Civil Liberties
What would be a legitimate restriction on First Amendment Freedoms?
No obscene speech in public
Don't shout "fire" in a crowded theater
No obscene or inappropriate speech in a public school speech
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution.
What is the primary responsibility of the legislative branch?
To create and pass laws for the nation (Congress).
Which amendment guarantees the right to a speedy trial?
The 6th Amendment
How often are presidential elections held?
What is the difference between a civil RIGHT and a civil LIBERTY?
Civil liberties: protections of individual freedoms from government overreach; Civil rights: guarantees of equal treatment and protection from discrimination.
What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
To create a loose confederation of states with the power primarily given to the people, with a weak central government.
Which branch has the power to interpret laws and determine constitutionality?
The judicial branch (courts, including the Supreme Court).
What does the Fifth Amendment protect (give the primary protections)?
Due process and protection against self-incrimination (pleading the Fifth)
What does the Electoral College do?
Elects the president of the United States (formally casts the electoral votes based on state results)
Name the Supreme Court decision in 1969 that held public school students retain First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and expression while at school.
Tinker v. Des Moines
What is the primary purpose of the Constitution (in terms of structure of government)?
To establish a stronger federal government with separated powers (legislative, executive, judicial) under a written frame of government.
What is a veto? Who has the power to veto laws passed by Congress?
The president's power to reject a law passed by Congress.
What is the Seventh Amendment primarily concerned with?
The right to a jury trial in federal civil cases over $20.
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
435
Is "the right to remain silent" a civil RIGHT or a civil LIBERTY?
A civil LIBERTY.
What does the Ninth Amendment guarantee about rights not specifically listed in the Constitution?
That people possess fundamental rights beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution.
How many votes in Congress are required to override a presidential veto?
A two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.
What does the Tenth Amendment state about powers not delegated to the federal government?
Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.
What is federalism?
A system where power is divided between a central (national) government and state governments.
What is an example of a civil RIGHT that was being violated and was overturned in a court case in 1954?
Brown v. Board of Education
Students were being segregated in schools.
Describe the principle of "consent of the governed" in one sentence.
Legitimate government authority depends on the people's consent, usually expressed through free elections and participation.
What does "checks and balances" mean?
Each governmental branch has the power to ensure each other governmental branch is not overstepping their constitutional responsibilities.
When can civil liberties be limited to protect the public's safety?
Example: limit speech that incites violence!
Define "republic." What does this mean for America?
A republic: power belongs to the people who elect representatives to govern on their behalf. This is the structure of America's government (a democratic republic), and this is the basis for the electoral college.