Whose social contract theory justified America's decision to separate from Britain?
Locke
100
Why do some critics want to change the electoral college system?
The person who wins the presidency may not be the person who most Americans voted for.
100
Name for powers set aside for states in US Constitution, and the amendment that gives them these powers.
reserved powers, Amendment 10
100
Explain the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction.
original: power to hear the case first
appellate: can hear the case on appeal (2nd, 7,893rd, etc)
100
Why did Thomas Jefferson believe it was important to be able to amend the Constitution?
The Constitution should be able to change with the times.
200
Difference between a republic and a direct democracy.
republic: vote for leaders/representatives to make decisions
direct democracy: vote to make decisions
200
Give two examples of a check Congress has on the president.
Impeachment, override, approving presidential appointments and treaties
200
Name for powers given to Congress in Article 1, Section 8.
expressed powers (enumerated powers)
200
In what 2 cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?
state or foreign official as a party
200
If the police searched your house without a judge's permission, but find a dead body there, can that evidence be used against you in court? Explain why/why not.
No. 4th Amendment.
300
Canada attacks Maine, and Barack Obama sends the US army to defend them. What goal is being fulfilled here?
Provide for the Common Defense
300
Explain the proportional voting system.
Each district has several seats. The seats are divided among political parties according to what percent of the vote each party received.
300
Name for powers shared by the nation and states in federalism, and an example of one of these powers
Concurrent powers. Examples: taxation, borrow money, establish courts, make and enforce laws, regulate education, build roads
300
Why did Marbury sue Madison? (What specific action did he want the Supreme Court to take?)
He wanted the Supreme Court to issue a writ of mandamus to force Madison to give Marbury his job papers.
300
Explain what changes were made to voting in America by the 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments.
19: women
24: no poll taxes
26: 18 and older
400
What action was taken to convince the states to ratify the US Constitution?
Bill of Rights added
400
Give one reason gridlock may be beneficial.
It can prevent bad laws from being passed.
400
What clause of the Constitution gives Congress the implied powers? Give an example of a way this clause has been used in history.
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause).
TOO MANY EXAMPLES TO LIST!
400
What was the decision of the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison? Explain John Marshall's specific legal reason for this decision.
The SC could not issue a writ of mandamus because the Judiciary Act of 1789, which gave them the power to issue the writ of mandamus, was unconstitutional. The JA Act was unconstitutional because it extended the SC's original jurisdiction to include American officials when it said the SC could issue writs of mandamus directly to American officials.
400
Can the government remove freedom of speech from the US Constitution? Explain why/why not.
Yes, but it would be difficult because they would have to pass an amendment to get rid of the First Amendment.
500
Name of the British king during the American Revolution
George III
500
Which candidate won the popular vote but lost the presidential election in 2000?
Al Gore
500
Before federalism was established by the US Constitution, what sort of power-system was used under the Articles of Confederation? Give an example of a modern entity that uses this same system.