Government AIR Test Prep

For government AIR test

Negotiation

A process of settling differences through a discussion of issues.

Conscientious Building

Process of working toward achieving general agreement within a group.

Persuasion

Process of inducing (convincing) others into accepting a point of view by means of reasoning and argumentation.

Compromise

Process of making concessions (giving something up) to settle differences.

1st Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

2nd Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent.

4th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause.

5th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that guarantees the right to due process, protects against self-incrimination, and prohibits double jeopardy.

6th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and legal counsel.

7th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases and prohibits the re-examination of facts tried by a jury.

8th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that prohibits excessive bail and fines, as well as cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that states that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny or disparage others retained by the people.

10th Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

13th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and guarantees equal protection under the laws.

15th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

18th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that established the prohibition of alcohol production, sale, and transportation in the United States.

21st Amendment

Part of the Constitution that repealed the 18th Amendment, thereby ending the prohibition of alcohol in the United States.

12th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that outlines the procedure for electing the President and Vice President of the United States.

20th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that establishes the terms of office for the President, Vice President, and Congress, including the start and end dates of their terms.

22nd Amendment

Part of the Constitution that limits the President to two terms in office.

25th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that addresses presidential succession and disability, detailing the procedures for replacing the President or Vice President in case of death, removal, or incapacitation.

19th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that granted women the right to vote, prohibiting any U.S. citizen from being denied the right to vote based on sex.

23rd Amendment

Part of the Constitution that grants residents of Washington, D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections, providing them with electors in the Electoral College.

24th Amendment

The 23rd Amendment allows residents of Washington, D.C. to participate in presidential elections by granting them electors in the Electoral College, thereby acknowledging their right to vote.

26th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that lowered the voting age to 18, ensuring that citizens who are 18 years or older cannot be denied the right to vote based on age.

16th Amendment

Part of the Constitution that allows Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states. It was ratified in 1913.

17th Amendment

This amendment established the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote, changing the previous method where state legislatures appointed them.

Political Spectrum

A system that classifies political ideologies from left to right, typically ranging from liberal to conservative.

Conservative v.s. Liberal

Refers to the contrasting political ideologies where conservatism emphasizes tradition and maintaining established institutions, while liberalism advocates for change and progress, promoting social equality and protecting individual rights.

Interest/Advocacy Groups and Lobbying

Organizations that seek to influence legislation and public policy by representing specific interests or causes, often through advocacy and direct communication with lawmakers.

Domestic Policy

Refers to government decisions and strategies that directly affect internal affairs, such as education, healthcare, and the economy.

Foreign Policy

Refers to a government's strategy in dealing with other nations, encompassing diplomacy, trade, military relations, and international agreements.

Executive Departments

The various divisions within the executive branch of the government responsible for specific areas of public policy, government function, and service delivery, such as the Department of Education or the Department of Defense. These departments help implement federal laws and facilitate government operations.

Rule Of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are accountable to the law and must adhere to it, ensuring justice and equality. It is fundamental in upholding democracy and protecting citizens' rights.

Presidential Succession

is the legal process by which the powers and responsibilities of the presidency are transferred to designated successors in the event of a vacancy, ensuring continuity of government.

Presidential Roles

The various responsibilities and duties of the President of the United States, including serving as the head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and chief diplomat. These roles are essential for guiding national policy and representing the country.

Government Deficit

The amount by which government spending exceeds its revenue in a given fiscal year, leading to increased national debt.

Articles Of The Constitution

The foundational legal document that outlines the structure and powers of the U.S. government, including the three branches and their functions, as well as the rights of citizens.

Political Gridlock

A situation in which opposing parties or factions in government cannot agree on decisions, resulting in stalled legislative processes and a lack of progress on important issues.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative system composed of two separate chambers or houses, typically the House of Representatives and the Senate, allowing for a more comprehensive lawmaking process.

Presidential Primary Election

An election in which voters from a political party select delegates to represent them at the party's national convention, determining the party's candidate for president.

Presidential General Election

An election held to select a candidate for president among the nominees from various political parties, typically occurring in November.

Number Of Supreme Court Justices

The total number of justices serving on the Supreme Court, currently set at nine, which includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

Process For Choosing Federal Judges

The method by which federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, including considerations of qualifications and political factors.

Chief Justice In The Supreme Court

The head of the United States Supreme Court, responsible for presiding over court proceedings and leading the administrative functions of the court.

How A Bill Becomes A Law

The series of steps a proposed law goes through in Congress, including drafting, committee review, and voting in both houses before being signed by the President.

Articles Of Confederation

The first written constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a system of government with a weak central authority and granted most powers to the states.

Federal Court System (District, Appeal, and Supreme Courts)

The judicial structure of the United States comprised of three levels: District Courts, which handle most federal cases; Courts of Appeals, which review decisions from District Courts; and the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land.

Checks And Balances

A system in government that ensures no one branch becomes too powerful by providing each branch the authority to limit the powers of the others.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries in a way that gives one political party an advantage over others, often leading to oddly shaped districts.

Supply And Demand Philosophies

Economic theories that explain how prices and quantities in a market are determined by the relationship between the availability of goods and the desire for them.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law or governmental action is in accordance with the Constitution, allowing for the validation or nullification of laws.

Federalist Beliefs

A set of political beliefs that advocate for a strong central government and support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the need for a balance between federal and state powers.

Anti-Federalist Beliefs

A set of political beliefs that oppose a strong central government and advocate for states' rights, arguing that the Constitution would undermine individual liberties and state sovereignty.

Separation Of Powers In Federal Government

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. Typically divided into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Senate Qualifications

The requirements to be a Senator include being at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and residing in the state that they represent.

House Of Representatives Qualifications

To be a Representative, one must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and reside in the state they represent.

President Qualifications

The requirements to be President include being at least 35 years old, a natural-born U.S. citizen, and a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Federalism

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

Incorporation

The legal doctrine that extends the Bill of Rights to apply to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence the decisions of government officials, legislators, or regulatory agencies on behalf of a particular interest group.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the federal government to operate effectively. They are derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing Congress to enact laws that support their enumerated powers.

Necessary And Proper Clause

A provision in the US Constitution that grants Congress the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to Congress by the US Constitution, including the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Consensus Building

The process of reaching an agreement among various stakeholders or parties, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and integrated into the decision-making.