U.S. Government and Rights Quiz

The authority of individual states to govern themselves independently, without interference from other states or the federal government.

Powers shared by both the federal government and state governments. These include taxation, borrowing money, establishing courts, and regulating commerce.

A clause in the U.S. Constitution that establishes the Constitution, federal law, and treaties made under its authority as the supreme law of the land.

The introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution, outlining its main goals and guiding principles.

Guarantees individual freedoms such as speech, press, religion, assembly, and the right to bear arms.

A system of government where power is divided between a national (federal) government and state governments.

A system where the government's power derives from the consent of the governed. The people choose their representatives through elections.

The principle that the people are the ultimate source of power in government, and that government should be responsive to their will.

Direct democracy allows citizens to participate directly in decision-making and legislation through mechanisms like referendums or initiatives.

A system of government where power is shared between a central government and smaller regional governments, granting both levels of government autonomy in certain areas.

A system where individual states hold most of the power, with a weak central government having limited authority.

A system where power is concentrated in a central authority, with regional or local governments acting as extensions of the central government.

Government programs and policies designed to address social issues, such as poverty, healthcare, and education.

Regulations that govern the economy, including minimum wage laws, taxes, and trade agreements.

Laws and policies aimed at protecting the environment, such as clean air and water regulations, and conservation efforts.

A group of representatives from each state who formally cast votes for the President and Vice President.

Opponents of the Constitution who advocated for states' rights and feared a strong central government.

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can best control factions and protect minority rights.

The process by which political parties select their candidates for an election.

A nationwide election where voters choose officeholders.

Ideological perspectives where liberals favor progressive change and government intervention, while conservatives prioritize tradition and limited government.

A meeting of party members to select candidates or discuss policy.

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It consists of Congress, which has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives is the lower house of Congress. The number of representatives from each state is based on its population.

Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms.

The Senate is the upper house of Congress, with two senators from each state, regardless of population.

The Senate is designed to provide a check on the House, ensuring that laws are carefully considered before being passed.

The Senate is seen as a more deliberative body in the legislative process, providing a second chamber for debate and analysis.

The Senate is responsible for approving treaties and confirming presidential appointments.

The Senate is often considered the 'upper chamber' in Congress, as it plays a key role in balancing the power of the House.

The President delivers an annual speech outlining the nation's current state and legislative goals to Congress.

The Executive Office of the President (EOP) helps the President implement policies, manage tasks, and receive advice on important matters.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is the largest agency within the Executive Office of the President.

The NSC advises the President on national security and foreign policy, including the Vice President, Secretaries of State and Defense, and key officials.

The Chief of Staff is the most important official in the White House Office, managing the President's schedule and overseeing White House operations.

The OMB prepares the federal budget and monitors spending by executive agencies.

The NSC's main job is to advise the President on national security and foreign policy issues.

The Inner Cabinet is composed of four major positions: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, and Attorney General.

The Bill of Rights is a set of amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantees individual freedoms and limits the power of the federal government.

The Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms like free speech, due process, and protection from unreasonable searches.

Congress controls government spending by approving the federal budget, allocating funds, and overseeing how money is spent.

Both the House and Senate make laws, debate bills, and vote on them. They have the power to propose legislation.

House members serve 2-year terms, while senators serve 6-year terms. This difference balances short-term and long-term perspectives in Congress.

A bill starts in either the House or Senate, goes to a committee, then the floor debate with a vote. If passed in both houses, it goes to the President for signature or veto.

House members must be at least 25 years old and citizens for 7 years, while senators must be 30 and citizens for 9 years.

Both the House and Senate members take an oath to uphold the Constitution and enjoy privileges like immunity from arrest during sessions.