Foundations of Government
What is the "State of Nature," and how does it relate to the purpose of government?
The State of Nature is a condition without any government or laws. The purpose of government is to provide order and protection to move society out of this chaotic state.
What is considered the "Supreme Law of the Land"?
The Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land
What is Federalism?
A system of government where power is divided and shared between the federal government, state, and local governments.
What is the difference between a Primary election and a General election?
A Primary election is used by political parties to select their single nominee for an office, while the General election is the final vote where candidates from different parties compete for the actual office.
What is diplomacy?
Is maintaining good relations between the governments of different countries and conducting peaceful negotiations between nations.
Between John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, who supported popular sovereignty, and who supported a dictatorship?
John Locke supported popular sovereignty (power of the people), while Thomas Hobbes supported a dictatorship.
Define Checks and Balances.
A system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.
At the state level in New Hampshire, who leads the Executive branch, and what unique council works alongside them?
The Governor leads the Executive branch, working alongside the Executive Council.
What is a political party "platform"?
A formal set of principal goals, beliefs, and policy positions supported by a political party.
What is foreign policy?
The goals and strategies that guide a nation’s relations with other countries.
Why was the Declaration of Independence written, and what type of government did the United States ultimately establish?
It was written to formally declare the colonies' independence from Great Britain. The U.S. established a Democratic Republic.
Name the 3 branches of government, the Constitutional Article that defines each, and their primary roles.
Legislative (Article I): Makes laws.
Executive (Article II): Enforces/carries out laws.
Judicial (Article III): Interprets laws.
What is the official name of New Hampshire's state-level Legislative branch, and how long do their terms last?
The General Court; their terms last for 2 years.
Broadly speaking, what are the primary differences between the Liberal ideology (often Democrats) and the Conservative ideology (often Republicans)?
Liberals generally favor more government intervention to promote equality and social programs, while Conservatives generally favor limited government intervention, individual liberty, and traditional values.
What is the core difference between an isolationist foreign policy and an internationalist foreign policy?
Isolationism focuses on national interests by avoiding foreign alliances and entanglements, while internationalism advocates for active participation and cooperation in global political and economic affairs.
What is the Social Contract Theory?
An agreement where people give up some of their absolute freedom to a government in exchange for the protection of their rights and social order.
What is the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution?
It establishes that the people retain rights that are not explicitly listed in the document
What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?
A criminal case involves a person being prosecuted by the government for breaking a law/committing a crime, while a civil case involves a private dispute between two parties over rights, contracts, or injuries.
How does each state determine its exact number of Electoral College votes?
A state's Electoral College votes equal its total number of members in Congress (the number of U.S. Representatives + its 2 U.S. Senators).
Which specific executive department is tasked with carrying out U.S. foreign policy on a daily basis?
The Department of State (State Department).
What are the 4 main ideas outlined in the Declaration of Independence?
Equality, Unalienable/Natural Rights, Consent of the Governed (Popular Sovereignty), and the Right to Alter or Abolish Government.
Senator= 6 years no term limits
H.O.R. = 2 years no term limits
President= 4 years 2 term limits
Supreme Court Justice= Serve for life
What are the levels of the NH court system?
- Supreme Court
- Superior Court
- Circuit Court
Name two Constitutional amendments that expanded voting rights to different groups of citizens.
15th Amendment (Voting rights regardless of race)
19th Amendment (Women's suffrage)
24th Amendment (Abolished poll taxes)
26th Amendment (Lowered voting age to 18)
Which branch of government has the most influence on foreign policy, and what title is given to the leader of this branch when dealing with foreign nations?
The Executive Branch ; the leader (the President) acts as the Chief Diplomat.