Unit 2: Foundations of American Government
29 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What idea did Rousseau introduce that significantly influenced the US government?

  • Judicial review
  • Checks and balances
  • The separation of powers
  • Popular sovereignty (correct)

    • What significant role did James Madison play in shaping the US Constitution?

  • He led the Continental Army
  • He served as the first Chief Justice
  • He created the Virginia Plan (correct)
  • He wrote the Declaration of Independence

    • What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

  • To establish a new government structure
  • To support the Articles of Confederation
  • To declare separation from Great Britain (correct)
  • To outline the Bill of Rights

    • How did Common Sense by Thomas Paine influence American attitudes toward independence?

    <p>By advocating for immediate independence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why were the Articles of Confederation designed to have a weak central government?

    <p>To avoid concentration of power in one entity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of government has the power to veto laws?

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

    What is a key benefit of the federal system of government in the United States?

    <p>Division of powers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one notable drawback of the US federal system of government?

    <p>Increased complexity and potential inequality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle ensures that government officials are held accountable under the law?

    <p>Rule of Law (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amendment guarantees the right to a fair trial?

    <p>6th Amendment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for opposition to the ratification of the US Constitution?

    <p>Lack of a bill of rights (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of speech is NOT protected under the First Amendment?

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

    Who is recognized for developing the ideas of Limited Government and Social Contract Theory?

    <p>John Locke (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amendment protects individuals from being tried twice for the same crime?

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

    What does the term 'prior restraint' refer to in the context of free speech?

    <p>Preventing speech before it can be expressed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which document did Thomas Paine write that encouraged independence from Britain?

    <p>Common Sense (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concept of 'judicial review' primarily concerned with?

    <p>The independence of courts from political influence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of states must approve an amendment for it to be ratified?

    <p>75% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'civil rights'?

    <p>Rights guaranteed by the Constitution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of government is primarily responsible for overseeing the amendment process of the US Constitution?

    <p>Both state and federal governments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'double jeopardy' prevent?

    <p>Being tried for a crime after being acquitted (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an 'unfunded mandate'?

    <p>Policies imposed by the federal government without funding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When there is a conflict between state law and federal law, what is the outcome?

    <p>Federal law prevails (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term refers to the application of the Bill of Rights to the states?

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

    Which types of powers are defined as those specifically assigned to the federal government?

    <p>Delegated powers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle ensures that no government branch has total power?

    <p>Separation of powers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has the greatest impact on interpreting the Bill of Rights in the US government?

    <p>The Supreme Court (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept implies that everyone must adhere to established laws without exception?

    <p>Rule of law (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'individual rights' refer to in the context of government?

    <p>Fundamental freedoms granted to citizens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Popular Sovereignty in US Gov't

    The idea that the people hold the ultimate power in government, expressed through elections that select representatives.

    US Constitution's Preamble Purpose

    Outlines the goals and reasons behind establishing the US Constitution.

    Limited Speech by 1st Amendment

    The First Amendment restricts certain types of speech, including libel, slander, and speech that is dangerous or harmful.

    Amendments protecting legal rights

    The 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th amendments protect individuals' rights within the legal system.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    5th Amendment Rights

    Guarantees the rights of the accused, including indictment procedures, due process, protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and rules for eminent domain.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    6th Amendment Right

    Ensures the right to a fair trial, providing defendants with the process and protections needed to ensure a just outcome.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    8th Amendment Protections

    Guarantees protection from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prior Restraint

    Government attempts to prevent the public release of potentially harmful information.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Federalism

    A system where power is divided between a national government and regional governments.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Judicial Review

    The power of the courts to review laws and actions of the government to ensure they are constitutional.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Civil Liberties vs. Civil Rights

    Civil Liberties are freedoms protected FROM the government (like free speech), while Civil Rights are freedoms protected BY the government (like voting).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Incorporation

    Applying the Bill of Rights to state governments.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Expressed vs. Implied Powers

    Expressed powers are specifically listed in the Constitution, while implied powers are not explicitly mentioned but are assumed to be necessary.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Amendment Process

    A two-step process where an amendment is proposed by a 2/3 vote in Congress and ratified by 3/4 of the states.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Federal Law Supremacy

    Federal laws take precedence over state laws in case of conflict, as decided by the Supreme Court.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Levels in Amendment Process

    Both federal and state governments participate in the amendment process.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Delegated Powers

    Powers specifically granted to the federal government, such as coining money.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Reserved Powers

    Powers specifically reserved for the states, such as regulating marriage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Concurrent Powers

    Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as providing public health.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Supreme Court's Role in Bill of Rights

    The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, impacting how these rights are understood and applied.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Representative Government

    A democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Popular Sovereignty

    The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives (rule by the people).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Contract Theory

    The belief that the legitimacy of a government stems from an agreement between the ruling authority and its people, defining the rights and responsibilities of both.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Declaration of Independence

    A document declaring the separation of the American colonies from British rule and establishing their independence as a new nation, outlining unalienable rights.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Articles of Confederation

    The first governing document of the newly formed United States. It established a weak central government, favoring states' rights over national power.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Three Branches of Government

    The division of governmental power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Checks and Balances

    A system in which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other two.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Federal System of Government

    A system of government where power is divided between a national government and several state governments.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Unit 2: Foundations of American Government

    • Outcomes: Complete the review to prepare for the summative test and submit it to Canvas before testing.

    Fundamental Principles in Government

    • US Constitution Principles: Popular Sovereignty, Rule of Law, Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances, Federalism, Independent Judiciary, and Individual Rights.
    • Popular Sovereignty: The people elect leaders to represent them. This system works because the people have a say in their representation through elections.
    • Preamble of the Constitution: Establishes the purpose of the Constitution.
    • Limited Speech: The First Amendment limits speech to prevent libel, slander, and potentially harmful speech.
    • Legal System Rights: Amendments 5, 6, 7, and 8 protect individual rights within the legal system.
    • 5th Amendment: Guarantees rights of the accused including indictments, due process, self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and rules for eminent domain.
    • 6th Amendment: Enshrines the right to a fair trial.
    • 8th Amendment: Protections against excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment.
    • Prior Restraint: The government trying to prevent potentially harmful information from becoming public (e.g., damaging reputations by exposing corruption).

    Impact of Compromise in Government

    • Greatest Barrier to Ratification: The lack of a Bill of Rights was the greatest barrier to the ratification of the US Constitution in 1787.

    Important Historical People in US Government

    • John Locke: English Enlightenment thinker who contributed ideas of Limited Government and Social Contract Theory to US government.

    Significant Documents in US Government

    • Declaration of Independence: Declared the colonies' separation from Great Britain and independence as a new country, protecting unalienable rights.
    • Common Sense: A 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine that influenced Americans to fight for independence and supported democracy.

    US Government Power Centers

    • Articles of Confederation Shortcoming: The Articles of Confederation lacked a strong central government due to fear of a monarchy, giving power to the states.
    • Branches of Government: The three branches of government are Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
    • Checks and Balances: Each branch has powers that limit the power of the other branches. (e.g., Legislative approves presidential appointments; Judicial interprets laws' constitutionality; Executive vetoes laws)

    US Government Structures and Functions

    • Organization: The government is organized into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
    • Federal System: A system where power is divided between national and state governments.
    • Federal System Benefits: Divided power, citizen participation, and flexibility.

    Roles, Powers, and Limits in Government

    • Amendment Process: Amendments are proposed by a majority vote in Congress and then ratified by three-fourths of states.
    • Conflict Between Laws: Federal law prevails over conflicting state law. The Supreme Court decides if there is such a conflict.
    • Types of Powers: Delegated powers (federal), Reserved powers (states), and Concurrent powers (both federal and states).

    Expansion and Restrictions of Rights in the US

    • Impact of the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution and has significantly impacted how the Bill of Rights is understood.
    • Academic Vocabulary: Key terms like representative government, rule of law, limited government, individual rights, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, constitutionalism, majority rule, due process, and republican government are important to understand.

    Checks and Balances

    • System of Checks and Balances: This system ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and limits the power of each branch through powers assigned to each other.
    • Federalism: Division of powers between federal and regional governments.
    • Independent Judiciary: Separate from other branches of government.
    • Strict vs. Loose Construction: Different approaches to interpreting the Constitution. Strict construction (literal interpretation) vs. loose construction (flexible interpretation).
    • Judicial Review: The power of the courts to review laws for constitutionality.
    • Civil Liberties and Rights: Constitution-guaranteed individual freedoms and protections.
    • Incorporation: Extending Bill of Rights protections to the states (civil liberties).
    • Prior Restraint: Preventing potentially harmful information from reaching the public (e.g., reputational harm from corruption).
    • Power Limitations: Express, Interstate Commerce, Intrastate Commerce, Unfunded Mandates, and Devolution.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    AB Shortened Unit 2 Summative Study Guide Review PDF

    Description

    This quiz reviews the fundamental principles of American government as outlined in the US Constitution. Key topics include popular sovereignty, the rule of law, separation of powers, and individual rights. Prepare for your summative test by ensuring you understand these concepts thoroughly.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser