FCLE Prep

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

What is the main function of the legislative branch?

To make laws and create policies for the nation.

What is the main function of the executive branch?

To enforce and implement laws.

What is the main function of the judicial branch?

To interpret laws and ensure justice.

What is “checks and balances”?

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.

What is federalism?

The division of power between the federal government and state governments; a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states. Federalism is a political system that allows states to exercise certain powers while the federal government retains others, promoting a balance of power.

What is the supreme law of the land?

The U.S. Constitution/The Constitution of the United States, which establishes the framework of government and the rights of citizens.

What does the First Amendment protect?

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition from government interference and guarantees individual liberties.

What does the Second Amendment protect?

The right to keep and bear arms

What does the Fourth Amendment protect?

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect individual freedoms from government overreach and to ensure fundamental civil liberties for all citizens.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison). It allows judicial branches to oversee the legality of legislative and executive actions.

What is the impact of Brown v. Board of Education?

It ended racial segregation in public schools

What did Gideon v. Wainwright establish?

The right to a court-appointed attorney

What are Miranda rights?

Rights read to a suspect upon arrest, established by Miranda v. Arizona to ensure the suspect is aware of their rights to remain silent and to have legal counsel.

What is the significance of the Declaration of Independence?

It declared the American colonies’ freedom from British rule

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

What are unalienable rights listed in the Declaration?

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness as fundamental rights that cannot be taken away or denied.

What do the Federalist Papers promote?

The promotion of the ratification of the United States Constitution and the principles of federalism.

What is the main idea of Federalist No. 10?

To argue against the dangers of factions and advocate for a large republic that can best control them.

What is the main idea of Federalist No. 51?

Checks and balances are needed to prevent tyranny

What did the 15th Amendment do?

Gave African American men the right to vote and prohibited voting discrimination based on race.

What did the 19th Amendment do?

Gave women the right to vote and prohibited voting discrimination based on sex.

What did the 26th Amendment do?

Lowered the voting age to 18 and prohibits age discrimination in voting.

What does the rule of law mean?

Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law, and no one is above the law.