Questions and Answers
Which example describes natural rights?
Which best describes the purpose of the Second Continental Congress?
The Declaration of Independence intended to end British rule in the colonies, and grant citizens:
As the colonies moved toward independence, the First Continental Congress was created in:
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In which section of the Declaration of Independence is the purpose of government described?
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As the result of a conflict between British troops and a colonial militia in Massachusetts,
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The Declaration of Independence refers to rights as being unalienable. What does 'unalienable' mean?
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Was the Declaration of Independence intended to be a formal declaration of war? Why or why not?
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Which part of the Declaration of Independence acts as an implied plan of action, in that it lists laws and practices to be changed?
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Read the quotation from the Declaration of Independence: 'For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world.' Which reason best explains why this grievance was included?
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Declaring war and coining money are considered:
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What is the primary purpose of the Supremacy Clause?
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Which of these is considered a concurrent power?
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The sources of powers reserved to the states are specifically outlined in:
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The Supremacy Clause forms the root of what aspect of the country's government system?
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The US system of federalism is based on:
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Based on the foundations of federalism, why might health care continue to be a deeply debated issue?
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Expressed powers are those that are:
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Study Notes
Natural Rights
- Natural rights are fundamental rights that should be protected by the government.
- They are not granted under specific circumstances nor restricted to certain citizens.
Second Continental Congress
- The Second Continental Congress was responsible for creating the Declaration of Independence.
- It did not primarily focus on citizen protests or treasonous activities against Britain.
Declaration of Independence
- Its main goal was to end British rule and grant citizens the right to self-govern.
- It established key principles of governance and individual rights.
First Continental Congress
- Established in 1774 as the colonies began moving toward independence.
- It was organized to respond to British policies and escalating tensions.
Structure of the Declaration of Independence
- The purpose of government is explained in the Preamble of the Declaration.
- The document is structured to include a plan of action for the new nation's governance.
Events Leading to Independence
- A conflict between British troops and colonial militia in Massachusetts led to the publication of Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
Meaning of Unalienable Rights
- Unalienable means rights that cannot be surrendered and are inherent to individuals.
Intention Behind the Declaration
- It served as a formal declaration of war, although fighting had already begun prior to its adoption.
Grievances Listed in the Declaration
- The phrase regarding trade in the Declaration reflects frustration over British restrictions on colonial trade.
Powers of Government
- Declaring war and coining money are expressed powers of the federal government.
Supremacy Clause
- The primary purpose is to outline the relationship between federal and state powers.
- It establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.
Concurrent Powers
- Collecting taxes is an example of a concurrent power shared by federal and state governments.
Reserved Powers
- The sources of state powers are specifically outlined in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution.
Federalism
- The concept of federalism is rooted in the Supremacy Clause, balancing power between national and state governments.
Ongoing Debates in Federalism
- Health care remains a debated issue due to disagreements over whether it should be managed at the federal or state level.
Expressed Powers
- Expressed powers are specifically granted in the Constitution and form the foundation of governmental authority.
Key Takeaway
- The foundations of American government are grounded in the balance between individual rights, the need for a governed society, and the structure of federal and state powers.
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Test your knowledge on key concepts in government with these flashcards from 2014. Explore topics such as natural rights and the purpose of the Second Continental Congress. Ideal for students preparing for exams and enhancing their understanding of American government.