US Gov and Econ Final Study Guide

First Amendment

Guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment

Restrictions on the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner’s consent, forbidding the practice in peacetime.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination and guarantees due process.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial.

Seventh Amendment

Protects the right for citizens to have a jury trial in federal courts.

Eighth Amendment

Protects against cruel and unusual punishment.

Ninth Amendment

Addresses rights, retained by the people, that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

Any powers that are not specifically given to the federal government are reserved for the states.

John Locke

Believed in natural rights of life, liberty, and property

Montesquieu

Believed in separation of powers to prevent tyranny

Influence of Ancient Greek Democracy

Direct citizen participation in governance

Declaration of Independence

Principles of equality, natural rights, and government by consent

Federalist No. 10

Dangers of factions

Structure of Government

Checks and balances, federalism

Rule of Law

Ensures laws apply equally to all citizens, including government officials

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments that guarantees protections such as freedom of speech, religion, and protection against unreasonable searches.

Tocqueville’s Analysis: Strengths of American Democracy

Equality of conditions

Tocqueville’s Analysis: Risks

Excessive individualism and absence of the rule of law

Civic Duties

Importance of serving on a jury, paying taxes, and voting

Civic-mindedness

Staying informed on issues and respecting others’ rights

Naturalization Process Requirements

Legal residency, passing a civics test, and taking an oath of allegiance

Scarcity

Resources are limited, but wants are unlimited

Opportunity Cost

The value of the next best alternative foregone

Factors of Production

Land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship

Capital

Human-made resources used for producing goods and services

Bowed-Out Production Possibilities Frontier

Represents increasing opportunity costs due to specialized resources.

Points inside the PPF

indicates underutilized resources

Federalist No. 51

Checks and balances to prevent concentration of power