Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
This body of local government is responsible for sectioning off certain parts of the area for homes or businesses.
The Zoning Board
This is a nickname we use to describe the US Constitution, it refers to the idea that no law is above the Constitution.
"Supreme law of the land"
What is the overall purpose of the Bill of Rights?
What's the difference between criminal and civil law?
Criminal Law - Gov charges you with a crime
Civil Law - Private individual, organization, business sues you for causing damages
Even if you turn 18, what is one thing you have to do before you can go vote?
Fill out a voter registration form
President of the United States
Joe Biden
Chautauqua County District Attorney
Jason Schmidt
Why does the amount of representatives New York State has in the House of Representatives change every decade?
The census is conducted, House of Representatives is based on population
If the state government passes a law, what is the job of the county in relation to that law?
What is the purpose of the US Constitution?
To explain how the Federal Government functions, set up basic laws of the country
List all of your rights granted in the first amendment.
religion, speech, assembly, petition, press
In criminal law, who charges you with a crime?
The government (typically the state government)
What effect can third parties sometimes have on presidential elections?
They can take votes away from a popular candidate, allowing for another candidate to win
Governor of New York State
Kathy Hochul
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Kevin McCarthy
If President Trump was no longer able to serve as President, who would take over as president? (Position and name)
Mike Pence - Vice President
This person is a party of the county government. If you are charged with a crime, they are responsible for prosecuting you in court.
County District Attorney
If we want to change the US Constitution, how can we do that? (I'm looking for the whole process here!)
Ratified by 2/3 of both houses of congress then ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures
What is the purpose of the 10th amendment?
States rights
What is a plea bargain?
Defendant agrees with prosecutors to plead guilty to lesser charges in order to avoid a trial.
This isn't like SUNY Fredonia, but it helps choose our president. Not the popular vote.
The Electoral College
PJ Wendel
Vice President of the United States
Kamala Harris
This means there are things the government does that are not actually written in the constitution.
Unwritten Constitution
In addition to the state constitution, what other set of laws does New York State have to follow 100% of the time when creating new laws?
The US Constitution
This clause allows congress to create any laws deemed "necessary and proper" in ensuring the country runs smoothly
The Elastic Clause
Name one right granted to you under the 5th amendment.
trial by jury, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, guarantees due process, eminent domain
- What does NY's new bail reform law do?
- Why do many in NY criticize it?
- Why do many support it?
- No bail for people charged with non violent crimes
- Lets criminals out of jail even if they are dangerous to society (such as a drug dealer)
- Protects rights of accused, prevents people from sitting in jail without a trial
These type of elections occur when a political party chooses a candidate to put up in the general election
Primary election (primaries)
Mayor of Fredonia
Doug Essek
Congressmen representing the 23rd congressional district of NYS in the House of Representatives (Your representative in the House of Representatives)
Nick Langworthy
What does Checks and Balances mean? Give me an example of Checks and Balances from each branch of the Federal Government.
All branches of government have powers over one another so none become too powerful
What are the constitutions of all state governments based on?
The US Constitution
What does "rule of law" mean in the United States?
No one, including the government, is above the law
What two things does the 8th amendment do for people charged with crimes?
No cruel/unusual punishment, no excessive bail or high fines
This term refers to people who have spent time in prison, only to return to prison in a short time period because they committed more crimes
Recidivism
Stephen Colbert and Ham Rove mocked these types of groups in a running gag on the Colbert show, because they can spend unlimited amounts of money on ads and other forms of media to influence the winners of elections
Super PACs
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
John Roberts
Name the two senators representing New York in the US Senate.
Chuck Schumer & Kirsten Gillibrand