U.S. Constitution Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

Which scenario best illustrates the principle of checks and balances?

  • The Supreme Court hears arguments in a case involving interstate commerce.
  • A state government legalizes marijuana despite federal laws.
  • The President vetoes a bill passed by Congress. (correct)
  • Congress proposes a law to increase environmental regulations.

How does the concept of federalism affect the relationship between state and national governments in the United States?

  • It mandates that all laws passed at the state level must first be approved by the national government.
  • It ensures that states are entirely independent and free from national government interference.
  • It divides power between a national government and state governments, allowing each to have some independent authority. (correct)
  • It establishes a system where the national government has ultimate authority over all state matters.

How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Marbury v. Madison (1803) impact the balance of power within the U.S. government?

  • It established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. (correct)
  • It expanded the power of Congress by allowing it to override presidential vetoes with a simple majority vote.
  • It weakened states' rights by asserting federal supremacy in all legal matters.
  • It limited the power of the executive branch by subjecting presidential actions to judicial review.

Which of these scenarios would violate the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?

<p>A person is tried twice for the same crime after being acquitted in the first trial. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is most likely to be protected under the First Amendment?

<p>A newspaper publishes an article critical of the government's policies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the 15th and 19th Amendments expand democratic participation in the United States?

<p>The 15th Amendment prohibited denying the right to vote based on race, while the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between a direct democracy and a republic?

<p>In a direct democracy, citizens vote on policies directly, while in a republic, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of political parties in the U.S. political system?

<p>To nominate candidates, contest elections, and influence public policy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Republicans and Democrats generally differ on taxation and government spending?

<p>Democrats typically favor more government spending and higher taxes on the wealthy, while Republicans prefer less government spending and lower taxes across the board. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the economic concept of opportunity cost?

<p>The value of the next best alternative given up when making a choice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do supply and demand interact to determine market prices in a market economy?

<p>Prices adjust based on the interaction between the quantity of goods producers are willing to sell (supply) and the quantity consumers are willing to buy (demand). (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a command economy?

<p>The government controls the means of production and makes key economic decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are unemployment and inflation used as indicators of the overall health of an economy?

<p>Low unemployment and low inflation indicate a stable and healthy economy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions represents a monetary policy decision by the Federal Reserve (the Fed)?

<p>The Fed lowers the federal funds rate to stimulate borrowing and investment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a progressive tax system differ from a regressive tax system?

<p>A progressive tax system takes a larger percentage of income from higher-income earners, while a regressive tax system takes a larger percentage from lower-income earners. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of organizing a business as a corporation compared to a sole proprietorship or partnership?

<p>A corporation provides limited liability for its owners, protecting their personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do stocks and bonds generally differ in terms of risk and potential return?

<p>Stocks are generally considered higher risk and offer higher potential returns compared to bonds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is having good credit important for consumers?

<p>Good credit helps consumers obtain lower borrowing costs (lower interest rates) on loans and credit cards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "comparative advantage" mean in the context of global trade?

<p>A country's ability to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than another country. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do tariffs affect international trade?

<p>Tariffs restrict imports by increasing the cost of foreign goods. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Constitution

The rulebook for the government, based on popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and checks & balances.

Federalism

The sharing of power between national and state levels of government.

Declaration of Independence

The document declaring natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes laws; consists of the House and Senate.

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Executive Branch

The branch of government that enforces laws; headed by the President.

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Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws; consists of the courts.

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1st Amendment

Guarantees freedoms like speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

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5th Amendment

Guarantees due process, protection against double jeopardy, and the right to remain silent.

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6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy trial and a lawyer.

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8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

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13th Amendment

Abolished slavery in the United States.

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14th Amendment

Guarantees equal protection and citizenship.

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15th Amendment

Gave African American men the right to vote.

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19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote.

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24th Amendment

Eliminated poll taxes.

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26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

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Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional; established in Marbury v. Madison.

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Electoral College

A body of people representing the states who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

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Scarcity

Limited resources lead to needing to make choices.

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Opportunity Cost

What you give up when you make a choice.

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Study Notes

  • A constitution serves as the rulebook for a government.
  • It is based on popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
  • Federalism involves power-sharing between national and state governments.
  • The Declaration of Independence (1776) declares natural rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Branches of Government

  • The legislative branch, or Congress (House + Senate), creates laws.
  • The executive branch, led by the President, enforces laws.
  • The judicial branch, comprised of courts, interprets laws.

Bill of Rights (First 10 Amendments)

  • The 1st Amendment protects speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
  • The 5th Amendment ensures due process, protection from double jeopardy, and the right to remain silent.
  • The 6th Amendment guarantees a speedy trial with a lawyer.
  • The 8th Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

Important Amendments

  • The 13th Amendment abolished slavery.
  • The 14th Amendment ensures equal protection and defines citizenship.
  • The 15th Amendment grants African American men the right to vote.
  • The 19th Amendment grants women's suffrage.
  • The 24th Amendment prohibits poll taxes.
  • The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.

Key Concepts

  • Judicial Review was established in Marbury v. Madison.
  • The Electoral College elects the President, requiring 270 votes to win.

Types of Government

  • Democracy is when the power belongs to the people.
  • Republic is when elected representatives are in power.
  • Authoritarian operates under a dictator.

Political Process

  • Voting is defined as a major civic duty.
  • Democrats typically support more government intervention and higher taxes on the wealthy.
  • Republicans generally prefer less government intervention, lower taxes, and a free market.

Economics: Basic Concepts

  • Scarcity is defined as limited resources leading to choices.
  • Opportunity Cost is what you give up when making a choice.
  • Supply & Demand determine market prices.

Economic Systems

  • In a market economy, people decide (capitalism).
  • In a command economy, the government controls (communism).
  • A traditional economy is based on customs.
  • The U.S. and most modern countries have mixed economies.

Economic Indicators

  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures total goods and services produced.
  • Unemployment is the percentage of people without jobs but seeking work.
  • Inflation means prices are going up, which in turn reduces buying power.

Policies

  • Monetary Policy involves the Federal Reserve controlling money and interest rates.
  • Fiscal Policy involves the government controlling spending and taxes.

Taxes

  • Progressive taxes require higher earners to pay a higher percentage (e.g., income tax).
  • Regressive taxes disproportionately affect low-income earners (e.g., sales tax).
  • Property taxes are local and fund schools.

Business Types

  • A sole proprietorship has one owner who takes on full risk.
  • A partnership has shared ownership.
  • A corporation is a separate legal entity with limited risk that can sell stock.

Investing

  • Stocks are high risk/high reward.
  • Savings are low risk/low reward.
  • Bonds are medium risk.
  • Good credit results in lower borrowing costs.

Global Trade

  • Comparative Advantage means focusing on what you do best.
  • Tariffs are taxes on imports.
  • Globalization is increased world trade and connections.

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