Civics EOC Review Flashcards

Questions and Answers

The Enlightenment idea of the separation of powers was developed by?

Baron de Montesquieu

John Locke's theory that certain truths in society come from and are governed by nature is known as the theory of?

Natural Law

Describe John Locke's theory of social contract.

People gave up some of their rights to government in order to have better lives and protection.

This document guaranteed that not even the king or queen was above the law.

Magna Carta Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the English Bill of Rights on the development of the U.S. Constitution.

Established thought that individual rights should be listed and protected. Signup and view all the answers

What was the first document that established self-government by creating a direct democracy in the colonies?

Mayflower Compact Signup and view all the answers

This pamphlet was used to persuade members of the Second Continental Congress and justified the ideals and reasons for independence from Great Britain.

Common Sense Signup and view all the answers

Give specific examples of colonial responses to English policies.

Boston Tea Party, boycott, protest, literature, Common Sense Signup and view all the answers

What concerns of the colonists led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence?

Taxation without representation, forced quartering, violation of British rights. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main complaints/arguments against Britain in the Declaration of Independence?

Colonists felt that England was not protecting their rights, taxing without representation, abusing power. Signup and view all the answers

John Locke's theory of ___________ guaranteed that all individuals are entitled to basic rights such as life, liberty, and property.

Natural Rights Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlined the first form of government for the United States? Which system of government did this document create?

Articles of Confederation, a confederal system (no central government) Signup and view all the answers

List some of the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Central government had no power to tax, no national court system, no executive branch, no power to enforce laws, no power to regulate trade. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

It introduces the goals and concepts outlined in the Constitution and reinforces principles of good government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main argument the Federalists used to support the ratification of the Constitution?

The need for a stronger government Signup and view all the answers

List the arguments the Anti-Federalists used against ratifying the Constitution.

No Bill of Rights, central government too strong Signup and view all the answers

A legal member of a country is a?

Citizen Signup and view all the answers

Name two ways a person can become a U.S. citizen.

Birth to citizen parent called Law of Blood; Birth in US or US territory called Law of Soil; or naturalization Signup and view all the answers

List the steps in the naturalization process.

Apply for residency visa, wait 5 years, apply for citizenship status, fingerprinted, interview with Immigration Services, pass citizenship test, take oath Signup and view all the answers

What are the major differences between Democrats and Republicans?

Democrats believe in a large government encouraging government involvement with many programs. Republicans believe in a small government with few programs, encouraging communities and charities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a plank?

A specific issue that is a part of a party's platform. Signup and view all the answers

What is a platform?

A group or big idea that candidates campaign on or that a party supports. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of media informing the public about government.

A newspaper reports the details about a bill that is being written in Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of how an individual can influence government.

Write a letter expressing a concern to a county commissioner. Call your representative and tell them your opinion. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of how interest groups can influence government.

An interest group can endorse a candidate for election and advertise for them. Signup and view all the answers

What is bias?

Showing preference toward a particular viewpoint. Signup and view all the answers

What is symbolism?

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. Signup and view all the answers

What is propaganda?

Ideas used to exaggerate about people's thinking or behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?

Direct: Voting directly for leaders/laws. Representative: Electing leaders to vote for you. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the major similarity between socialism and communism.

Both socialism and communism are based on the principle that the goods and services produced in an economy should be owned publicly and controlled. Signup and view all the answers

A type of government in which the leadership is comprised of the few wealthy elite people is called?

Oligarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is monarchy?

A type of government in which the head of state is a king or queen. Signup and view all the answers

What is autocracy?

A system of government with absolute power such as a monarchy or dictatorship. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Federal System of government?

Federal: Powers of government are divided between National and State Governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a confederal system of government?

Powers of government are concentrated at the state level. A loose union of states. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unitary system of government?

Unitary: A central body retains supreme power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a system of government in which the power to make and execute laws is held by a parliament?

Parliamentary Signup and view all the answers

What term means that all citizens are accountable to the law?

Rule of Law Signup and view all the answers

Why is rule of law fundamental to the American legal system?

American democracy is based on the idea of equality. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it an obligation or a duty for citizens to follow laws?

Citizen actions that are required by law such as jury duty. Signup and view all the answers

Why do citizens pay taxes? How does this benefit society?

It is an obligation or duty and they help pay for public services. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have citizens serve on juries?

It is an obligation or duty and to ensure fair trials/justice. Signup and view all the answers

Order the five rights guaranteed by the 1st amendment.

RASPP Signup and view all the answers

Why was it important to add the Bill of Rights to the Constitution?

It satisfied the Anti-Federalists, limits on government and protects individuals. Signup and view all the answers

List the rights guaranteed by the 5th amendment (4D's).

D: Due Process, D: Double Jeopardy, D: Eminent Domain, D: Don't have to testify. Signup and view all the answers

How do the fourth, fifth, sixth, and eighth amendments protect the rights of the accused?

Search and Seizure, 4D's, speedy trial, impartial jury, right to attorney, no excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishment. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the Framers included the 2nd amendment with respect to militias?

Individuals' rights to protect themselves are protected. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Framers include the 3rd amendment in the Bill of Rights?

Reactions to the Quartering Act. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between the 6th and 7th amendments.

Sixth protects the rights of the accused, and seventh ensures fairness in civil cases. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Ninth Amendment safeguard individual liberties?

Individual rights are not limited to only those listed. Signup and view all the answers

The division of powers between three branches of government is called?

Separation of Powers Signup and view all the answers

The ability of one branch of government to limit powers of the others is called?

Checks and Balances Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of checks and balances and separation of powers in the Constitution?

To prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'highest law of the land' in the U.S.?

U.S. Constitution Signup and view all the answers

______________ law refers to the body of law that governs relationships between individuals and settles disputes.

Civil Signup and view all the answers

______________ law refers to the body of law that regulates the conduct of individuals.

Criminal Signup and view all the answers

______________ law is based on the Constitution and Supreme Court decisions.

Constitutional Signup and view all the answers

______________ law governs the behavior of men and women in all branches of the armed forces.

Military Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment abolished slavery in the U.S.?

13th Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment guaranteed due process, equal protection under the law and granted rights of citizenship to African Americans?

14th Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment guaranteed the right of suffrage regardless of previous condition of servitude?

15th Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment, ratified in 1920, guaranteed women's suffrage?

19th Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment outlawed the use of poll taxes as a requirement for voting?

24th Signup and view all the answers

In the wake of the Vietnam War, which amendment was added to lower the voting age of U.S. citizens to 18?

26th Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case resulted in the principle of Judicial Review?

Marbury vs. Madison Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case justified segregation and the principle of 'separate but equal'?

Plessy vs. Ferguson Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision by ruling that separate facilities were not equal and ended segregation in schools?

Brown vs. Board of Education Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case required states to provide free legal help to those who could not afford representation in court?

Gideon vs. Wainwright Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case ruled that an individual's rights begin at the time of their arrest and required that individual be notified of these rights?

Miranda vs. Arizona Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case rules that juveniles accused of crimes receive the same due process as adults?

In Re: Gault Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case expanded interpretation of the First Amendment right to free speech in schools to also include freedom of expression?

Tinker vs. Des Moines Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case limited freedom of press in school publications?

Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court ruled ___________ that 'executive privilege' is only extended when connected to national security.

United States vs. Nixon Signup and view all the answers

What Landmark Supreme Court case ruled that the Supreme Court could overrule a state court's decisions on state laws (in regards to Election 2000)?

Bush vs. Gore Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating candidates for office, what are examples of things that might influence your decision?

Qualifications, experience, abilities, education, platform Signup and view all the answers

All policies dealing with issues within the United States are considered ____________ policy.

Domestic Signup and view all the answers

__________________ is the government's plan for interacting with other countries of the world.

Foreign Policy Signup and view all the answers

The policy of _________ the income of U.S. citizens to fund government programs for the good of society is an example of domestic policy.

Taxing Signup and view all the answers

Providing monetary aid, military assistance or food to nations in need in order to promote peace is an example of __________ policy.

Foreign Signup and view all the answers

This organization is an international assembly of nations to discuss and act on important global issues.

UN; United Nations Signup and view all the answers

This 'security alliance' between the United States and many European countries was originally formed to establish a united front against Soviet aggression during the Cold War and now engages in joint security and peacekeeping operations.

NATO; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Signup and view all the answers

This volunteer program provides technical assistance and cultural understanding between the United States and other nations.

Peace Corps Signup and view all the answers

This UN agency promotes worldwide health to combat the spread of diseases.

WHO; World Health Organization Signup and view all the answers

Which UN agency promotes international trade among nations?

WTO; World Trade Organization Signup and view all the answers

What court is known as the 'World Court'?

International Court of Justice Signup and view all the answers

This term describes a way in which the US can enter into an agreement with other nations to resolve conflicts or further relationships.

Treaty Signup and view all the answers

The United States has used this mechanism to punish nations that violate human rights or otherwise threaten the interests of the United States.

Trade Sanctions Signup and view all the answers

In a federal system, _______________ powers are shared between the states and the national government.

Concurrent Signup and view all the answers

The ability to protect borders is best performed by which level of government?

National Signup and view all the answers

The service of maintaining public libraries is best performed by which level of government?

Local Signup and view all the answers

What are the main sections of the Florida and U.S. Constitutions called?

Preamble, Amendments, and Articles that establish three-branch government Signup and view all the answers

In this form of government, all citizens in the community vote on all decisions.

Direct Democracy Signup and view all the answers

Voting for representatives to carry out the work of government and make decisions is defined as what level of government?

Representative Democracy Signup and view all the answers

____________ is a system of government that believes that society should organize and control the means of production for the welfare of all.

Socialism Signup and view all the answers

_____________ is a system of government that believes that the state would own the land, capital, labor and make all economic decisions.

Communism Signup and view all the answers

In this form of government, a king or queen reigns over a kingdom or empire.

Monarchy Signup and view all the answers

A form of government in which only a few people rule.

Oligarchy Signup and view all the answers

A dictatorship is an example of this type of government in which one person holds all the power.

Autocracy Signup and view all the answers

The _ type of democratic government that exists in Great Britain is led by a majority of its legislature who then chooses its executive that is called a ___.

Parliamentary; Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

In what type of government is a sovereign state governed as one single unit in which the central government is supreme?

Unitary Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enlightenment and Government Concepts

Separation of powers concept developed by Baron de Montesquieu.
John Locke's Natural Law theory asserts that truths in society are governed by nature.
Locke's social contract theory: individuals surrender some rights in exchange for government protection.

Historical Documents

The Magna Carta established the principle that no one, including the monarch, is above the law.
The English Bill of Rights influenced the U.S. Constitution by emphasizing the need to protect individual rights.
The Mayflower Compact was the first self-governing document, introducing direct democracy in the colonies.

Independence and Colonial Responses

"Common Sense" pamphlet justified American independence from Britain.
Colonial actions against British policies included the Boston Tea Party, boycotts, protests, and literature campaigns.

Declaration of Independence

Major grievances included taxation without representation and violations of rights.
The Declaration argued that England failed to protect colonists' rights and abused its power.

Foundation of U.S. Government

Articles of Confederation formed the initial U.S. government structure as a confederal system, lacking a central authority.
Key weaknesses included the inability to tax, enforce laws, and regulate trade.

Constitution and Bill of Rights

The Preamble outlines the Constitution's goals and principles.
Federalists supported a stronger government for ratifying the Constitution, while Anti-Federalists feared a powerful central government without a bill of rights.

Citizenship

Citizens are legal members of a country, with ways to attain citizenship including birth and naturalization.
The naturalization process involves applying, residency, fingerprinting, interviews, and taking an oath.

Political Parties and Platforms

Democrats advocate for a larger government with extensive social programs; Republicans support a smaller government that emphasizes individual and community support.
Political platforms consist of broad ideas, while planks refer to specific issues within those platforms.

Rights and Amendments

The First Amendment guarantees five main freedoms: Religion, Assembly, Speech, Press, and Petition (RASPP).
The Bill of Rights was added to protect individual freedoms and satisfy Anti-Federalist concerns.

Supreme Court Cases

Landmark cases include:
- Marbury vs. Madison: Established Judicial Review.
- Brown vs. Board of Education: Overturned segregation.
- Miranda vs. Arizona: Rights of the accused upon arrest.
- Tinker vs. Des Moines: Expanded free speech in schools.

Types of Government

Oligarchy: Rule by a few wealthy individuals.
Monarchy: Governed by a king or queen.
Autocracy: One individual possesses absolute power.
Federal System: Power divided between national and state governments.
Unitary System: Central authority holds supreme power.

Political and Foreign Policies

Domestic policies address issues within the U.S., while foreign policies guide interactions with other nations.
Treaties resolve conflicts or build relationships with other countries.

International Organizations

The UN promotes global health and international cooperation.
NATO is a military alliance established for collective security.

Civic Responsibilities

Citizens must follow laws, serve on juries, and pay taxes, which fund public services.
Rule of Law ensures that all individuals are accountable under the law, fundamental to American democracy.

Economic Systems

Socialism: Society controls production for communal benefit.
Communism: State owns all resources, making all economic decisions.

Government Structures

Direct democracy involves citizens voting on every issue, while representative democracy elects officials to make decisions on behalf of the populace.

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Prepare for your Civics End of Course exam with these practice flashcards. This set covers key concepts from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu, along with essential government theories. Test your understanding and strengthen your knowledge in civics and political philosophy.