Flashcards Comprehensive U.S. Government and Society: Structure, Elections, Women's Rights | Quizlet

What is the purpose of a government?

To establish rules and provide protection for society.

What foundational agreement do people make to form a society?

The Social Contract.

What do individuals give up in exchange for protection and rules?

A portion of their total freedom.

What are the two main forms of democracy discussed?

Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy.

How does Direct Democracy function?

All individuals gather to debate and vote on every decision.

What is Representative Democracy?

A system where individuals elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

What document serves as the master rulebook for a government?

The Constitution.

What is the purpose of public comment periods or town halls?

To ensure representatives remain accountable to the public.

What is the Separation of Powers?

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

What is the role of the Legislative Branch?

To draft and vote on laws.

What is the role of the Executive Branch?

To enforce and carry out the laws made by the Legislative Branch.

What is a challenge faced by the Executive Branch?

Maintaining order without abusing power.

What is the role of the Judicial Branch?

To interpret laws and ensure fair trials.

What does the Presumption of Innocence protect?

It prevents the government from locking people up without evidence of a crime.

What right ensures that individuals have legal representation?

The Right to an Attorney.

What does the Right to a Witness allow?

It allows the accused to present evidence and defend themselves.

What happens if a law is broken on the island?

The Judicial Branch determines guilt and appropriate punishment.

What is the main goal of the Social Contract?

To create a safe and cooperative society.

What logistical problem arises after forming a government?

The need to make decisions and enforce rules.

What does the Legislative Branch need to assess before making laws?

The available resources, such as water supply.

What are the two options for distributing resources mentioned?

Equal Split and Need-Based Split.

What is the challenge of enforcing laws that treat people differently?

It can lead to discontent and protests among the population.

What is the primary function of the Judicial representative?

To act as an independent judge in legal matters.

What is one way to prevent representatives from abusing their power?

Writing a constitution that outlines rules and limitations.

How does the government ensure that laws are fair?

By allowing public input and maintaining checks and balances.

What is the significance of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments in the U.S. Constitution?

They outline rights related to fair trials and legal representation.

What is a potential consequence of a representative having too much power?

They could create rules that benefit only themselves.

What is the role of a defender in a legal system?

To represent and defend the accused person.

What is the purpose of a witness in a trial?

To provide testimony that supports the case.

Who ultimately decides the punishment in a legal case?

The judge.

What is a Social Contract?

An agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules for safety.

What form of government was chosen by the islanders?

Representative Democracy.

What is the purpose of a constitution?

To limit the power of leaders and outline the structure of government.

What are the three branches of government?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

Why are elections considered the heartbeat of a democracy?

They allow the public to maintain control over the government.

What criteria did the islanders need to decide for voting eligibility?

Who is allowed to vote.

What historical trend influenced voting rights over time?

Initially, only a small, powerful group could vote, but it evolved to include more citizens.

What challenge arises from requiring voters to have 'basic knowledge'?

It raises the question of who determines what constitutes basic knowledge.

What were literacy tests used for in the 1900s U.S.?

To disenfranchise Black citizens and prevent them from voting.

How do modern democracies ensure informed voting?

By providing informational pamphlets, public campaigns, and debates.

What are the two voting methods the islanders considered?

Public Voting and Secret Ballot.

Why is the Secret Ballot important?

It protects voters from intimidation and peer pressure.

What is the ideal term length for elected representatives?

Five years.

What happens if the term length for leaders is too short?

Leaders may spend all their time campaigning instead of governing.

What is a Flat Tax?

A tax system where everyone pays the same amount regardless of income.

What is a Progressive Tax?

A tax system where those with higher incomes pay a larger percentage.

What is the Public Budget?

The central collection of resources gathered by the government.

What are the three categories for dividing the budget?

Infrastructure, Safety, and Social Welfare.

What is a balanced priority approach in governance?

Dividing resources equally among vital societal needs.

What is the significance of allowing all citizens to vote?

It ensures a fair representation in government.

What is the impact of having a strong security force?

It maintains peace and safety in the community.

Why is social welfare important in a society?

It provides support for vulnerable citizens, such as the elderly and sick.

What is the Social Contract?

An agreement where citizens give up certain freedoms in exchange for safety, order, and peace.

What is the purpose of the Constitution?

To serve as the master rulebook that limits leaders' powers and ensures laws cannot violate it.

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

Nine justices.

What is a veto?

The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto?

A two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.

What is the significance of Checks and Balances?

It prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

What is the voting age set by the 26th Amendment?

18 years old.

What is the purpose of the Secret Ballot?

To allow voters to cast their votes without intimidation or peer pressure.

What are the two major political parties in the U.S.?

The Democrats and the Republicans.

How does the election process work in the U.S.?

Voters elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf, using a secret ballot.

What happens if a law is challenged in court?

It can be reviewed by the Supreme Court, which can declare it unconstitutional.

What are the three constitutional rights established for the accused?

Presumption of innocence, the right to an attorney, and the right to call witnesses.

What is the main job of Congress?

To write and vote on national laws.

What is the relationship between the President and Congress in law-making?

The President must find a sponsor in Congress to introduce a bill, which then must pass both houses.

What is a balanced priority budget?

A budget that allocates funds equally among Safety, Infrastructure, and Social Welfare.

What is the significance of public town halls in the legislative process?

They ensure community input before new laws are made.

What does it mean for laws to be need-based?

Laws should consider limited resources and prioritize those in need.

Why is the Constitution considered the oldest active written constitution?

It has been in effect since 1787 and remains the foundation of U.S. law.

What happens if Congress passes a law that violates the Constitution?

The law is canceled and cannot be enforced.

How does the government ensure voters are informed?

By providing educational materials like pamphlets and hosting debates.

What is the role of the military in the Executive Branch?

To enforce laws and protect national security.

What is the importance of the presumption of innocence?

It ensures that the accused are treated as innocent until proven guilty.

What is the main reason for the existence of two major political parties in the U.S.?

The Winner-Take-All electoral system forces smaller groups to unite into two large coalitions to have a chance of winning.

What do Democrats generally believe regarding government involvement?

They believe the government should play an active role in society, supporting higher taxes on the wealthy to fund public programs.

What do Republicans generally advocate for?

They prefer small government, lower taxes, fewer regulations, and more individual freedom.

What is the 'Spoiler Effect' in elections?

It refers to the concern that voting for a third-party candidate may split the vote and inadvertently help the major-party candidate that a voter dislikes the most.

What is Ranked-Choice Voting?

A voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, allowing for more representation without the fear of wasting a vote.

What major change did the 19th Amendment bring to U.S. voting rights?

It officially declared that the right to vote cannot be denied based on sex.

What barriers did women face in voting even after the 19th Amendment?

Black, Indigenous, and Asian American women faced discrimination, poll taxes, and literacy tests.

What significant legislation was passed in 1965 to protect voting rights?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate barriers preventing women and minorities from voting.

What was the doctrine of coverture?

A legal doctrine that absorbed a woman's legal identity into her husband's upon marriage, preventing her from owning property or signing contracts.

How long were women effectively barred from voting in the U.S.?

For over 130 years, until the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

What actions did women take to fight for their right to vote?

Women organized, marched, went on hunger strikes, and gave speeches for decades.

What is the role of political parties in the U.S. electoral system?

They act as coalitions that help organize voters and candidates, influencing the political landscape and governance.

What is the impact of the Winner-Take-All system on smaller political groups?

It discourages smaller parties from running independently, as they are likely to lose to larger parties.

What challenges do independent candidates face in U.S. elections?

They must overcome strict ballot access laws and the fear of splitting the vote.

How does Ranked-Choice Voting change the dynamics of elections?

It allows voters to express preferences without fear of wasting their vote, potentially leading to more moderate candidates.

What is the significance of the 2024 presidential election regarding independent candidates?

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gained significant media attention and polling numbers before dropping out.

What does the term 'lesser of two evils' refer to in the context of U.S. elections?

It describes the situation where voters feel compelled to choose between two major parties, even if neither aligns perfectly with their views.

What historical context shaped women's rights in the U.S. government?

Women were excluded from voting and government for over a century, leading to laws that reflected only male interests.

What does the term 'political coalitions' refer to?

Groups formed by voters and candidates to increase their chances of winning elections, often seen in the context of the two-party system.

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure accountability.

How did the lack of women's voting rights affect legislation in early U.S. history?

Laws were predominantly written by and for white men, resulting in the legal treatment of women as property rather than citizens.

What is the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

It aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, ensuring that all women and minorities could vote safely.

What strategies did women use to advocate for their voting rights?

They organized protests, hunger strikes, and public speeches to raise awareness and push for change.

What does the term 'independent candidates' refer to?

Candidates who run for office without affiliation to the major political parties, such as the Democrats or Republicans.

What is the impact of the two-party system on voter representation?

It can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement among voters who do not fully align with either party.

What are some examples of third-party candidates who have gained attention?

Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Angus King are notable examples of politicians who have run as independents.