American Government Midterm Review

Creation Mandate

The biblical principle that humans are given the responsibility to govern and steward the earth.

Human Depravity

The belief that humans are inherently sinful and flawed.

Anarchy

A state of society without government or law.

Monarchy

A form of government with a monarch at the head.

Dictatorship

A form of government in which a single person or party has absolute power.

Popular Government

A system of government in which the people exercise power directly or through elected representatives.

Democracy

A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of the rulers.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Congress

The national legislative body of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, with representatives based on state population.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, with two representatives from each state.

President

The elected head of state and government in the United States.

Supreme Court

The highest judicial court in the United States.

Branches of Govt

The division of government into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Magna Carta

A charter of rights agreed to by King John of England in 1215, limiting the powers of the crown.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Electoral College

The body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President.

Tensions with Britain that led to American Revolution

A series of disputes over taxation and governance that fueled the desire for independence.

Age of Enlightenment influence on American documents

The philosophical movement that emphasized reason and individualism, impacting the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central government.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment by the states.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of government.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature.

Three-fifths compromise

An agreement that counted three-fifths of a state's slave population for representation and taxation.

Federalists

Supporters of the proposed Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the proposed Constitution who favored stronger state governments.

George Washington

The first President of the United States and a key figure in the founding of the nation.

"Necessary and Proper" Clause

A clause in the Constitution granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.

Purpose of limited government

To restrict government power to protect individual rights and freedoms.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Gridlock

A situation in which there is difficulty passing laws due to evenly divided votes.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

13th, 14th, 15th Amendments

Amendments to the Constitution that abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and protected voting rights regardless of race.

16th Amendment

An amendment to the Constitution that allows Congress to levy an income tax.

19th Amendment

An amendment to the Constitution that granted women the right to vote.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government and reserved for the states.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Categorical grants

Federal funds provided for a specific purpose, often with strict regulations.

Block grants

Federal funds provided for a broad purpose, allowing states more discretion in how to use the money.

Revenue sharing

The distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments.

Local govt affects citizens' everyday lives the most

Local government has the most direct impact on citizens' daily activities and services.

County

A specific geographical area within a state, often serving as a local government unit.

Grass roots

A movement driven by the community at a local level.

Political party

An organized group of people with similar political aims and opinions.

Political machines

Political organizations that use patronage and other means to maintain control over a political party.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Primary & General elections

Elections held to select candidates for the general election and the final election to choose officeholders.

Recall

A procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office.

Initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments.

Full Faith & Credit Clause

A clause in the Constitution requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

A clause in the Constitution that prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Extradition

The process of returning a fugitive to the jurisdiction of the law where they are accused of a crime.

Reciprocity

A mutual exchange of privileges or services between states or countries.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of countries from North America and Europe.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe after World War II to help rebuild economies.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.

Cold War

A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States after World War II.

Mutual Assured Destruction

A military strategy in which both sides possess enough nuclear weaponry to destroy each other.

Containment

A U.S. foreign policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism.

Secretary of State

The head of the U.S. Department of State, responsible for foreign affairs.

Embassies

Diplomatic missions located in foreign countries representing the home government.

Ambassador

An official representative of a country sent to another country.

Consulate

A government office in a foreign country that assists citizens and promotes trade.

Pentagon

The headquarters of the United States Department of Defense.

Dept of Homeland Security

A U.S. government department responsible for protecting the country from terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

CIA

The Central Intelligence Agency, responsible for foreign intelligence and national security.

Treaties

Formal agreements between countries that are legally binding.

Globalization

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale.

United Nations

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries.

Sanctions

Restrictions imposed by countries to influence or punish other nations.

Military action and foreign policy

The use of military force as a tool of a country's foreign policy.

Biblical response to war

The perspective based on biblical teachings regarding the justification and conduct of war.

Terrorism

The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims.

Civil Liberties vs Civil Rights

Civil liberties are individual rights protected by law from governmental interference, while civil rights are the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Defamation

The action of damaging the good reputation of someone through false statements.

The "Lemon Test"

A three-pronged test used by courts to determine whether a law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Establishment Clause vs Free-Exercise Clause in 1st Amendment

The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from establishing a religion, while the Free-Exercise Clause protects individuals' rights to practice their religion.

Symbolic Speech

Actions that purposefully convey a particular message or statement to those viewing it.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

A landmark piece of civil rights legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

A law aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Biblical description of what govt should do

The biblical perspective on the role and responsibilities of government in society.

Biblical description of what the governed should do

The biblical perspective on the responsibilities of citizens in relation to their government.

Responsibilities of the governor

The duties and powers assigned to the head of a state government.

Powers/responsibilities of the three branches of government

The distinct roles and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Powers/responsibilities of the state government

The authority and duties assigned to state governments within the federal system.

Responsibilities of the county government

The duties and functions of local government at the county level.

Requirements to vote

The criteria that must be met in order to be eligible to vote in elections.

US Foreign Policy goals

The objectives that guide the United States' interactions with other countries.

Role of Media in Foreign Policy

The influence and impact of media coverage on public perception and government decisions regarding foreign affairs.

Bill of Rights (know the amendments)

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that outline individual freedoms and protections.