Full FCLE Study Guide

What form does the US government have?

A constitutional republic and representative democracy. Citizens elect representatives to make decisions, and the government is bound by a constitution that limits its power.

Why did the English colonists come to the New World?

For religious freedom, economic opportunities, escape from political persecution, and the chance for a new life with land ownership and self-governance.

What rights are stated in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are natural rights that cannot be taken away and are given by the Creator.

What were the reasons colonists separated from England?

Taxation without representation, unfair laws, British troops occupying homes, no say in Parliament, and the king’s abuse of power.

How did the French and Indian War (1763) affect the colonists?

Britain taxed the colonies heavily to pay for the war, leading to colonial anger and eventually revolution.

What was the Virginia House of Burgesses?

The first representative assembly in colonial America (est. 1619). It allowed colonists to elect lawmakers, a foundation for American democracy.

Government Organization & Powers

What are the three branches of US government?

What are the three branches of US government?

Legislative (Congress): makes laws; Executive (President): enforces laws; Judicial (Supreme Court): interprets laws.

What is the system of checks and balances?

Each branch of government can limit the powers of the others. This prevents one branch from becoming too powerful.

What are the three levels of US government?

Federal (national), State, and Local governments, each with its own responsibilities.

What are the powers of Congress?

Make laws, declare war, approve treaties, control federal spending, raise taxes, and oversee the executive branch.

What are the powers of the President?

Enforce laws, serve as commander-in-chief, veto bills, sign treaties (with Senate approval), and appoint federal officials and judges.

What are the powers of the Supreme Court?

Interpret the Constitution, review laws, and decide cases involving states or constitutional issues. Has the power of judicial review (declaring laws unconstitutional).

What was the “Great Compromise”?

Combined the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan: House of Representatives based on population; Senate gives each state 2 senators (equal representation).

How are members of the House and Senate chosen?

Elected by the people: House every 2 years by congressional district; Senate every 6 years by the whole state.

How are members allocated?

House: based on state population (census every 10 years); Senate: 2 per state regardless of size.

What is the process of Presidential succession?

If the President dies or is removed: Vice President → Speaker of the House → President Pro Tempore → Cabinet members in order of creation.

What is the Electoral College?

System used to elect the President. Each state gets electoral votes equal to its number of senators and representatives. 270 votes needed to win.

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing voting district lines to favor one party or group, which can distort elections.

What is the “separation of church and state”?

The government cannot establish an official religion or interfere with religious practices. Based on the First Amendment.

What was Shays’ Rebellion about?

Armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts (1786) protesting high taxes and debt. Showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

Two holidays honoring armed forces?

Veterans Day (honors all who served); Memorial Day (honors those who died in service).

Where does the US government get its power?

From the people. This is called popular sovereignty.

Where was the original US capital?

New York City, before it moved to Philadelphia and then Washington, D.C.

What is “common law”?

Law based on court precedents and traditions, not just written laws.

What is the US judicial system based on?

English common law and the principle of precedent (past decisions guide future rulings).

The Bill of Rights (1–10)

Amendments 1–10

First Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.

Fourth Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Right to due process; no self-incrimination or double jeopardy; rules for eminent domain.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial, legal counsel, and to confront witnesses.

Seventh Amendment

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment or excessive fines/bail.

Ninth Amendment

People have other rights not listed in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or people.

Amendments 11–27

11th to 27th Amendments

Eleventh Amendment (1795)

Limits lawsuits against states. A citizen of one state (or a foreign country) cannot sue another state in federal court.

Twelfth Amendment (1804)

Revises presidential election procedure. President and vice president run on the same ticket.

Thirteenth Amendment (1865)

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

Fourteenth Amendment (1868)

Grants citizenship to all born/naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection under the law.

Fifteenth Amendment (1870)

Prohibits denial of voting based on race, color, or previous servitude (African American male suffrage).

Sixteenth Amendment (1913)

Allows federal income tax.

Seventeenth Amendment (1913)

Establishes direct election of U.S. Senators by the people.

Eighteenth Amendment (1919)

Begins Prohibition (bans alcohol manufacture/sale).

Nineteenth Amendment (1920)

Grants women the right to vote.

Twentieth Amendment (1933)

Changes presidential/congressional term start dates to January 20 (“Lame Duck Amendment”).

Twenty-First Amendment (1933)

Repeals Prohibition (18th Amendment).

Twenty-Second Amendment (1951)

Limits president to two terms.

Twenty-Third Amendment (1961)

Gives Washington, D.C. residents presidential voting rights.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964)

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

Twenty-Fifth Amendment (1967)

Clarifies presidential succession and disability procedures.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971)

Lowers voting age to 18.

Twenty-Seventh Amendment (1992)

Congressional pay raises take effect after the next election.