Foundations of Government
What is the primary purpose of government?
To protect our rights and maintain order
What are the first ten amendments called?
The Bill of Rights
This group uses the facts and decides the verdict (someone is guilty or innocent)
What is the role of a jury?
The process of choosing leaders or deciding issues
What is voting/elections?
A system where power is shared between national and state governments
What is federalism?
What principle means government gets its power from the people?
Popular sovereignty/Consent of the Governed
Name the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
What is Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and Speech
What does a judge do in a trial?
Interprets the law and ensures the trial is fair on both sides
This system is used to formally elect the President
What is the Electoral College?
A system where the central government holds most power
What is a unitary system
The idea that everyone must follow the law, including leaders
What is the rule of law?
Why are some rights limited?
To help the common good by protecting public safety and the rights of others.
The power to declare laws unconstitutional
What is Judicial Review?
Why is civic participation important?
It allows citizens to influence government decisions
A system where states hold most power
What is a confederal system?
A president tries to ignore a law passed by Congress. Which principle is being challenged?
Rule of law
A student threatens violence online and is punished. Why is this not protected speech?
Because speech that threatens safety can be limited
A law is challenged in court for violating the Constitution. What power allows the court to review it?
Judicial review
A citizen writes to their representative about a law. What type of civic participation is this?
Petitioning the government
A state law conflicts with a federal law. Which one takes priority and what is the "clause"?
What is federal law because of the Supremacy Clause
How do separation of powers and checks and balances work together to prevent abuse of power?
They divide power among branches and allow each branch to limit the others
How does the 14th Amendment expand protection of rights? (2 vocab words)
It applies rights to the states through due process and equal protection
Why is due process important in the justice system?
It ensures fair treatment and protects individual rights
How can informed citizens impact election outcomes?
By making educated voting decisions and influencing others
Why does federalism help prevent authoritarianism?
Because power is divided, making it harder for one authority to control everything