What does PAC stand for? Why and how were PACs and Super PACs organized?
Political Action Committee - organized for raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates.
What early document served as a model for the Bill of Rights?
Virginia Declaration of Rights
What type of government allows the people to elect public officeholders to make the laws and conduct government?
Representative Government
Name the two houses of Congress
House of Representatives and Senate
What is the process for amending the United States Consitution?
Requires action from Congress or convention of the states, ratification from the states
What are some of the results of the rising costs of running a campaign?
Requires candidates to conduct fund-raising, opportunities to run for office are limited, Advantage is given to wealthy candidates, Issue-oriented special interest groups have increased influence, PACs and Super PACs are encouraged
The right to vote has changed over the years. Which amendment gave the District of Columbia electors in the Electoral College?
Twenty-third Amendment
Which early document influenced the Constitution to ensure religious freedom?
Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom
Name the two houses of the General Assembly
House of Delegates and Virginia Senate
What does bicameral mean?
This document affirmed rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
Declaration of Independence
To become a citizen through naturalization, a person much meet what 6 requirements?
Be at least 18 years old, Be a legal resident for 3-5 years, Be of good moral character, demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak English, pass a citizenship test, take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony
Which constitutional amendment defines citizenship? Which amendment extends the due process to the states?
Fourteenth for both
What are the duties expected of all citizens?
Obey all laws, pay taxes, serve in the Armed Forces, if called, serve on a jury or as a witness in court, when summoned
According to the Constitution, what are the national government's primary responsibilities?
Conduct foreign policy, regulate commerce, provide for the common defense
What government body created the political subdivisions for local governments in Virginia?
What are some of the ways the executive branch influences policymaking at the national level?
delivers the State of the Union Address every January, proposes legislation, approves or vetoes legislation, appoints officials, ambassadors and other cabinet members, issues executive orders or acts, appeals directly to the citizens through the media
How is the media useful to government officials?
Media helps them communicate with the public
What is required before a citizen can vote in Virginia?
citizen of the United States, resident of Virginia and precinct, 18 years of age by the day of the general election
How can one register to vote in Virginia?
at the registrar's office, by mail, at the DMV or other designated site, online
Which amendment prevents schools from teaching about one particular religion?
First Amendment
How does the Preamble to the Constitution begin?
We the people
Name some strategies for more accurately evaluating campaign speeches and advertisements?
separate fact from opinion, detect bias, evaluate the source, identify propaganda
How is the slate of electors in the Electoral College selected? What determines the number of electors?
Selected by popular vote, determined by Congressional Representation
What part of the Constitution defines the separation of powers for the national government?
Articles I, II, III