Historic Basis
What is the system of government in the US?
Democracy
What are the first 10 Amendments called?
The Bill of Rights
Name a branch of government and give an example of the power it holds/who is included in it
Executive - President, vice president, cabinet - military, tax, etc
Legislative - Congress - Enact legislation, approve or deny presidential candidates
Judicial - Supreme court - Meanings and applications of laws
What are the two dominating political parties?
Republican and Democratic
How much of the GED concerns Civics and Government?
50%
What is a democracy?
A way of governing that depends on the will of the people.
When was the Constitution written?
1787
"Police power" - Health, education, and welfare
Name a symbol and relate it to one of the political parties
Donkey - Democratic - Blue - Left
Elephant - Republican - Red - Right
Define sovereinty
Supreme power/freedom from external control
What was the name of the document that first put into writing protected rights?
What was the main purpose of the Constitution?
To establish a standard for the new nation where citizens have protected rights.
How is power disbursed/shared in the United States?
Between National and State levels, and among the people through Democracy
Identify a belief of one of the political parties
What was the first constitution in the United States called?
The Articles of Confederation
What is one other system of government and explain it.
Monarchy - Rule of one person
Aristocracy - Rule of an entire class
Theocracy - Rule of the church
Anarchy - No government, mob rule
Authoritarian - Dictatorship, military rule, or facism
Why were Amendments added to the Constitution?
The Constitution itself did not clearly define citizens rights
Describe a check and balance and give an example
Each branch of government limits the power of the other branches to prevent too much power in one branch.
President can veto legislation, congress approves presidential nominees, impeachment, supreme court can overturn laws, etc.
What is the purpose of political parties in the United States government?
"Organization" parties coordinate candidates for election that share similar ideas and goals for that group
What is the introduction section of the Constitution called?
The preamble
What established American democracy?
The Constitution
What are the first 3 words of the Constitution?
"We the People"
What is an enumerated power? Give an example
Powers granted to the Federal Government by the Constitution. Taxes, coin money, regulate commerce, etc.
What were the names in the first party system?
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
What was the name of the first document that made it illegal to imprison someone without a trial?
Habeus Corpus