Semester 1 Progress Check Study Guide

What is the main purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To guarantee civil rights and liberties to the individual and limit the power of the government.

Define Rule of Law.

A principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws.

Fill in the blank: In an authoritarian government, power is held by __________.

One or few people.

Fill in the blank: In a democratic government, individual rights are __________.

Provided and guaranteed.

What is Federalism?

A system of government that divides power between a central government and regional governments.

Define Dual Federalism.

Programs and authority that are clearly divided among the national, state, and local governments.

What is the Elastic Clause?

Also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, it allows the Federal Government to do whatever is necessary to enact delegated powers.

What does the Supremacy Clause state?

It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

What are checks and balances?

The separation of powers to avoid one entity or body wielding too much power.

Explain popular sovereignty.

The authority and power of government come from the people through elected officials.

What is due process?

A requirement that legal matters be resolved according to established rules and that individuals be treated fairly.

What major principle does the Declaration of Independence emphasize?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What was the Supreme Court decision in Loving vs. Virginia?

Unanimous decision for Loving; Virginia's antimiscegenation law violated the Equal Protection Clause.

What critical question did the case Gill v. Wainwright address?

Does the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel extend to felony defendants in state courts?

Who delivered the majority opinion in Obergefell vs. Hodges?

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.

What precedent does the FBI cite in its case against Apple?

The US vs. New York Telephone Company case.

What was the conclusion of the case Riley vs. California?

The search of Riley's cell phone without a warrant violated his Fourth Amendment rights.

What was the ruling in Brown vs. Board of Education?

Unanimous decision for Brown that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.

What type of government is characterized by free, fair, and frequent elections?

Democratic government.

What is the role of the Legislative Branch?

To create laws, declare war, and handle interstate and foreign commerce.

Fill in the blank: Reserve powers are powers __________.

reserved for the states.