Government Unit 1 Test

A disadvantage of a confederate government is that A. member states are frequently invaded by other states within the confederation. B. they tend to be weak since they have only the powers granted to them by member states. C. member states are unwilling to give up their independence. D. they are not respected by other sovereign states.

B. they tend to be weak since they have only the powers granted to them by member states.

Which of the following is a basic power of every government that allows it to interpret laws? A. executive power B. judicial power C. political power D. legislative power

B. judicial power

A presidents term in office is..

4 years

Who can participate? (in governing)

1. Democracy (ppl are sovereign) - direct (rare) - indirect/republic 2. Dictatorship (oldest/authoritarian/militaristic/like N Korea) - autocracy (1 person holds unlimited pol. power) - oligarchy (small, self-appointed, elite)

Theories

1. Divine Right of Kings: God chosen (EU, CH, Aztec/Mayan) 2. Social Contract "Agree": Locke (Eng) & Rousseau (FR) - ppl take by force belonged to them - "state of nature" where all ppl are similarly free & no gov existed - humans overcome unpleasant conditions by agreeing to create a state thru a contract 3. Force: one entity claimed control and forced all to submit to rule, then elements of state were estbl. 4. Evolutionary (family): one person was head/"gov", over time original family became a clan, then a tribe, then turned to farming and a state was born ALL RELATE TO STATE

Personal & Civic Responsibilities

1. P: taking care of self 2. C: Involve role as a citizen of a larger community - obeying law, paying taxes, being informed&voting, respecting rights of others, serving as a juror, & serving in the armed forces - serve the public good: care for environment, safety & education

Relationship B/N Executive & Legislative

1. Presidential (US) - constitutions spell out their powers - ex: "President" - Checks & Balances - US founded mostly in W. Hemi 2. Parliamentary (GB & most) - less conflict & deadlock - executive: prime minister & cabinet - cabinet: majority of parliament - parliament is leg. Branch

Geographic Distribution of Power

1. Unitary (centralized) - powers given to local units - GB (most govs) - Parliament has the power 2. Federal (powers are divided) - 2 govs: Central & Local - Ex: US Constitution - Fed Gov & State Govs (are unitary, not federal) - Places w/ fed gov: AU, CA, MX, GR, Switzerland, India 3. Confederate (Alliance of independent states) - Ex: Confederate states/Euro Union

Powers reserved to the states

10th Amendment states that the States are governments of reserved powers: powers that the Constit does not grant to Nat gov and does not deny to the states - forbid marriage under 18 w/o consent - ban porn, prostitution, gambling - license to practice job - confiscate property used for drug traficking - estbl pub schools, enact land use laws, etc Most of what gov does is done by states, not national gov

State

A body of people, living in a defined territory, organized politically (w a gov), and with the power to make & enforce law w/o the consent of any higher authority 1. Population 2. Government - Purposes were: - more perfect union - liberty & justice - domestic peace - defense for all - general welfare - patriotism 3. Territory 4. Sovereignty

Federalism

A system of government in which a written Constitution divides the powers of government on a territorial basis, between a central gov and several regional govs, usually called states or provinces - Governmental power is divided b/n national & state govs - shared political authority - Article 4

Considering that the Preamble to the Constitution states that part of forming a more perfect union is to establish justice, what did Martin Luther King, Jr., mean when he said that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"? A. If even one person is affected by injustice, everyone is affected. B. If one nation treats people equally, then all nations need to treat people equally. C. Justice is always reasonable, fair, and impartial. D. Justice is only as good as the judges who hear cases.

A. If even one person is affected by injustice, everyone is affected.

What is the difference between an autocracy and an oligarchy? A. In an autocracy, a single person holds all the power. In an oligarchy, a small group of people hold the power. B. An autocracy is a form of dictatorship. An oligarchy is a form of democracy. C. In an autocracy, a small group of people hold the power. In an oligarchy, a single person holds the power. D. An autocracy is a form of democracy. An oligarchy is a form of dictatorship.

A. In an autocracy, a single person holds all the power. In an oligarchy, a small group of people hold the power.

What is the purpose of the separation of powers in a presidential form of government? A. to ensure that no branch has more power over another B. to ensure that political authority rests with the people C. to ensure that the executive branch is under the direct control of the legislative branch D. to ensure that local and national governments are co-equal partners

A. to ensure that no branch has more power over another

Every 10 years the U.S. government conducts a census to apportion membership in the A. Senate. B. House of Representatives. C. Supreme Court. D. all of the above

B. House of Representatives.

What guarantees certain individual rights?

Bill of Rights

Which of the following is an advantage of a written constitution? A. A written constitution establishes the different branches of government. B. A written constitution gives the people sovereignty. C. A written constitution defines the powers of the government. D. A written constitution tells the government how to make laws for the state

C. A written constitution defines the powers of the government.

Which of the following accurately describes the divine right of kings and the social contract theories? A. The divine right of kings and the social contract theories hold that government power derives from a divinity. B. The divine right of kings theory holds that the power of government derives from a divinity; the social contract theory holds that the power of government is acquired through force. C. The divine right of kings theory holds that the power of government derives from a divinity; the social contract theory holds that the power of government is acquired from the people. D. The divine right of kings and the social contract theories hold that government power derives from a social contract that requires the people to obey their ruler as they would a god.

C. The divine right of kings theory holds that the power of government derives from a divinity; the social contract theory holds that the power of government is acquired from the people.

How do the presidential and parliamentary forms of government differ from one another? A. The presidential form has an executive branch and a legislative branch, whereas the parliamentary form does not have any branches. B. The parliamentary form has a system of checks and balances, whereas the presidential form has no such system. C. The presidential form has executive and legislative branches that are separate but equal, whereas the parliamentary form has an executive branch that is a part of the legislative branch. D. The parliamentary form of government is structured so conflict between branches is frequent, whereas the presidential form is structured to promote compromise.

C. The presidential form has executive and legislative branches that are separate but equal, whereas the parliamentary form has an executive branch that is a part of the legislative branch.

Who has the power to declare war?

Congress

Article 1 of the Constitution

Creates the Legislative branch - bicameral legislature: made up of two houses (Senate and House of Rep) 1. HOR (435 members): 2 year terms, 25+ yrs old, 7+ yrs as a citizen - representation is based on state's pop - power to impeach - Highest officer: speaker of the house 2. Senate (100 members): 6 yr terms, 30+ yrs old, 9+ yrs as a citizen - representation is 2 per state - power to try impeachments - Highest officer: VP 3. Powers of Congress - collect taxes - coin money - grant patents & copyrights - declare war - can override veto of bill into law AFTER president signs bill into law THEN vetoes it after

Which of the following is considered an advantage of a federal system of government? A. Independent states work together to solve issues of common concern but retain their own identities. B. Power rests with one central agency that determines what powers local governments can and cannot have. C. Member states determine how much power the government has. D. Power is divided between a central government and many local governments.

D. Power is divided between a central government and many local governments.

Which of the following is the most likely reason the phrase "the laws of nature and nature's God" was included in the Declaration of Independence? A. The writers of the Declaration of Independence respected the natural world. B. The writers of the Declaration of Independence wanted to send a message to King George that nature was the most powerful force in the world. C. The writers of the Declaration of Independence believed in nature's law and nature's God as part of their religion. D. The writers of the Declaration of Independence used the phrase to express their belief in John Locke's theory of natural rights

D. The writers of the Declaration of Independence used the phrase to express their belief in John Locke's theory of natural rights

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper... These words A. allow the Constitution to meet the changing needs of the US. B. are known as the Elastic Clause. C. are subject to individual interpretation. D. all of the above

D. all of the above

Which of the following is NOT a Constitutional power granted to Congress? A. collect taxes B. establish rules of naturalization C. regulate foreign and interstate trade D. grant titles of nobility

D. grant titles of nobility

Effectiveness of Pol Participation @ Local, State & National Levels

Depends on each individual - Democracy: seek elected office is most effective form - take part in working of the gov itself - draw up petitions/form action groups - letters written to gov leaders - vote

Supremacy Clause

Division of powers in US federal system produces a dual system of gov, can result in conflicts b/n national and State law - Framers anticipated conflicts and wrote the Supremacy Clause into the Constitution: declares that federal laws (Constitution) override conflicting state laws - joins National & State Govs into single gov unit, a federal government

Checks and Balances

Each branch of the government checks the powers of the other branches - shown in articles 1 & 2

Preamble to the Constitution

Introduction to the U.S. Constitution, establishing the goals and purposes of government We the People (popular sov) of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Branch of government that interprets the laws

Judicial

Which government officials receive appointments for life?

Justices

Branch of government that makes the laws

Legislative

Process Politics vs Institution

Process Politics (Aristotle) Institution: make/enforce public policies - POWERS (Re: Laws) - dictatorship: 1 or small - democracies: ppl are sovereign - 3 branches: 1. Executive (enforce/president) 2. Legislative (make/Congress) 3. Judicial (interpret/Judges)

Exclusive powers

Most of the powers that the Constitution delegates to the National Government; can be exercised by the National Government alone - Ex: regulation of interstate commerce, power to coin money, etc

Implied Powers

Not expressly stated in Constitution, but are reasonably suggested/implied by expressed powers - constitutional basis for implied powers is found in one of the expressed powers: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 gives Congress the "necessary and proper power' - The Necessary & Proper Clause says that Congress has the power to make all laws which shall be....

Separation of Powers

Powers are divided between the three branches of gov 1. Article 1: makes laws 2. Article 2: enforces laws 3. Article 3: interprets laws

Expressed Powers

Powers delegated to the National Government, expressed in the Constitution - sometimes called enumerated powers - found in Article 1: gives 27 powers to Congress - Article 2: gives powers to President - Article 3: gives judicial power to Supreme Ct & other courts - also found in Amendments in Constitution, like 16th amend.

Inherent Powers

Powers that belong to the National Government because it is the national government of a sovereign state in the world community - Constitution doesn't expressly provide for them, they are powers that, over time, all national govs have come to possess - Few in number: 1. reg immigration 2. deport aliens 3. acquire territory 4. grant diplomatic regcon to other states 5. protect nation ag rebellion/attempts to overthrow gov by force/violence - implied by one or more of the expressed powers

What two groups make up Congress?

Senate and House of Representatives

Describes the division of government into three branches

Separation of Powers

Concurrent powers

Some of the powers delegated to the National Government - powers both the National Gov & States possess & exercise - Include: 1. power to levy and collect taxes 2. define crimes and set punishments for them 3. condemn (take) private property for public use - make it possible for a federal system of gov to function

Citizenship

TDR: 1st req of good citizen is that they are able/willing to pull their weight - duties of a good citizen revolve around following the law - In Farewell Address, GW says "very idea of the power & right of Ppl to estb Gov presupposes the duty of every indiv to obey estb Gov" Citizen: one who holds both rights & responsibilities in a state

Article 5 of the Constitution

The Amendment Process - The Congress shall propose amendments/call convention to do so - May be proposed by state or congress - Amendment process allows for constitution to change

Article 2 of the Constitution

The Executive Branch 1. President & VP - US citizen, natural born - 4 year term - 35+ yrs old - 14+ yrs US resident - Ex: #26 Tr was youngest (26), #35 JFK youngest elected (43), #45 Dt oldest elected (70) 2. Oath of Office: solemnly swear to execute office of pres...protect&defend Constitution - so help me god, added by Washington or Chester A. Arthur 3. Powers of Pres - commander in chief of military - grants pardons - Appoints Supreme Ct justices, cabinet members & ambassadors - Electoral college chooses Pres

Article 3 of the Constitution

The Judicial Branch - Made up of Supreme Ct: 9 Justices, serve for life & no minimum age - Have unwritten power: rules on constitutionality of laws known as judicial review - 10 Supreme Ct Cases

Article 7 of the Constitution

The Ratification Process - 9 out of 13 states must ratify, The Constitution became the law of the land

Article 4 of the Constitution

The States - Citizens of each state are entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several states - States MUST... 1. treat other states citizens equal to their own 2. apply to Congress for statehood 3. Be republican form of gov - Had Fugitive Slave Clause made by 13th Amendment: slaves cannot run away and escape labor

Article 6 of the Constitution

The Supreme Law of the Land - Supremacy Clause: Federal laws have priority over state laws, IF state&federal laws conflict, federal law wins

Privileges and Immunites Clause

The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several states - Article IV, Section 2, Clause 1 - means that no state can draw unreasonable distinctions b/n its own residents and those persons who happen to live in another state

Popular Sovereignty

The government's authority is sustained by the consent of the people. Opening words of preamble, "We the People"

Limited Government

The government's power is limited in order to protect the freedom of Americans - writers of Constitution placed power in people's hands, NOT a king's demands - shown in preamble

Individual Rights

The people retain certain rights & freedoms - as seen in the Bill of Rights

Republicanism

The people vote for representatives to make decisions for them - Article 1

Who is president of the Senate?

Vice President

Which of the following statements is FALSE? A. Senators act as jurors in a Presidential impeachment trial. B. We have more Senators than Congressmen (Representatives). C. Senators serve longer terms than Reps. D. Senators and Reps participate in the legislative process.

We have more Senators than Congressmen (Representatives).

What important process is described in Article 5

amendments

How are members of the Supreme Court chosen?

appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate

Powers denied to the states

are done so by the existence of a federal system - Therefore, no state government can tax any of the agencies or functions of the National Government

The President must sign a bill before it becomes law. This requirement is an example of...

checks and balances.

Because the Founding Fathers wanted to distribute government power, the Constitution

created three branches of the federal government.

The Electoral College...

demonstrates the Founders' lack of faith in commoners. indirectly elects the U.S. President. consists of 538 electors.

Branch of government that enforces the laws

executive

House of Representatives

is part of the bicameral legislative branch. includes 435 members. has the sole power to impeach the President.

Judicial review...

lets the judicial branch check legislative/executive powers.

Qualifications for the Presidency include

natural-born citizenship. minimum age of 35 years. 14 years U.S. residency.

Senate

was elected by state legislatures until 1913 (17th Amend.)