Civics Mid-Term Diagnostic Test Study Guide

What does the 14th Amendment guarantee?Citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.

What is birthright citizenship?

Citizenship granted to individuals born on U.S. soil.

What is the Law of Blood?

Children born to American citizens are considered citizens, regardless of their birthplace.

What is the naturalization process?

The legal process through which a non-citizen becomes a citizen.

What are the age requirements for naturalization?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

How long must one be a lawful permanent resident before applying for naturalization?

5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.

What is required to demonstrate good moral character in the naturalization process?

Applicants must have no serious criminal record.

What language proficiency is required for naturalization?

Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).

What must applicants pass to complete the naturalization process?

A civics exam covering U.S. government and history.

What is the Rule of Law?

A principle that mandates all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law.

What does accountability to the law mean?

Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.

What are fair procedures in the context of the Rule of Law?

Legal processes must be fair and impartial.

What is the significance of consistent application of the law?

Laws must be applied uniformly to all individuals.

What does transparency of government institutions entail?

Government actions and laws must be conducted openly.

What is the enforcement of the law?

Laws must be enforced consistently and fairly.

What historical document established the Rule of Law?

The Magna Carta.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The national government could not tax, regulate trade, enforce laws, or had a judicial branch.

What event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Shays' Rebellion.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

To revise the Articles of Confederation.

What did John Locke believe about government?

Its only purpose is to protect life, liberty, and property.

What is the social contract according to John Locke?

An agreement where people give up certain rights for government protection.

How did Montesquieu influence the U.S. government structure?

He proposed the separation of government into three branches.

What is the significance of checks and balances?

Each branch of government has limits on its power to prevent abuse.

What does the Mayflower Compact represent?

The tradition of self-government in the colonies.

What is meant by 'consent of the governed'?

A government's legitimate power derives from the people's agreement to be ruled.

What does 'due process' ensure?

Rights for those charged with an offense, including a fair trial.

What is the Sixth Amendment about?

The right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

What did the English Bill of Rights (1689) establish?

It established the rights and liberties of individuals in England and placed limits on the monarch's power.

What rights are included in the English Bill of Rights?

No cruel & unusual punishment, freedom of speech in Parliament, life, liberty, and property, no taxation without representation, right to a speedy and fair jury trial.

What is the right to petition?

The right to complain about the government or seek its help without worrying about punishment.

How did the English Bill of Rights influence the U.S. Constitution?

It was a major influence on the U.S. Bill of Rights and established the first constitutional monarchy.

What is the main idea of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?

It argued for the independence of the 13 Colonies from Great Britain and outlined principles like representative self-government.

What does the Preamble of the Constitution do?

It introduces the Constitution and establishes the goals and purposes of the U.S. Government.

What does 'We the people' signify?

It indicates that the people are the source of governmental power, reflecting popular sovereignty.

Who is responsible for establishing justice in the government?

Courts, judges, and the legal system.

What does 'insure domestic tranquility' mean?

To keep the country peaceful.

Who is responsible for providing for the common defense?

The military.

What is the structure of Congress?

Congress is a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

What are the qualifications to be a member of the House of Representatives?

At least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and must live in the state where the district is located.

What are the qualifications to be a Senator?

At least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and must live in the state.

What are the expressed powers of the President?

Commander in Chief of the armed forces, appointing members of the executive departments, making treaties, and appointing ambassadors.

What is the Electoral College?

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

How many electors are in the Electoral College?

There are a total of 538 electors.

What is the term length for Supreme Court Justices?

Justices serve for life or until they retire or are impeached.

What is an indictment?

A formal charge or document that states someone has committed a serious crime.

What are the sources of American law?

Natural Law, Statutory Law, Common Law, Case Law, and Constitutional Law.

What types of law does the Judicial Branch handle?

Civil Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Military Law, and Juvenile Law.

What is the role of the Supreme Court?

To interpret laws and ensure they align with the Constitution.

What is the process for a President to veto legislation?

The President can veto bills proposed by Congress, which can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

What is an executive order?

A command from the President that tells government workers what to do, having the force of law.

What is the purpose of the Twelfth Amendment?

To separate the election for President from that of Vice President and specify how the Electoral College operates.

What is the structure of the Federal Court System?

It includes U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

What is the role of the Senate in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices?

The Senate must confirm the President's nominations for Justices.