National Civics Bee General Study Guide: ALL TOPICS

Natural/Inalienable Rights (Natural Rights +Foundations)

Rights which belong to humans by nature and can only be justly abridged through due process. Examples are life, liberty, and property.

Liberty (Natural Rights + Foundations)

The power to think and act as one sees fit without restraint except by the laws of nature and interfering with someone else's rights.

Equality (Natural Rights + Foundations)

All individuals have the same claim as human beings to natural rights and treatment under the law.

Justice (Natural Rights + Foundations)

Having a political order that protects the rights of all equally and treats everyone equally under the law.

Majority Rule/Minority Rights (Consent + Republican Government)

Laws are made with the consent of the majority but do not infringe on the inalienable rights of the minority.

Consent of the Governed/Popular Sovereignty (Consent + Republican Government)

The power of the government comes from the people

Democracy (Consent + Republican Government)

A form of government in which ultimate authority is based directly on the will of the people

Republic (Consent + Republican Government)

A constitutional form of government with elected representatives who represent and "refine and enlarge" the will of the people

Rule of Law (Limited Government)

Government and citizens all abide by the same laws regardless of political power. Those laws must be stable and justly applied.

Due Process (Limited Government)

The government must apply laws and rules equally to all people

Separation of Powers (Constitutional + Auxiliary Precautions)

The branches of government each have powers to limit the powers of the other branches and to prevent any branch from becoming too powerful.

Checks and Balances (Constitutional + Auxiliary Precautions)

Constitutional powers are distributed among the branches of government allowing each to limit the application of power of the other branches and to prevent expansion of power of any branch

Federalism (Constitutional + Auxiliary Precautions)

The national and state governments have a balance of separate and shared powers. The people delegate certain powers to the national government, while the states retain other powers; and the people retain all powers not delegated to the governing bodies.

Freedom of Religion (Bill of Rights)

The right to choose one's religion or form of worship, if any, without interference; freedom of conscience.

What is the Bill of Rights, and what is its purpose?

As a final recourse against government abuse, the Founding generation codified a list of rights that they believed were essential to the maintenance of their constitutional governing structure.

Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly (B of R)

The right to express one's opinions freely, orally or in writing, and the right to gather with others in groups of one's choice without unreasonable restrictions or arbitrary.

Private Property (B of R)

The natural right of all individuals to create, obtain, and control their possessions, beliefs, faculties, and opinions as well as the fruits of their labor.

What are virtues?

Virtues are good habits that promote self-government and help. This guarantees that communities orient themselves towards advancing the spirit of a common purpose.

Which virtue is best described as the ability to take constructive action in the face of fear or danger and do what is right, even if others don't agree with you?

Courage

Which virtue is best described as being trustworthy and demonstrating good character?

Honor

Which virtue is best described as putting others ahead of yourself and being able to admit when you are wrong?

Humility

Which virtue is best described as to being able to tell the truth, expose untruths, and keep one's promises?

Integrity

Which virtue is best described as being able to respect the rights and dignity of all, and upholding what is fair and right?

Justice

Which virtue is best described as being able to avoid excess or extremes?

Moderation

Which virtue is best described as having wisdom that applies reason and other virtues to decide the right course of action?

Prudence

Which virtue is best described as defending the equal rights and inherent dignity of all human beings, including oneself?

Respect

Which virtue is best described as being able to act on good judgement about what is right or wrong, even when it is not popular and being able to support oneself, their family, and their community?

Responsibility

What is the corresponding vice for responsibility?

Inresponsiblity

What is the corresponding vice for courage?

Cowardice

What is the corresponding vice for honor?

Dishonor

What is the corresponding vice for humility?

Hubris

What is the corresponding vice for integrity

Self-Deception

What is the corresponding vice for justice?

Injustice

What is the corresponding vice for moderation?

Immoderation (or extremism)

What is the corresponding vice for prudence?

Imprudence

What is the corresponding vice for respect?

Contempt

What is the biggest takeaway in terms of civic virtues from the Gettysburg Address?

The American people can best honor those who have fought, died, and worked for America's roots in liberty and equality by dedicating themselves to maintaining a strong society and government through civic virtues.

Human Nature

The inherent characteristics, tendencies, and behaviors that define humanity.

Civil Society

the complex network of voluntary associations that exist outside of government

What are three examples of Civil Societies?

Parent, teacher, professional, and business associations; labor unions; religious, charitable, and youth organizations; and social and fraternal clubs.

Why is a civil society and essential component of a constitutional democracy.

Essential because it prevent the abuse or excessive concentration of power by the government.

Role of the Government

To create and enforce laws, provide public goods and services, protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, maintain order, and ensure national security.

What is a monarchy?

a form of government with a monarch at the head.

What is a republic?

A government in which citizens rule through elected representatives

Authoriarianism

a controling leader who dominates a group when placed in leadership of a group.

What is an oligarchy?

A government ruled by a few powerful people

What is a theocracy?

A government controlled by religious leaders

Socialism

A system in which society, usually in the form of the government, owns and controls the means of production.

What is a communist government?

government that owns most businesses and land that controls many areas of life

Limited Government

To keep the governing power to its proper scope, government must be limited and provide recourse for citizens to be protected from arbitrary power.

Consent of the Governed

The power of the government comes from the people.

Representation

The relationship where elected officials act on behalf of their constituents' interests and preferences in making decisions and crafting policies.

Landmark Legislation

The laws or statutes that have a significant and lasting impact on society, often marking a pivotal moment or change in public policy or law.

Bureaucracy

A hierarchical organization structured to carry out specific functions within a government.

What does a bureaucracy typically involve?

Complex administrative procedures, specialized roles, and a division of labor aimed at efficiently achieving organizational goals.

Executive Agencies

Organizations within the executive branch of government responsible for implementing and administering specific laws and policies.

Where do executive agencies operate?

They operate under the direction of the president or the governor (at the state level) and are tasked with executing and enforcing regulations within their designated areas of jurisdiction.

What do the executive agencies usually target their unique specialized focus on?

Environmental protection, national security, healthcare, or transportation.

Naturalization

The legal process through which a foreign citizen or national can acquire citizenship of a country where they were not born.

Rules of citizenship

Encompass the legal guidelines and criteria that determine how individuals acquire, maintain, and exercise their citizenship.

Rights of Citizens

government protected rights found in the U.S. Bill of Rights and the Georgia Bill of Rights

Which amendment was Rights of Citizens?

14th Amendment

What do Rights of Citizens include?

Civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly as well as political rights (voting and participation in elections)

What are some responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen?

Paying taxes, serving on juries, obeying laws, respecting rights of others, attend school

Define responsibility of citizens

The duties and obligations individuals are expected to fulfill to maintain a healthy and free society.