Knowledge of Constitutional Government
Lawmaking Process
Judicial Systems
100

Things required for a person to vote in Virginia.

Name at least 3 

What is:

- US Citizen

- Virginia resident

- 18 or older

- Registered to vote

- No felonies

100

The role of the legislative branch, and what is its primary responsibility in the lawmaking process? 

What is to write bills, debate them, and vote on them in order to make laws

100

The types of cases that make it to the Supreme Court

What are cases that involve a Constitutional question, a dispute between states, a matter of national importance, or cases where the US is one of the parties

200

 

Primary responsibility of the three branches of government

What are:

- Create laws (legislative)

- Enforce laws (executive)

- Interpret laws (judicial)

200

Why must local governments follow state laws when creating local policies?


States set rules, laws and regulations that local governments must follow. State law takes precedence over local law

200

The difference between the types of cases federal courts handle vs state courts. (name at least 3 examples)

What are:

- Federal courts handle federal law

- State courts handle state or local laws

- Federal courts handle disputes between states

- Federal courts handle treaties with other nations

- State courts handle most cases

300

4 examples of how the branches of the federal government check and balance each other

300

The local lawmaking body for Prince William County

What is the PWC Board of Supervisors

300

The difference between a civil case and a criminal case and how due process protects individuals in both types of cases?

What is

- Criminal cases deal with the violation of a government law

- Civil cases deal with disputes between 2 parties

- Due process protects rights of the accused, such as a right to be silent, a right to legal representation and a right to a fair trial and a speedy criminal justice process

400

The affect of federalism on the distribution of executive power between the US President and state governors? (at least 3 examples)

What is

- POTUS enforces US law

- POTUS operates national agencies

- POTUS is commander in chief

- POTUS deals with national or international issues

- SG enforces state law

- SG operates state agencies

- SG can command their state's national guard

- SG deals with state issues

400

A state legislature passes a new law that changes zoning rules across the state. Analyze how this state law could impact local decision making and residents in different communities.


What is: 

A statewide zoning law could reduce local governments’ ability to make independent zoning decisions. Local officials may be required to change land-use plans, which could affect housing, businesses, and community development.

Residents might experience changes such as increased housing availability or different types of development in their neighborhoods. While the state’s authority can promote fairness and consistency, it may limit local control over community-specific needs. This demonstrates how state law can significantly impact local decision making.

400

How do Supreme Court decisions influence laws and court decisions across the country? Name 2 real life examples


What is interpreting laws, possibly striking down or altering them using judicial review. They can interpret laws made by all branches, including past SCOTUS decisions (https://judiciallearningcenter.org/student-center/landmark-cases/the-power-of-judicial-review/)

500

A conflict arises between a local government, the state government over a new education policy, while the federal government also sets national guidelines. Using the principles of federalism, who has the authority to affect this policy? What if it involves a US Constitutional issue?

What is 

- State government

- Federal government (if consitutional)

500

What are the steps of the lawmaking process (give at least 8 steps)

What are

- Idea

- Politician drafts bill

- Bill introduced by Speaker

- Bill brought to committee and debated on

- Bill voted on by 1 chamber (>50%)

- Bill voted on by other chamber (>50%)

- Bill brought to the President

- President says yes or no

- If no, the bill returns to original chamber and voted on again (>67%)

- Bill voted on again in other chamber (>67%)

500

A person claims that a state law violates their US constitutional rights and that they were denied due process. Explain how the judicial system could resolve this case if they begin at a US District Court and finished at the Supreme Court (at least 5 sentences)


What is: If the case begins at a US district court, the judges would examine whether the state law violated the person’s constitutional rights or denied due process. The case may be appealed to a US circuit court.

If the US circuit court agrees to hear the case, it will determine if the trial was fairly conducted and would use judicial review to determine whether the state law is constitutional

If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it will determine if the trial was fairly conducted and it would use judicial review to determine whether the state law is constitutional. The Court would consider precedents from previous cases to guide its decision. The final ruling would affect not only this individual but also how similar cases are handled across the country.