Civics Final
Economic System - establishes how a country produces and distributes goods and services
Economy - the production and distribution of goods and services within an economic system
Embargo - a trade restriction, typically adopted by a government, a group of countries, or an international organization as an economic sanction.
Emigrant - a person (migrating away from) leaving a country or area to settle in another country.
Juxtaposition - N - the act of placing two things together next to each other for implicit comparison; The interior designer admired my juxtaposition of the yellow couch with the green table.
Eminent Domain - 1) the right of a sovereign state to appropriate all or part of any property for necessary public use, making reasonable compensation; (2) The right in international law for one nation to appropriate the territory or property of another for self protection
Entrepreneur - a person who organizes and operates predictive resources to take the risk to start a business
Exigent - Adj. - Urgent, critical, requiring immediate action; The daily demands of singing created an exigent situation for her to rest.
Era - a period of history marked by some distinctive characteristic
Ethnic group - people of he same race or nationality who share a distinctive culture
Exchange Rate - the price of one currency in relation to another currency
Expenditures - spending on goods and services
EXPORTS- goods and services produced in one nation and sold to another nation
METICULOUS •Adj. -extremely careful with details- The ornate needlework in the bride’s gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.
Expressed Powers- the powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, enumerated powers are the same as constitutional powers or expressed powers.
Fascism - a system of government characterized by strong nationalist, racist, nad military policies, ruled by a dictator with centralized control of the basic means of production
Federal Reserve System- the independent central bank of the United States that controls the money supply
Federalism - a policy favoring strong centralized federal (central government) power. Power of government is divided between national and state governments
Feudalism - an economic and political system in which lords gran land to vassals in exchange for protection, allegiance & other services.
Quagmire -N- a difficult situation; We’d all like to avoid the kind of military quagmire characterized by the Vietnam War.
Fiscal policy - the use of federal government spending, taxing, and debt management to influence general activity
Folklore - the traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, passed from person to person orally.
Fundamentalism - a movement or attitude stressing st4ict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles
General Welfare - good of society as a whole; common or public good
1. What is the form of government in the United States?
A constitutional federal republic.
2. What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution
3. Name one thing the Constitution does.
It establishes the government.
4. The Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
It signifies that the government’s power comes from the people.
5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Through amendments.
6. What does the Bill of Rights protect?
Individual rights and freedoms.
7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
Twenty-seven
8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
It declared the American colonies' independence from Britain.
9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
The Declaration of Independence.
10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence.
Equality and natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).
11. The words “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
The Declaration of Independence.
12. What is the economic system of the United States?
A capitalist or market economy.
13. What is the rule of law?
Everyone must follow the law, including leaders and government officials. (no one is above the law)
14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
The Articles of Confederation.
15. There are three branches of government. Why?
To separate powers and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
16. Name the three branches of government.
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
17. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
The Executive branch.
18. What part of the federal government writes laws?
The Legislative branch (Congress).
19. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and the House of Representatives.
20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
To make laws.
21. How many U.S. senators are there?
One hundred
22. How long is a term for a U.S. Senator?
6 years
23. Who is one of WV’s Senators now?
Joe Manchin or Shelley Moore Capito.
24. How many voting members are there in the House of Representatives?
435
25. .How long is the term for a member of the House of Representatives?
2 years.
26. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. Senators?
To ensure they remain accountable to their constituents.
27. How many senators does each state have?
2
28. Why does each state have two senators?
To ensure equal representation for all states in the Senate.
29. Name your U.S. representative.
Carol Miller
30. What is the name of the current Speaker of the House?
Mike Johnson
31. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
All people of their state.
32. Who elects U.S. senators?
The people of their state.
33. Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
The people of their congressional district.
34. Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
The people in their congressional district.
35. Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
Representation in the House is based on population.
36. The President of the United States is elected for how many years?
4
37. The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
The 22nd Amendment limits the presidency to two terms.
38. What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Joe Biden
39. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Kamala Harris
40. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President.
41. Name one power of the president.
To sign or veto laws.
42. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
The President.
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President of the United States.
Who vetoes bills?
The President of the United States.
Who appoints federal judges?
The President, with Senate confirmation.
The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
The Cabinet.
Why is the Electoral College important?
It determines the winner of the U.S. presidential election.
What is one part of the judicial branch?
The Supreme Court.
What does the judicial branch do?
It interprets and applies the law.
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court.
How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
9
How long do Supreme Court Justices serve?
For life, or until they retire, resign, or are impeached.
Why do Supreme Court Justices serve for life?
To ensure judicial independence.
Who is the current Chief Justice of the United States?
John G. Roberts, Jr.
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
Printing money.
Name one power that is only for the states.
Taxing and education
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
It reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.
Who is the current governor of WV?
Jim Justice
What is the capital of WV?
Charleston.
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one.
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
U.S. citizens.
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to petition the government.
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States and the flag.
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
New York Harbor.
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
They represent the 13 original colonies.
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
They represent the 50 states.
What is the name of the national anthem?
"The Star-Spangled Banner."
The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
Out of many, one
What is Independence Day?
A holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Name three national U.S. holidays.
Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day.
What is Memorial Day?
A day to honor those who died in military service.
What is Veterans Day?
A day to honor all U.S. military veterans.
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
They supported the ratification of the Constitution.
Name the writers of the Federalist Papers.
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
What founding document was written in 1787?
The U.S. Constitution.
What is the purpose of a budget?
To plan and control spending and saving.
What are the differences between needs and wants?
Needs are essentials while wants are non-essential desires.
Describe the following budgeting terms:
a. 50/30/20 budget: 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.
b. Cash envelope budget: Use cash-filled envelopes for spending categories.
c. Pay yourself first budget: Save some before spending on other expenses.
d. Zero-based budget: Assign every dollar a purpose so income minus expenses equals zero.
e. Cost of living: The expense of maintaining a certain standard of living.
f. Deficit: When expenses exceed income.
g. Down payment: An upfront payment on a purchase like a house.
h. Emergency fund: Savings for unexpected expenses.
i. Gross pay: Total earnings before deductions.
j. Net pay: Earnings after deductions.
k. Salary: Fixed regular payment for work.
l. Fixed expense: Regular, unchanging costs
m. Variable expense: Costs that change
What are three other factors you should consider when choosing where to live?
Job opportunities, cost of living, and proximity to family or community.
What strategies can help you budget on a variable income?
Build a large emergency fund, prioritize fixed expenses, and estimate average income conservatively.
Describe the following banking terms:
a. Balance: The amount of money in an account.
b. Certificate of Deposit: A savings product with fixed interest and a maturity date.
c. Compound Interest: Interest calculated on both the principal and previously earned interest.
d. Credit Card: A card for borrowing money to make purchases, repayable with interest.
e. Debit Card: A card for direct payment from a checking account.
f. Direct Deposit: Automatic transfer of paychecks into a bank account.
g. FDIC Insurance: Protects customers if the bank closes up. Gives back up to 250,000.
h. Interest: The cost of borrowing money or earnings on savings.
What are the 5 basic types of governments?
Democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, oligarchy, and theocracy.
The type/form of government describes what?
Who holds power and how it’s used.
The system of government refers to what?
How power is distributed between central and regional authorities.
The function of government refers to what?
The roles it serves, like providing security, laws, and services.
What is the difference between a democratic and a non-democratic government?
Democratic governments are chosen by the people; non-democratic ones are not.
Describe the following types of governments:
a. Absolute monarchy: Rule by a king/queen with unlimited power.
b. Constitutional monarchy: Monarch is a ceremonial figure; government is run by elected officials.
c. Dictatorship: One person or group holds all power.
d. Oligarchy: Power held by a small, elite group.
e. Theocracy: Government based on religious laws.
f. Republic: People elect representatives to govern.
g. Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws.
h. Anarchy: Absence of government.
What type of government does the United States have?
A constitutional federal republic.
Describe the three systems of government: federal, confederal, and unitary.
Federal: Power is shared between central and state governments.
Confederal: Loose alliance of states with a weak central authority.
Unitary: Central government holds most power.
What is the system of government of the United States?
A federal system.
What is the difference between communism and socialism?
Communism involves state ownership of all property, while socialism allows some private ownership but prioritizes public control of key industries.
What is one advantage of opening a checking account at a credit union?
Lower fees and better interest rates.
What are three strategies you can use to avoid banking fees?
Maintain the minimum balance, use in-network ATMs, and set up direct deposits.
What are the disadvantages of being unbanked?
Higher fees for financial services, difficulty saving securely, and limited access to credit.
How does inflation impact your saving?
It reduces the purchasing power of your savings over time.
1. What is life tenure?
Life tenure is the appointment of a person to a position for life, meaning they can hold the role without term limits or regular reelection. In the United States, Supreme Court justices and certain federal judges are granted life tenure to ensure independence and protect them from political pressures. They serve until they retire, resign, pass away, or are impeached.
2. What is the amendment process, and how is one proposed?
The amendment process allows changes to the U.S. Constitution. It requires a formal proposal and ratification:
Proposal: An amendment can be proposed in two ways:
By a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
By a national constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
Ratification: After proposal, it must be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures or state conventions.
3. What roles do political parties play in the government?
Political parties:
Organize elections: They nominate candidates and mobilize voters.
Develop policies: Parties present platforms outlining their policy goals.
Bridge between citizens and government: They help citizens express their views and influence government action.
Facilitate governance: Parties provide leadership in legislative and executive branches.
Oppose and check power: The minority party critiques and holds the majority party accountable.
4. What is the importance of creating and following a budget?
Financial planning: Ensures resources are allocated effectively.
Avoid debt: Helps prevent overspending and unnecessary borrowing.
Set priorities: Enables focus on essential needs and goals.
Accountability: Provides a framework for evaluating financial decisions and progress.
5. Why do we have a government?
Governments exist to:
Maintain order: Establish laws and enforce them.
Protect citizens: Ensure security from external and internal threats.
Provide services: Offer public goods like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Resolve disputes: Serve as a mediator in conflicts.
Promote the general welfare: Foster economic stability and fairness.
6. What compromises created the Constitution?
Key compromises included:
The Great Compromise: Established a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives (population-based) and the Senate (equal representation for states).
The Three-Fifths Compromise: Counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise: Allowed Congress to regulate commerce but prohibited the abolition of the slave trade for 20 years.
Electoral College: Created the system for electing the president.
7. What is the separation of powers?
The separation of powers divides government responsibilities among three branches:
Legislative: Makes laws (Congress).
Executive: Enforces laws (President).
Judicial: Interprets laws (Courts).
This prevents any single branch from gaining too much power.
8. What are checks and balances?
Checks and balances ensure no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the others:
Congress can override a presidential veto or impeach the president.
The president can veto legislation or appoint judges.
The judiciary can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.
9. What is federalism, and how does it work?
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a national (federal) government and state governments. Each level has distinct responsibilities:
Federal government: Handles national defense, foreign policy, and interstate commerce.
State governments: Manage education, local law enforcement, and infrastructure. They share some powers, like taxation and law enforcement, creating a balance between unity and regional autonomy.
Economic System - establishes how a country produces and distributes goods and services
Economy - the production and distribution of goods and services within an economic system
Embargo - a trade restriction, typically adopted by a government, a group of countries, or an international organization as an economic sanction.
Emigrant - a person (migrating away from) leaving a country or area to settle in another country.
Juxtaposition - N - the act of placing two things together next to each other for implicit comparison; The interior designer admired my juxtaposition of the yellow couch with the green table.
Eminent Domain - 1) the right of a sovereign state to appropriate all or part of any property for necessary public use, making reasonable compensation; (2) The right in international law for one nation to appropriate the territory or property of another for self protection
Entrepreneur - a person who organizes and operates predictive resources to take the risk to start a business
Exigent - Adj. - Urgent, critical, requiring immediate action; The daily demands of singing created an exigent situation for her to rest.
Era - a period of history marked by some distinctive characteristic
Ethnic group - people of he same race or nationality who share a distinctive culture
Exchange Rate - the price of one currency in relation to another currency
Expenditures - spending on goods and services
EXPORTS- goods and services produced in one nation and sold to another nation
METICULOUS •Adj. -extremely careful with details- The ornate needlework in the bride’s gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.
Expressed Powers- the powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, enumerated powers are the same as constitutional powers or expressed powers.
Fascism - a system of government characterized by strong nationalist, racist, nad military policies, ruled by a dictator with centralized control of the basic means of production
Federal Reserve System- the independent central bank of the United States that controls the money supply
Federalism - a policy favoring strong centralized federal (central government) power. Power of government is divided between national and state governments
Feudalism - an economic and political system in which lords gran land to vassals in exchange for protection, allegiance & other services.
Quagmire -N- a difficult situation; We’d all like to avoid the kind of military quagmire characterized by the Vietnam War.
Fiscal policy - the use of federal government spending, taxing, and debt management to influence general activity
Folklore - the traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, passed from person to person orally.
Fundamentalism - a movement or attitude stressing st4ict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles
General Welfare - good of society as a whole; common or public good
1. What is the form of government in the United States?
A constitutional federal republic.
2. What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution
3. Name one thing the Constitution does.
It establishes the government.
4. The Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
It signifies that the government’s power comes from the people.
5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Through amendments.
6. What does the Bill of Rights protect?
Individual rights and freedoms.
7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
Twenty-seven
8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
It declared the American colonies' independence from Britain.
9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
The Declaration of Independence.
10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence.
Equality and natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).
11. The words “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
The Declaration of Independence.
12. What is the economic system of the United States?
A capitalist or market economy.
13. What is the rule of law?
Everyone must follow the law, including leaders and government officials. (no one is above the law)
14. Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
The Articles of Confederation.
15. There are three branches of government. Why?
To separate powers and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
16. Name the three branches of government.
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
17. The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
The Executive branch.
18. What part of the federal government writes laws?
The Legislative branch (Congress).
19. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and the House of Representatives.
20. Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
To make laws.
21. How many U.S. senators are there?
One hundred
22. How long is a term for a U.S. Senator?
6 years
23. Who is one of WV’s Senators now?
Joe Manchin or Shelley Moore Capito.
24. How many voting members are there in the House of Representatives?
435
25. .How long is the term for a member of the House of Representatives?
2 years.
26. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. Senators?
To ensure they remain accountable to their constituents.
27. How many senators does each state have?
2
28. Why does each state have two senators?
To ensure equal representation for all states in the Senate.
29. Name your U.S. representative.
Carol Miller
30. What is the name of the current Speaker of the House?
Mike Johnson
31. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
All people of their state.
32. Who elects U.S. senators?
The people of their state.
33. Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
The people of their congressional district.
34. Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
The people in their congressional district.
35. Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
Representation in the House is based on population.
36. The President of the United States is elected for how many years?
4
37. The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
The 22nd Amendment limits the presidency to two terms.
38. What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Joe Biden
39. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Kamala Harris
40. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President.
41. Name one power of the president.
To sign or veto laws.
42. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
The President.
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President of the United States.
Who vetoes bills?
The President of the United States.
Who appoints federal judges?
The President, with Senate confirmation.
The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
The Cabinet.
Why is the Electoral College important?
It determines the winner of the U.S. presidential election.
What is one part of the judicial branch?
The Supreme Court.
What does the judicial branch do?
It interprets and applies the law.
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court.
How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
9
How long do Supreme Court Justices serve?
For life, or until they retire, resign, or are impeached.
Why do Supreme Court Justices serve for life?
To ensure judicial independence.
Who is the current Chief Justice of the United States?
John G. Roberts, Jr.
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
Printing money.
Name one power that is only for the states.
Taxing and education
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
It reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.
Who is the current governor of WV?
Jim Justice
What is the capital of WV?
Charleston.
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one.
The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
U.S. citizens.
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to petition the government.
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States and the flag.
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
New York Harbor.
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
They represent the 13 original colonies.
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
They represent the 50 states.
What is the name of the national anthem?
"The Star-Spangled Banner."
The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
Out of many, one
What is Independence Day?
A holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Name three national U.S. holidays.
Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day.
What is Memorial Day?
A day to honor those who died in military service.
What is Veterans Day?
A day to honor all U.S. military veterans.
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
They supported the ratification of the Constitution.
Name the writers of the Federalist Papers.
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
What founding document was written in 1787?
The U.S. Constitution.
What is the purpose of a budget?
To plan and control spending and saving.
What are the differences between needs and wants?
Needs are essentials while wants are non-essential desires.
Describe the following budgeting terms:
a. 50/30/20 budget: 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.
b. Cash envelope budget: Use cash-filled envelopes for spending categories.
c. Pay yourself first budget: Save some before spending on other expenses.
d. Zero-based budget: Assign every dollar a purpose so income minus expenses equals zero.
e. Cost of living: The expense of maintaining a certain standard of living.
f. Deficit: When expenses exceed income.
g. Down payment: An upfront payment on a purchase like a house.
h. Emergency fund: Savings for unexpected expenses.
i. Gross pay: Total earnings before deductions.
j. Net pay: Earnings after deductions.
k. Salary: Fixed regular payment for work.
l. Fixed expense: Regular, unchanging costs
m. Variable expense: Costs that change
What are three other factors you should consider when choosing where to live?
Job opportunities, cost of living, and proximity to family or community.
What strategies can help you budget on a variable income?
Build a large emergency fund, prioritize fixed expenses, and estimate average income conservatively.
Describe the following banking terms:
a. Balance: The amount of money in an account.
b. Certificate of Deposit: A savings product with fixed interest and a maturity date.
c. Compound Interest: Interest calculated on both the principal and previously earned interest.
d. Credit Card: A card for borrowing money to make purchases, repayable with interest.
e. Debit Card: A card for direct payment from a checking account.
f. Direct Deposit: Automatic transfer of paychecks into a bank account.
g. FDIC Insurance: Protects customers if the bank closes up. Gives back up to 250,000.
h. Interest: The cost of borrowing money or earnings on savings.
What are the 5 basic types of governments?
Democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, oligarchy, and theocracy.
The type/form of government describes what?
Who holds power and how it’s used.
The system of government refers to what?
How power is distributed between central and regional authorities.
The function of government refers to what?
The roles it serves, like providing security, laws, and services.
What is the difference between a democratic and a non-democratic government?
Democratic governments are chosen by the people; non-democratic ones are not.
Describe the following types of governments:
a. Absolute monarchy: Rule by a king/queen with unlimited power.
b. Constitutional monarchy: Monarch is a ceremonial figure; government is run by elected officials.
c. Dictatorship: One person or group holds all power.
d. Oligarchy: Power held by a small, elite group.
e. Theocracy: Government based on religious laws.
f. Republic: People elect representatives to govern.
g. Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws.
h. Anarchy: Absence of government.
What type of government does the United States have?
A constitutional federal republic.
Describe the three systems of government: federal, confederal, and unitary.
Federal: Power is shared between central and state governments.
Confederal: Loose alliance of states with a weak central authority.
Unitary: Central government holds most power.
What is the system of government of the United States?
A federal system.
What is the difference between communism and socialism?
Communism involves state ownership of all property, while socialism allows some private ownership but prioritizes public control of key industries.
What is one advantage of opening a checking account at a credit union?
Lower fees and better interest rates.
What are three strategies you can use to avoid banking fees?
Maintain the minimum balance, use in-network ATMs, and set up direct deposits.
What are the disadvantages of being unbanked?
Higher fees for financial services, difficulty saving securely, and limited access to credit.
How does inflation impact your saving?
It reduces the purchasing power of your savings over time.
1. What is life tenure?
Life tenure is the appointment of a person to a position for life, meaning they can hold the role without term limits or regular reelection. In the United States, Supreme Court justices and certain federal judges are granted life tenure to ensure independence and protect them from political pressures. They serve until they retire, resign, pass away, or are impeached.
2. What is the amendment process, and how is one proposed?
The amendment process allows changes to the U.S. Constitution. It requires a formal proposal and ratification:
Proposal: An amendment can be proposed in two ways:
By a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
By a national constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
Ratification: After proposal, it must be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures or state conventions.
3. What roles do political parties play in the government?
Political parties:
Organize elections: They nominate candidates and mobilize voters.
Develop policies: Parties present platforms outlining their policy goals.
Bridge between citizens and government: They help citizens express their views and influence government action.
Facilitate governance: Parties provide leadership in legislative and executive branches.
Oppose and check power: The minority party critiques and holds the majority party accountable.
4. What is the importance of creating and following a budget?
Financial planning: Ensures resources are allocated effectively.
Avoid debt: Helps prevent overspending and unnecessary borrowing.
Set priorities: Enables focus on essential needs and goals.
Accountability: Provides a framework for evaluating financial decisions and progress.
5. Why do we have a government?
Governments exist to:
Maintain order: Establish laws and enforce them.
Protect citizens: Ensure security from external and internal threats.
Provide services: Offer public goods like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Resolve disputes: Serve as a mediator in conflicts.
Promote the general welfare: Foster economic stability and fairness.
6. What compromises created the Constitution?
Key compromises included:
The Great Compromise: Established a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives (population-based) and the Senate (equal representation for states).
The Three-Fifths Compromise: Counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise: Allowed Congress to regulate commerce but prohibited the abolition of the slave trade for 20 years.
Electoral College: Created the system for electing the president.
7. What is the separation of powers?
The separation of powers divides government responsibilities among three branches:
Legislative: Makes laws (Congress).
Executive: Enforces laws (President).
Judicial: Interprets laws (Courts).
This prevents any single branch from gaining too much power.
8. What are checks and balances?
Checks and balances ensure no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the others:
Congress can override a presidential veto or impeach the president.
The president can veto legislation or appoint judges.
The judiciary can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.
9. What is federalism, and how does it work?
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a national (federal) government and state governments. Each level has distinct responsibilities:
Federal government: Handles national defense, foreign policy, and interstate commerce.
State governments: Manage education, local law enforcement, and infrastructure. They share some powers, like taxation and law enforcement, creating a balance between unity and regional autonomy.