Foundations of Government
What is the idea that government gets its power from the people?
Popular sovereignty
Which branch of the federal government makes laws?
Legislative
Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?
1st
What is the main purpose of a primary election?
To select a party's candidate for the general election
Which level of government is generally responsible for issuing marriage licenses in Wisconsin?
County
Which Enlightenment thinker argued that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
What is the supreme law of the United States?
The U.S. Constitution
Which amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures?
4th
How many electoral votes are needed to win a presidential election?
270
What is the name of Wisconsin's state legislature?
Wisconsin Legislature
What is the purpose of separation of powers?
To divide government authority among three branches
What is federalism?
The division of power between national and state governments
What does due process require?
Government must follow fair legal procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property
What is the main function of political parties?
To organize voters and candidates around political goals and win elections
What is the primary responsibility of a county sheriff?
County law enforcement and related public safety duties
How did the Articles of Confederation limit the national government?
Congress could not directly tax citizens or effectively enforce its laws
What constitutional principle allows Congress to override a presidential veto?
Checks and balances
Which Supreme Court case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
Why might a presidential candidate win the popular vote but lose the election?
The Electoral College determines the winner, not the national popular vote
What is the difference between a Wisconsin governor and a mayor?
The governor leads the state executive branch; a mayor leads the executive side of a city government
What is the difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?
In a direct democracy, citizens vote on laws themselves. In a representative democracy, elected officials make laws.
Congress regulates interstate commerce while states establish most public school policies. What constitutional principle does this illustrate?
Federalism
Police question a suspect in custody without informing them of their rights. Which amendment's protection against self-incrimination is most directly involved?
5th
If no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, who chooses the president?
The U.S. House of Representatives
A city passes an ordinance that conflicts with a valid state law. Which generally takes precedence?
State law