Civics: Key Concepts & Influences

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Questions and Answers

Which Enlightenment thinker's concept of separation of powers MOST influenced Thomas Jefferson's writings and the structure of the U.S. Constitution?

  • Montesquieu (correct)
  • Voltaire
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau
  • John Locke

Beyond the Bill of Rights, which core structural element defines the division of powers between the national and state governments in the U.S. Constitution?

  • The Amendments
  • Federalism (correct)
  • The Preamble
  • The Articles

Which political perspective asserts that a broad distribution of power among various groups is essential for a healthy democracy?

  • Totalitarianism
  • Elitism
  • Pluralism (correct)
  • Anarchism

A young adult starts identifying with the Democratic party after years of listening to their parents' conversations and viewpoints. Which process does this exemplify?

<p>Political socialization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario BEST illustrates the concept of civil liberties?

<p>An individual's right to peacefully protest government policies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In recent elections, women are more likely to support candidates who advocate for stricter gun control and expanded social welfare programs, while men tend to favor candidates who prioritize tax cuts and a strong national defense. This exemplifies what?

<p>Gender gap (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To be eligible for the U.S. Senate, what is the MINIMUM age and length of U.S. citizenship required?

<p>30 years old, 9 years a citizen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Congress passes a law establishing new environmental regulations, which article of the Constitution grants them this power?

<p>Article 1 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The federal government mandates that states upgrade their voting machines to comply with new accessibility standards, but provides no financial assistance to cover the costs. This is an example of what?

<p>An unfunded mandate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal trial?

<p>Amendment 5 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a state law conflicts with a federal law, which clause of the U.S. Constitution dictates that federal law prevails?

<p>The Supremacy Clause (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Supreme Court case established the principle that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in a criminal trial, protecting individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures?

<p>Mapp vs. Ohio (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A newspaper publishes an article critical of the President's foreign policy decisions. What constitutional principle protects the newspaper's right to publish this article?

<p>Freedom of the Press (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which power is MOST clearly reserved to the states rather than the federal government?

<p>Establishing public schools (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

As voters leave polling places, a polling organization asks them who they voted for. What is this type of poll called?

<p>Exit Poll (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Influences on Thomas Jefferson

John Locke, Montesquieu, and other Enlightenment thinkers influenced Jefferson’s writings, particularly the ideas of natural rights and the separation of powers.

Elements of the Constitution

Preamble, Articles, Amendments, Bill of Rights, and the principle of federalism.

Elitist Definition

Belief that a small group of people, often wealthy or well-educated, should hold power in society.

Pluralist Definition

Belief that political power should be distributed among a wide range of groups and individuals.

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Anarchy Definition

A state of society without government or law.

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Political Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and acquire political beliefs and values.

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Agents of Socialization

Family, education, peers, media, and religion.

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Civil Liberties

Individual freedoms protected by law

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Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

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Article 1 Main Function

Legislative branch (Congress), establishes the rules and powers of the House and Senate.

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Article 2 Main Function

Executive branch (President), establishes the president’s powers and duties.

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Article 3 Main Function

Judicial branch (Supreme Court), establishes the powers of the courts.

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Unfunded Mandate Definition

A requirement by the federal government for states to implement certain policies without providing the necessary funding.

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Amendment 1

Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

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Amendment 2

Right to keep and bear arms.

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Study Notes

  • John Locke, Montesquieu, and other Enlightenment thinkers influenced Thomas Jefferson's writings.
  • Jefferson was particularly influenced by the ideas of natural rights and the separation of powers.

5 Elements of the Constitution

  • Preamble
  • Articles
  • Amendments
  • Bill of Rights
  • The principle of federalism

Elitist Definition

  • A belief that a small group of people, often wealthy or well-educated, should hold power in society.

Pluralist Definition

  • A belief that political power should be distributed among a wide range of groups and individuals.

Anarchy Definition

  • A state of society without government or law.

Political Socialization Definition

  • The process by which individuals learn and acquire political beliefs and values.

5 Agents of Socialization

  • Family
  • Education
  • Peers
  • Media
  • Religion

Civil Liberties Definition

  • Individual freedoms protected by law.
  • Examples include freedom of speech and religion.

Civil Rights Definition

  • The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Gender Gap Definition

  • The difference in political views or voting patterns between men and women.
  • Women tend to support more liberal policies.
  • Men tend to support more conservative policies.

Senator Qualifications

  • 30 years old
  • 9 years a U.S. citizen
  • Must reside in the state they represent

Representative Qualifications

  • 25 years old
  • 7 years a U.S. citizen
  • Must reside in the state they represent

President Qualifications

  • 35 years old
  • Natural-born citizen
  • 14 years a resident of the U.S.

Article 1

  • Concerns the Legislative branch (Congress).
  • Establishes the rules and powers of the House and Senate.

Article 2

  • Concerns Executive branch (President).
  • Establishes the president’s powers and duties.

Article 3

  • Concerns the Judicial branch (Supreme Court).
  • Establishes the powers of the courts.

Unfunded Mandate Definition

  • A requirement by the federal government for states to implement certain policies without providing the necessary funding.

Amendment 1

  • Guarantees freedoms of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

Amendment 2

  • Guarantees the right to keep and bear arms.

Amendment 4

  • Guarantees protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Amendment 5

  • Guarantees protection against double jeopardy and self-incrimination.
  • Guarantees due process.

Amendment 6

  • Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial.
  • Guarantees the right to an attorney.

Amendment 8

  • Guarantees protection against excessive bail.
  • Guarantees protection against cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendment 14

  • Guarantees equal protection under the law and due process.

Amendment 16

  • Grants Congress the power to levy an income tax.

Amendment 17

  • Provides for the direct election of senators.

Amendment 19

  • Grants women the right to vote.

Supremacy Clause

  • Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws when they conflict.

Loving vs. Virginia

  • Struck down laws banning interracial marriage (1967).

Roe vs. Wade

  • Legalized abortion nationwide (1973).

Miranda vs. Arizona

  • Required police to inform suspects of their rights (1966).

Plessy vs. Ferguson

  • Established the “separate but equal” doctrine (1896).

Brown vs. Board

  • Overturned Plessy.
  • Ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional (1954).

Prior Restraint Definition

  • Government action that prohibits speech or expression before it happens.

Affirmative Action Definition

  • Policies that favor individuals from historically disadvantaged groups to promote equality.

Exclusionary Rule Definition

  • Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court.

U.S. Military Jurisdiction

  • Federal

Speed Limits Jurisdiction

  • State

Public School Jurisdiction

  • Concurrent

Paying Taxes Jurisdiction

  • State

Social Security Jurisdiction

  • Federal

Drinking Age Jurisdiction

  • Federal

China Trade Jurisdiction

  • Federal

Marriage Legalized Jurisdiction

  • State

Voting Rights Jurisdiction

  • Federal

Borrow Money Jurisdiction

  • Concurrent

Professional License Jurisdiction

  • State

Dual Federalism Definition

  • A system where state and federal governments operate independently within their own areas of authority.

Cooperative Federalism Definition

  • A system where state and federal governments work together to solve common problems.

Tracking Polls Definition

  • Polls that measure the support for a candidate over time.

Exit Polls Definition

  • Polls taken after voters have cast their ballots.
  • Used to predict the outcome of an election.

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