The Law: Purpose & Perversion
According to Romans 13, who is the ultimate source of governing authority?
God
Which two parts of Congress must ordinarily approve a bill before it can be sent to the president?
The House of Representatives and the Senate
What legal principle requires the prosecution to prove a criminal defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt?
The burden of proof
Which 2026 California proposition would require voters to provide government-issued identification when voting?
Proposition 39
What is the difference between a factual news report and an editorial?
A news report primarily presents verified information; an editorial expresses opinions or arguments.
What constitutional principle divides government authority among three branches to prevent the concentration of power?
Separation of powers
What constitutional amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and petition?
The First Amendment
O. J. Simpson was acquitted in criminal court but later found liable in civil court. What is one major difference between the two types of cases?
Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt; civil cases generally use the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard.
What percentage of votes must most California statewide ballot propositions receive to pass?
More than 50% (a simple majority).
Vice President JD Vance reportedly contacted Mohsen Rezaei in an effort to restart negotiations with which country's government led by Rezaei?
Iran
What term describes rights that belong to human beings by nature rather than being granted by government?
Natural rights (or unalienable rights)
What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College in presidential elections?
To formally elect the president through electors allocated to the states and Washington, D.C.
During Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearings, what important principle required careful evaluation of the allegations rather than automatically accepting or dismissing them?
Due process or the presumption of innocence as a guiding principle of fairness
Which California official is responsible for preparing the official statewide voter information guide that explains ballot propositions?
The California Secretary of State.
According to Micah 6:8, what three obligations should guide a Christian's approach to justice and public life?
Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
What principle requires government officials, including the president, to obey the law?
Rule of law
A voter arrives at the polls but is not listed on the voter registration roster. What type of ballot may allow the person to vote while eligibility is verified?
A provisional ballot
When compassion for a person accused of wrongdoing causes people to overlook victims or excuse harmful behavior, what concept have we discussed?
Toxic empathy
Proposition 40 proposes a one-time 5% wealth tax on Californians whose covered assets exceed what amount?
$1 billion
Which Middle Eastern country held a closely watched election this week, with Benjamin Netanyahu seeking to retain power?
Israel
What is the term for government taking private property for public use while providing just compensation?
Eminent domain
If no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, which body chooses the president?
The U.S. House of Representatives
What is the difference between forgiving someone morally and removing the legal consequences of that person's actions?
Forgiveness releases personal resentment or moral debt; legal accountability and appropriate punishment may still remain.
Proposition 4 would allow state and local governments to use what source of money to help finance political campaigns?
Public funds (taxpayer money)
The Federal Reserve recently decided to hold interest rates steady. What economic problem is the Fed particularly concerned about controlling?
Inflation
In Frédéric Bastiat's argument about the perversion of law, what happens when government uses the law to take property from some people for the benefit of others?
Legal plunder
Proposition 5 would change California's election process for removing an elected official from office. What is this process called?
A recall election.
Which country continues to fight Russia's invasion while facing disagreements with the United States over military aid and peace negotiations?
Ukraine
A federal judge rejected the Justice Department's request to set aside ballots from approximately 20,000 California voters. What did the federal government allege about these voters?
That they were potentially noncitizens registered to vote.
Which South American presidential candidate arrived in Miami this week after losing an election and alleging, without substantiated evidence, that the election had been stolen?
Flávio Bolsonaro of Brazil.