US Government Principles and Amendments Quiz

System of government where people hold the power, with key beliefs like limited government, natural rights, and popular sovereignty.

Individuals have rights that are inherent and cannot be taken away by laws or cultural norms.

Agreement between people and their government where individuals give up certain rights for order and protection.

Power to rule comes from the people, expressed through elections and consent.

Government authority comes from the people who elect representatives to make decisions.

Limited government which restricts government power to protect individual freedoms.

A type of democracy where citizens directly participate in making decisions.

A type of democracy where a select few, often elites, make the decisions.

The body of Congress that represents the states, with each state having two senators.

The body of Congress that represents the population of each state, with the number of representatives determined by population.

A process where political boundaries are redrawn after the census, often used to manipulate electoral outcomes.

Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage, often to favor a particular party or candidate.

The leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives, elected by members.

A less formal process in the House of Representatives that allows for faster consideration of bills.

A method used in the House of Representatives to force a bill out of a committee and onto the floor for debate.

The period at the end of a president's term when legislation may be blocked by Congress.

The power of the president to reject bills passed by Congress.

A set of guidelines issued by the president, directing federal agencies to implement certain policies.

The president's use of their position to influence public opinion and encourage Congress to pass legislation.

The principle that past judicial decisions set the basis for future cases.

A type of judicial decision-making where judges overturn laws or actions to address injustices.

Established in Marbury v. Madison, the power of the Court to strike down laws or actions that violate the Constitution.

The Supreme Court hears cases that have already been ruled on by lower courts.

The Court hears a case for the first time.

The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.

The 14th Amendment prevents states from violating citizens' federal rights. It contains two key clauses: Due Process and Equal Protection.

Part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from favoring or endorsing any particular religion.

Part of the First Amendment that protects individuals' right to practice their religion freely.

A three-part test used to determine if government actions violate the Establishment Clause. The government action must have a secular purpose, not advance or inhibit religion, and not excessively entangle the government with religion.

A legal principle that excludes illegally obtained evidence from being used in court. It was established in the case of Mapp v. Ohio (1961).

The 2nd Amendment protects an individual's right to bear arms. It has been applied to the states through the 14th Amendment.

The 4th, 8th, and 14th Amendments create a balance between individual freedoms and public safety by limiting government actions.

The right to privacy is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but is inferred from several amendments (e.g., 1st, 4th, 9th, and 14th). It protects individual autonomy and decision-making in personal matters.

In Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), the Supreme Court ruled that a law banning the use of contraceptives violated the right to privacy in marriage. This case established a constitutional basis for privacy in personal decisions related to family life.

Established in 1973, Roe v. Wade ensured a woman's right to an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. Later overturned in 2022, it sparked debates on the balance between personal autonomy and state regulations.

Keynesian Economics focuses on government spending to stimulate demand and create jobs, especially during economic downturns. It advocates for government intervention to stabilize the economy.

Supply-Side Economics promotes tax cuts, particularly for businesses and wealthy individuals. It aims to encourage investment and entrepreneurship, believing that this will stimulate economic growth.

Campaign finance laws are designed to regulate political donations to ensure fairness and transparency in elections. They aim to prevent undue influence of wealthy donors on elections.

This landmark ruling in Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns, arguing it's protected free speech under the First Amendment. This decision has been controversial, as critics argue it allows undue influence by wealthy entities.

The process by which individuals form their political views and beliefs. This involves influences from family, education, peers, media, and political groups.

A spectrum that categorizes political beliefs based on the role of government. The left advocates for government intervention in the economy to ensure equality, while the right emphasizes individual responsibility and limited government involvement.

The belief in minimal government intervention in the economy. Proponents advocate for free markets, limited regulation, and lower taxes. It emphasizes individual initiative and free trade.

A belief system that prioritizes traditional social and cultural values. Proponents often emphasize family, religion, and patriotism. They may oppose changes that challenge established norms.

A focus on national sovereignty and protecting national interests. Proponents prioritize the well-being of their nation, sometimes at the expense of international cooperation.

Emphasis on strict law enforcement and private property rights. Proponents advocate for strong police presence and consistent punishment for crimes, often believing in individual responsibility for actions.

The belief that government should only protect individual rights, including national defense, courts, and upholding contracts. It emphasizes individual liberty and minimal government interference in personal choices.