Civics Mini#4 Jeopardy Template

Legislative Branch

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch

Trial Process

Constitutional Limits of Power

100

Which official chairs the proceedings of the U.S. House of Representatives? Explain.

Sergeant-at-Arms
Speaker of the House
President pro tempore
Vice President of the United States

What is B, The Speaker of the Hosue?

The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

100

The President and Congress have different views on climate change. Congress sent the President a bill requiring all cars made in the United States to run on electricity. The president vetoed the bill. Which step is required to pass the bill over the President's veto?

A. Approval of the bill by a majority of each house of Congress.

B. Approval of the bill by a majority of Supreme Court Justices.

C. Approval of the bill by two-thirds of each house of Congress.

D. Approval of the bill by three-quarters of state legislatures.

What is C?

According to the U.S. Constitution, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority of each house of Congress.

100

What are the key differences between the trial and appellate processes in the U.S. court system? Explain.

Trial Process: Witnesses testify, and a judge or jury decides the outcome of the case.
Appellate Process: No new evidence is presented, no witnesses testify, and a judge or panel of judges reviews the case to determine if legal errors were made.

Trial Process: No witnesses are called, and a judge or jury only reviews written evidence.
Appellate Process: New witnesses testify, and a new jury is selected to decide the outcome of the case.

Trial Process: Witnesses testify, and a judge or jury determines if the court’s decision in a previous case was valid.
Appellate Process: The judge or jury hears new evidence and decides if the trial court's decision should be overturned.

Trial Process: A judge from an appellate court presides over the trial, and no jury is involved.
Appellate Process: A jury of peers decides if the previous trial's decision should be upheld or overturned.

What is A?

The key differences between the trial and appellate processes are as follows:

Trial Process: This is where the case is first heard. Witnesses testify, evidence is presented, and a judge or jury determines the outcome (guilt, innocence, liability, or non-liability).
Appellate Process: This process is focused on reviewing the trial court's decision to determine if any legal errors occurred. No new evidence is presented, no witnesses testify, and a judge or a panel of judges (not a jury) reviews the case to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.

100

Which duty must U.S. citizens perform to preserve the right to a trial by jury? Explain.

A. act as prosecutors in some circumstances

B. read and understand the Constitution

C. serve on juries when summoned

D. serve as soldiers in the military

What is C?

U.S. citizens must serve on juries when summoned. This allows the accused to have access to an unbiased jury of their peers.

100

How is the separation of powers and checks and balances different in the U.S. government system? Explain.

Separation of Powers: Divides the government into 3 branches, each with its own distinct roles and responsibilities.
Checks and Balances: Allows each branch to limit the power of the other branches, ensuring that no branch becomes too powerful.

Separation of Powers: Combines the legislative, executive, and judicial branches into one governing body.
Checks and Balances: Gives each branch full control over its specific powers with no interference from other branches.

Separation of Powers: Ensures that the executive branch has complete control over legislative and judicial decisions.
Checks and Balances: Requires Congress to approve every decision made by the president or Supreme Court.

Separation of Powers: Requires the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to share all powers equally.
Checks and Balances: Allows the judicial branch to override all decisions made by the executive and legislative branches.

What is A?

The concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances work together to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Separation of Powers: Divides the government into three branches — legislative, executive, and judicial — each with distinct roles and responsibilities. For example, Congress makes laws, the President enforces laws, and the courts interpret laws.
Checks and Balances: Ensures that each branch can limit the power of the other branches. For instance, the President can veto a law passed by Congress, Congress can override a presidential veto, and the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional. This "sharing of power" ensures balance within the government.

200

What is the structure of the legislative branch of the United States government?

A. It consists of a single house responsible for making laws, regulating commerce, and controlling taxing and spending policies.

B. It is composed of three houses: the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Executive Council.

C. It is made up of Congress, which includes two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives, as established by Article I of the Constitution.

D. It includes only the Senate, which is responsible for declaring war, making laws, and regulating commerce.

What is C?

The legislative branch of the United States government is Congress, which is made up of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Constitution established the legislative branch in Article I and outlines its structure.

200

Which is an important task of an administrative agency? Explain.

Pass federal laws
Making detailed regulations
Running the United States Armed Forces
Resolving court cases between private parties

What is B?

Administrative agencies have executive, quasi-legislative, and quasi-judicial functions. They can enforce laws and regulations, create new regulations through the rulemaking process, and conduct adjudicatory proceedings involving violations of laws or regulations.

200

What is C?

The purpose of these sections is to

ensure that Federal agencies are being

transparent with the public when making rules

and to allow interested citizens the opportunity

to participate in rule-making procedures.

200

How does a petit jury differ from a grand jury?
A. A petit jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty, while a grand jury decides if there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.
B. A petit jury only hears criminal cases, while a grand jury hears both criminal and civil cases.
C. A petit jury decides on evidence presented by prosecutors only, while a grand jury hears evidence from both prosecutors and defense attorneys.
D. A petit jury determines probable cause, while a grand jury decides on compensation for plaintiffs.

What is A?
A petit jury decides the outcome of criminal and civil cases (guilty or not guilty, liable or not liable), while a grand jury determines if there is sufficient evidence (probable cause) to bring formal charges (indictment) against an individual.

200

Jack sues Jill in Florida’s Circuit Court for a personal injury, Jack claims Jill hit him while she was driving carelessly and texting on her cell phone. Jill denies his claim. On what grounds could the judge grant Jack’s request for summary judgment on this claim?

A. The judge doesn’t think that Jill’s witnesses are very believable

B. The jury has indicated that it prefers Jack’s version of the accident.

C. Many experts believe that texting and driving are likely to cause accidents.

D. The evidence in Jack’s favor is so overwhelming that it would be unreasonable to think otherwise.

What is D?

A Lawyer can file a motion for summary judgment if there is overwhelming evidence for one side, leaving no real issues of fact for the jury to decide. The judgment is simply a matter of law. This may end the trial or take care of some of the disputed issues.

300

What are the primary functions of the legislative branch of the United States government?

A. Enforcing laws, appointing Supreme Court justices, and conducting foreign relations.

B. Making laws, representing constituents, declaring war, regulating commerce, controlling taxing and spending policies, and confirming or rejecting presidential nominations.

C. Overseeing the judicial branch, managing executive orders, and approving treaties without the president's involvement.

D. Creating federal courts, negotiating treaties, and appointing federal judges.

What is B?

The legislative branch of the United States government has several essential functions, including making laws, representing constituents, declaring war, regulating commerce, controlling taxing and spending policies, borrowing money, coining money, establishing post offices, confirming or rejecting presidential nominations, impeaching and trying federal officers, and approving treaties negotiated by the executive branch.

300

What is the primary function of administrative agencies? Explain.

A. Creating and passing new laws, conducting criminal trials, and issuing federal court rulings.

B. Interpreting and applying laws, enforcing laws and regulations, creating new regulations, and investigating violations of administrative law or federal statutes.

C. Approving presidential appointments, creating international treaties, and overseeing the legislative process.

D. Drafting the Constitution, electing members of Congress, and appointing Supreme Court justices.

What is B?
Administrative agencies play a critical role in the functioning of government. Their main functions include:

Interpreting and applying laws by issuing policy guidelines and enforcement decrees.
Enforcing laws and regulations through adjudicatory proceedings when violations occur.
Creating new regulations through a formal rulemaking process that holds the same force as statutory law.
Investigating violations of administrative laws or federal statutes to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. These agencies operate at federal, state, and local levels to maintain order and uphold public policy.

300

How are the structures, functions, and powers of courts at the state and federal levels different? Explain.

Federal Courts: Deal with matters not outlined in the U.S. Constitution and address state-specific legal issues.
State Courts: Address issues of national concern and have the authority to review and overturn federal laws.

Federal Courts: Handle cases involving issues of law granted by the U.S. Constitution, such as disputes involving federal laws, treaties, and constitutional rights.
State Courts: Handle issues of law relating to matters that are not granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, such as family law, state crimes, and civil disputes.

Federal Courts: Handle local matters, including traffic violations and small claims disputes.
State Courts: Handle cases that involve constitutional rights, international treaties, and cases affecting multiple states.

Federal Courts: Oversee the operation of state courts and review all decisions made by state courts.
State Courts: Are responsible for hearing appeals to change U.S. Constitutional amendments.

What is B?
The federal court system and state court systems have distinct roles, responsibilities, and powers.

Federal Courts: Their jurisdiction is limited to issues outlined in the U.S. Constitution, such as federal laws, constitutional rights, and cases involving treaties or disputes between states.
State Courts: These courts have broader jurisdiction, handling issues that the U.S. Constitution does not grant to the federal government. State courts manage cases related to state laws, such as family law, probate, real estate, contracts, and most criminal cases.

300

What is the primary role of a petit jury in a criminal case? Explain.
A. To determine if there is probable cause to issue an indictment.
B. To decide if the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
C. To create laws that affect the outcome of the case.
D. To review the trial court's decision and ensure no errors were made.

What is B?
In a criminal case, a petit jury is responsible for determining whether the government has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime as charged.

300

When the President nominates an individual to serve as Secretary of State, the Senate must confirm the appointment. Which constitutional principle, limiting the power of government, does this illustrate?

A. checks and balances

B. separation of powers

C. popular sovereignty

D. due process of law

What is A?

The Checks and Balances system provides each branch of government with individual powers to check the other branches and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

400

What are the functions of the local, state, and national lawmaking bodies in the United States?

Local: Oversee international relations, draft state budgets, and manage federal agencies.
State: Create and enforce local zoning laws, manage federal courts, and handle waste collection.
National: Enforce local ordinances, oversee public utilities, and provide waste collection services.

Local: Provide services such as schools, housing, social care, waste collection, and licensing.
State: Create state laws, approve state budgets, initiate tax legislation, and manage the impeachment process.
National: Create national laws, implement national policies, represent constituents, deliberate on issues, authorize expenditure, and oversee the government.

Local: Create tax laws, handle state budgets, and control the impeachment of officials.
State: Provide social care, regulate waste collection, and manage public transportation.
National: Represent local governments, manage local zoning laws, and oversee local licensing.

Local: Create national laws, approve treaties, and regulate interstate commerce.
State: Represent the nation in foreign affairs, approve international trade deals, and handle postal services.
National: Draft and approve local ordinances, manage state budgets, and oversee public utilities.

What is B?
Local, state and national lawmaking bodies have distinct responsibilities.

Local governments provide services like schools, housing, social care, waste collection, and licensing.
State legislatures create laws, approve budgets, initiate tax legislation, and manage impeachment processes.
The national (federal) government creates and implements laws on a national level, representing citizens, deliberating on key issues, legislating, authorizing expenditures, making government appointments, and providing oversight.

400

What are the differences and similarities in executive authority at the local, state, and national levels? Explain.

National Level: The President enforces laws for the entire country.
State Level: The Governor enforces laws for the entire country.
Local Level: The Mayor enforces laws for states and cities.

National Level: The President enforces laws for cities and towns.
State Level: The Governor enforces laws for states and local governments.
Local Level: The Mayor enforces laws for the entire country.

National Level: The President is the executive at the national level, responsible for enforcing laws for the country.
State Level: The Governor is the executive at the state level, responsible for enforcing laws for the state they represent.
Local Level: The Mayor is the executive at the local level, responsible for enforcing laws for cities, towns, or villages.

National Level: The Supreme Court oversees law enforcement at the national level.
State Level: The State Legislature enforces laws for states.
Local Level: The City Council enforces local laws and ordinances.

What is C?
The executive authority at the national, state, and local levels is similar in that each level has an executive leader responsible for enforcing laws within their respective jurisdictions.

National Level: The President enforces laws for the entire country.
State Level: The Governor enforces laws for the state they represent.
Local Level: The Mayor enforces laws for cities, towns, or villages. Each level has distinct responsibilities, but all share the common role of ensuring that laws are enforced within their areas of authority.

400

How are the powers and jurisdiction of state and federal courts derived from their respective constitutions? Explain.

Federal Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are granted by the state constitutions.
State Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are established solely by the U.S. Constitution.

Federal Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are derived from Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower federal courts.
State Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are derived from the Constitution and laws of each individual state.

Federal Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are granted by the president and executive orders.
State Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are established by the decisions of local government officials.

Federal Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are established by international treaties and agreements.
State Courts: Their powers and jurisdiction are determined by the federal executive branch.

What is B?

The powers and jurisdiction of the federal and state court systems come from two distinct sources:

Federal Courts: Article III of the U.S. Constitution invests judicial power in the federal court system. It establishes the U.S. Supreme Court and gives Congress the authority to create lower federal courts.
State Courts: Each state’s constitution and laws establish the structure, powers, and jurisdiction of the state court system. These courts handle matters not explicitly given to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution.

400

What is the primary role of a grand jury in the U.S. court system? Explain.
A. To decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of a crime.
B. To decide the amount of compensation in a civil case.
C. To determine if there is "probable cause" to issue an indictment against an individual.
D. To provide an appeal for defendants who lost their trial case.

What is C?
A grand jury assesses evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine if there is "probable cause" to believe an individual committed a crime and should be put on trial. If enough evidence is found, the grand jury issues an indictment.

400

How is the concept of limited government used in the U.S. Constitution? Explain.

Separation of Powers: Each branch of government has unlimited authority over its respective responsibilities.
Enumerated Powers: The government can assume any power not explicitly listed in the Constitution.
Checks and Balances: Each branch of government operates independently with no oversight or influence from the others.

Separation of Powers: Divides government power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.
Enumerated Powers: Lists specific powers that are granted to the federal government, limiting it to only those powers stated in the Constitution.
Checks and Balances: Allows each branch of government to check the powers of the others to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Separation of Powers: The judicial branch controls all powers of government.
Enumerated Powers: State governments have the power to override any part of the U.S. Constitution.
Checks and Balances: Congress has complete control over the executive and judicial branches.

Separation of Powers: Combines the legislative, executive, and judicial powers into a single branch of government.
Enumerated Powers: Allows Congress to create new powers as needed without restriction.
Checks and Balances: Eliminates the ability of any branch of government to challenge the decisions of the other branches.

What is B?

The concept of limited government in the U.S. Constitution is achieved through several key principles:

Separation of Powers: Divides power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful.
Enumerated Powers: Lists the specific powers granted to the federal government, ensuring that it cannot exercise powers beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution.
Checks and Balances: Allows each branch to oversee and limit the actions of the other branches, ensuring that power is balanced and no single branch dominates.

500

The newspaper headline on the left describes an event in U.S. History. Which parts of the national government cooperated to achieve the step announced in the headline? Explain.

Cabinet and Senate
Congress and President
President and Supreme Court
Congress and U.S. Chiefs of Staff

What is C, the President, and the Supreme Court?

According to the U.S. Constitution, Congress can declare war, and the President is the military's commander-in-chief. The President must cooperate with Congress to authorize the use of the military.

500

What are the structure, function, and processes of the executive branch of the United States government? Explain.

A. The executive branch is composed of Congress, which is responsible for making laws and overseeing the judicial system.

B. The executive branch includes the President, advisors, and various departments and agencies, and its primary role is to enforce the laws of the land.

C. The executive branch is made up of the Supreme Court, lower federal courts, and judges, with the primary function of interpreting laws.

D. The executive branch consists of state governors, city mayors, and local council members who oversee local government operations and policies.

What is B?
The United States government executive branch comprises the President, his or her advisors, and various departments and agencies. Its primary responsibility is to enforce the laws of the land. Key components of the executive branch include the Executive Office of the President (located in the White House) and various executive agencies and departments that support the president in carrying out executive functions.

500

What are the key processes of the judicial branch of the United States government? Explain.

Judicial Review: The process by which the courts create new laws that override existing statutes.
Court Order: A formal request made by a citizen to appeal a court's decision.
Writ of Certiorari: A lower court's authority to dismiss cases without review.
Summary Judgment: A process in which a judge reviews and enacts a law before it is passed by Congress.

Judicial Review: The power of the courts to review the actions of the legislative, executive, and administrative branches to determine if they are consistent with the Constitution.
Court Order: A judgment or ruling officially given by a judge.
Writ of Certiorari: A request for the Supreme Court to order a lower court to send up the case record for review.
Summary Judgment: A final decision by a judge to resolve a lawsuit before trial.

Judicial Review: The power of Congress to review court decisions and change judicial rulings.
Court Order: A decision made by a jury to convict or acquit a defendant.
Writ of Certiorari: A legal document issued by Congress to create new laws.
Summary Judgment: A summary of key evidence prepared before a trial begins.

Judicial Review: The power of the courts to review and approve executive actions without judicial oversight.
Court Order: A ruling made by the Supreme Court that becomes federal law.
Writ of Certiorari: A process that allows state courts to directly submit cases to Congress.
Summary Judgment: A summary provided by a judge after a trial ends.

What is B?

The judicial branch has several key processes that ensure the fairness, constitutionality, and efficiency of legal proceedings:

Judicial Review: The power of courts to review the actions of the legislative, executive, and administrative branches and determine if they align with the Constitution. If actions are found unconstitutional, they are declared null and void.
Court Order: An official ruling or judgment given by a judge, which legally obligates a party to act or refrain from acting.
Writ of Certiorari: A request from the Supreme Court to a lower court to send up the record of a case for review. This is how most cases reach the Supreme Court.
Summary Judgment: A final decision made by a judge to resolve a lawsuit before it goes to trial, often based on the facts of the case being undisputed.

500

In a civil case, what is the standard of proof that the plaintiff must meet to win their case before a petit jury? Explain
A. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
B. Proof by clear and convincing evidence.
C. Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).
D. Proof beyond all doubt.

What is C?
In a civil case, the plaintiff must prove their case by a "preponderance of the evidence," which means it is more likely than not that the defendant caused harm to the plaintiff.

500

What are some examples of separation of powers and checks and balances in the U.S. government? Explain.

Congress and the President: Congress makes laws, and the President enforces them without any ability to veto.
Congress and the Courts: Congress creates laws, and the courts must enforce them as written, with no ability to declare them unconstitutional.
The President: The President can issue pardons, but only with approval from Congress.

Congress and the President: Congress can make laws, but the President can veto them. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote. The President can nominate federal agency heads and high court appointees, but Congress can confirm or reject them.
Congress and the Courts: Congress can make laws, but the courts can declare them unconstitutional. Congress can also check the Supreme Court's decisions by passing constitutional amendments.
The President: The President can issue pardons without oversight.

Congress and the President: Congress can only propose laws, but the President creates and enacts all laws.
Congress and the Courts: Congress can overrule Supreme Court decisions without a constitutional amendment.
The President: The President can issue pardons, but only if approved by a federal judge.

Congress and the President: The President makes laws, and Congress approves them.
Congress and the Courts: The courts enforce laws written by Congress without review.
The President: The President can pardon individuals only after consulting with the Supreme Court.

What is B?
The principle of separation of powers divides government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The system of checks and balances allows each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Congress and the President: Congress can pass laws, but the President can veto them. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote. The President can also nominate federal agency heads and Supreme Court justices, but the Senate must confirm them.
Congress and the Courts: Congress makes laws, but the courts can review and declare them unconstitutional. Congress can respond by amending the Constitution.
The President: The President has the authority to issue pardons without oversight from Congress, the courts, or any other branch.