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American G. Exam 2
Question | Answer |
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What main warnings did George Washington give in his Farewell Address? | Washington warned against the dangers of political factions and entangling foreign alliances. |
Why did Washington caution against political parties? | He believed they would create divisions, weaken national unity, and enable foreign influence in domestic affairs. |
How did Washington view foreign alliances? | He advised against long-term alliances, urging instead that the U.S. maintain neutrality to avoid conflicts. |
What are the Four Freedoms outlined by FDR? | Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. |
Why did FDR consider these Four Freedoms essential in his 1941 speech? | He believed these freedoms were universal human rights that justified U.S. involvement in WWII and the defense of democracy. |
What were Joe Biden’s primary reasons for ending U.S. involvement in Afghanistan? | Biden emphasized the end of a prolonged conflict, a focus on counter-terrorism over nation-building, and the need to prioritize other global challenges. |
Why did FDR propose the “court-packing” plan? | To add more justices to the Supreme Court, aiming to secure favorable rulings for his New Deal policies. |
What approach to constitutional interpretation did Justice Brennan advocate for in his speech? | Brennan supported a “living Constitution” approach, suggesting that the Constitution should be interpreted in light of current values and social changes. |
How did Brennan criticize strict textualism in constitutional interpretation? | He argued that strict textualism ignores evolving societal norms and limits the Constitution’s applicability to contemporary issues. |
Why did Brennan believe that the Constitution’s interpretation should evolve over time? | He felt it was necessary to ensure justice and relevance for future generations while adapting to societal progress. |
What was Woodrow Wilson’s main argument in "Constitutional Government in the United States"? | Wilson argued for a stronger, more dynamic executive branch to adapt to modern governance challenges. |
How did Wilson view the separation of powers? | He believed it needed to be flexible to allow the government to respond effectively to contemporary issues. |
What did Wilson identify as a limitation of the Constitution? | Its rigidity, which he believed prevented the government from being fully effective in a rapidly changing society. |
What was the Great Society program, as described by LBJ? | A series of domestic programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice, improving education, and revitalizing cities. |
What did LBJ emphasize in his speech on the Voting Rights Act? | The importance of protecting voting rights for African Americans and addressing racial discrimination in voting practices. |
How did LBJ’s Great Society initiatives impact American society? | They expanded social welfare, healthcare, and education and marked a major federal commitment to civil rights. |
What is the main focus of Federalist 78? | Judicial independence and the power of judicial review. |
Why did Hamilton argue that the judiciary would be the “least dangerous” branch? | Because it lacked the power of the purse (budget) and sword (military), relying instead on judgment. |
How does Federalist 78 justify judicial review? | It argues that the judiciary must interpret the Constitution to protect it from legislative or executive overreach. |
What did Alexis de Tocqueville see as the strengths of American democracy? | Equality of conditions, individual freedom, and civic participation. |
How did Tocqueville view the potential dangers of majority rule? | He warned of the “tyranny of the majority,” where majority opinion could oppress minorities. |
What was the central issue in DC v. Heller? | Whether the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to own firearms for self-defense. |
How did the Supreme Court rule in DC v. Heller? | The Court ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess firearms. |
What was the significance of the DC v. Heller decision? | It affirmed an individual right to bear arms, influencing gun rights legislation and interpretation. |
What principle was established by Marbury v. Madison? | Judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional. |
Why was Marbury v. Madison significant for the judiciary? | It established the judiciary as a co-equal branch by affirming its power to interpret the Constitution. |
What was the immediate issue in Marbury v. Madison? | Whether William Marbury had the right to his judicial appointment. |
What are the five freedoms protected by the 1st Amendment? | Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. |
What right does the 2nd Amendment protect? | The right to keep and bear arms. |
What was the 2008 Supreme Court decision that affirmed an individual right to own firearms? | DC v. Heller. |
What does the 3rd Amendment prohibit? | The quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the owner’s consent. |
What protection does the 4th Amendment provide? | Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. |
What must law enforcement obtain to conduct a search under the 4th Amendment? | A warrant based on probable cause. |
What are the five main protections in the 5th Amendment? | Right to a grand jury, protection from double jeopardy, protection against self-incrimination, due process of law, and eminent domain with just compensation. |
What does "pleading the Fifth" refer to? | The right to avoid self-incrimination during legal proceedings. |
What rights does the 6th Amendment guarantee to criminal defendants? | The right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, to be informed of charges, to confront witnesses, and to have legal counsel. |
What does the 7th Amendment provide for in civil cases? | The right to a jury trial in civil cases involving claims of more than $20. |
What does the 8th Amendment prohibit? | Excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. |
What does the 9th Amendment state about rights? | It states that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny other rights retained by the people. |
What is the primary purpose of the 10th Amendment? | To reserve powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. |
What did the 13th Amendment achieve? | It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. |
What are the key provisions of the 14th Amendment? | Citizenship rights, equal protection under the law, and due process for all citizens. |
What right does the 15th Amendment protect? | The right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. |
What power did the 16th Amendment give Congress? | The power to levy an income tax. |
What right does the 19th Amendment guarantee? | The right to vote regardless of gender. |
What limitation does the 22nd Amendment place on the presidency? | It limits presidents to two terms in office. |
What did the 24th Amendment abolish? | Poll taxes in federal elections. |
What issue does the 25th Amendment address? | Presidential succession and procedures for replacing the president or vice president in case of death, resignation, or incapacity. |
How does the 25th Amendment provide for temporary transfer of presidential power? | By allowing the vice president to assume powers if the president is unable to perform duties. |
What voting right does the 26th Amendment protect? | The right to vote for citizens 18 years and older. |
How many electoral votes does a presidential candidate need to win the U.S. election? | A candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to win. |
What is sometimes referred to as the "fourth branch of government"? | The term refers to entities that influence government outside of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, including the bureaucracy, media, interest groups, and public opinion. |
What are examples of entities considered part of the "fourth branch" of government? | Examples include the federal bureaucracy, media, interest groups and lobbyists, and public opinion. |
What branch of government does Article I of the Constitution establish? | The Legislative Branch, which includes Congress. |
How is Congress divided according to Article I? | Into two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. |
What power does Article I give Congress regarding finances? | The power to lay and collect taxes, borrow money, and regulate commerce. |
How long is the term for a member of the House of Representatives as stated in Article I? | Two years. |
According to Article I, who has the sole power to impeach federal officials? | The House of Representatives. |
What role does the Senate have in the impeachment process under Article I? | The Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases. |
What branch of government does Article II establish? | The Executive Branch, which includes the President. |
How long is the term of office for the President as specified in Article II? | Four years. |
According to Article II, who is responsible for enforcing federal laws? | The President. |
What authority does Article II give the President regarding the military? | The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. |
How does Article II allow the President to make treaties? | With the advice and consent of the Senate, needing a two-thirds vote for approval. |
According to Article II, what is required to remove the President from office? | Impeachment and conviction for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." |
What branch of government does Article III establish? | The Judicial Branch, which includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. |
What is the main role of the Judicial Branch as described in Article III? | To interpret laws and ensure they are applied fairly. |
According to Article III, how long do federal judges serve? | For life, during "good behavior." |
Which cases does Article III say the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over? | Cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and states as parties. |
How does Article III define treason? | Levying war against the U.S. or aiding its enemies. |
What does Article IV address? | The relationships between states and between states and the federal government. |
What clause in Article IV requires states to respect each other’s laws and court decisions? | The Full Faith and Credit Clause. |
How does Article IV guarantee protection for each state? | The federal government must protect states against invasion and domestic violence. |
What process does Article IV outline for admitting new states? | Congress has the power to admit new states into the Union. |
What does Article V describe? | The process for amending the Constitution. |
How can an amendment be proposed under Article V? | By a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. |
What is required for an amendment to be ratified? | Approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures or state conventions. |
What does the Supremacy Clause in Article VI declare? | The Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. |
How does Article VI address conflicts between state and federal laws? | Federal law takes precedence over state law. |
What requirement does Article VI impose on government officials? | They must take an oath to support the Constitution. |
What does Article VII outline? | The process for ratifying the Constitution. |
How many states were required to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect according to Article VII? | Nine out of the thirteen original states. |
What is original jurisdiction? | Original jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear a case first, before any other court. |
What is judicial review? | Judicial review is the power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. |
What does due process mean? | Due process refers to the legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person. |
Which amendments in the U.S. Constitution guarantee due process? | The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee due process rights. |