Virginia & U.S Governemnt Mid-Term Study Cards

What does the Legislative Branch do?

Makes the laws (Congress)

What does the Executive Branch do?

Enforce the laws (President/Cabinet)

What does the Judicial do?

Interprets the laws (Supreme Court/Federal Court)

What Principle prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful?

Checks and Balances

What is one “check” the Executive Branch has over the Legislative Branch

The president can veto laws passed by Congress

What is one “check” the Legislative Branch had over the Executive Branch

Congress can override a presidential veto w/ a 2/3 vote, impeach the President, or approve appointments

What is the name of the Virginia’s legislative body?

The Virginia General Assembly

What is role of the Governor of Virginia?

Head of the Executive Branch

What does Federalism mean?

Division of Power (federal vs state)

Which document established the structure of the U.S government (including the 3 branches)

U.S Constitution

What fundamental rights are protected by the 1st Amendment?

Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and Speech (RAPPS)

Which amendment guarantees due process, protection against self-incrimination, and double jeopardy?

5th Amendment

Which amendment guarantees the right to counsel (an attorney) in criminal cases?

6th Amendment

What is the primary function of political parties in the U.S?

Nominate candidates, raise money, inform/mobilize voters, and help officials run the government

What term describes the U.S system? (two major parties dominant elections)

Two Party System

What system is used to formally elect the President of the United States?

The Electoral College

What is required to vote in the state of Virginia? (And in most states)

MUST be U.S Citizen, resident of Virginia, 18 years of age or older

What are the primary responsibilities of local governments?

Providing public schools, police/fire departments, public health, waste disposal

Which landmark case established the power of Judicial Review?

Marbury V. Madison (1803)

Which case rules that start-mandated segregation in public schools was unconstitutional?

Brown V. Board of Education (1954)

What is the concept that the government’s power comes from the consent of the governed?

Popular Sovereignty

Which British Philosopher heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence with his ideas of life, liberty, and property (pursuit of happiness)

John Locke

What were the first government of the U.S that was too weak because it lack an executive and judicial branch and couldn’t tax?

Articles of Confederation

What is the U.S founding document’s opening phrase that reflects the principle of Popular Sovereignty?

“We the people…”

What is the major difference between a “primary election” and a “general election”?

Primary is held to select a party’s candidate. General is held to choose who will hold the office.

How does a citizen influence government without voting?

Lobbying officials, writing letters to representatives, joining interest groups or campaigning for a candidate.

Why is a voters turnout typically higher for a presidential election than for a local election?

Increased media coverage and perceived importance of the office.

What term describes a formally organized group that shares common goals and tries to influence government policy?

Interest Group

What is the President’s role as the ceremonial head of the government?

Chief of State

What is the President’s role when directing the county’s armed forces?

Commander-in-Chief

Which role does the President propose the budget and influence economic policy?

Chief Economist/Chief Citizen/Chief Legislator

Name the group of advisors, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, that head the major executive departments

The Cabinet

What are the primary duties of the Cabinet department?

Carry out the laws passed by Congress