U.S. Government Semester Exam Study Guide

U.S. Government Semester Exam Study Guide

• Declaration of Independence:

  • Purpose: Declare independence from British government and justify separation.
  • Circumstances: Colonies wanted to be independent states.
  • Nature of Man: Good, with inherent rights given by God.
  • Government Role: Cannot take away these rights.
  • Grievances: Against the King's actions.
  • Philosophical Basis: For self-governance in a world of sovereign states.
  • Government Type: Rooted in popular sovereignty, protecting individual rights, and accountable to the people
  • Articulating Philosophical Groundwork: for democratic principles in the USA.

• United States Constitution

  • Purpose: Establish a framework for the federal government.
  • Preamble: Outlines goals and principles of the new government.
  • Organization: Federal government divided into branches (executive, legislative, and judicial).
  • Processes: Amendment process, impeachment process, electoral college.
  • Amendments: 27 amendments have been added throughout US history.
  • 2/3 vote from both houses to propose an amendment, and then 3/4 of the states to ratify it.
  • Compromises:
    • Great Compromise: Established a bicameral legislative branch (House & Senate) to balance representation based on population and equal representation of each state.
    • 3/5ths Compromise: Regarding representation in the House of Representatives (3/5 of the enslaved population would count toward state representation in Congress.)

• Powers of Government Under the Constitution

  • Powers of Congress: Article I, Section 8 (e.g., tax, regulate commerce, borrow money, declare war)
  • Powers of President
  • Power Types: Enumerated (listed), expressed, inherent, implied, reserved
  • Implied Powers: Powers not explicitly listed, but reasonably suggested by enumerated powers. (i.e., a power of the government, even if not in the constitution, that is necessary to implement the expressed powers.)

• Structure of Congress

  • Senate: 100 members, 6-year terms
  • House of Representatives: 435 members, 2-year terms
  • Qualifications: Age, citizenship, and residency requirements differ between Senate and House.
  • Committees: Key functions of committees in Congress.
  • Powers: Shared powers, impeachment process, amendment processes.
  • Bills- How bills became law.

• The President

  • Election: Electoral College, 270 electoral votes needed to win, the role of electors.
  • Powers/Roles: Appointment power, convene Congress, make treaties, veto power, Commander in Chief, Chief of State, Chief Executive, Chief Administrator, Chief Diplomat.
  • Qualifications: Natural-born citizen, 35 years or older, and lived in the U.S. for 14 years.

• Civil Rights

  • Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments to the Constitution protecting fundamental rights (speech, press, religion, etc.).
  • 14th Amendment: Broadens civil rights to include due process and equal protection under law for all citizens.

Additional Topics

• Powers of Governments and Branches: Detailed summary about the limits and powers of each branch of the government.

Prepare for your U.S. Government exam with this comprehensive study guide covering key documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Explore the principles of democracy, the role of government, and the structure of the federal system. Ideal for students looking to strengthen their understanding of American governance.