Unit 1
What are the three systems of government?
Unitary
Federal
Confederal
(Bonus Points - draw the distribution of power)
Name at least two of the formal qualifications for the Senate.
At least thirty years of age
U.S. citizen for at least nine years
Residency in the state a senator represents at time of election.
What are the qualifications for the presidency?
Be a natural-born citizen of the United States.
Be at least 35 years old.
Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.
This is the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Judicial review
These powers are retained by the states under the Tenth Amendment.
Reserved powers
What is a key act in a representative democracy?
Voting for members of Congress.
What term describes efforts by special interest groups to influence government policy?
Lobbying
What is it called when the United States provides aid to those in crisis?
Humanitarian aid.
What are the formal requirements to become a Supreme Court Justice?
None.
Upheld in McCulloch v. Maryland, this clause states that federal laws, treaties, and agreements are superior to state and local laws.
Supremacy clause
This constitutional principle describes a government that is restricted in its powers and functions.
Limited government
Where do most bills die in the legislative process.
Committee
How is the Presidential Cabinet chosen?
Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
This is the authority for a court to hear a case.
Jurisdiction.
The burden of proof in this type of case rests with the prosecution, who must prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt."
Criminal case
What does Thomas Jefferson mean by "unalienable rights"?
Rights that cannot be taken away.
Which chamber of Congress begins the impeachment process?
House of Representatives
When President Obama visited China, which roles was he fulfilling?
Chief of State and Foreign Policy Leader.
Describe judicial activism and judicial restraint
Judicial activism: Judges should use their power to shape laws and society.
Judicial restraint: Judges should stick to the law and avoid making new laws.
Describe the two steps in the impeachment process.
The House of Representatives brings charges of impeachment. The Senate holds the trial to remove the official from office.
How did Enlightenment thinkers (Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau) influence Jefferson's ideas in the Declaration of Independence?
They believed that government’s power is derived from the people (popular sovereignty).
Why are the terms of office different for the House and Senate?
To make members of the House of Representatives more responsive to voters’ wishes.
For 100 points each, name 5 executive departments.
Agriculture (USDA), Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy (DOE), Health and Human Services (HHS), Homeland Security (DHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Interior (DOI), Justice (DOJ), Labor, State, Transportation (DOT), Treasury, Veteran Affairs
This case is considered the worst Supreme court decision.
(Bonus Points - describe the case)
Dred Scott v. Sanford
For 100 points each, name 5 pieces of legislation that extended the right to vote.
15th Amendment
17th Amendment
19th Amendment
23rd Amendment
24th Amendment
Voting Rights Act of 1965
26th Amendment