Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Government > Final Study Guide Review > Flashcards

Final Study Guide Review Flashcards

1
Q

What are the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution called? What is their purpose?

A

Bill of Rights; protects the rights of the people

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What does the President of the Senate do?

A

The Vice President of the United States casts the deciding vote in case of a tie

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What does the Senate Pro Tempore do?

A

The most senior member of the Senate that is 4th in line to the presidency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What does the House Minority Leader do?

A

The leader chosen by the members of the minority party to schedule proposed legislation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What does the House Majority Leader do?

A

Presents the official position of the majority party regarding proposed legislation. Second in rank to the speaker of the House

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does the Whip do?

A

The leader in Congress who rounds up fellow legislators on important bills

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What does the Senate Majoirty Leader do and who holds this position?

A

The leader chosen by the senators in the majority party to schedule legislation (Mitch McConnell)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does the Senate Minority Leader do and who holds this position?

A

The leader chosen by the senators in the minority party to schedule legislation (Chuck Schumer)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How long is the term of a senator?

A

6 years

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

How long is the term of representative in the House of Representatives?

A

2 years

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What does it mean to “crack” a congressional district?

A

Spreading out voters of a single type among numerous districts such that they will always be in the minority within any given district

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What does it mean to “pack” a congressional district?

A

Putting as many voters of a single type into one district in order to minimize their influence in other districts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is redistricting?

A

The process of drawing electoral district boundaries in the United States based on changes in population

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is gerrymandering?

A

Redistricting that favors one party over another

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are Select Committees?

A

Temporary committees for specific purposes (ex: investigation, intelligence)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are Standing Committees?

A

Committees to which proposed bills are referred and that continue from one Congress to the next

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are Joint Committees?

A

Committees that are comprised of members from both the House and the Senate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How are members assigned to committees?

A

Reelection incentives, their interests, their own interests or expertise

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

List the duties of citizenship:

A

Obey the law, pay taxes, register for the draft, jury duty, attend school

20
Q

List the responsibilities of citizenship:

A

Be informed, vote, respect others rights, respect diversity, contribute to the common good

21
Q

Who must sign up for the Selective Service?

A

All males, within a month of their 18th birthday

22
Q

What is the mission of the Peace Corps?

A

Sends Americans to international destinations to educate farmers, help and teach children and vaccinate against diseases

23
Q

What is the mission of Americorps?

A

Sends Americans to domestic destinations to help with disaster relief and fighting poverty

24
Q

Why do young people choose not to vote?

A

They aren’t educated enough about it. They feel that their vote doesn’t count

25
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democrat and Republican
26
What is the difference between a PAC and a Super PAC?
A Super PAC type of independent committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, union, and individuals but is NOT permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.A PAC is limited in the amount of money it can raise but is allowed to contribute directly to campaigns.
27
Where do candidates get most of their campaign money from?
Wealthy individuals
28
What are the top 3 things that candidates spend their money on?
Media, Fundraising, Salaries
29
Explain the significance of the Citizens United v. FEC decision.
Led to the creation of Super PACs, special interest groups that are issues based. These groups can raise unlimited amounts of money, without disclosing their donors.
30
How many total votes are there in the Electoral College?
538
31
How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win the Electoral College?
270
32
What is a faithless elector?
Electors who vote against the will of the people in the state election
33
What states split their electoral college votes instead of using a winner take all system?
Maine and Nebraska
34
What does the 15th Amendment do?
Prohibits voting discrimination based on race
35
What does the 17th Amendment do
Direct election of senators
36
What does the 19th Amendment do
Prohibits voting discrimination based on gender
37
What does the 26th Amendment do
Lowered voting age to 18
38
What are some examples of speech that is not protected by the First Amendment?
Libel, slander, obscenity, child pornography
39
Define civil rights and give an example.
The basic right to be free from unequal treatment based on certain protected characteristics (Race, gender, disability, etc.) in settings such as employment and housing
40
Define civil liberties and give an example.
Basic right and freedoms that are guaranteed--either explicitly identified in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, or interpreted through the years by courts and lawmakers. Protection against government actions
41
Initially, the Bill of Rights only limited the actions of the ____ governemnt (local, state, or national).
National
42
Morse v. Frederick
Schools can limit student speech if it promotes illegal drug use
43
Tinker v. Des Moines
Students have the right to free speech as long as it does not disrupt the educational process
44
Bethel School District v. Fraser
Schools can limit freedom of speech if it goes against fundamental values
45
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier
School district can censor a school newspaper

Government (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions