Government foundations
What document declared the colonies independent from Great Britain?
The Declaration of Independence
What branch of government makes laws?
Legislative Branch
What is the basic economic problem of limited resources and unlimited wants called?
Scarcity
What are the two ways to become a U.S. citizen?
By birth or naturalization
What is the main purpose of political parties?
To help candidates win elections and shape public policy
Which U.S. document begins with "We the People"?
The U.S. Constitution
Who is the head of the executive branch at the national level?
The President
In which type of economy does the government control most decisions?
Command economy
What does the 1st Amendment protect?
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
What is the role of the Electoral College?
To formally elect the President and Vice President
What principle divides power between the national and state governments?
Federalism
What branch interprets laws?
Judicial Branch
What is the amount of money left after expenses are paid called?
Profit
Name one responsibility of citizenship.
Voting
What is the name for states who vote differently every election?
Swing states
What is the rule of law?
The idea that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law
What checks the power of the legislative branch?
The President's veto and judicial review
What do we call people who use goods and services?
Consumers
What is due process?
Legal steps that must be followed before the government can take life, liberty, or property
How does the media influence public policy?
By shaping public opinion, setting the agenda, and reporting on issues
3 reasons why the colonists wanted to separate from Britain
Taxation without representation
Unfair treatment
Lack of self-governance (ability to govern themselves)
What is judicial review?
The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional
What are incentives?
Rewards or punishments that influence choices
What amendment abolished slavery?
The 13th Amendment
What is the difference between primary and general elections?
Primaries choose party nominees; general elections decide who wins office
What are separation of powers?
Division of government into branches to prevent abuse of power
How can Congress override a presidential veto?
With a two-thirds majority in both houses
What is opportunity cost?
The value of the next best alternative given up when a choice is made
Which amendment gave women the right to vote?
19
What is voter registration and why is it important?
Signing up to vote ensures that only eligible citizens vote
What is a constitution?
A written plan of government
What branch approves federal judges?
Legislative (Senate confirms appointments)
What is a mixed economy?
An economy that combines elements of command and market systems
What is civic duty?
Something a citizen is legally required to do, like obey laws or serve on a jury
How has the Voting Rights Act of 1965 impacted voting?
It banned discriminatory practices like literacy tests and increased minority voting
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
To make sure no branch becomes too powerful
What does the executive branch do with laws?
Enforces or carries them out
What is the role of supply and demand?
They determine prices in a market economy
What is the 14th Amendment?
Defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection under the law
What is the number of electoral votes a candidate needs to win the presidency?
270
What are expressed and implied powers?
Expressed powers are clearly stated in the Constitution; implied powers are not stated but necessary to carry out expressed powers
What court is the highest in the U.S.?
The Supreme Court
What is a monopoly?
A situation where one company controls an entire industry or product
What is the difference between a right and a responsibility?
A right is a freedom you are guaranteed; a responsibility is something you should do to support your community and country
What is the role of interest groups in elections?
They influence policy and public opinion through lobbying, endorsements, and donations
Explain how the U.S. Constitution creates a government that both empowers and limits the federal government. Give examples of at least three principles used.
The Constitution empowers the federal government by giving it authority to make laws, declare war, and regulate commerce. It limits power through federalism (dividing power between state and national), separation of powers (creating legislative, executive, and judicial branches), and checks and balances (each branch can check the power of others). For example, Congress can make laws, but the President can veto them. The courts can declare laws unconstitutional
Describe the roles and interactions of the three branches of government in passing a law. Include checks and balances.
Congress (Legislative) writes and passes bills. The President (Executive) can sign or veto them. The Supreme Court (Judicial) can review laws to ensure they follow the Constitution. Each branch checks the others to prevent abuse: vetoes, judicial review, and impeachment are examples.
Compare and contrast the four basic types of economies. Give real-world examples and identify their advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional economies rely on customs (e.g., tribal societies). Command economies are government-controlled (e.g., North Korea), with less personal choice but equality. Market economies (e.g., U.S.) allow private decision-making and competition but can lead to inequality. Mixed economies (e.g., France, U.S.) blend market freedom with some government regulation. Each has pros and cons in efficiency, equity, and innovation.
Explain how the Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms and limits government power. Give examples from at least three amendments.
The Bill of Rights limits government by protecting freedoms. The 1st Amendment ensures free speech and religion. The 4th protects against unreasonable searches. The 6th guarantees a fair trial. These prevent the government from becoming too powerful and protect citizens' rights
Describe the process of running for public office in the U.S., from nomination to election. Include the role of parties, the media, and campaign finance.
Candidates are nominated through primaries or party conventions. They campaign with help from their party and use the media to reach voters. Campaign finance laws regulate donations. The general election determines the winner. Debates, advertising, and endorsements all play roles in influencing voters.