U.S. Civics and Government Review

Flashcards covering key concepts from a civics quiz, including constitutional principles, government branches, the Bill of Rights, political philosophy, and civic engagement.

What term means something that violates the Constitution?

Unconstitutional

What does it mean to formally accuse a government official of breaking their oath?

Impeach

What is the balance of power between federal and state governments called?

Federalism

What system allows elected officials to make decisions on behalf of the people?

Representative democracy

What type of government gives a leader or group of leaders all the power?

Authoritarian

Which philosopher believed people were naturally good and supported democracy?

John Locke

Which philosopher believed people were naturally evil and supported authoritarian government?

Thomas Hobbes

What is an agreement to form a government and give up some freedom for security and order?

Social contract

What is the belief or preference that leads to unfair treatment of certain people?

Bias

Which type of bias is unconscious and unintentional?

Implicit bias

Which type of bias is conscious and intentional?

Explicit bias

Which form of civic engagement involves providing unpaid services?

Volunteering

Which form of civic engagement involves voting or becoming involved in elections and government?

Electoral participation

Which form of civic engagement involves supporting or promoting a cause, policy, or idea?

Advocacy

Who are the two current U.S. Senators from New Jersey listed?

Cory Booker and Andy Kim

What is the main purpose of the Legislative Branch?

Create laws

What is the main purpose of the Executive Branch?

Enforce laws

What is the main purpose of the Judicial Branch?

Interpret laws

Which part of the Constitution contains its main sections, like chapters in a book?

The Articles

Which part of the Constitution begins with “We the People”?

The Preamble

Which part of the Constitution contains changes and additions to the original document?

The Amendments

Which member of Congress represents an entire state?

Senator

Which member of Congress represents a specific district within a state?

Congressperson in the House of Representatives

What is the name for the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights

Which amendment protects speech, religion, the press, and peaceful protest?

First Amendment

Which amendment protects the right to bear arms?

Second Amendment

Which amendment protects against being forced to house soldiers in your home?

Third Amendment

Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?

Fourth Amendment

Which amendment includes the right to remain silent and protection against being tried twice for the same crime?

Fifth Amendment

Which amendment protects the right to a fair and speedy criminal trial, an attorney, and an impartial jury?

Sixth Amendment

Which amendment provides a jury trial in certain civil cases?

Seventh Amendment

Which amendment protects against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment?

Eighth Amendment

Which amendment says people can have rights not specifically listed in the Constitution?

Ninth Amendment

Which amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people?

Tenth Amendment

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court

Which chamber of Congress has representation based on state population?

House of Representatives

Which chamber of Congress has two members from each state?

Senate

What type of government gives people power and selects leaders through fair elections?

Democracy

What principle means everyone, including government officials, must follow the law?

Rule of law

What is the balance of power between the three branches of government called?

Checks and balances