us gov Flashcards
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, or petition
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What are the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial
Who makes federal laws?
Congress
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and the House of Representatives
How many U.S. Senators are there?
100
How long is a term for a U.S. Senator?
6 years
What does the judicial branch do?
Interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
What is one power of the federal government?
Print money, declare war, create an army, make treaties
Who is the current President of the United States?
[Insert current president]
Who was the first President of the United States?
George Washington
What was one important thing Abraham Lincoln did?
Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation), preserved the Union, led the U.S. during the Civil War
What is the First Amendment, and what rights does it protect?
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
What is the Second Amendment, and what does it guarantee?
The right to bear arms
What does the Third Amendment prevent?
The government from forcing citizens to house soldiers during peacetime
What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?
Unreasonable searches and seizures
What rights are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment?
Protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, due process, and eminent domain
What is the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial?
The right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury and legal counsel
What does the Seventh Amendment guarantee in civil cases?
The right to a trial by jury in civil cases over $20
What type of punishment is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment?
Cruel and unusual punishment
What does the Ninth Amendment say about rights not listed in the Constitution?
People have rights beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution
What does the Tenth Amendment state about powers not given to the federal government?
Powers not delegated to the federal government belong to the states or the people
What is the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)?
The highest court in the U.S., which interprets the Constitution
How many justices sit on the Supreme Court?
9
Who appoints the justices of the Supreme Court?
The President
How long is the term of a Supreme Court justice?
Lifetime (or until they choose to retire)
Where is the Supreme Court located?
Washington, D.C.
What is the primary role of the Supreme Court?
To interpret and uphold the Constitution and federal laws
What is judicial review, and how does it empower the Supreme Court?
Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional
What is the difference between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction?
Original jurisdiction means the case starts in the Supreme Court; appellate jurisdiction means the case is reviewed from a lower court
What was the significance of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?
It ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional
How did Roe v. Wade (1973) impact American society?
It legalized abortion nationwide based on the right to privacy
Why is Marbury v. Madison (1803) a landmark case in U.S. history?
It established the principle of judicial review
What rights did Miranda v. Arizona (1966) protect?
It required that suspects be informed of their rights (Miranda Rights) before questioning
How are justices appointed to the Supreme Court?
The President nominates a justice, and the Senate confirms the appointment
What role does the Senate play in Supreme Court appointments?
The Senate must approve the President’s nominee through confirmation hearings
Who is the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
john g roberts jr
