College Government Midterm

What document outlines the U.S. government?

The U.S. Constitution

Explain natural rights using life, liberty, property, infringe, and protect.

natural rights are rights people are born with. The government should protect our rights to life, liberty, and property, not infringe upon them.

The primary power of the Supreme Court is to…

exercise judicial review — determine whether laws and government actions are constitutional.

Match the Constitutional Article to its description.

Article I —> Legislative branch (Congress)

Article II —> Executive branch (President)

Article III —> Judicial branch (Supreme Court and federal courts)

Article IV —> Relationships between states

Article V —> How to amend the Constitution

Article VI —> Supremacy of the Constitution and federal law

Article VII —> Ratification of the Constitution

What guarantees states’ reserved rights (federalism)?

The 10th Amendment

Amendment Matching

1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

4th Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment: Due process; protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; just compensation for government takings.

7th Amendment: Right to a jury trial in certain federal civil cases.

10th Amendment: Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

13th Amendment: Abolished slavery, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment: Citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment: Voting rights cannot be denied because of race, color, or previous enslavement.

17th Amendment: Direct election of U.S. senators by voters.

19th Amendment: Voting rights cannot be denied because of sex.

24th Amendment: Banned poll taxes in federal elections.

25th Amendment: Presidential succession and procedures for presidential disability.

How does federalism work, and who should have more power: states or the federal government?

Federalism divides power between the national government and state governments.

• States have power over many local issues, such as education and local government.

• The federal government handles national issues, such as national defense and interstate relations.

• A reasonable argument is that neither should control everything; power should be balanced. States can respond to local needs, while the federal government can protect national interests and individual rights.

How do checks and balances and separation of powers limit government?

Separation of powers divides government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Checks and balances allow each branch to limit the power of the others, preventing one branch from becoming too powerful.

How does the Bill of Rights reflect the colonists’ experience with Great Britain?

the colonists experienced unfair searches, restrictions on speech and religion, unfair trials, and excessive government power. The Bill of Rights protects people from these types of abuses.

Social contract theory implies that…

People agree to form a government to protect their rights. The government gets its power from the consent of the governed, and people can change a government that fails to protect them.

What were the 3/5 Compromise and the Great Compromise?

• 3/5 Compromise: Enslaved people were counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and direct taxation purposes.

• Great Compromise: Created a House of Representatives based on state population and a Senate with equal representation for every state.

What is the United States’ form of government?

A constitutional federal republic and a representative democracy.

What is the rule of law?

Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

Which option was NOT something the Framers used to ensure limited government?

—

Framers used the Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and a Bill of Rights to limit government power. An option describing unlimited or concentrated government power would likely be the exception.

What three functions do governments exercise?

• Legislative: makes laws.

• Executive: enforces laws.

• Judicial: interprets laws.

How did the Framers prevent government from becoming too powerful?

They divided power among three branches and established checks and balances, federalism, and constitutional limits.

What statement from the Declaration of Independence summarizes self-government?

”Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

What specifically about British taxation led to American rebellion?

The colonists were taxed by the British government without having elected representatives in Parliament. This became known as “no taxation without representation.”

What does bicameral mean?

A legislature with two chambers. The U.S. Congress has the House of Representatives and the Senate.

How is liberty defined?

Freedom to think, speak, and act without unjust government interference, while respecting the rights of others.

What statement from the Declaration of Independence summarizes due process?

A likely match is the grievance about “depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury.”

This connects to fair legal procedures and the right to a fair trial. The Declaration does not use the modern constitutional phrase “due process” in this statement.

What statement from the Declaration summarizes natural rights?

”We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are crated equal…”

The Declaration goes on to say people have unalienable rights, including “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

What theme does the statement about altering or abolishing government represent?

Popular sovereignty and the right of revolution. The people are the source of government power and can replace a government that violates their rights.

Can we predict what policies will come out of Washington based on demographics alone?

No. Demographics can influence political views, but policies also depend on political parties, beliefs, elections, current events, and elected leaders.

What is a basic tenet of representative democracy?

People elect representatives to make decisions and laws on their behalf.

What is the view that power, money, expertise, and prestige are scattered among different groups?

Pluralism. Different groups compete to influence government decisions.

Policy and intentions?

Policy is a government plan or action, while intentions are what policymakers hope to accomplish. Intended results and actual results may differ.

Match, authority, democracy, legitimacy, and power:

Authority: The recognized right to exercise power

Democracy: Government in which the people hold political power

Legitimacy: The belief that government has a rightful claim to govern

Power: The ability to influence people or decisions

What was the goal of the American Revolution?

To gain independence from Great Britain and establish self-government that protected people’s rights.

The colonists fought to protect liberties that they believed were…

Their natural rights and traditional rights as Englishmen.

What was NOT true of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles created a weak national government. It could not directly tax citizens or effectively regulate interstate commerce, and it lacked a separate executive branch and national judicial branch.

How did the Great Compromise satisfy big and small states?

The House of Representatives is based on population, benefiting larger states, while the Senate gives every state two senators, benefiting smaller states.

How did the Founders diffuse national government power?

Through separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and a bicameral Congress.

How does self- interest among government branches limit power?

Each branch wants to protect its own power and responsibilities. This creates competition that helps prevent another branch from becoming too powerful.

This idea is associated with Federalist No. 51: ambition should counteract ambition.

Match each Supreme Court case to its definition.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) —> Ruled that Black Americans of African descent were not U.S. citizens under the Court’s ruling and that Congress lacked power to prohibit slavery in federal territiories.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954) —> Ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

Roe v. Wade (1973) —> Recognized a constitutional right to abortion under the Court’s then-existing interpretation. It was overturned by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) —> Upheld racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine.

What increases political socialization?

Political socialization is how people develop their political beliefs. It can be influenced by:

• Family

• School and education

• Friends and peers

• Social media and news

• Religion

• Income and occupation

• Geographic location

• Major historical events

How do progressives and conservatives relate to education, income, and geography?

• Progressives: Generally favor social change, greater equality, and government action to address social problems.

• Conservatives: Generally favor tradition, social stability, and preserving established institutions, although their views on government involvement vary.

Education, occupation, income, and geography can influence people’s priorities and political experiences. For example, urban and rural communities may have different concerns. Stores such as Whole Foods and Bass Pro Shops can symbolize different cultural interests and lifestypes.

These are general patterns, not rules. People with similar backgrounds can hold very different political beliefs.

Should the federal government give grants with fewer strings attached or more specific requirements?

I think the federal government should give states more grants with fewer strings attached because states understand their own needs. However, federal requirements should still protect civil rights and ensure that public money is used responsibly.

• Categorical grants: Money for specific purposes with more restrictions.

• Block grants: Money for broader purposes with more state flexibility.

How can the federal government supersede state rights?

Through the Supremacy Clause and federal preemption. When a valid federal law conflicts with states law, federal law generally takes precedence.

Match the following terms

Equal opportunity —> Everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

Moderate (social) —> Holds middle-ground views, combining some traditional beliefs with support for some changes.

Progressive (social) —> Favors social change and challenging traditional norms to promote inclusion or equality.

Equality —> Equal rights, status, or treatment under the law.

Liberty —> Individual freedom.

Orthodox (social) —> favors traditional moral, religious, and social values.

Equal outcome —> Focuses on people achieving similar results or levels of well-being.

Which is NOT an important element in the American view of the political system?

American political values include liberty, equality, democracy, individual responsibility, limited government, and the rule of law. Look for an option that contradicts these principles.

What is the role of religion in civil engagement?

Religion can encourage people to volunteer, participate in community organizations, support social causes, and become politically involved. However, the government must respect religious freedom and the constitutional separation of government and religion.

The culture war is basically a conflict over…

Competing social and cultural values, such as religion, abortion, family values, gender roles, sexuality, and education.

What does cynicism toward government mean?

Distrust or skepticism toward government and politicians, often because people believe politicians are dishonest, self-interested, or unrsponsive to ordinary citizens.

Match the terms

Probable cause —> Reasonable grounds to believe a crime occurred or that evidence of a crime will be found.

Freedom of expression —> The freedom to express ideas through speech, press, and other protected forms of expression.

Wall of Separation Principle —> The principle that government should not establish or sponsor religion.

Clear and Present Danger —> A historical test for when speech could be restricted because of the danger it presents. Modern First Amendment law uses more specific standards for incitement.

What are the limits to free speech?

Free speech is not absolute. Certain categories, such as true threats, defamation, and legally defined obscenity, may receive little or no First Amendment protection. Incitement to imminent lawless action can also be restricted when the legal standard is met.

The government may also impose reasonable, content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions.

What actions would violate the Establishment Clause and the “wall of separation”?

Examples include government-sponsored religious prayer in public schools or government officially favoring one religion over another.

Private religious expression by students is different from government-sponsored religious activity.

The Civil Rights Movement centered on interpreting which amendment’s Equal Protection Clause?

The 14th Amendment.

What methods did the Civil Rights Movement use?

• Peaceful marches and protests

• Boycotts

• Sit-ins

• Civil disobedience

• Court cases and legal challenges

• Voter registration campaigns

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 make it illegal to discriminate against?

It prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in several areas, including employment and public accommodations.

What is the meaning of the 14the Amendment?

It establishes citizenship, guarantees due process and equal protection under the law, and restricts state governments from violating these constitutional protections.

Why was government not intended to do simply “what the people want”?

The Framers wanted government to reflect the people’s will while also protecting constitutional rights and minorities from the tyranny of the majority. Representatives were expected to deliberate rather than simply follow every temporary public demand.

Why is political ideology difficult to measure?

People often hold a mixture of liberal, conservative, and moderate views. Someone’s position can vary depending on the issue, so one political label may not accurately describe all their beliefs.

What are types of political participation?

• Voting

• Campaigning

• Contacting elected officials

• Donating to campaigns

• Joining political organizations

• Signing petitions

• Attending demonstrations

• Volunteering for political causes

• Running for office

Is the two-party system good or bad for the United States?

• Good: It creates stable political competition, gives voters clear choices, and encourages broad coalitions.

• Bad: It limits choices, makes it harder for third parties to succeed, and can increase political polarization.

The two-party system provides stability and clear choices, but it can leave out voters whose beliefs do not fit either major party.

For independents, what is important before voting for president?

independents are not consistently aligned with either major party. They may focus on the candidates’ positions on issues, qualifications, character, and performance rather than voting automatically for a party.

Why must campaigns avoid being too liberal or too conservative?

They risk losing moderate voters and independents who may decide the outcome of a close general election.

Do elections make a real difference in what laws get passed?

Yes. Elections determine who holds office, and elected officials influence which laws and policies are pursued. However, the Constitution, courts, the other branches, and political opposition can limit what elected officials accomplish.

Why is it difficult to explain disparate impact based on discrimination alone?

Disparate impact occurs when a policy or practice disproportionately disadvantages a group. Unequal outcomes can result from several factors, including discrimination, income, education, geography, and historical disadvantages. It can therefore be difficult to identify the causes and determine what legal remedy is appropriate.

Why is it difficult for progressives and conservatives to find common ground?

They may prioritize different values and disagree about the role of government, equality, liberty, tradition, and social change. Partisan identity, distrust, and different media sources can make disagreements worse.

They can still find common ground by focusing on shared goals and practical solutions.

Compare the four waves of feminism and how they relate to civil rights and civil liberties.

First wave: Voting rights and legal rights for women. The 19th Amendment was a major achievement in the U.S.

Second wave: Equality in employment, education, family life, and reproductive rights.

Third wave: Diversity, individual identity, and how gender intersects with race, class, and other experiences.

Fourth wave: Digital activism, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and broader equality movements.

How they relate to civil rights and civil liberties:

• Civil rights: The right to equal treatment and protection against discrimination.

• Civil liberties: Individual freedoms protected from government interference.

Political Cartoons and the Surprise Quote

Look for:

1. Symbols: What do the objects or characters represent?

2. Exaggeration: What is the cartoonish emphasizing?

3. Message: What is the cartoonist saying about government or society?

4. Bias: Does the cartoonist support or criticize a particular idea?

5. Connection: Which class concept does it relate to, such as liberty, equality, federalism, or limited government?

For the surprise quote, identify the main idea, explain it in your own words, and connect it to a founding principle, constitutional concept, or political ideology.

Optional essay questions

Essay 1: The shopping cart theory — rights versus duties

The main idea is that freedom comes with responsibility. The shopping cart theory suggests that a person's willingness to return a shopping cart reflects whether they do the right thing even when nobody is forcing them.

A four-paragraph outline:

1. Introduction: Explain the theory and argue that a successful society needs both rights and responsibilities.

2. Rights: Americans value freedom and individual rights, but freedom does not mean people can ignore their responsibilities.

3. Duties and virtue: Returning the cart represents personal responsibility, respect for others, and doing the right thing without being forced.

4. Conclusion: Explain that rights protect freedom, while duties and virtue help communities function well.

Essay 2: Was the founding of America revolutionary despite excluding women and minorities?

A four-paragraph outline:

1. Introduction: Argue that America's founding was revolutionary in its principles, but its promises were not extended equally to everyone.

2. Eternal truths: Explain natural rights, equality, consent of the governed, and the right to change an unjust government.

3. Lack of inclusion: Women lacked equal political rights, and slavery denied enslaved people freedom. Many racial minorities also faced exclusion from citizenship and political participation.

4. Conclusion: Explain that America's founding had important ideals but serious contradictions. You can argue that the founding was fundamentally valuable while recognizing that its promises needed to be extended to more people.

Essay 3: COVID-19 lockdowns — authority, legitimacy, and power

A four-paragraph outline:

1. Introduction: Define authority, legitimacy, and power, and introduce the debate over government public-health restrictions.

2. Authority: Explain that government has public-health powers, but those powers must come from lawful authority and comply with constitutional limits.

3. Legitimacy and democracy: Discuss whether restrictions are justified by public health, evidence, fairness, and accountability. A democratic government does not automatically make every action legitimate.

4. Conclusion: Explain that government power should protect public welfare while respecting constitutional rights, and that emergency measures should be lawful, proportionate, and accountable.