Government final

What are the 3 branches of government?

Executive, Judicial, and Legislative

According to the preamble of the constitution what are the 6 purposes of government?

1. Create union

2. Establish fairness

3. Keep peace internally

4. Protect the union

5. Support the citizen

6. Secure freedom.

What is direct democracy?

Citizens vote directly on laws & decisions on their behalf.

What is a representative government?

Citizens elect people to make laws & decisions on their behalf

What is judicial review?

The power of supreme court to declare a law or action unconstitutional.

What is popular sovereignty?

Governments power comes from the consent of the people.

Who wrote the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?

James Madison

What was the first social contract in North America?

The Mayflower compact.

What are the 3 natural rights that john locke believed in?

Life, Liberty, and Property.

What are the 5 freedoms that the 1st Amendment protects?

Religon, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition.

The Articles of Confederation reflected America’s fear of what?

Strong central government (like a king)

Why is the separation of powers important?

Prevents any power branch from becoming too powerful.

What is the 5th Amendment?

Protects against self-incrimination (right to remain silent)

How many Amendments are there?

27

What is the 2nd Amendment?

Right to bear arms

What is the 8th Amendment?

Prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment“ & excessive bail.

What is the 26th Amendment?

Lowered the voting age to 18.

What is the 19th Amendemnt?

Gave women right to vote.

What is the formula for electoral votes in each state?

2 senators, # of reps based on population = total electoral vote.

Define Commander in Chief?

The president role as head of military.

Chief Executive?

President role as the “boss“ of executive branch & person who enforces laws.

Qualifications to be a Presidnet, Senator, HOR?

• President: 35 yrs old, natural born citizen, 14 yr refsident.

• Senators: 30 yrs old, 9 year citizen, live in state.

• House: 25 yrs old, 7 year citizen, live in state.

What is an open primary?

Election where any voter can vote for any party candidates regardless of own party.

Chief Diplomat?

Presdinet role in managing relationships with other countries.

What are checks and balances?

Allows each branch to limit the power of the other branches.

What are the formal duties of the vice president?

Preside over the senate (breaks ties) & take over if president can’t serve.

What is the President’s cabinet comprmised of?

Group of advisors who lead major executive department (state, treasury, defense).

What is pardon?

Legal release from punishment of a crime granted by president.

What is the order of succession if the President dies?

Vice president > Speaker of House > President pro tempore of senate.

Who choses the President if no candidate wins the majority of electoral votes?

The HOR choses President.

Define Constituents?

People living in specific area who represent by an elected official.

How many Senators are there?

100 and 2 per state.

How many HOR?

435

Who is in charge of the HOR?

Speaker of the house.

Who is in charge of the Senate?

Vice president, President Pro Tempore.

Length of term for a Senator and HOR?

Senator: 6yrs & HOR: 2yrs.

How does a bill become a law?

Passed by house & senate & signed by president.

What is the term for a federal judge?

Life unless retired or impeached.

How many members are in the supreme court?

9 justices.

What is concurrent jurisdiction?

Federal & State courts share authority over a case.

What is a dissenting opinion?

Written disagreement with court’s majority ruling.

What is considered the Supreme Law of the Land?

The US. constitution.

What is Article 1 about?

Legislative (make law).

What is Article 2 about?

Executive (enforce law).

What is Article 3 about?

Judicial (interprets law).

What is federalism?

Power shared between national & state gov.

What is Roe v Wade about?

Legalized abortion nationwide.

Brown v Board of Education?

Ended racial segregation in public schools.

What is congress known as?

General Assembly.

Who is in charge of executive branch?

Governor.

If a person does and there is a dispute over the will what court will handle this?

Probate Court.

What is referndum?

When people vote on changes to the constitution.

In Missouri most major lawsuits and felony crimianal cases begin in what court?

Circuit court.

What is the title of the head state officer that handles legal stuff?

Attorney General.

What is the largest source of state revenue?

Income taxes.

A tax on a home is called what?

Real estate taxes.

What is the capital of MO?

Jefferson City.

Who is MO’s governor?

Mike Kehoe.