Citizenship Final

define civics

the study of the rights and duties of citizenship and the functioning of government.

how can you become a US citizen?

There are several ways to become a US citizen, including birthright citizenship, naturalization, and acquiring citizenship through parents.

what topics do immigrants need to know in order to pass the citizenship test?

Immigrants need to know U.S. history, government structure, and rights and responsibilities of citizens to pass the citizenship test.

what is the costitution?

The supreme law of the United States, outlining the structure of government and fundamental rights.

what are the main functions of the government?

The main functions of the government include maintaining order, providing public services, ensuring national security, and protecting individual liberties.

what are the amendments?

Changes or additions to the Constitution that outline specific rights and protections for individuals and groups.

what do we call the first 10 amendments?

The Bill of Rights.

how many amendments are there?

There are currently 27 amendments to the US Constitution.

what are the 3 branches of the government?

The three branches of government are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.

what are checks and balances?

Checks and balances is a system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others. This principle is fundamental to the United States government structure.

what is a miranda warning?

A legal warning given to individuals in custody, informing them of their rights to remain silent and to an attorney.

what is a precedent?

A legal decision or form of case law that establishes a principle or rule used by courts in future cases. Precedents guide judicial decision-making and ensure consistency in the law.

how many justices are on the supreme court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

what does the supreme court do?

The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution, reviews laws, and decides cases involving federal law and state disputes. It also has the power of judicial review to determine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

what are the 2 most common cases the court system deals with?

Criminal and civil cases.

what are the 2 levels of the courts in the US?

The two levels of courts in the US are federal courts and state courts. Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws, while state courts deal with matters concerning state laws.

how many people in the house of representetives?

The House of Representatives is composed of 435 members, each representing a congressional district.

what is our bicameral legislator made up of?

the House of Representatives and the Senate.

how does a bill become a law?

A bill must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, then signed by the President to become law.

what does impeachment mean?

Impeachment is the process by which a legislative body formally charges a government official, such as the President, with misconduct or wrongdoing, which can lead to removal from office.

what are the requirements to serve as a member of the House of Representatives?

To serve as a member of the House of Representatives, one must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent.

what are the requirements to serve as a US senator?

they must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least nine years, and be an inhabitant of the state they are seeking to represent when elected. 

how many electoral votes does NH have?

4

How long is a senators term?

6 years

How long is a House of Representatives term?

2 years

who leads the executive branch? What does it do?

The President of the United States leads the executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws and overseeing the federal administration.

What are some examples of powers that belong solely to the executive branch?

These include the power to issue executive orders, appoint federal officers, and negotiate treaties with foreign governments.

How long is a presidential term? How many can they serve?

A presidential term is four years, and a president can serve a maximum of two terms.

what are the requirements to serve as President?

To serve as President of the United States, a person must be at least 35 years old, be a natural-born citizen, and have been a resident of the country for at least 14 years.

what is a natural born citizen?

A natural born citizen is a person who is a citizen of the United States from the moment of their birth, either by being born on U.S. soil or being born to U.S. citizen parents.

which political party tends to want more government in people’s lives?

The Democratic Party generally advocates for a larger role of government in people's lives, promoting policies aimed at social welfare, regulation, and public services.

what are the requirements to vote in a local election?

Requirements to vote in a local election typically include being a U.S. citizen, meeting the age requirement (usually 18 years or older), and residency in the local area. Voters may also need to be registered.

which branch of government creates domestic and foreign policy?

The President along with other members of the executive branch, including the Cabinet, plays a key role in creating domestic and foreign policy. Additionally, Congress influences policy through legislation and oversight.

what is the purpose of the board of selectmen in Barnstead, NH?

The Board of Selectmen in Barnstead, NH, serves as the executive body of the town, responsible for overseeing local government operations, implementing policies, and managing town resources.

Who leads the Executive Branch for the State of NH?

The Governor of New Hampshire leads the Executive Branch, overseeing state operations and implementing laws.

why is it important to be an aware citizen who is active in the political process?

Being an aware citizen who participates in the political process is crucial because it enhances democratic governance, ensures accountability, and allows individuals to influence decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Explain the process of search and seizure in and out of school

Search and seizure procedures in schools typically involve school officials having the authority to conduct searches when they have reasonable suspicion of rule violations. Outside of school, law enforcement must generally obtain a warrant based on probable cause.

what does “no cruel and unusual punishment” mean?

"No cruel and unusual punishment" refers to a legal principle that prohibits the government from imposing excessively harsh penalties or torture on individuals, ensuring humane treatment under the law.

describe the 5 freedoms listed in the 1st amendment

The First Amendment guarantees five fundamental freedoms: freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. These rights protect individuals' ability to express themselves and engage in civic participation.

what are the rights and restrictions of the 2nd amendment?

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms while also allowing for regulations concerning gun ownership. This balance ensures the right to self-defense while addressing public safety concerns.

what is the concept of eminent domain?

Eminent domain is the government's power to take private property for public use, provided that fair compensation is paid to the property owner. This concept ensures that the government can acquire land for infrastructure, development, or other public projects while respecting property rights.

what is a constituent? what responsibilities do they have?

A constituent is a person who is represented by an elected official, particularly in a legislative body. Constituents have the responsibility to participate in the democratic process, including voting and engaging with their representatives to express their views and needs.

how does the electoral college work?

The Electoral College is a body of electors established by the US Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its population, and after the public votes in the presidential election, these electors cast their votes to determine the winner.

what are precedents and what are some landmark examples? what did their rulings mean for society?

Precedents are legal decisions or interpretations made by courts that serve as an example or rule for future cases. Landmark examples include Brown v. Board of Education, which desegregated schools, and Roe v. Wade, which addressed abortion rights. Their rulings establish important legal principles that shape judicial outcomes and societal norms.

what is communism and what are the pros and cons?

a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society where the means of production are communally owned, and there is no private property. In theory, this could lead to greater equality and shared resources, but it has also been associated with authoritarianism and economic inefficiency. Pros: Reduced Inequality, Increased Social Welfare, Workers Rights, Economic Stability. Cons: Reduced Individual Freedom, Potential for Inefficiency, Risk of Authoritarianism, Decline in Innovation and Potential for Corruption.

What is socialism and what are the pros and cons?

a political and economic system where the means of production are owned in common, typically by the state or government, rather than by individuals or private businesses.  Pros: Reduced Inequality, Increased Social Welfare, Workers Rights, Economic Stability. Cons: Reduced Individual Freedom, Potential for Inefficiency, Risk of Authoritarianism, Decline in Innovation and Potential for Corruption.

What is Theocracy and what are the pros and cons?

a form of government where religious leaders rule in the name of God or gods. They interpret their holy texts as law. Pros: Moral and ethical guidance, unity and stability, preservation of tradition. Cons: Limited religious freedom, Lack of political pluralism and Potential for abuse

What is Dictatorship and what are the pros and cons?

a form of government where a single person or a small group holds absolute power and authority, usually through force or suppression of dissent. It is characterized by the absence of democratic principles like free elections, a free press, and the protection of individual rights. Pros: Efficiency and Rapid Decision-Making, Stability, Economic Development, National Unity. Cons: Suppression of Rights and Freedoms, Lack of Accountability, Human Rights Violations, Potential for Instability, Reduced Creativity and Innovation, Ineffective Governance, and Economic Inequality