Principles
Nobody is above the law
Rule of Law
Which document gives the US government its power?
US Constitution (states also have their own, they just cannot override national law. This is called the Supremacy Clause)
Which amendment guarantees citizenship in the Constitution?
14th
List the three branches of government
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Give an example of a NATIONAL or DELEGATED power (something that will not change from state to state)
Declare war, coin money, post offices
The government does not have all power- For example, they cannot control the religion, or lack thereof, you choose to practice
Limited Government
This document written prior to the Bill of Rights encouraged separation of church and state
VA Statute for Religious Freedoms
What are the two ways someone can become a legal US citizen?
Birth (born here), Naturalization (Legal process for those not born here)
If I am running for President, what are the three requirements? Age, citizenship, and residency
Age: 35
Citizenship: Natural born
Residency: At least 14 years
Give an example of a STATE or RESERVED power (one that may change from state to state)
Education, elections, licenses, public health
Of the people, by the people, for the people, is this type of government (Like the Greeks had...)
Democracy
Did the Declaration of Independence consider ALL men when writing the famous line "all men are created equal?
No- This did not include non-landowning whites, women, black people, indigenous people.
Give an example of a civic duty...
Following the law, paying taxes, attending assigned jury duty, joining armed forces if called up
What power was the Supreme Court given under the Marbury v. Madison case in 1803?
Judicial Review: They have final say in the constitutionality of a law. They may either call a law made by Congress or the enforcement of the law under the President unconstitutional
Give an example of a SHARED or concurrent power
Collecting taxes, making and enforcing laws, establishing courts, building and maintaining roads
The three branches of government can check each other's power- An example of this would be the President vetoing a bill
Checks and Balances
What is the purpose of the Preamble in the Constitution?
Sets goals for the government
Give an example of a civic responsibility...
Voting, helping with a political campaign, volunteering
This is an election body where each state is given votes based on their congressional representation. Virginia has 11 Representatives and 2 Senators. Therefore, they are given 13 votes for the President. A candidate must acquire 270 votes to win the presidency.
Electoral College
What does Virginia call its state legislature?
General Assembly- House of Delegates and Senate
You give the government power in exchange for their protection
Which document created a weak central government and ultimately failed?
Articles of Confederation
What is the last step of the naturalization process?
Taking an oath of allegiance
If I am 25 years old, have a two year term in office, had to be a legal citizen for at least 7 years, and a resident of the state I wish to represent, my job is ____
House of Representatives
What does Virginia call its state executive? Hint: When we do Factbook Friday, I always say this is the state "President". Ours is currently Youngkin and soon Spanberger
Governor