Foundations of American Government
Name the 3 natural rights.
Life, liberty, property (pursuit of happiness)
The Founders wrote the Constitution to include three branches. This demonstrates their desire for a government system of
separation of powers
Name one of the two clauses that relate to religion in the 1st Amendment.
Free Exercise Clause
Establishment Clause
What part of government has the power to declare war?
Congress
Name one qualification for applying to become a citizen of the United States.
-18+ years of age
-Reside in the country for 5+ years
-Lawfully admitted for permanent residence
-Good moral character
-Know basic U.S. history
-Read/write/speak/understand basic English
Name a philosopher who gave the idea of a social contract.
Thomas Hobbes
OR
John Locke
Name one power that both state AND federal governments have
Collect taxes
Make laws
Setting up courts
Provide for common good
Guarantee rights
How is the act of flag burning protected in the Constitution?
Form of political expression protected in the 1st amendment
What is public opinion?
The collection of opinions of the public on a specific subject
What is one thing only a citizen of the U.S. can do?
-Serve on juries
-Hold public office
-Get a driver's license
-Apply for government programs
What is the primary reason the anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution
Lack of inclusion of a bill of rights
What are the 3 qualifications to become President of the United States?
-35+ years of age
-Resident of the U.S. for 14+ years
-Natural-born citizen
Which amendment protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizures?
The 4th Amendment
The United States is a member of the UN. What type of foreign policy tool is this?
Diplomatic
Define JUS SOLI and JUS SANGUINIS citizenship
SOLI- law of the soil, person is citizen because they were born in U.S.
SANGUINIS- law of blood, person is citizen because one of their parents is a citizen
What is a federal system of government?
Division of power between a national and state (sometimes also local) level
In the court system, what is the difference between EXCLUSIVE and CONCURRENT jurisdiction?
Exclusive: only that type of court may hear the case
Concurrent: multiple courts have the same authority to hear the case
What is the difference between a civil liberty and a civil right?
Civil liberties: protections FROM acts of government
Civil rights: protections given BY the government
What are the two ways someone may nominate a candidate for president?
-Primary
-Caucus
When someone is 18 or older, what is the only legal requirement for them to cast a vote?
Need to be a resident of the state in which they intend to vote.
Name one of the two ideas of Roman Republics that influenced the Founding Fathers.
Civic virtue
OR
Common good
How does the selection of judges differ between federal and nonfederal judges?
Federal judges are appointed by the president
Nonfederal judges are elected by the public
What did the 14th Amendment do?
Incorporated rights given at the federal level to apply to all state governments as well
Why do political parties use gerrymandering to win an election?
They take advantage of recent shifts in population/manipulate boundaries to benefit their political party
How did the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 impact businesses?
It made it a crime for businesses to hire any person who is in the country illegally. The business could risk being shut down/fined if found guilty.