Civics Review Questions
What was to be added to the Constitution to get it ratified?
The Bill of Rights to include specific protections for individual liberties and rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
Who were the Anti-Federalists and what was their viewpoint on the ratification of the Constitution?
They wanted a weaker gov. and more power for the states. They wanted to just update the AoC and did not support ratification of the Constitution.
Why were the Articles of Confederation an ineffective government?
created a weak central government that lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, which led to economic instability
Define the term separation of powers
creating the THREE branches of government and dividing power between them so no person or group has too much.
Define "oppression"
cruel or unjust treatment
Define resident
a person who lives in a particular place or country, but may not necessarily have legal status or citizenship in that place
Define immigrant
a person who migrates to another country, usually for permanent residence.
Define the term natural law
a philosophy that holds that certain rights and moral values are inherent in nature and can be discovered through reason and observation.
What were the Federalist Papers?
Series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to explain federalism and to encourage people to support ratification
How do interest groups raise money?
- Membership dues - Individual or government grants. - Direct mail solicitation - Form POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES (PAC's)
Which amendment protects your Right to Bear Arms?
2nd Amendment
Which amendment protects you against quartering soldiers?
3rd Amendment
Which amendment is known as the rights of the accused?
6th Amendment
Which amendment guarantees the right to a speedy trial?
6th amendment
Which amendment protects you from cruel and unusual punishment?
8th Amendment
What system of government was the basis of the Articles of Confederation?
A confederation of independent states
Define the French and Indian War
A conflict between Britain and France for control of territory in North America, lasting from 1754 to 1763
What is the Magna Carta?
A document that King John's nobles forced him to sign. It extended rights to all citizens and said that the government couldn't raise taxes without a council's approval. It also said not even the monarch was above the law.
Define duty
A legal or moral obligation to do what should be done without being told to do it
What is a lobbyist?
A person who represents an interest group and tries to persuade government officials.
What were the Anti-Federalist Papers?
Anti-Federalists such as Patrick Henry wrote essays and newspaper articles to spread their point of view and these writings became known as the Anti-Federalist Papers.
List the steps in becoming a United States naturalized citizen.
Meet eligibility requirements, file a form, attend a biometrics appointment, attend an interview, pass an English and civics test, and attend a naturalization ceremony.
How did the idea of separation of powers influence James Madison?
As a framer of the constitution, he used it to implement it in our government.
What is the definition of self incrimination?
Being forced to provide evidence or testimony against oneself.
How does the separation of powers and checks and balances limit the powers of government?
By dividing the powers of the government among equal branches, the branches prevent the other branches abuse of the government's powers.
How did the Enlightenment's ideas influence the founding father's beliefs on government?
By promoting reason, individualism, and skepticism towards authority, leading to the principles of democracy, limited government, and human rights in the US Constitution.
What is the law of soil?
Citizenship if you are born in the US or its territories/government property
What is the law of blood?
Citizenship if you are born to US citizens, regardless of birthplace
Thomas Paine's Common Sense influenced the colonists to do what?
Declare independence from Great Britain and to support the American Revolution.
How did the earlier documents influence colonist views on government
Earlier documents introduced concepts of individual rights, limited government, and the idea that government derives its power from the consent of the governed
Who is John Locke?
English philosopher, created "life, liberty, & property"
Who is Charles de Montesquieu?
Enlightenment thinker who influenced the idea of Separation of Powers in the US Constitution.
What is the rule of law?
Everyone must follow the law. No one is above the law.
What is the Bill of Rights?
First 10 amendments to the Constitution
Explain the phrase "for ourselves and our posterity"
For the people of the US now and in the future
Define Quartering Soldiers
Forced keeping of soldiers in your home
Define limited Monarchy
Government in which a constitution or legislative body limits the monarch's power
Define self government
Government is government of a country or region by its own people rather than by others
Explain the following quote from the DOI: "governments derive their power from the consent of the governed"
Governments must obey the will of the people or may be overthrown
What were some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, which led to economic instability, domestic unrest, and difficulties in conducting foreign policy.
What does the phrase "We the People" mean?
It signifies that the power and authority of the government comes from the people and that the Constitution is established by and for the benefit of the citizens of the United States.
Which Enlightenment thinker influenced Thomas Jefferson when writing the DOI?
John Locke
What are natural rights as explained in the Declaration of Independence?
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
What is the difference between John Locke's ideas of natural rights and Thomas Jefferson's?
Lock believed in "life, liberty, and property", while Jefferson believed in "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness"
Which document gave the Founding Fathers the idea of self government?
One key document was the Mayflower Compact. Others include the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and the writings of John Locke and Thomas Paine.
Explain the idea of the social contract?
People agree to give power to the government to make laws and protect the people's rights. The people agree to obey laws of the government. If government does not protect the people's rights, the people have a right to rebel/overthrow the government.
Explain the following quote from the DOI: "whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it"
People may overthrow an unjust government (one that infringes on people's natural rights)
What is selective service
Requires all men from 18 to 25 to register for the military draft
What are the five freedoms listed in the First Amendment?
Speech, Petition, Assembly, Press, Religion
What was one of the main reasons colonists wanted to declare independence
Taxation without representation
What is the Constitutional principle of separation of powers?
That each branch of the government holds the same amount of power and helps to provide checks and balances on the other branches.
Explain the following quote from the DOI: "Governments are instated among men to secure these rights"
That government's purpose is to preserve natural rights and derives from the mandate of the people
Which amendment guarantees citizenship?
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including those born to non-citizen parents.
Which document declared independence from Great Britain
The Declaration of Independence
Who were the Federalists and what was their viewpoint on the ratification of the Constitution?
The Federalists supported a strong central government and advocated for the ratification of the Constitution.
Why did the Founding Fathers include separation of powers and checks and balances in the Constitution?
They saw what happens when one branch has too much power and wanted to ensure that would not happen.
Explain how the French and Indian War led to the British need for revenue
The French and Indian War was expensive for the British, as they had to provide troops, supplies, and military support to their American colonies. The British believed that the colonies should pay for their own defense through taxes, leading to the Stamp Act.
Define taxation
The compulsory payments to the government.
Explain the phrase "ensure domestic tranquility"
The government has the responsibility to maintain peace and order within the country
What right is listed in the 9th amendment?
The people have other rights not explicitly listed in the Constitution
What right is listed in the 10th amendment?
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Define representation
The right of people to have a say in their government
Define: Habeas Corpus
The right of the accused to see a judge and be told the charges against him/her.
Define "individual rights"
The rights and liberties that can be claimed by individuals by virtue of being human.
Who is the main author of the DOI?
Thomas Jefferson
What are some experiences you should look for when selecting a candidate?
Time in office, political point of views, plans for once they are elected.
Explain the phrase "In order to form a more perfect Union"
To establish a stronger, more effective federal government than what had been provided for under the Articles of Confederation.
What was the purpose of the preamble of the Constitution?
To establish the goals and purposes of the new government created by the Constitution
What right is protected by the 7th Amendment?
Trial by jury of peers
Define "ex pacto facto"
a Latin term that means "after the fact." It refers to a law or regulation that retroactively changes the legal consequences or status of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law
Define "summary judgment"
a decision made by a court based on evidence and without a full trial
Define obligation
a duty or commitment to fulfill a responsibility or promise, which is often based on legal, moral, or social expectations
Define jury
a group of "peers" who listen to evidence and give a verdict in a court case
Define citizen
a legally recognized member of a country
What was the Enlightenment?
a new intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of individuals to solve problems
Define "Tyranny"
absolute rule by a government that ignores the rights and welfare of the people
Define "precedent"
an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
Define "dissolve"
break away from; to end a previous relationship
What is lobbying?
communicating with government officials to persuade them to support a particular policy position
What is the definition of "due process"
fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.
Define Independence
freedom from control by another government or country
What was the significance of Shay's Rebellion?
it demonstrated the major weakness of the articles of confederation
Define "appellate process"
legal procedure for requesting a higher court to review and possibly overturn a decision made by a lower court
Define "self evident"
obvious without needing proof
Which President believe he was above the law?
one notable example is Richard Nixon, who famously declared during a 1977 interview, "When the president does it, that means it is not illegal."
Explain the following quote from the DOI: "people are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights"
people have god-given rights that cannot be taken away by government
Define alien
person who is not a citizen of the country
What are "natural rights"?
rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments
What is the definition of eminent domain?
taking private property for public use
What ideas were taken from the English Bill of Rights?
the English Bill of Rights of 1689, contains many rights that were later included in the First Amendment, such as the right to petition and freedom of speech and debate
Define "independent judiciary"
the concept that the judiciary needs to be kept away from the other branches of government.
Explain the phrase "promote the general welfare"
the government has a responsibility to create conditions that benefit the overall well-being and prosperity of the nation and its citizens
Explain the phrase "secure the blessings of liberty"
the government is responsible for upholding and defending the rights and freedoms of its citizens
Explain the phrase "establish justice"
the government would uphold the rule of law and have a court system to treat everyone fairly
What is jury duty?
the obligation to act or a period of acting as a member of a jury in court.
Define the term social contract
the principle that people agree to submit to a government in exchange for the protection of their rights.
Explain the phrase "provide for the common defense"
the responsibility of the federal government to protect the nation and its citizens from external threats, such as foreign aggression or invasion
Define "assent"
to agree or concur
Why is it so important for the government to limit some of our individual freedoms?
to protect the greater good and ensure that society functions in a way that is safe and fair for everyone
Define "deprive"
to take something away