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Questions and Answers
What type of government is a system where power is limited by a document?
What type of government is a system where power is limited by a document?
Constitutional government
What is the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
What is the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
The Federalist Papers were written to encourage the ratification of the United States Constitution.
The Federalist Papers were written to encourage the ratification of the United States Constitution.
True
What is the function of the Elastic Clause?
What is the function of the Elastic Clause?
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What types of laws are given priority when state and national laws conflict, according to the Supremacy Clause?
What types of laws are given priority when state and national laws conflict, according to the Supremacy Clause?
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What is the term for a Senator's tactic of delaying or blocking a vote by speaking continuously on the floor?
What is the term for a Senator's tactic of delaying or blocking a vote by speaking continuously on the floor?
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What is the name of the message delivered by the President to both houses of Congress and the nation?
What is the name of the message delivered by the President to both houses of Congress and the nation?
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What is the term for the Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional?
What is the term for the Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional?
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What amendment guarantees citizenship to African Americans and people born in the United States?
What amendment guarantees citizenship to African Americans and people born in the United States?
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What is the main function of third parties in the political system?
What is the main function of third parties in the political system?
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The Electoral College System was established because the Founding Fathers believed it was necessary for the average person to make educated voting decisions.
The Electoral College System was established because the Founding Fathers believed it was necessary for the average person to make educated voting decisions.
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What is the name of the document that outlines the rights of citizens that must be read to a person accused of a crime?
What is the name of the document that outlines the rights of citizens that must be read to a person accused of a crime?
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What are two ways a proposed amendment to the Constitution can be initiated?
What are two ways a proposed amendment to the Constitution can be initiated?
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What is the concept of 'Eminent Domain'?
What is the concept of 'Eminent Domain'?
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The President can only be removed from office for impeachment if voted on by two-thirds of the Senate.
The President can only be removed from office for impeachment if voted on by two-thirds of the Senate.
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What is the main purpose of the War Powers Act?
What is the main purpose of the War Powers Act?
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Study Notes
Forms and Types of Government
- Democracy: Rule by the people, for the people
- Constitutional Government: Government limited by a written document
- Importance of a written Constitution: Limits government power
- Direct Democracy: Citizens vote on governmental issues
- Capitalism: Private property ownership and profit-making are key features
Colonial Period
- John Locke influenced Thomas Jefferson
- Prior to Locke's Social Contract Theory, people believed in Divine Right Theory
- Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence
- Purpose of the Declaration: To list grievances against the British King
Constitutional Convention
- The Great Compromise: Created a bicameral (two-house) legislature
- Federalist Papers: Written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison to encourage ratification of the US Constitution
Amendments
- Elastic Clause: Allows Congress to interpret its powers to create laws deemed necessary and proper
- First 10 Amendments: Protect citizens' rights
- 5th Amendment: Eminent Domain - Government can take private property, but must compensate the owner
- 10th Amendment: Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states
- 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship to African Americans and all born in the US
- 19th Amendment: Granted women the right to vote
Articles
- Article 5: Describes the process for amending the Constitution
- Article 6: Establishes the Supremacy Clause—national laws overrule conflicting state laws
Legislative Branch
- Members of the Senate and House of Representatives are directly elected by the people
- Two-thirds vote needed in both houses to override a presidential veto
- Filibuster: A tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill
Executive Branch
- Impeachment: Accusing a federal official of a crime. The President can be removed through impeachment by a 2/3s vote of the Senate
- State of the Union Address: Message delivered by the President to both houses of Congress
- Pardon: President forgives a person's crimes (absolute or conditional)
- War Powers Act: Limits the president's power to send troops into battle without Congressional approval
Judicial Branch
- Judicial Review: Supreme Court power to declare laws unconstitutional
- Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for life terms
- This creates an independent judiciary
Miranda vs. Arizona
- Accused persons must be informed of their constitutional rights
Political Parties
- Third Parties: Represent minority concerns
- Interest Groups: Citizens organizing to influence government policy
Voting/Electoral College
- Founding Fathers' intention for Electoral College: Provide a system where the average person could make an educated decision
- Electoral College system change: Requires a constitutional amendment
- Presidential election outcome: If no candidate receives a majority vote in the Electoral College, the election is decided by the Senate
- Function of the Electoral College: Officially elects the President and Vice President
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Description
Test your knowledge on various forms and types of government, including democracy and constitutional governance. Explore historical influences on the American government, such as John Locke and the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, assess your understanding of the Constitutional Convention and the purpose of amendments.
