Module 4 Government Study Guide ()

Why did many states propose amendments or changes when ratifying the Constitution?

The framers of the Constitution encouraged states to provide suggestions for a bill of rights.

Why were additional amendments added to the Constitution after the Bill of Rights?

As the country grew and became more established, the need for enumerating additional rights and freedoms became clear.

How does the Bill of Rights protect peoples' ability to worship in whatever way they choose?

The First Amendment prohibits the government from making laws against the free exercise of religion.

Based on the Bill of Rights, what area did the founders consider particularly vulnerable to governmental abuses of power?

the legal system

How has the Supreme Court changed its stance on the meaning of the Second Amendment?

It reversed a ruling that the amendment only applies to weapons related to maintaining a militia.

What is the significance of the Ninth and Tenth Amendments?

They assign powers not expressly stated in the Constitution to the people and the states.

Which freedoms are protected by the First Amendment? (Select all that apply.)

freedom to assemble peacefully,freedom of speech

What is one thing that the American government does that limits "freedom of the press"?

monitors public airwaves and revokes a station's licenses if certain rules aren't followed

What is the Supreme Court's take on prayer in school?

Officially sponsored prayer in public schools, whether voluntary or not, is not constitutional.

Why does the Supreme Court tend to honor legal precedents on cases related to individual rights?

so that there will be consistency around how laws are upheld

How did the "clear and present danger" test affect the outcome of Schenck v. the United States?

Because Schenck's actions were done during wartime, they were deemed dangerous for the country.

How does judicial review ensure a balance of power in the United States?

It allows the judicial branch to negate legislative or executive actions that violate constitutional rights.

Which statement best describes the Founders' intentions regarding the Constitution?

It should outline an enduring government that will function well, no matter the era.

How does the government's allegiance to the idea of popular sovereignty allow for the expansion of the meaning of the Bill of Rights?

It asserts that the nation's citizens are the rightful drivers and benefactors of government.

How do checks and balances ensure the freedoms promised in the Constitution?

They limit the power of any one branch of government to restrict individual rights.

Which phrase best represents a reason why the Supreme Court might overturn a previous decision?

changes in available facts or perceptions of facts

What is naturalization?

the admittance of a foreigner to the citizenship of a country

Which activity is an example of a civic responsibility?

attending a city council meeting to learn more about local issues

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson used the phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" to identify what all men should be allowed to possess. What is the phrase that sums up these rights?

unalienable rights

How long must you hold a Permanent Resident Card before you can apply for U.S. citizenship?

5 years

Which of the following is a likely consequence for failing to report for jury duty?

issuance of a bench warrant

In a criminal case, what standard must the burden of proof meet?

beyond a reasonable doubt

Which amendment to the Constitution guarantees an impartial jury in criminal cases?

the Sixth Amendment

Which minimum voting requirement is both mandated and protected at the federal level?

the minimum age for voting, at 18 years old

Which action is an example of a mandatory civic duty?

registering for the draft

Which civic duty may require a citizen to give up the ability to exercise certain constitutional rights?

serving in the military

What kinds of information are essential to know before you participate in an election? (Select all correct answers.)

the positions or platform of each candidate,local issues that might appear on the ballot

Which action is an example of a voluntary civic duty?

becoming politically active

What is the best description of a direct democracy?

a government in which citizens make all decisions

In the early 1970s, two Washington Post reporters were given information implicating President Richard Nixon in the Watergate coverup, leading to his resignation. What method did the reporters use to influence government action?

using the media

According to the principle of jus solis who is allowed to petition the U.S. government directly?

people born in the United States

Which form of direct democracy at the state level involves citizens collecting petitions to "fire" an elected official?

recall

Which aspect of evaluating the success of a movement looks at the impact of a grassroots approach being taken over by planned organizers?

authenticity

Which nation would be the clearest example of a closed society?

China

What is the most appropriate category for the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization?

religious group

Which court case prohibits public organizations from prohibiting or discriminating in membership?

Christian Legal Society v. Martinez

Which form of conflict would be in play if the government began to pass laws setting price restrictions during an economic crisis?

free market vs. welfare state

How was a solution created in the conflict between border security and national defense?

A bill was passed in the Senate to create a path to citizenship.

Which question in evaluating a solution to democratic conflict considers whether a method is morally objectionable?

Is the solution ethical?

Why would the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II be considered an example of the conflict of individual freedom vs. the common good?

The rights of the interned were being violated to protect the nation from foreign harm.