Civics EOC Exam Study Guide Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What ideas is John Locke known for?

Natural Rights (correct)

Separation of Powers

Social Contract (correct)

Judicial Review

What is the definition of Social Contract?

People give away some of their power to the government in exchange for protection.

How did Montesquieu influence the Founding Fathers?

By giving them the ideas of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.

What are three concepts found in the Magna Carta that influenced the Founding Fathers?

Trial by jury, limited government, rule of law. Signup and view all the answers

What are three rights found in the English Bill of Rights that are also in the U.S. Bill of Rights?

Freedom of speech, no cruel and unusual punishment, no taxes without consent. Signup and view all the answers

What are three concepts in the Mayflower Compact that influenced the Founding Fathers?

Self-government, rule of law, social contract. Signup and view all the answers

What did Thomas Paine's Common Sense influence the Founding Fathers to do?

Make America an independent country. Signup and view all the answers

Name three things the British did that made the Colonists angry.

Quartering Act, Tea Act, Stamp Act. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the 'Grievances' of the Declaration of Independence addressed to?

The King. Signup and view all the answers

What are three rights Thomas Jefferson said every American is entitled to?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which Enlightenment philosopher influenced Jefferson in the 'natural rights' section of the Declaration of Independence?

John Locke. Signup and view all the answers

What are three weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No power to tax, regulate trade, enforce laws. Signup and view all the answers

What are the goals of the Preamble?

A more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, secure the blessings of liberty. Signup and view all the answers

What does a more perfect union mean?

Make a better country. Signup and view all the answers

What does establish justice refer to?

Fairness/equality - courts. Signup and view all the answers

What does insure domestic tranquility mean?

Safety in towns or states. Signup and view all the answers

What does provide for the defense mean?

Keep the US safe - military. Signup and view all the answers

What does promote the general welfare mean?

Help people. Signup and view all the answers

What does secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity mean?

Forever. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Separation of Power?

An act of vesting the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of government in separate bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Checks and Balances?

Counterbalancing influences by which an organization is regulated. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Judicial Branch check the Executive Branch?

The Court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Judicial Branch check the Legislative Branch?

The Court can declare laws unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Executive Branch check the Courts?

The president nominates judges. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Executive Branch check Congress?

The president can veto congressional legislation. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Legislative Branch checked by the Senate?

The Senate confirms the president's nominations. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Legislative Branch checked by Congress?

Congress approves presidential nominations and controls the budgets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of Rule of Law?

Nobody is above the law. Signup and view all the answers

Who must follow the law under the Rule of Law?

Leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Who and what does the Rule of Law protect?

Citizens from tyranny/abuse of power. Signup and view all the answers

What President demonstrated the Rule of Law?

President Richard Nixon. Signup and view all the answers

What are two sources of American law?

The Code of Hammurabi and English Common Law. Signup and view all the answers

List four types of law and briefly explain each.

Civil, Criminal, Constitutional, Military. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment defined citizenship?

14th. Signup and view all the answers

The 14th Amendment defines citizenship as...

All persons born or naturalized. Signup and view all the answers

What are five qualifications for becoming a naturalized citizen?

18 years of age or older, a lawful permanent resident, lived in the US for at least 5 years, be of 'good moral character', and know basic English. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways to become a natural born citizen?

Law of blood (born abroad to a US parent) and law of soil (born on US soil). Signup and view all the answers

What are the six steps to become a naturalized citizen?

<ol> <li>Live in the US for 5 years 2. Fill out an application 3. Fingerprint - background check 4. Interview 5. Pass the Civics and English test 6. Take the Oath of Allegiance.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are four obligations of a US citizen?

Obey the law, pay taxes, serve on jury, defend the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What are four responsibilities of a US citizen?

Vote, attend civic meetings, petition government, run for office. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights?

Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition; Right to bear arms; Quartering of Soldiers; Arrest and Searches; Rights of persons accused of crimes; Rights of persons on trial for crimes; Jury - Trials in civil Cases; Limitations on bail and punishments; Rights kept by the people; Powers kept by the states or the people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 13th Amendment?

Abolished slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 14th Amendment?

Citizenship, due process, equal protection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 15th Amendment?

Black men could vote. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 19th Amendment?

Women's suffrage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 24th Amendment?

Abolished poll taxes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 26th Amendment?

Lowered the voting age to 18. Signup and view all the answers

What is Marbury v. Madison?

Judicial Review. Signup and view all the answers

What is Plessy v. Ferguson?

Separate but Equal. Signup and view all the answers

What is Brown v. Board of Education?

Ended segregation in public schools. Signup and view all the answers

What is Gideon v. Wainwright?

Right to free legal counsel. Signup and view all the answers

What is Miranda v. Arizona?

Due process. Signup and view all the answers

What is In re Gault?

Juveniles have the same due process rights as adults. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tinker v. Des Moines?

1st Amendment free speech. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier?

Free speech/press with limits. Signup and view all the answers

What is US v. Nixon?

Rule of Law - not even the president is above the law. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bush v. Gore?

Divided Court gives election to Bush - stops Florida recount. Signup and view all the answers

What are Democrats known for?

Government welfare programs to help those in need, higher taxes, business regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What are Republicans known for?

Less government programs, lower taxes, less business regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What are Libertarians known for?

Maximum freedom/minimum government. Signup and view all the answers

What are Socialists known for?

Government workers control business, welfare programs to help the people. Signup and view all the answers

What are Communists known for?

Workers control business, most were dictatorships. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Constitutional Qualifications for President?

At least 35 years old, resident for 14 years, 'natural born' citizen. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Constitutional Qualifications for a Senator?

At least 30 years old, resident of the state for 9 years. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Constitutional Qualifications for a Representative in the House of Representatives?

At least 25 years old, resident of the state for 7 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Party Platform?

The main goals and ideas of the party. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Political Action Committee?

An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bias?

Opinionated/showing preferences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Media Watchdog Role?

Monitors the conduct of government officials. Signup and view all the answers

What is Propaganda?

Information meant to persuade. Signup and view all the answers

What is Public Policy?

A plan to resolve an issue. Signup and view all the answers

What are four responsibilities of the national level of government?

Military, interstate and foreign trade, interstate environmental issues, interstate healthcare. Signup and view all the answers

What are three responsibilities of the state level of government?

Education, intrastate trade, intrastate environmental and safety. Signup and view all the answers

What are four responsibilities of the local level of government?

Local schools, local roads, local sanitation and services, local safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is domestic policy?

A plan to deal with problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is foreign policy?

A government's strategy in dealing with other nations. Signup and view all the answers

What are five ways the president deals with foreign policy?

Signs treaties, appoints ambassadors, appoints secretary of state, serves as commander-in-chief, chief diplomat. Signup and view all the answers

What are four ways Congress deals with foreign policy?

Confirms treaties, declares war, provides funding, confirms ambassadors and secretary of state. Signup and view all the answers

What is the United Nations?

193 countries. Signup and view all the answers

What is NATO?

Security. Signup and view all the answers

What is NAFTA?

Free Trade. Signup and view all the answers

What is UNICEF?

Helping children. Signup and view all the answers

What is the International Court of Justice?

International Justice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the WTO?

No tariffs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Red Cross?

International Aid. Signup and view all the answers

What are NGOs?

Non-governmental Organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two wars fought in Europe and Asia where the last 'declared wars'?

WWI and WWII. Signup and view all the answers

Name two 'undeclared' wars.

Vietnam and Afghanistan. Signup and view all the answers

What was the decades-long conflict between the US and the Soviet Union referred to as?

The Cold War. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two conflicts with Cuba in the 1960s?

The Cold War (Failed Invasion of Cuba) and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What country were the two 'Gulf Wars' fought against?

Iraq. Signup and view all the answers

What is Direct Democracy?

Everyone makes decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is Representative Democracy?

Elected representatives make decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is Absolute Monarchy?

King or Queen with absolute power. Signup and view all the answers

What is Constitutional Monarchy?

King or Queen - ceremonial. Signup and view all the answers

What is Communism?

Public ownership of business. Signup and view all the answers

What is Autocracy?

Ruled by one. Signup and view all the answers

What is Oligarchy?

Ruled by a few. Signup and view all the answers

In what system of government is power shared between the National and Regional Governments?

The Federal System of Government. Signup and view all the answers

In what system of government do the Regional Governments tell the Central Government what to do?

A Confederal System of Government. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enlightenment Thinkers

John Locke advocated for natural rights, natural law, and the social contract, influencing modern democratic principles.
Montesquieu introduced Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances, foundational in the U.S. Constitution.

Historical Documents

The Magna Carta introduced important concepts like trial by jury, limited government, and the rule of law, shaping American legal foundations.
The English Bill of Rights influenced the U.S. Bill of Rights, embedding rights such as freedom of speech and protections against cruel punishment.
The Mayflower Compact emphasized self-government, the rule of law, and the social contract, contributing to American political culture.

Independence and Revolutionary Ideas

Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" incited revolutionary sentiments, urging independence from British rule.
Colonists resisted British actions like the quartering act, tea act, and stamp act due to perceived injustices.

Declaration of Independence

Grievances were directed towards King George III, laying out the colonists' frustrations and desire for autonomy.
Jefferson asserted life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as inalienable rights, echoing Locke's philosophy.

Articles of Confederation

The Articles presented weaknesses such as lack of taxation power, inability to regulate trade, and no enforcement authority, leading to calls for reform.

Constitutional Principles

The Preamble outlines the goals of the Constitution, including unity, justice, safety, defense, welfare, and liberty for future generations.
The Separation of Powers divides government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Checks and Balances ensure no single branch dominates, with various ways each branch can limit the others' powers.

Rule of Law

Establishes that no one, including leaders, is above the law, promoting accountability.
Protects citizens from tyranny and abuse of power, exemplified by historical events like Watergate involving President Nixon.

Naturalization and Citizenship

Defined by the 14th Amendment, citizenship encompasses all born or naturalized individuals in the U.S.
Eligibility for naturalization requires age, residency, good moral character, and English competency.
Methods for acquiring citizenship include the law of blood (citizenship by descent) and the law of soil (citizenship by birth location).

Civic Responsibilities and Obligations

Obligations include obeying laws, paying taxes, serving on juries, and defending the nation.
Responsibilities entail voting, participating in civic activities, petitioning the government, and potentially running for office.

Amendments and Civil Rights

The Bill of Rights consists of ten amendments protecting various freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process.
Significant amendments include the abolition of slavery (13th), citizenship rights (14th), voting rights for black men (15th), women’s suffrage (19th), and the lowering of the voting age (26th).

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

Marbury v. Madison established judicial review.
Plessy v. Ferguson upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine, while Brown v. Board of Education overturned it, ending school segregation.
Gideon v. Wainwright guaranteed legal counsel for defendants and Miranda v. Arizona affirmed due process rights.

Political Systems

Different systems include direct democracy (citizen decision-making), representative democracy (elected officials ruling), autocracy (rule by one), and oligarchy (rule by a few).
Systems like communism advocate for public ownership of businesses, while capitalism supports private ownership.

Government Structure

The Federal System shares power between national and regional governments, while Confederal Systems prioritize regional control over a weaker central authority.

Political Parties and Movements

Democrats typically favor government welfare programs, higher taxes, and regulation, whereas Republicans advocate for lower taxes and minimal government intervention.
Libertarians promote minimal government with maximum individual freedom, while socialists emphasize governmental control over key industries for the welfare of the populace.

Foreign Policy

The president engages in foreign policy through treaty-making, ambassador appointments, and as commander-in-chief.
Congress plays a significant role by confirming treaties, declaring war, and funding foreign initiatives.

International Alliances

The United Nations seeks global cooperation among 193 member countries, while NATO focuses on collective security.
Trade agreements like NAFTA promote free trade, and organizations such as UNICEF focus on children's welfare globally.

Historical Conflicts

The U.S. fought declared wars (World Wars) and undeclared wars (Vietnam and Afghanistan) reflecting its military engagements throughout history.
The Cold War defined a prolonged ideological conflict with the Soviet Union, involving events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and tensions with Cuba.

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Prepare for the Civics EOC exam with these study guide flashcards. This set covers key concepts such as John Locke's ideas, the social contract, and Montesquieu's influence on American government. Perfect for reviewing crucial terms and definitions in civics.