of Federalism?
Divides power between the national and state governments.
What is a simple definition of the first amendment?
Freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
What is a bicameral legislature?
It has two houses.
What are the two main types of political parties?
Democratic and Republican
What is a simple definition of the Boston Tea Party?
The Boston Tea Party was a very famous political protest and the British dumped 342 chests of British tea into the water.
What does the preamble state/do?
The preamble is the introduction that explains why the U.S. Constitution was written. The people rule the government/think of "We the people"
What state has the strictest gun laws?
California.
What are three examples of concurrent powers?
Taxation
Making and enforcing laws
Establishing courts
When is a primary election held?
What are the Coercive Acts?
The Coercive Acts are limited town meetings, suspended Massachusetts court, limited land claims to western lands, and aimed to limit the colonists' self-government.
What powers do the branches have to check (limit) the power of other branches?
Congress can override a veto with a ⅔ vote in both houses.
True or False: The second amendment states that one of the reasons it was created was to ensure that state militias would continue?
True.
What are two ways citizens can directly impact legislation?
Initiative - recommend legislation to lawmakers
Referendum - vote for something to be on a ballot that citizens can directly vote on.
Is raising money for a campaign, organizing workers, planning campaign strategies all examples of how each party has a national, state, and local committee?
Yes, these are all examples of how a party has a national, state, and local committee.
What is the French and Indian War?
After winning a costly war against France on North American soil in 1763, Great Britain tried to recover from its financial losses by demanding unconsented taxes on its own British colonists.
What is the process for getting a bill passed?
It can start in the Legislative or Executive Branch, then go to Congress to write the bill, and then the President can either sign off on it/accept it or veto/pocket veto it/send it back to Congress.
Why is it important for a judge to be the one to issue a search warrant?
A judge must issue a search warrant for a search to be legal and search warrants are only granted if evidence of a crime has been committed.
What are five responsibilities of the governor?
Executing the laws
Preparing budgets
Appointing people for a spot in office
Supervising employees
Give pardons
True or False: Public Financing
- Americans have to contribute 10% from their taxes to an election fund.
- Candidates can raise $5,000 in public funds before they can use these
- Once receiving a nomination, candidates can take private funds.
False:
- Americans can contribute $3 from their taxes to an election fund.
- Candidates must raise $5,000 in private funds before they can use these
- Once receiving a nomination, candidates cannot take private funds.
Why did Americans declare war in 1775?
After Britain and its colonists defeated France, the British government faced massive war debts and began taxing the colonies without their consent.
What are the five big ideas of the Constitution and three examples?
The five big ideas of the Constitution are popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and limited government. Some examples are that you can vote, various rules that shape our government, and specific limits on government power.
What is the legal definition of the tenth amendment?
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
What are the four major and specific steps of passing a Massachusetts state law?
Legislation can be filed by the members of the House and Senate or by the Governor
Citizens can ask their legislators to present bills
Even if the Legislator does not agree with the bill
Any appropriation (money) bill has to be approved by the House before the Senate
A Joint Committee is held to have a hearing and report
Public can attend
What are five specific things you can do to lower taxes? (ANSWERS MAY VARY)
Lower student loan interest
Lower income taxes
Get rid of taxes you are charged for when you buy anything from the store
Claim available tax credits
Rely more on solar panels because you can lower your electricity bill