Understanding the Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Rights & Responsibilities of Citizenship
More on Understanding the Constitution
Key Terms
100
What does the word veto mean?
to cancel
100
Which abuse inspired the inclusion of the 4th Amendment rule against unreasonable searches and seizures?
Colonists being forced to have their belongings inspected for illegal goods by British soldiers.
100
When would the government deport someone?
It is a penalty imposed by the US government for an immigrant who breaks the law.
100
Who was the Supreme Court Justice appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981?
Sandra Day O'Connor
100
What is the power to take personal property to benefit the public?
eminent domain
200
The doctrine of separation of powers divides government so that no one branch can _____________________________.
become too powerful
200
What rights does the 1st Amendment protect?
freedom of speech, religion, petition, assembly, press
200
How are the rights of a naturalized citizen different from the rights of a native-born American?
Naturalized citizens cannot run for president or vice president and they can lose their citizenship.
200
Who was the Supreme Court justice whose appointment to the Court in 1967 made it more diverse?
Thurgood Marshall
200
What protects the rights of the accused by requiring that laws be applied fairly?
Due process
300
A federal court can strike down a state or federal law if it finds that the law is ________________________.
unconstitutional
300
What is the function of the 9th and 10th Amendments?
To protect rights not addressed by the first 8 amendments.
300
Why do American men 18 years or older have to register with the Selective Service?
So the federal government can contact them in case of a draft.
300
What does it mean to impeach someone and who does it?
The House of Representatives has the power to impeach (bring serious charges against) a president, vice president, or other civil officer of the US.
300
What gives authorities permission to go through someone's property?
a search warrant
400
How can the president check the power of the legislative branch?
By vetoing a law.
400
What is majority rule?
The decisions of the greatest number of people in a society make policy for everyone.
400
How does the government enforce the idea that it is a citizen's duty to know the law?
By punishing lawbreakers who claim ignorance of the law.
400
Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
400
Define indict.
What a grand jury decides to do if there is enough evidence against a person.
500
What is the purpose of the doctrine of the separation of powers?
It divides the powers of government so that no one branch can pose a threat to the rights of the people.
500
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
The main purpose of the Bill of Rights was to define clearly the rights and freedoms of individual citizens. People were afraid that a strong central government might take away the rights that states had granted to individuals.
500
What do political action committees do?
Its members raise money and give it to candidates who support certain issues.
500
What were the two main goals of the Constitution's framers?
Protect citizens' rights and defend the country.
500
What does the federal system do?
Divides power between the states and the federal government.