U.S. Government Basics Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What does the principle of majority rule imply about individual rights?

  • It can completely disregard individual rights.
  • It only protects the rights of the majority.
  • It can change individual rights based on popular opinion.
  • It must respect individual rights protected by the Constitution. (correct)

Which document is NOT considered a major American state paper?

  • United States Constitution
  • Articles of Confederation
  • Federalist Papers (correct)
  • Declaration of Independence

What is the main function of the Executive Branch of the government?

  • Reviews laws.
  • Interprets laws.
  • Makes laws.
  • Carries out laws. (correct)

Which statement best defines popular sovereignty?

<p>The people are the highest legal authority. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for electing the President of the United States?

<p>The Electoral College (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is state sovereignty?

<p>The states have the highest legal authority. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following branches of government makes laws?

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

What system is in place to limit the power of the majority in the United States?

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

What does it mean to be impeached?

<p>To be charged with misconduct (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government has the power to veto bills?

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

According to Washington's quote, how should incorrect distributions of constitutional powers be addressed?

<p>By amendment as designated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might Luther Martin claim that the Constitution was inconsistent with the principles of the Revolution?

<p>It initially upheld slavery (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one step forward for the principle of equal protection under the law?

<p>Brown vs. Board of Education (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one step backward regarding equal protection under the law?

<p>The Alien Act used during WWII (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about amending the Constitution aligns with Washington's view?

<p>The Constitution should be amended as needed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch has the authority to declare acts of other branches unconstitutional?

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

Flashcards

Majority

The larger part or group in a comparison.

Minority

The smaller part or group in a comparison.

Majority Rule

The principle where the opinion of the more people wins.

State papers

Important documents from history highlighting important events or achievements of a country.

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Major US State Papers

Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution

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Popular Sovereignty

The people are the highest authority.

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State Sovereignty

The states are the highest authority.

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Electoral College

Group that chooses the president of the United States

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Impeachment

To formally accuse a government official of wrongdoing.

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Constitutional Amendment

A change or addition to the Constitution.

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Veto

The power of the executive branch to reject a bill passed by the legislature.

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Unconstitutional Act

An action that violates the principles of the Constitution.

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Principle of Equal Protection

The idea that all citizens should be treated equally under the law.

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Constitutional Inconsistency

A situation where a law or practice is not aligned with the ideals of the Constitution.

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Step Forward of principle

An action that improves the implementation of a principle.

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Step Backward of principle

An action that hinders the implementation of a principle.

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Study Notes

Majority and Minority

  • Majority refers to the larger part or group in a comparison.
  • Minority refers to the smaller part or group in a comparison.
  • Majority rule protects individual rights, as these are protected by the Constitution.
  • The power of the majority is limited by federalism, democracy, a system of representation, and the protection of individual rights.

State Papers

  • State papers are historical documents.
  • The three major US state papers are the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution.
  • Popular sovereignty means the people are the highest legal authority.
  • State sovereignty means the states are the highest legal authority.

Branches of Government

  • The three branches of government are: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
  • The Legislative Branch makes laws.
  • The Executive Branch carries out laws.
  • The Judicial Branch interprets laws.
  • Congress is the Legislative Branch, including the Senate and House of Representatives.

Checks and Balances

  • A check of power for each branch of government ensures no single branch becomes too influential.
  • Examples include the Legislative Branch impeaching elected officials, the Judicial Branch declaring acts unconstitutional, and the Executive Branch vetoing bills.

Impeachment

  • Impeachment means being charged with misconduct.

Constitutional Amendments

  • The Constitution can be amended to correct perceived flaws in its distribution of power.
  • Amendment procedures are outlined in the Constitution.

The Constitution and Slavery

  • Critics argued the Constitution was inconsistent with ideals of liberty and equality due to its initial acceptance of slavery.
  • The Founding Fathers' views on ideals such as liberty, equality, and self-government are complex and often contradictory.

Equal Protection Under Law

  • Equal protection under law is a principle in US government.
  • A step forward was the Brown vs. Board of Education decision which ended segregation.
  • A step backward was the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of U.S. government, including majority and minority dynamics, essential state papers, and the principles of popular and state sovereignty. Additionally, explore the three branches of government and their functions. This quiz is a great way to reinforce your understanding of American political principles.

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