American Government and Civic Engagement Review

Practice flashcards covering core foundational concepts, federalism, civil liberties, the Bill of Rights, and civil rights from Chapter 1 through Chapter 3.

How is federalism defined in the study guide?

A system in which power is divided between the national (federal) government and state governments.

What are implied powers?

Powers not directly written in the Constitution but reasonably inferred from it.

What are concurrent powers, and what is one example given in the notes?

Powers shared by federal and state governments, such as collecting taxes.

What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause establish?

States generally recognize other states' official acts and records.

What protection does the Privileges and Immunities Clause provide?

It protects citizens of one state from certain forms of discrimination in another state.

What is dual federalism?

A model in which federal and state governments have separate areas of authority.

What are grants-in-aid?

Federal funds given to state or local governments for designated purposes.

What is a bill of attainder?

A law that punishes a person or group without a judicial trial.

What is an ex post facto law?

A law that retroactively makes an act criminal or increases its punishment.

What legal protection does habeas corpus grant?

A legal protection that allows a person held in custody to challenge the legality of their detention.

What is the difference between substantive liberties and procedural liberties?

Substantive liberties are protections concerning what the government can and cannot do, while procedural liberties are protections concerning how the government must act.

What five rights and freedoms are protected under the First Amendment?

Religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

What legal protections are outlined under the Fifth Amendment?

Due process, protection against self-incrimination, and other legal protections.

What does the 14th Amendment establish and protect?

It establishes citizenship and protects due process and equal protection under the law.

What is strict scrutiny?

A demanding standard courts use to evaluate certain laws that affect fundamental rights or involve suspect classifications.

What is pluralism according to the notes?

A system where different interest groups compete to influence government decisions, characterized by patterns of struggle among interest groups.

What is affirmative action?

Policies intended to address barriers and expand opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing voting district boundaries to influence election outcomes.

What was the purpose of the Emancipation Proclamation (1863)?

It declared enslaved people in areas in rebellion against the United States to be free.

What is the key difference between civil liberties and civil rights?

Civil liberties protect individual freedoms from improper government interference, whereas civil rights focus on equal treatment and protection against discrimination.