Civics Flashcards
Government and other stuff
Hobbe’s: (state of nature) (social contract) (purpose of government) (possible course of action of people)
People shouldn’t govern themselves because they are naturally selfish and confrontational Strong leadership is needed
“during the time men lived without a common power to keep them in awe, they are in that conditions called war; and such a war, as if of every man, against every man” (Hobbes).
Locke’s: (state of nature) (social contract) (purpose of government) (possible course of action of people)
Government can’t happen unless people agree to it. If the government isn’t protecting natural rights then people should think about a new government.
“All mankind… being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions” (Locke).
Unalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence
“life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John adams
What are the differences between the Virginia plan, New Jersey plan, and Connecticut Compromise
VP: proposed a strong central government composed of three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial
NJP: represented the less populated states and wanted each state in the nation to have an equal amount of representatives in government
CC: pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that resolved the dispute between large and small states regarding representation in the new federal government
Differences between Pluralist, Elitist, and pure representative democracies
P: a model of democracy in which no one group dominates politics and organized groups compete with each other to influence policy
E: a model of democracy in which a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy and well-educated, influence political decision making
PR: our government is elected by citizens
Common characteristics all first state constitutions had
supports popular sovereignty, limited government, and the separation of powers among branches
6 goals of the constitution (PREAMBLE)
(form a more perfect union) (establish justice) (insure domestic tranquility) (provide for the common defense) (promote the general welfare) (secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity)
define: representative government - limited government - ordered gov - federalism - diplomacy
RG: : democracy in which the power is exercised by the people through their elected representatives
LG: government in which its functions and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law
OG: structured system of governance that maintains order through established laws and regulations
F: a system of gov in which power is divided and shared between the national and state governments
D: how they conduct their affairs, in ways to safeguard their interests and promote their political, economic, cultural or scientific relations, while maintaining peaceful relationships
know the rights of the first 15 amendments
1- freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition
2- well regulated militia
3-no courting soldiers
4- unlawful search and seizure
5- no person shall have to answer to a capital crime (I plead the fifth - silence)
6- right to a speedy fair trial (lawyer etc)
7- $20 can have a jury trial (significant losses can be brought to court)
8-excessive bail punishment cruel etc (death row)
9- rights in the constitution are not the only ones you have (edu)
10- only powers not given to federal government are given to the states and the people (edu)
11- can’t sue a state unless you reside there
12- president and vice president from the same ballot (2 different not 1 merged)
13- Slavery abolished
14- Civil rights guaranteed
15- Black voting rights
define: habeas corpus - bill of attainder - writ of certiorari - elastic clause - delegated powers - concurrent powers - reserved powers
HC: a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual’s incarceration
BoA: legislation that imposes punishment on a specific person or group of people without a judicial trial
WoC: a request that the Supreme Court order a lower court to send up the record of the case for review
EC: gives Congress implied powers necessary and proper to execute its enumerated powers
DP: powers that are granted to the national government by the constitution
CP: powers both the national and state-wide governments have
RP: powers not given to the national government, instead given to the States - 10th amendment
know the following amendments: 18 21 24 25 26
18- Prohibition
21- Repeal prohibition
24- No poll tax to limit voters!
25- Succession (if prez dies)
26- 18 can vote!!!
How many states to ratify an amendment
38 or 3/4
What were the articles of confederation
the written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain - the Thirteen Colonies
Purpose of the PREAMBLE in the constitution
Communicates the purpose of the constitution
How many articles are in the constitution
seven
How many amendments have been made to the constitution
27 amendments
who is president of the Senate
John Thune
How many senators does each state have?
2
How many times may a senator be re-elected?
6 terms
Qualifications for a senator vs a representative?
S: 30 years old, citizen 9 years, live in state elected to represent
H: 25 y.o, citizen 7 years, live in the state represented
Explain the lawmaking process
1) Proposal - writing the bill 2) introduce it - read to the house 3) committee - closely reviewed if approved sent to HOR 4) floor debate - support oppose or changes made 5) HOR vites 6) hand-off - sent to Senate 7) Compromise HOR and Senate 8) another vote 9) president looks over it
Powers given to the Congress by the constitution
delegated powers
(expressed/inherent/implied)
E: coin money, declare war, appoint judges
(I: regulate immigration - Im: making air force)
responsibility of the executive branch
President, his or her advisors and various departments and agencies. This branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land - conducts diplomacy with other nations - negotiate and sign treaties - exec order - etc
2 most prominent officials in the executive branch
P and Vp
Qualifications to become president - vice president
P: natural born citizen, 35y.o, resident for 14 years
VP: the same
How long is the presidents term
4 years per 2 terms = 10 years
Cabinet positions and explain their duties
State: US Foreign policy
Treasury: finances and national banks
Defense: defense policy
Justice: enforce the law
Interior: public lands and economic protection
Agriculture: food and natural resources
Commerce: economic growth and job creation
Labor: wages and working conditions
Health/Human Services: public health and medical emergencies
Housing/Urban development: national policy and pricing
Transportation: transportation
Energy:
Education:
Veteran Affairs:
Homeland Security:
Which house of Congress must approve presidential appointments? Which must approve treaties?
Senate for both
Who may call a special session of Congress
governor
What happens if the president is unable to serve because of illness
Vice President takes over
Electoral College (Explain)
Electoral College is how we refer to the process by which the United States elects the President, 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the President. Your State has the same number of electors as it does Members in its Congressional delegation: one for each Member in the House of Representatives plus two Senators