Locke In
Name the hypothetical condition of life before organized societies, often discussed by Enlightenment thinkers
State of Nature
What was the first governing document of the U.S., later replaced because it was too weak?
What is the term for the president’s ability to reject a law passed by Congress?
Veto
What are the three branches of US Federal Government?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial
What is the term for a city, town, or village with a local government?
Municipality
The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird in 1782, but Benjamin Franklin wanted which different animal instead?
The turkey
What do we call rights that are inherent to all humans and cannot be taken away by governments?
Natural Rights
What were the writers/drafters of the US Constution called?
Framers
What is a body of government, with two chambers or houses, that make laws called?
Bicameral Legislature
Which powers are specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution?
Enumerated Powers
What is a political subdivision of a state, often responsible for local governance of municipalities?
County
Who is the governor of Maine?
Janet Mills
Name as many social sciences as you can. (100 points for each correct answer)
Might Include: Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Geography, History, Archaeology, Linguistics, Education, International Relations, Cultural Studies, Criminology
Put the following events in order: Scientific Revolution, Shay’s Rebellion, Great Compromise, Enlightenment, US Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation
Scientific Revolution → Enlightenment → Declaration of Independence → Articles of Confederation → Shay’s Rebellion → Great Compromise → US Constitution
What are three key principles of federalism?
Division of Powers
Shared Powers
Enumerated Powers
Reserved Powers
Concurrent Powers
Supremacy Clause
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review and Constitutional Interpretation
Which part of the U.S. Constitution sets up the separation of powers and checks and balances among the three branches of government?
The Articles (specifically 1,2,and 3)
Name one way state and local governments are similar to the federal government.
They have legislative, executive, and judicial branches; they make and enforce laws; they can tax residents
How many US presidents have their been?
45 presidents, and 47 presidencies
(Grover Cleveland and Donald J. Trump served non-consecutive terms)
What is a social contract?
An agreement (explicit/implicit) where people give up some freedoms to a government or central power in exchange for protection of other rights.
The Articles of Confederation were considered weak because of a weak central government. What system was proposed to fix this?
Federalism
Who is the Senate leader that steps in to preside when the Vice President is absent.
President Pro Tem(pore)
Name as many powers reserved for states as you can (100 each)
includes: Education, elections, marriage laws, local governments, public safety, health regulations, intrastate trade, driver licensing, property laws, and establishing schools
Define gerrymandering.
The manipulation of district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.
What cabinet department was the most recently created, following the attacks of September 11, 2001
Name five ideas from the Enlightenment or Scientific Revolution that most significantly influenced the formation of the U.S. government. (100 for each correct answer)
Natural rights, liberty, individual rights, equality, opposition to absolute monarchy/ limited government, social contract, separation of powers, rule of law
What is the term for when a governing body has the final say within its borders and governs itself independently?
Sovereignty
What are the term lengths for the following federal positions:
- House Representative
- Senator
- President
- Vice President
- Supreme Court Judge
House Representative – 2 years
Senator – 6 years
President – 4 years
Vice President – 4 years
Supreme Court Judge – Life term (served until retirement or removal)
Give three examples of checks and balances in action within the federal government
Congress can impeach the President.
Congress can override a veto.
Senate approves presidential appointments.
Senate ratifies treaties.
Congress controls government spending.
Congress can impeach judges.
Congress can change lower courts.
President can veto laws.
President appoints judges.
President grants pardons.
Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.
Supreme Court can declare executive actions unconstitutional.
How do unfunded mandates affect state and local governments?
The federal government requires them to perform tasks without providing money, causing budget strain.
If both the President and Vice President die or resign, which person becomes President?
(Currently, Mike Johnson)