Test Flashcards
What does “Endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights” mean?
We hold these truths to be self-evident all men are created equal. They cannot be surrendered to government under any circumstances
What is the supremacy clause?
federal law takes precedence over any conflicting state law.
Which quote from the Declaration states that the people can overthrow a government that fails to protect basic rights?
It is the right of the people to alter or abolish or inter with a new government.
Which part of the Constitution lays out a social contract, and makes the case for national sovereignty?
The preamble
What concept serves to lay out procedures that limit the power of leaders & gov’t bodies?
Checks and balances
What is an example of the issue questioning when something is a matter of national vs. state authority?
Abortion is a big issue
Which concept is laid out by this quote? - “when the government is dissolved, the people are at
liberty to provide for themselves, by erecting a new legislative . . . as they shall find it most for their safety and good: for the society can never . . . lose the native and original right it has to preserve itself. . . .”
When the government is being rebuilt after destroyed meaning of the people and by the people
Which Enlightenment philosopher addresses the fact that gov’t should be divided into multiple branches?
Montesquieu
What was the main point of this quote? “ . . . all men shall be free to profess [declare], and by
argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.”
Freedom of religion due to the separation of church in state
Which 2 groups had their differences bridged by a Bill of Rights, identifying liberties guaranteed to all citizens?
Diminish enlarge, or effect their civil capacities
Which 2 parties had their differences bridged by the Great Compromise?
Large states vs small states
Explain TWO reasons why the US Constitution is important.
Successfully separated and balanced government powers
Allowed federal government to collect tax and form a military
“The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States..” is an example of which concept?
Popular sovereignty
What did the Anti-Feds believe the original Constitution lacked?
Bill of rights
Which Constitutional freedom is protected by: A. laws against the torturing of prisoners?
Protected from cure and unusual punishment
B. Laws requiring search warrants of homes?
No unreasonable and seizures
C. Laws restricting police response to protests?
Freedom of assembly
Which level of government has courts that hear misdemeanor trials?
State or local courts
Which major document was Thomas Jefferson the primary author of?
Declaration of independence
The Supreme Court ruling that obtaining forced confessions is illegal is an example of which goal stated in the Preamble?
Establish Justice
Which part of Art. 4 advocates for allocating funds for national defense?
US shall Protect each state against invasion
What is the term for using multiple levels of government in order to limit the power of the national government?
Federalism
Which add-on to the Constitution provided the benefits of a strong central government while recognizing the sovereignty of the states?
10 Amendment
Are there ever disputes involving federal authority vs. states’ rights? Describe one.
Abortion, setting minimum wage.
Define unitary system & absolute monarchy.
Unitary system a form of nation government have total authoraty. Absolute monarchy King or queen hold absolute, autocratic power
What is life like in a totalitarian state? (p. 15)
No freedom. System of government in which the government has total control
Who runs the gov. in a parliamentary system, and how are they chosen?
Prime minister runs it. The party with majority of seats
