Topic 1
Define Rule of Law
No one is above the law
John Locke: What ideas is he known for?
Natural Laws / Rights
· Government protects “life, liberty, and property”
· Influenced Declaration of Independence
List three weakness of the Articles of Confederation
*Please describe*
1. One branch - No judical and executive branch
2. Too Rigid - 9/13 states to pass laws and 13/13 states to pass amendments
3. Too weak - no power to tax, regulate trade, and enforce laws
Who are the Democrats?
The Democratic Party believes in government “welfare” programs to help those in need, higher taxes, and business regulation.
Define Party Platform
Party Platform: the beliefs of a political party
Define executive order
Executive order: A rule issued by the president that has the force of law
Define veto
Veto: to reject
What are 3 examples of a political system?
1. Laws
2. Voting
3. Courts/Justice Systems
What President demonstrated the absence of Rule of Law?
President Richard Nixon
What is the social contract?
People gave away power to rule and some rights but got back protection from the government.
What was the viewpoint of the Federalists?
Explain
*You don’t have to say the exact wording just get the main points*
The federalist were people who supported ratifying the new constitution, they wanted to get rid of the Articles of Confederation because they thought the Articles were weak and they needed a strong central government.
Who are the Republicans?
The Republican Party believes in less government programs, lower taxes, and less business regulation.
Define Political Action Committees
Political Action Committees: Groups that collect money for candidates who support certain issues
Define: Separation of Powers
Separation of Powers: 3 branches
Define judicial review
Judicial review: The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional
What are 3 examples of a social system?
1. Schools/education
2. Religion
3. Social classes
Which Amendment defined citizenship?
The 14th amendment
Montesquieu: How did he influence the “Founding Fathers?”
Separation of powers and checks and balances
What was the viewpoint of the Anti-Federalists?
The anti-federalists opposed the ratification of the new Constitution, and they wrote the Anti-Federalist Papers.
Who are the Libertarians?
The Libertarians Party believes in “maximum freedom /minimum government.”
Define Bias
Bias: opinionated/showing preferences
Define Checks and Balances:
Checks and Balances: methods to balance power
Define court order
Court order: a direction issued by a court, or a judge requiring a person to do or not do something
What are 3 examples of an economic system?
1. Money
2. Taxes
3. Jobs
List five “qualifications” for becoming a naturalized citizen
1. Be at least 18 years old,
2. Be a lawful permanent resident,
3. Have lived in the U.S. for five years,
4. Be of “good moral character”
5. Know basic English
What are four concepts found in the Magna Carta that influenced the Founding Fathers?
1. Limited government
2. Trial by jury
3. Advisors = Parliament
4. Rule of Law
Who are the Socialists?
The Socialist Party believes in government and workers control business and welfare programs to help the people (free healthcare and education).
Define Media Watching Role
Media Watching Role: media watches the government to ensure they do not break the law
Provide an Example of Checks and Balances for each branch:
Executive: The President vetoes a bill
Legislative: Congress can impeach the President and federal judges
Judicial: Judges can declare laws unconstitutional (legislative and executive)
Define writ of certiorari
Writ of certiorari: An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send a case for review
Define the following Amendments: 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th, 26th
13th: Abolished slavery
14th: Citizenship, due process, and equal protection
15th: Black men could Vote
19th: Women’s Suffrage
24th: Abolished poll taxes
26th: Lowered the voting age to 18
What are the two ways to become a natural-born citizen?
Law of soil and Law of Blood
List three rights that are found in the English Bill of Rights that are found in the US Bill of Rights
1. Freedom of Speech
2. No Cruel & Unusual Punishment
3. No Taxes without Consent
Who are the Communists?
The Communist Party believes that workers and the people would control business and most were dictatorship.
Define Propaganda
Propaganda: info meant to persuade
What is the structure of the legislative branch?
Congress
Define summary judgment:
Summary judgment: a case decided by a judge without a trial
How are federal amendments made?
First, both houses of Congress must adopt a proposed amendment with a 2/3 vote. Next, ¾ of all the state legislators must ratify the amendment. After that, the proposed amendment becomes an actual amendment.
List the six steps to become a naturalized citizen
1. Live in the US for 5 years
2. Fill out an application
3. Fingerprint – background check
4. Interview
5. Pass the Civics and English test
6. Take the Oath of Allegiance
Name three concepts in the Mayflower Compact that influenced the Founding Fathers
1. Self–Government
2. Rule of Law
3. Social Contract
What are the constitutional qualifications for being the president?
• 35 years old, resident for 14 years
• Natural born citizen
• Term: 2 four-year terms (22nd amendment)
Define Public Policy
Public Policy: plan to resolve an issue -- Law/Regulations
What is the structure of the executive branch?
President
Who makes ordinances?
What level of government are they made?
Who makes ordinances? City/county commissioners/ council members
What level of government are they made? Local government
List the 10 Amendments in the Bill of Rights:
1. Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition
2. The Right To Bear Arms
3. Quartering of Soldiers
4. Arrests and Searches
5. Rights of persons accused of crimes
6. Rights of persons on trial for crimes
7. Jury trials for civil cases
8. Limitations on bail and punishment
9. Rights kept by the people
10. Powers kept by the state of the people
List four “obligations” of US citizens
1. Obey the law
2. Pay taxes
3. Serve on Jury
4. Defend the Nation
What did Thomas Paine's Common Sense influence the Founding Fathers to do?
It influenced “Common Sense” to declare independence from Great Britain and the declaration of independence.
What are the constitutional qualifications for being in the House of Representatives?
• 25 years old, resident of the state for 7 years
• No term limits
What is the structure of the judicial branch?
Supreme Court
Who makes statutes?
What level of government are they made?
Who makes statutes? State legislators (Representatives and Senate)
What level of government are they made? State government
List four “responsibilities” of citizenship
1. Vote
2. Attend Civic meeting
3. Petition government
4. Run for office
List three things that the British did that made the Colonists angry.
· Stamp act
· Tea act
· Quartering act
· No Taxation w/o Representation
What are the constitutional qualifications for being in the Senate?
• 30 years old, resident of the state for 9 years
• No term limits
What are the functions of the legislative branch?
(Only need to say three)
1. Tax
2. Regulate Commerce
3. Coin money
4. Approve Presidential Appointments
5. Impeachment
6. Army and Navy
7. Declare War
8. Naturalization
9. Immigration
10. Confirm treaties
11. Make all laws “necessary and proper” elastic clause
Who makes acts?
What level of government are they made?
U.S. Congressmen and congresspeople make acts. The level of government is the Federal government.
Who was the "Grievances" of the Declaration of Independence addressed to?
King George lll (the third)
What are the constitutional qualifications for being the Florida Governor?
• At least 30 years old
• Must have resided in the state of Florida for at least the preceding seven years
• 4-year term
• No one who has served as governor for more than six years in two consecutive terms can be eligible for another term.
What are the functions of the executive branch?
(Only need to say three)
1. Enforce the law
2. Commander in Chief
3. Make Treaties
4. Appoint Judges and Department Heads
5. Call Congress into Session
6. Recommend Laws
7. Give “State of the Union”
8. Appoint Ambassadors
What are the 8 steps of how a federal bill becomes a law?
1. Bill introduced
2. Sent to committee
3. Floor Discussion & Vote
4. Sent to other house
5. Sent to committee
6. Floor Discussion & Vote
7. Conference Committee
8. Sent to President
What rights did Thomas Jefferson say every American is entitled to in the Declaration of Independence?
“Life, liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”
What are the constitutional qualifications for being in the Florida House of Representative?
• At least 21 years old
• Elector and resident of the district which they are elected
• resided in the state for a period of two years prior to the election.
• 2-year term – 8 consecutive years total
What are the functions of the judicial branch?
(Only need to say three)
1. One Supreme Court and “inferior courts” - Congress
2. Judges Appointed by the President
3. Serve for life “good behavior”
4. Confirmed by Senate
5. Original Jurisdiction: Ambassadors, Maritime Issues, 2 or more states – all other appellate jurisdiction
6. Judicial review – Power to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison)
What are the 8 steps of how a state bill becomes a law?
1. Idea
2. Bill drafted
3. Committee Assignment/Meeting
4. Reading Vote
5. Sent to Senate for action
6. Governor Consideration
7. Governor Final Actions
8. Law
Which Enlightenment philosopher influenced Jefferson in the "Natural Rights" section of the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
What are the constitutional qualifications for being in the Florida Senate?
• At least 21 years old
• Elector and resident of the district which they are elected
• resided in the state for a period of two years prior to the election.
• 4-year term -- 8 consecutive years total
Define delegated powers
Delegated powers: powers given to the federal government by the Constitution
TRUE/FALSE: A bill must move through both houses before it can become a law?
TRUE
What are the aliases for delegated powers?
Enumerated
List the three levels of the Federal Courts system:
1. U.S. District Court
2. U.S. Court of Appeals
3. U.S. Supreme Court
Define Implied powers
Implied powers: Powers not mentioned in the constitution
What are powers shared by the national and state governments called?
Concurrent powers
Define concurrent power
Concurrent power: Powers shared by the national and state governments
List three powers shared by the national & state governments:
1. Tax
2. Public Welfare
3. Courts
4. Borrow Money
5. Build Roads
List the 6 goals of the Preamble and describe what they mean:
1. A more perfect union -- make a better country
2. Establish Justice -- fairness/equality -- courts
3. ensure domestic tranquility --- keep the peace
4. provide for the common defense -- military
5. Promote the general welfare -- help people
6. Secure the blessing of liberty -- freedom
What are some powers held by state governments called?
Elections, Marriage, and Driver's License