Foundations of Government
A government claims legitimacy because citizens agree to follow its laws.
What is the social contract?
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
What is to protect individual freedoms?
Why is Congress considered the lawmaking branch?
What is it writes and passes legislation?
A student protests peacefully at school. Which amendment protects this?
What is the First Amendment?
Why is voting important in a democracy?
What is it allows citizens to influence government?
A colonist argues the British government violated natural rights. Which idea supports this claim?
What are natural rights (John Locke)?
A state passes a law that conflicts with a national law. Which principle resolves this?
What is federalism (or supremacy clause)?
The Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional. What power is this?
What is judicial review?
A state denies a group equal legal treatment. Which amendment applies?
What is the Fourteenth Amendment?
Why does the U.S. tend to have a two-party system?
What is winner-take-all elections?
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail to create a strong government?
What is lack of central power (tax, army, leadership)?
The president vetoes a law, but Congress overrides it. What principle is shown?
What are checks and balances?
The president signs a bill into law. What role is this?
What is enforcing/implementing laws?
How are civil liberties different from civil rights?
What is liberties = freedoms; rights = protections from discrimination?
A bill passes both houses but is vetoed. What must happen next for it to become law?
What is a 2/3 override?
A country allows citizens to vote on laws. What principle is this?
What is popular sovereignty?
Why is the amendment process difficult?
What is to ensure broad agreement/change carefully?
Explain the significance of Marbury v. Madison.
What is it established judicial review?
Why is Brown v. Board of Education significant?
What is it ended “separate but equal” in schools?
How do interest groups influence government decisions?
What is lobbying/advocacy?
A leader rules without limits and ignores citizens’ rights. Identify the system.
What is an autocracy?
A citizen is arrested without legal reason. Which principle is being violated?
What is due process?
The House impeaches a president, but the Senate does not convict. What is the outcome?
What is the president remains in office?
Why is incorporation important to citizens?
What is it applies rights to state governments?
Low voter turnout is reported in an election. What impact could this have?
What is less representation/less legitimacy?