Civics Unit 2 Guided Reading Flashcards

What is Representative Democracy?

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and laws on their behalf.

What is the Magna Carta?

A historical document that limited the power of the English monarchy and established that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.

What is Due Process of Law?

The government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, guaranteeing fairness and preventing arbitrary actions.

What is Procedural Due Process?

Requires the government to follow fair procedures when depriving someone of life, liberty, or property.

What is Substantive Due Process?

Protects fundamental rights from government infringement, regardless of procedures used.

What does Bicameral mean?

A legislative body divided into two chambers, like the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the Declaration of Independence?

A document that declared the 13 American colonies independent from British rule.

What is Popular Sovereignty?

Government authority comes from the people through their elected representatives.

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

Created a bicameral legislature with a population-based House and equal-representation Senate.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Three-fifths of a state's slave population would count toward representation and taxation.

Who were the Federalists?

Supporters of the Constitution and a strong central government.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

Opposed the Constitution, feared central power, wanted a Bill of Rights.

What is Limited Government?

Government powers are restricted by law to protect individual freedoms.

What is Constitutionalism?

The government must operate within the framework of a constitution.

What is Rule of Law?

Everyone, including leaders, is subject to the law.

What are Checks and Balances?

System where each government branch limits the others’ power.

What is Judicial Review?

The power of courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties.

What is Federalism?

System dividing power between national and state governments.

What are Reserved Powers?

Powers not given to the federal government, left to states or the people.

What are Concurrent Powers?

Powers shared by state and federal governments.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Declares the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land.

What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

States must respect each other’s public acts, records, and court decisions.

What is Extradition?

Returning a criminal or suspect from one state to another for trial or punishment.

What were four common features of early state constitutions?

Popular Sovereignty, Limited Government, Civil Rights and Liberties, Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.

What Enlightenment thinkers influenced the Constitution?

Locke (natural rights), Montesquieu (separation of powers), Rousseau (popular sovereignty), Blackstone (common law).

What happened on September 13, 1789?

Congress declared the Constitution ratified.

Where was the first U.S. capital?

New York City

When and where did the new Congress first meet?

March 4, 1789, in New York City.

Who was the first U.S. President and Vice President?

George Washington (President), John Adams (Vice President).

What is the subject of Article I of the Constitution?

Legislative Branch (Congress).

What is the subject of Article II of the Constitution?

Executive Branch (President).

What is the subject of Article III of the Constitution?

Judicial Branch (Courts).

What is the subject of Article IV of the Constitution?

Relations among the states.

What is the subject of Article V of the Constitution?

Amending the Constitution.

What is the subject of Article VI of the Constitution?

Supremacy of national law.

What is the subject of Article VII of the Constitution?

Ratification of the Constitution.

How does the Legislative Branch check the Executive?

Overrides vetoes, approves appointments.

How does the Executive Branch check the Legislative?

Can veto bills.

How does the Judicial Branch check the Legislative and Executive?

Can declare laws and actions unconstitutional.

How does the Legislative Branch check the Judicial?

Approves judges, can impeach.

How does the Executive Branch check the Judicial?

Appoints federal judges.

How does the Judicial Branch check the Executive?

Can rule executive actions unconstitutional.

What case established Judicial Review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803).

What powers belong only to the federal government?

Coin money, declare war, regulate interstate commerce.

What powers belong only to the state governments?

Education, issue licenses, conduct elections.

What powers are shared between state and federal governments?

Taxing, building roads, enforcing laws.

What are the four methods to amend the Constitution?

Congress 2/3 + State Legislatures 3/4; Congress 2/3 + State Conventions 3/4; National Convention + State Legislatures; National Convention + State Conventions.

How many amendment proposals have been introduced in Congress?

Over 11,000.

How many amendments were sent to the states?

33.

How many amendments have been ratified?

27.

What are Expressed Powers?

Specifically listed in the Constitution (e.g., power to tax).

What are Implied Powers?

Not listed, but inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

What are Inherent Powers?

Belong to the national government as a sovereign entity (e.g., foreign affairs). The powers a government has naturally because it is a government/ruling authority

What group settles disputes in the federal system?

The U.S. Supreme Court.

Why did Taft veto Arizona's admission to the Union?

Because their constitution allowed voters to recall judges, threatening judicial independence.

What is a Categorical Grant?

Federal money for a specific purpose (e.g., school lunches).

What is a Block Grant?

Federal money for broad purposes (e.g., healthcare).

What is a Project Grant?

Federal money awarded for specific projects (e.g., medical research).

What did U.S. v. Windsor decide?

Struck down part of DOMA; federal government must recognize same-sex marriages.

What did Obergefell v. Hodges decide?

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide under the 14th Amendment.