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Civics Flashcards
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| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What are the 5 fundamental political principles of government? | Consent of the governed Limited government Democracy Representative government Rule of law |
| 2. What does “consent of the governed” mean? | People agree to be rules People are the source of government Popular sovereignty |
| 3. What does “limited government” mean? | Government is not all powerful Restrictions/limits by a written constitution |
| 4. What does “democracy” mean? | Rule by the people |
| 5. What does “representative government” mean? | The people elect/vote for officials to govern/represent them |
| 6. What does “rule of law” mean? | All people, including elected officials, must obey the law |
| 7. Which early American document guaranteed the rights of Englishmen to colonists? | Charters of the Virginia Company of London |
| 8. What document was written by George Mason and served as a model/example for the U.S. Bill of Rights? | Declaration of Rights |
| 9. What document by Thomas Jefferson and served as a model for the First Amendment’s freedom of religion? | The Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom |
| 10. Why is the Declaration of Independence important? | Stated the grievances against the king, declared colonies' independence from Great Britain, affirmed certain unalienable rights, established the idea that all people are equal under law |
| 11. What was the first plan of government for the United States and why did it fail? | Articles of Confederation and because they didn't give Congress or the federal government enough power |
| 12. What is the Preamble and what does it do? | The introduction to the Constitution and sets forth the goals and purposes of the U.S. government |
| 13. What is the written plan of government for the United States? | The Constitution |
| 14. What is federalism? | The division of power between the states and the national government |
| 15. What are the powers set aside for the states called? | Reserved powers |
| 16. What happens if a U.S. law conflicts with a state law? | The U.S. law would rule over the state law because the national government is supreme |
| 17. What are implied powers? | Used to carry out expressed powers |
| 18. What are powers the federal or state governments may NOT have? | Powers limited by the Constitution |
| 19. What are powers given specifically to Congress in the Constitution called? | Expressed powers |
| 20. What are the 3 levels of federal courts? | U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals U.S. District Courts |
| 21. What are the 4 levels of state courts? | Supreme Court Court of Appeals Circuit Courts District Courts |
| 22. What is the process for bringing a civil and criminal case to trial? | Arrest Bail or Jail Arraignment - plea Trial Can appeal if guilty ABAT |
| 23. What group makes laws for Virginia? | Virginia General Assembly |
| 24. What is the lawmaking process? How does a bill become a law? | Introduced by a Senator or Representative Worked in committees Debated on the floor of each house Voted on in each house Sent to the president to sign into law |
| 25. What is a veto? | A constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body |
| 26. What is the role of a lobbyist? | To persuade politicians to vote a certain way on certain bills |
| 27. What does the executive branch include? | President, vice president, cabinet, government agencies, regulatory commissions, and 15 executive departments |
| 28. What is due process and where is it mentioned in the U.S. Constitution? | It's the constitutional protection against unfair governmental actions and laws mentioned in the 5th and 14th amendments to the Constitution |
| 29. What is the legislative branch of the local government? | County - Board of Supervisors City - Council Town - Council |
| 30. What positions does the VA Constitution require local governments to elect? | Sheriff, clerk of court, commissioner of revenue, and treasurer |
| 31. What is the role of the media in elections? | Focusing the attention on selected issues and offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated |
| 32. What are the primary responsibilities of the national government versus the state? | National: conducts foreign policy, regulates commerce, and provides for the common defense. State: Promotes public health, safety, and welfare. Tensions exist when federal mandates require state actions without adequate funding |
| 33. Describe the national legislative branch. | Consists of Congress Makes the laws of the nations Approves the annual budget Confirms presidential appointments Raises revenue through taxes and other levies Regulates interstate and foreign trade Declares war |
| 34. How does the executive branch influence policymaking? | Proposing legislation in an annual speech to Congress Appealing directly to the people Approving or vetoing legislation Appointing officials who carry out the laws |
| 35. What is judicial review? | The court's authority to examine legislative and executive acts and to determine if they are unconstitutional |
| 36. Which Supreme Court case established the idea of judicial review? | Marbury v. Madison |
| 37. Describe the system of checks and balances. Give examples. | One branch limiting the power of the other two branches. The president checks Congress when the president proposes legislation and congress checks the president when legislators override presidential vetoes |
| 38. What are the qualifications to vote? | Citizen of the United States Resident of Virginia and precinct At least 18 years of age by day of general election |
| 39. What factors determine who is more likely to vote? | Education Age Income |
| 40. What are PACs and what do they do? | Political action committees |
| 41. What are the functions of political parties? | 1. Recruiting and nominating candidates 2. Educating the electorate about campaign issues 3. Helping candidates win elections 4, Monitoring actions of officeholders |
| 42. How do third parties differ from the major parties?wh | They rarely win elections but play an important role in politics. They introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue. |
| 43. What are the major political parties and how are they different from each other? | Republican and Democratic. Democrats or more liberal while Republicans are conservative. |
| 44. How has the high cost of getting elected changed campaigning for public office? | Not everyone is available to run for office if they wanted to |
| 45. Explain how the electoral college works. | Electors for each state meet to vote for Vice President and President. The number of electors is based on population |
| 46. What are magistrates? | A civil officer or lay judge who administers the law |
| 47. What is the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction? | Original is the first courts decision and appellate is when someone appeals for a higher court decision |
| 48. Who heads the executive branch at each of the 3 levels of government? | President |
| Who nominates and confirms Supreme Court Justices? | President |
| 50. What did Brown v. Board of Education say? | Segregation of students in public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment |
| 51. What is our national legislature called? | Congress |
| 52. What does bicameral mean? | Consists of two law-making bodies |
| 53. None of the 3 branches of government is stronger than one another due to the system of __________. | Checks and balances |
| 54. What are the two houses of Congress called/ | Senate and House of Representatives |
| 55. How is representation determined in the House of Representatives? | By state population |
| 56. What are the roles of the President and Governor? | Chief of state, Chief executive, Chief legislator, Commander-in-chief, Chief diplomat, Chief of party, Chief citizen (president. Chief of state, Chief legislator, Chief administrator, Party chief, Commander-in-chief |
| 57. What is the name of the President’s annual speech to Congress? | State of the Union Address |
| 58. What are the 3 branches of government and what do they do? | Legislative, executive, and judicial. They |
| 59. What are the units of local government? | Political subdivisions created by the General Assembly. Counties, towns, and cities |
| 60. What is the difference between civil and criminal law? | In a criminal case, a court determines whether a person accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty of a misdemeanor or felony. In a civil case, a court settles a disagreement between two parties. |
| 61. Which courts have jury trials? | U.S. District Courts, General District Courts, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts |
| 62. What freedoms are guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? | Religion, speech, press, assembly, petition |
| 63. How are amendments added to the U.S. Constitution? | Proposal by Congress or convention and ratification by 3/4 states |
| 64. How can the Constitution of Virginia be amended? | Proposal by General Assembly or convention and ratification by the people/voters of VA |
| 65. How does an individual become a U.S. citizen? | Birth of naturalization |
| 66. What are the steps involved in naturalization? | Must demonstrate knowledge of American history and read, speak and write english |
| 67. What are the duties of citizenship? | Obey laws, pay taxes, serve in the armed forces if called, serve on a jury or as a witness in court if called |
| 68. What is your #1 civic responsibility? What are some other responsibilities of citizens? | Contribute to the common good. Register and vote, hold elective office, participate in political campaigns, serve in voluntary |
| 69. How do citizens demonstrate thoughtful and effective participation in civic life? | Formulating (asking) questions Analyzing information from a variety of sources Expressing a position Devising and implementing a pan Practicing thoughtful decision making in personal, financial, and civic matters |
| 70. What does “separation of powers” mean? | The powers of the national government are separated among 3 branches of the government in ways that limit any one branch from abusing its power |
| 71. Which officials are locally elected? | Mayor, sheriff, clerk of the circuit court, commissioner of revenue, and treasurer |
| 72. Which powers do local governments exercise? | Enforce state and local laws Promote public health Protect the environment Regulate land use Levy and collect taxes |
| 73. How do localities enact ordinances? | Through an elected Board of Supervisors |
| 74. How do individuals and interest groups influence public policy? | 1. Participating in politics (voting, campaigning) 2. Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters) 3. Joining interest groups 4. Identifying issues 5. Making political contributions 6. Lobbying government officials |
| 75. Which international issues would require local government officials to act? | Public health concerns in the event of a pandemic Public safety in the event of an act of terrorism Economic development policies in response to the emerging global economy Policies to protect the environment (wildlife protection) |
| 76. What are the 3 basic economic questions all societies must answer? | 1. What will be produced? 2. Who will produce it? 3. For whom will it be produced |
| 77. What does “scarcity” mean? | The inability to satisfy all wants at the same time |
| 78. Name and describe the 4 major economic systems. | Command - government controlled Free Market - no government control Mixed - individuals, businesses, and government interact Traditional - hunting, farming, and fishing |
| 79. What type of economy does the United States have? | Mixed |
| 80. What are the 5 essential characteristics of the United States economy? | Free Market Competition Profit Consumer Sovereignty Private Property |
| 81. Describe what “choice” and “opportunity cost” mean in the U.S. economy. | Opportunity cost is what is given up when a choice is made |
| 82. Define “price” and explain how it is determined in the U.S. economy. | Price - the amount of money exchanged for a good or service and is determined by supply and demand |
| 83. Name and explain the 4 resources or factors of production. | Natural Capital Human-labor Entrepreneurship |
| 84. Define incentives. | Motivate people to buy a product and change economic behavior like discounts, sales, BOGO, coupons |
| 85. Define supply and demand. | Supply - the amount of a good or service that the producers are willing to sell Demand - the amount of a good or service consumers are willing to buy |
| 86. Describe production and consumption. | Production - combining resources to make goods and services Consumption - using/buying goods and services |
| 87. List and describe the 3 basic types of business ownership in the U.S. | Sole proprietorship -1 Partnership -2 Corporation - stockholders |
| 88. How do individuals/households, businesses/producers and the government interact in the U.S. economy? | They exchange money, goods, services, and resources in a continuous circular flow |
| 89. What are private financial institutions and what do they do? | Banks, credit unions, savings and loans pay interest on savings, accept deposits, and make loans Intermediaries between saver and borrowers |
| 90. What is the role of the Federal Reserve System? | To keep the economy growing at a stable and steady rate To control the amount of money in circulation Banks for banks and US |
| 91. What is the role of the U.S. government in protecting consumer rights and property rights? | To regulate businesses by enforcing contracts, passing laws, and creating agencies |
| 92. Which amendment gave the government the authority to tax personal incomes of citizens? | 16th |
| 93. How do financial institutions encourage saving and investing? | By paying interest on deposits/savings |
| 94. What are public goods and services? | Provided by the government for the benefit of all citizens |
| 95. How do governments produce public goods and services? | Through tax revenue |
| 96. How does the government influence economic activity? | - By taxing and spending (fiscal policy) - By controlling monetary policy (the amount of money in circulation) - By promoting competition |
| 97. How does the United States government promote and regulate competition? | - By passing laws that discourage/prohibit monopolies - By supporting new business start-ups - By encouraging global trade |
| 98. Name and describe 3 executive branch government agencies that regulate businesses. | FCC - Federal Communications Commissions - regulates TV, radio, and communications EPA - Environmental Protection Agency - protects environment FTC - Federal Trade Commission - regulates trade FTP |
| 99. Why do Virginia and the United States trade with other nations? | - To increase wealth - To obtain products they do not make themselves |
| 100. What is the impact of technological innovation on world trade? | Technology/Internet contributes to the global flow of information, capital, goods and services, and technology lowers the cost of production |
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