American Government Test 6 Flashcards
The most important unit of local government in many New England states
Town
An election in which the voters of the state approve or reject a proposed amendment
Referendum
The largest unit of local government in most states
County
The state executive officer that is most compatible to the Vice President
Lieutenant Governor
One who represents a special interest groups before a political body
Lobbyist
Developed area outside the city
Suburbs
Local voting district
Precinct
A written plan which sets up a form of government and establishes its basic governing principles
Constitution
Allows a voter who will be out of town or unable to vote on Election Day to vote in an election
Absentee ballot
Defines citizenship and lists two ways to become a citizen
14th Amendment
Secret ballot system
Australian ballot system
City extending its limit by acquiring land that border it’s own
Annexation
Election where voters choose the political party’s nominees
Direct primary
The voter must register to vote with the party and may vote only for the candidates in that party
Closed primary
The power to veto part of a bill without vetoing the entire bill
Item veto
A system whereby able-bodied men are required to join a particular branch of the nation’s armed forces for a certain period of time
Draft/ Conscription
The process whereby a person changes citizenship from one country to another
Naturalization
The state executive officer that keeps certain state records and documents, administers election laws, and keeps the official state seal
Secretary of State
Travel document for identification and safe passage
Passport
The process by which the state legislature removes a governor from office
Impeachment
Right of admission
Visa
The process by which voters propose an amendment to the state constitution
Initiative
A foreign-born resident of the a country who has not become a naturalized citizen
Alien
The state executive officer that represents the state in lawsuits
Attorney general
Allegiance to a country, or full membership and participation in its political and social institutions
Citizenship
The process by which the voters remove a governor from office
Recall
The legal process by which a person renounces his citizenship
Expatriation
What are counties called in Louisiana?
Parishes
Unique feature of traditional town government
Town meeting
What are counties called in Alaska?
Boroughs
A major city and the populated area surrounding it, which may include smaller towns
Metropolitan area
Places the greatest burden on those with lower incomes
Regressive tax
The single most important source of revenue among the states today
Sales tax
The state executive officer that is the guardian of a state’s finances and is often in charge of tax collection
Treasurer
Supreme Court case that opened the door to federal court regulation of state apportionment
Baker v. Carr
Which state is the only state that has a unicameral legislature?
Nebraska
At what age can American citizens vote in federal elections?
18
What form of government does Article 4 of the U.S. Constitution guarantee every state?
Republican form
What is the oldest written constitution now in force anywhere in the world?
Massachusetts Constitution
What is the most important function of state government?
Law Enforcement
What percentage of court cases in the U.S. are decided by state courts?
90%
What is usually the largest item on state and local budgets?
Education
At what age do American men have to register for the draft?
18- (30 days after their 18th birthday)
List the ways citizens can influence an elected official
- Know who they are
- Know the issues
- Inform your elected officials of your stand
- Pray for elected officials
List the three forms of city government
- Mayor-Council form
- Commission form
- Council-Manager form
List the qualifications for an immigrant to become a U.S. citizen
- At least 18 yrs. old
- Resident of the U.S. for at least 5 years
- Good moral character
- Literate of the English language
- Knowledge of history, principles, and government of the U.S.
List the basic sections of a typical state constitution
- Preamble
- Bill of rights
- Description of state government
- Description of local government
- General provisions
- Provisions for change
List the methods of proposing amendments to a state constitution
- Conventional proposal
- Legislative proposal
- Initiative proposal
List the two ways that one may become a U.S. citizen
- Birth
2. Naturalization
List the three guidelines for properly responding to authority when it conflicts with God’s commands
- Don’t decide to defy authority, decide to obey God
- Try to honor earthly rulers as much as biblically possible
- If you get in trouble for your stand take the consequences without complaints
