Government Structure
What branch of government enforces the laws?
The Executive Branch.
What is the purpose of the checks and balances system?
To ensure each branch can limit the power of the other branches.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms.
Details of Engel v Vitale
Amendment involved
Ruling of the court
Significance
1st Amendment Freedom of Religion
School-sponsored prayer is unconstitutional
Confirmed 1st amendment rights
What is federalism?
A system where power is shared between the national and state governments.
What branch of government makes laws?
The Legislative Branch
How can the President check the power of Congress?
By vetoing a bill.
Which amendment protects freedom of speech and religion?
The First Amendment.
Details of Tinker v DesMoines
Amendment involved
Ruling of the court
Significance
Students wore armbands to protest Vietnam War
1st Amendment
Court said that wearing armbands does not create a disruption and is allowed
Students keep their 1st amendment rights in school
Who has the power to print money, declare war, and make treaties?
The federal government.
Which two bodies make up the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and the House of Representatives
How can Congress check on a presidential appointment?
Confirm or deny
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
The Fourth Amendment.
Details of New Jersey v TLO
Amendment involved
Ruling of the court
Significance
A teen was suspected of smoking in the bathroom
School officials searched her bag and found illegal substances. Court upheld the search (said it was ok) because only a reasonable suspicion is needed in school in order to protect students.
Limited students rights in school for protection
Who runs public schools and issues driver’s licenses?
State governments.
Why did the Founding Fathers create three branches of government?
To prevent any one person or group from having too much power.
What check does the Judicial Branch have on the Legislative Branch?
It can declare laws unconstitutional
What does the Eighth Amendment protect against?
Cruel and unusual punishment.
Details of Ingraham v Wright
Amendment involved
Ruling of the court
Significance
Ingraham was paddles by school officials because he didn't answer a question fast enough.
8th Amendment involved
Court upheld the decision of the lower court - corporal punishment is fine and can be determined by the states.
Who provides police and fire protection?
Local governments.
What is the division of the government into three branches called?
Answer: Separation of Powers
Why did the Founding Fathers create three branches of government?
Who approves the President’s Supreme Court nominations?
Legislative Branch
If a student wears an armband to protest a war,what amendment protects them?
The First Amendment (freedom of speech).
Details of JDB v North Carolina
Amendment involved
Ruling of the court
Significance
JDB was a teen that was questioned by police and even though the police told him he didn't have to answer anymore questions, he confessed. Supreme Court said Age must be considered when Miranda Rights are read. Minors must be treated differently - parents or lawyers present due to age.
If a state law conflicts with a federal law, which one is followed?
The federal law, because of federal supremacy.