Civics and Government, Part 1 Flashcards

50% of the GED test covers this topic

1
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A
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2
Q

What is an abolitionist?

A

Person who believed slaves should be freed

The abolitionist movement was significant in advocating for the end of slavery.

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3
Q

What is meant by administration in a political context?

A

Government organized during a president’s term, such as cabinet members (Secretaries of State, War, etc.), advisors, etc.

The administration plays a crucial role in executing laws and policies.

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4
Q

What does agenda refer to in politics?

A

A candidate or political party’s plans and what problems they’re focused on fixing

The agenda shapes the priorities and actions of elected officials.

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5
Q

Define alliance in international relations.

A

Agreement between two or more countries to support each other militarily

Alliances can influence global stability and security.

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6
Q

What is the role of an ambassador?

A

Person who represents the interests of one country in another country

Ambassadors play key roles in diplomacy and international relations.

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7
Q

What is an amendment?

A

Changes made to a government document

Amendments are essential for adapting laws to changing circumstances.

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8
Q

What does amnesty mean?

A

Legal forgiveness of people who have committed certain crimes

Amnesty can be a political tool to promote peace or reconciliation.

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9
Q

What is an article in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

A

A main section of the U.S. Constitution

The Constitution consists of several articles that outline the structure of government.

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10
Q

What were the Articles of Confederation?

A

First governing document of the United States that gave most power to the states (before the Constitution)

The Articles of Confederation were ultimately replaced due to their weaknesses.

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11
Q

What are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that protect individual and state rights called?

A

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791.

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12
Q

What is a proposed law referred to as?

A

bills

Bills can be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

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13
Q

Which Supreme Court case abolished ‘separate but equal’?

A

Brown v. Board of Education

This landmark decision was made in 1954.

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14
Q

What is the group of presidential advisers called?

A

Cabinet

The Cabinet includes heads of executive departments.

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15
Q

What do you call a person running for political office?

A

candidate

Candidates can run for various levels of government positions.

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16
Q

What term refers to injuries and deaths in war?

A

casualties

Casualties can include both military personnel and civilians.

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17
Q

What is the system called that balances power among branches of government?

A

checks and balances

This system is designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

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18
Q

What was the period of people working together to end legalized racial discrimination known as?

A

Civil Rights Movement

This movement gained momentum during the 1950s and 1960s.

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19
Q

What is the legal membership of a place called?

A

citizenship

Citizenship can confer rights and responsibilities.

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20
Q

What is an independent city with its own government and citizenship called?

A

city-state

City-states were common in ancient civilizations.

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21
Q

What is a lawsuit that involves disagreements between people referred to as?

A

civil case

Civil cases typically involve disputes over rights or obligations.

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22
Q

What are the rights that the government is required to protect called?

A

civil liberties

Civil liberties include freedoms such as speech and assembly.

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23
Q

What is the term for a war between groups within a country?

A

civil war

Civil wars often arise from deep political or social conflicts.

24
Q

What does common good refer to?

A

Well-being of everyone

The common good is often considered in discussions of public policy and social justice.

25
Define communism.
System in which resources are owned by everyone and managed by the state ## Footnote Communism aims for a classless society where all property is publicly owned.
26
What is Congress?
National legislature in the United States, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate ## Footnote Congress is responsible for making federal laws.
27
What is a constitution?
Plan for government ## Footnote A constitution outlines the structure and function of government and the rights of citizens.
28
What is a convention in the context of U.S. politics?
Large gathering every four years before the presidential election ## Footnote Conventions are often used to nominate presidential candidates.
29
What is dark money?
Secret political donations ## Footnote Dark money is often used to influence elections without disclosing the sources of funding.
30
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Document announcing American independence from Great Britain ## Footnote Adopted on July 4, 1776, it articulated the colonies' reasons for seeking independence.
31
Define democracy.
Political system in which citizens vote directly on leaders and laws ## Footnote Democracy emphasizes participation and equality in political decision-making.
32
What is direct democracy?
Political system in which citizens participate in making all governmental decisions ## Footnote This contrasts with representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
33
What is due process?
Proper constitutional procedures in trials and other actions ## Footnote Due process ensures fair treatment through the normal judicial system.
34
What is the Electoral College?
Group of special voters from each state to cast the votes for president based on the results of the votes of the people they represent ## Footnote Each state has a number of electors based on its population.
35
Define enumerated powers.
Powers of the federal government that are described clearly in the Constitution ## Footnote These powers include the ability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.
36
What is the equal protection clause?
Part of the Fourteenth Amendment requiring states to guarantee the same rights and protections to all citizens ## Footnote This clause has been the basis for many landmark Supreme Court cases.
37
What is the Equal Rights Amendment?
Proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing gender equality ## Footnote The amendment has not yet been ratified, but it aims to ensure equal rights under the law regardless of sex.
38
What is the executive branch?
Branch of U.S. government that enforces laws ## Footnote The executive branch is headed by the President and includes the Cabinet and federal agencies.
39
What is foreign policy?
A country's approach to dealing with other countries ## Footnote Foreign policy can encompass diplomacy, trade agreements, and military actions.
40
What is the Great Compromise?
Constitutional compromise dividing Congress into two houses; one house having membership based on a state's population (the House), and the other having two members representing each state (the Senate) ## Footnote This compromise was crucial in balancing the interests of both large and small states.
41
Define hard money in the context of political financing.
Money given by individuals or groups directly to candidates ## Footnote Hard money is regulated by law and must be reported to the Federal Election Commission.
42
What does it mean to impeach an official?
Formally accuse of wrongdoing an official from another branch of government ## Footnote Impeachment is a process that can lead to removal from office.
43
What is imperialism?
Use of power by one country to rule another ## Footnote Imperialism often involves the domination of one nation over another in terms of politics, economics, and culture.
44
What is an initiative?
A ballot measure suggested by the people ## Footnote Initiatives allow citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments.
45
Define international organization.
Global group that promotes a certain goal or idea ## Footnote Examples include the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
46
What were Jim Crow laws?
Laws that unfairly limited voting access and enforced segregation ## Footnote These laws were enacted in the Southern United States after the Reconstruction era.
47
What is the judicial branch?
Branch of U.S. government that interprets laws ## Footnote The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
48
What is judicial review?
The Supreme Court's ability to find laws or actions unconstitutional ## Footnote This power was established in the case of Marbury v. Madison.
49
What is the legislative branch?
Branch of U.S. government that makes laws ## Footnote The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
50
Define legislature.
Government body that makes laws and decides how the government's money is spent ## Footnote Legislatures can be found at the federal, state, and local levels.
51
What is liberty?
Freedom ## Footnote Liberty is a fundamental principle in democratic societies.
52
What is the Magna Carta?
Document that limited the monarch's powers and protected some rights of citizens ## Footnote Signed in 1215, it is often cited as a cornerstone of modern democracy.
53
What does manifest destiny refer to?
Idea that the United States had a duty to expand to the Pacific Ocean ## Footnote This belief was prominent in the 19th century and justified westward expansion.
54
What is the Mayflower Compact?
Colonial document agreeing that everyone on the Mayflower would come together to settle and manage their affairs ## Footnote It is considered a foundational document for self-governance in America.
55
Define municipal.
Local ## Footnote Municipal governments typically handle local issues such as zoning and public services.