Government Structure
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
The purpose of checks and balances is to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by ensuring that each branch can limit the powers of the others.
What does the First Amendment protect?
The First Amendment protects the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
What is federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments.
What is social contract theory?
Social contract theory is the idea that individuals consent to form a government and abide by its rules in exchange for the protection of their rights.
What event led to the writing of the Constitution?
The event that led to the writing of the Constitution was the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly in dealing with economic and security issues.
How many branches are in the U.S. government?
There are three branches in the U.S. government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Why was the Bill of Rights added?
The Bill of Rights was added to protect individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government.
Give an example of concurrent powers.
An example of concurrent powers is the ability of both federal and state governments to levy taxes.
Who wrote The Federalist Papers?
The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
What was the main issue of Brutus' argument?
The main issue of Brutus' argument was the fear that a strong central government would threaten individual rights and state sovereignty.
What is the separation of powers?
The separation of powers is the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
What is the significance of the Fifteenth Amendment?
The significance of the Fifteenth Amendment is that it prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
What is the supremacy clause?
The supremacy clause states that federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a conflict between the two.
What is pluralism in democracy?
Pluralism in democracy is the concept that multiple groups (factions) compete for power and influence in policymaking, ensuring that no single group dominates.
How did the Civil Rights Movement affect voting rights?
The Civil Rights Movement affected voting rights by leading to legislative changes, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans.
What is the role of the legislative branch?
The role of the legislative branch is to make laws, represent the interests of the people, and oversee the executive branch.
What rights does the Fourth Amendment protect?
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and establishes the requirement for a warrant based on probable cause.
How does federalism affect state policies?
Federalism affects state policies by allowing states to create their own laws and regulations while also adhering to federal laws, leading to variation in policies across states.
What are factions according to Madison?
According to Madison, factions are groups of people who gather together to protect and promote their special economic interests and political opinions; they are seen as a natural part of human society but can be controlled by a well-constructed government.
Describe the significance of the Declaration of Independence.
The significance of the Declaration of Independence is that it established the United States as a separate nation from Britain and articulated the principles of individual rights and government by consent.
Describe the process of a bill becoming law.
The process of a bill becoming law involves several steps: introduction in either the House or Senate, committee review, debate, voting, and then the bill is sent to the other chamber for the same process. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the President for approval or veto.
Explain the concept of popular sovereignty.
The concept of popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.
Describe a consequence of the federal system.
A consequence of the federal system is that it allows for multiple points of access for citizens to influence policy and government decisions.
What is participatory democracy?
Participatory democracy emphasizes the broad involvement of citizens in the political process, encouraging active engagement and direct participation in decision-making.
What was the impact of the Voting Rights Act?
The impact of the Voting Rights Act was to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments and to eliminate racial discrimination in voting practices.