FCLE Test (short)

What is the supreme law of the land?

The U.S. Constitution

What does the Constitution do?

Sets up the government, defines the government, and protects basic rights

What are the first three words of the Constitution?

We the People

What is an amendment?

A change or addition to the Constitution

How many amendments are in the Constitution?

27

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Declared independence from Britain

What are two rights listed in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

What is rule of law?

Everyone must follow the law, including leaders

What is separation of powers?

Government is divided into three branches

What are checks and balances?

Each branch can limit the power of the other branches

What is federalism?

Power is shared between federal and state governments

What is popular sovereignty?

Government power comes from the people

What does the legislative branch do?

Makes laws

What does the executive branch do?

Enforces laws

What does the judicial branch do?

Interprets laws

What is the 1st Amendment?

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

What is the 2nd Amendment?

Right to bear arms

What is the 3rd Amendment?

No quartering of soldiers in private homes

What is the 4th Amendment?

No unreasonable searches and seizures

What is the 5th Amendment?

Rights of the accused (due process, self-incrimination, double jeopardy)

What is the 6th Amendment?

Right to a speedy and fair trial and lawyer

What is the 7th Amendment?

Jury trial in civil cases

What is the 8th Amendment?

No cruel and unusual punishment

What is the 9th Amendment?

Rights not listed in the Constitution still exist

What is the 10th Amendment?

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states

What did the 13th Amendment do?

Abolished slavery

What did the 14th Amendment do?

Gave citizenship and equal protection under the law

What did the 15th Amendment do?

Gave voting rights regardless of race

What did the 19th Amendment do?

Gave women the right to vote

What did the 24th Amendment do?

Ended poll taxes

What did the 26th Amendment do?

Lowered voting age to 18

What is Marbury v. Madison?

Established judicial review

What is Brown v. Board of Education?

Ended school segregation

What is Gideon v. Wainwright?

Guaranteed the right to an attorney

What is Miranda v. Arizona?

Police must inform suspects of their rights

What is Engel v. Vitale?

School-sponsored prayer is unconstitutional

What is Tinker v. Des Moines?

Students have free speech rights in school

What is the difference between a citizen and an immigrant?

A citizen has full legal rights in the country, an immigrant lives in the country but may not have full rights yet.

What is naturalization?

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

What are the requirements for naturalization (basic idea)?

Live in the U.S. for a period of time, pass a civics test, and take an oath of allegiance.

What is the oath of allegiance?

A promise to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and laws.

What is a democracy?

A system where citizens have power to vote directly or through representatives.

What is a republic?

A system where people elect representatives to make decisions for them.

What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?

Civil liberties protect freedoms from government interference; civil rights protect against discrimination.

What is the Equal Protection Clause?

A rule in the 14th Amendment requiring the government to treat people equally under the law.

What is due process?

The government must follow fair procedures before taking away life, liberty, or property.

What is the Electoral College?

A group of electors who officially elect the President of the United States.

How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?

270.

What is a primary election?

An election where political parties choose their candidates.

What is a general election?

The final election where voters choose officials for office.

What is a political party?

A group of people with similar beliefs about government who work to win elections.

What is lobbying?

Trying to influence government officials to support certain policies or laws.

What is a census?

A population count done every 10 years in the U.S.

Why is the census important?

It determines representation in Congress and distribution of government funding.

What is Congress?

The legislative branch of the U.S. government.

What are the two houses of Congress?

The Senate and the House of Representatives.

What is representation in the House based on?

Population of each state.

How many senators does each state have?

2.

What is a bill?

A proposed law.

What is the process for a bill becoming a law (basic)?

Introduced → debated → voted on → signed by President.

What is veto power?

The President’s power to reject a bill.

What can Congress do if a President vetoes a bill?

Override the veto with a 2/3 vote.

What is the Supreme Court’s role?

To interpret the Constitution and review laws.

What is judicial activism (basic idea)?

Courts may interpret the Constitution broadly to adapt to modern issues.

What is judicial restraint (basic idea)?

Courts should avoid making new policy and stick closely to the Constitution.

What is federal law supremacy?

Federal law overrides state law when there is a conflict.

What are implied powers?

Powers not directly listed but necessary to carry out expressed powers.

What are expressed powers?

Powers specifically written in the Constitution.

What is a constitutional right?

A right protected by the U.S. Constitution.

What is a responsibility of U.S. citizens?

Obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries (if called), and vote.

What is a duty of U.S. citizens?

Actions required by law (like obeying laws and paying taxes).

What is the role of the media in government?

To inform the public and hold leaders accountable.

What is freedom of the press?

The right to publish information without government censorship.

What is freedom of speech limited by?

Speech cannot include threats, inciting violence, or defamation.

What is civic participation?

Being involved in the political process (voting, protesting, community involvement).