Civics midterm

What are the 5 purposes of government?

Economic decisions, social order, public services, national security, and rights of individuals.

What is an authoritarian leader?

A leader who makes decisions quickly.

What is direct democracy?

A system where citizens vote directly on laws and policies.

What is a theocracy?

A government ruled by religious leaders.

What is an absolute monarchy?

A government where one ruler has complete power.

What is an oligarchy?

A government where a small group holds power.

What is a constitutional monarchy?

A monarchy where the monarch shares power with a constitution or government.

What is a parliamentary democracy?

A system where the legislature chooses the leader (prime minister).

What does the 14th Amendment define?

Citizenship, guarantees equal protection and due process.

What is a naturalized citizen?

A person who completes the legal process of citizenship (apply, test, oath).

What are examples of civic duty?

Jury duty, paying taxes, and obeying laws.

What is federalism?

A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by federal and state governments, such as taxes.

What is the minimum voting age?

18 years old.

What is the last step of citizenship?

Oath ceremony

What is the best way to show civic responsibility?

voting

What is the separation of powers?

A principle where government is divided into three branches.

What are the First Amendment rights?

Rights to religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

What is popular sovereignty?

The concept that power comes from the people.

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation?

Weak central government, no taxes, no army, and no power to enforce laws.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

George Mason, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, and Thomas Jefferson

Why did colonists object to British rule?

Due to 'taxation without representation'.

What was the Great Compromise?

An agreement for a two-house Congress (House based on population, Senate equal representation).

What are checks and balances?

A system where each branch of government limits the powers of the others.

Who were the Federalists?

Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

Which branch makes laws?

The Legislative branch.

What is the House of Representatives based on?

Population.

Who is the leader of the House?

The Speaker of the House.

What is a census?

A population count conducted every 10 years.

What is redistricting?

The process of redrawing voting districts.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of district boundaries for political advantage.

What are reserved powers?

Powers kept by the states.

What are implied powers?

Powers not explicitly written but suggested by the Constitution.

What is the Elastic Clause?

A provision that allows Congress to stretch its powers.

What are delegated/enumerated powers?

Powers specifically granted to the federal government.

What is a pocket veto?

When the president ignores a bill, causing it to die if Congress adjourns.

What is cloture?

A procedure to end a filibuster.

What does it mean to override a veto?

When Congress passes a law despite presidential disapproval (requires a 2/3 vote).

What is a standing committee?

A permanent committee in Congress.

What is pigeonholing?

The act of ignoring or killing a bill in committee.

What is reapportionment?

The redistribution of House seats after the census.

What are the steps for a bill to become a law?

Introduced - Committee - Debate - Vote - Both Houses pass - President signs.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic used to delay a vote by prolonging debate.

When does the Vice President vote?

When there is a tie in the Senate.

Which branch declares war?

The Legislative branch (Congress).

How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?

270 electoral votes.

Which Article of the Constitution pertains to the presidency?

Article II.

What are executive orders?

Rules issued by the president.

Who is the Commander in Chief?

The president.

What is the Electoral College?

The group that formally elects the president.

What is the State of the Union Address?

A speech given by the president to address Congress.

What is the VP's voting power?

To break ties in the Senate.

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court.

What is criminal law?

Laws about crimes against society.

What is a felony?

A serious crime, such as murder.

What landmark case established judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison.

What is eminent domain?

The right of the government to take private property for public use, with compensation.

What is due process?

Fair treatment under the law.

What is precedent in law?

Past court decisions that guide future cases.

What is a majority opinion?

A decision agreed upon by most justices in a court case.

What is a dissenting opinion?

An opinion expressing disagreement with the majority decision.

What is a concurring opinion?

An opinion that agrees with the majority decision but provides different reasoning.

What is original jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to hear a case first.

What is appellate jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to review a lower court's decision.

What are the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution

What are amendments?

Changes or additions to the Constitution.