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Civics/Eco Review
Civics & Economics SOL Review
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What is Consent of the Governed? | People are the source of any and all government power |
What is Limited Government? | Government is not all powerful and may only do what the people have given it the power to do |
What is Rule of Law? | Everyone, including those who govern, are bound by the law |
What is a Democracy? | A form of government where the people rule |
What is a Representative Government (Democracy)? | A form of government where the people elect representatives to govern on their behalf |
What are the 5 founding principles (concepts)? | Consent of the governed, limited government, rule of law, democracy, and representative government |
"We the People" illustrates which founding concepts? | Consent of the governed |
What is Consent of the Governed? | People are the source of any and all government power |
What is Limited Government? | Government is not all powerful and may only do what the people have given it the power to do |
What is Rule of Law? | Everyone, including those who govern, are bound by the law |
What is a Democracy? | A form of government where the people rule |
What is a Representative Government (Democracy)? | A form of government where the people elect representatives to govern on their behalf |
What are the 5 founding principles (concepts)? | Consent of the governed, limited government, rule of law, democracy, and representative government |
"We the People" illustrates which founding concepts? | Consent of the governed |
Separation of Powers and Federalism illustrate which founding concept? | Limited Government |
Which founding document gave colonists the same rights as Englishmen? | Charters of the VA Company of London |
Who wrote the Charters of the VA Company of London? | King James I |
Which document served as the model for the Bill of Rights? | VA Declaration of Rights |
Who wrote the VA Declaration of Rights? | George Mason |
Which document stated grievances against King George III and declared the colonies independent? | Declaration of Independence |
Which founding document gave us unalienable rights and equality under the law? | Declaration of Independence |
What are unalienable rights? List them. | Rights everyone is born with; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness |
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? | Thomas Jefferson |
Which founding document created the first form of government for the independent states? | Articles of Confederation |
Who wrote the Articles of Confederation? | Continental Congress |
Who held the most power under the Articles of Confederation? | The states |
The failure of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of what document? | The US Constitution |
Which founding document created freedom of religious belief and opinion and the idea of separation of church and state? | VA Statute of Religious Freedom |
Who wrote the VA Statute of Religious Freedom? | Thomas Jefferson |
Which document establishes our current structure of government and affirms the individual worth and dignity of all people? | US Constitution |
Which document was added to the US Constitution to please the Anti-Federalists and help get the Constitution ratified? | The Bill of Rights |
The Bill of Rights consists of how many amendments? | The first 10 amendments |
What is the Preamble and what does it do? | The first paragraph of the US Constitution; lists the purposes of the government |
What are the purposes of government as stated in the Preamble? | Form a more perfect union, establish justice, provide for the common defense, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and preserve the blessings of liberty |
What does domestic tranquility mean? | Peace at home |
The amendment process is what? | Complex |
How many times has the US Constitution been amended? | 27 |
What are the two steps in the Federal amendment process? | Action by Congress/convention, ratification by the states |
What are the two steps in the Virginia amendment process? | Action by General Assembly/convention, ratification by the voters of VA |
What is a legal member of a country? | Citizen |
Which amendment defines citizenship? | 14th Amendment |
Besides defining citizenship, what else does the 14th Amendment do? | Extends due process to actions of the state and local governments |
What are the 2 ways to obtain US citizenship? | Birth and Naturalization |
What is the legal process by which an alien becomes a US citizen? | Naturalization |
What are the 2 steps in the Naturalization process? | Demonstrate knowledge of US history, demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak English |
Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the 20th century, have led to what type of society? | Diverse |
What are the 5 freedoms guaranteed by the 1st Amendment (hint: RAPPS) | Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and Speech |
What is Freedom of Religion? | The freedom to practice or not practice any religion of your choice |
What is Freedom of Assembly? | The freedom to gather peacefully |
What is Freedom of Press? | The freedom to gather and publish information, even if it criticizes the government |
What is Freedom of Petition? | The freedom to make your views known to government officials |
What is Freedom of Speech? | The freedom to express your feelings and opinions |
For our government to be effective, what must citizens fulfill? | Civic Duties |
Civic duties are ________, meaning you must do them. | Mandatory |
What are the 5 Civic Duties (hint: POSSE)? | Pay taxes, obey laws, serve in the military, serve on a jury, education |
If a citizen fails to fulfill their civic duties, what will they face? | Legal consequences |
What is the most important civic responsibility? | Contribute to the common good |
What are 5 Civic Responsibilities? | Register and vote, keep informed, participate in political campaigns, hold elected office, communicate with government officials |
What are 3 ways citizens can participate in community service? | Volunteer to help the community, support democratic institutions, and express concern about the community's welfare |
Which character trait of a good citizen means that people can rely on you? | Trustworthiness |
Which character trait of a good citizen means always telling the truth? | Honesty |
Which character trait of a good citizen means showing polite behavior in public? | Courtesy |
Which character trait of a good citizen means treating others how you would like to be treated? | Respect for others |
Which character trait of a good citizen means always doing what you should (i.e. homework, chores)? | Responsibility |
Which character trait of a good citizen means taking responsibility for your actions? | Accountability |
Which character trait of a good citizen means being able to count on yourself and do things for yourself? | Self-reliance |
Which character trait of a good citizen means following the rules and laws? | Respect for the law |
Which character trait of a good citizen means showing respect for your country? | Patriotism |
What are the 4 functions of political parties (hint: REHM)? | Recruit and nominate candidates, educate the electorate, help candidates win elections, monitor officeholders |
What are the two man political parties here in the US? | Democrats and Republicans |
What type of political system do we have here in the US? | Two-party system |
What is a minor party in a two-party system? | Third party |
What are 4 similarities between political parties? | Organize to win elections, influence public policy, reflect both liberal and conservative views, appeal to the political center |
Where are the main differences between political parties stated? | Party's Platform |
What do third parties often revolve around? | A person or issue |
What are 4 types of mass media? | Internet, newspapers, TV, radio |
What are 4 strategies for evaluating campaign media for accuracy? | Separating fact from opinion, detecting bias, evaluating sources, identifying propaganda |
Who identify candidates, emphasize issues, broadcast different viewpoints, and create editorials, op-eds, and political cartoons? | Mass Media |
Running for political office is very _______. | Expensive |
Rising campaign costs have forced candidates to do a lot of what? | Fund-raising |
Rising campaign costs have led to the development of PACs. What is a PAC? | Political Action Committee |
Rising campaign costs have given which groups increase influence? | Interest groups |
Rising campaign costs limit the opportunities to run for office. They also give an unfair advantage to what types of people? | Wealthy people |
Voting is a basic __________ of citizenship. | Responsibility |
The importance of election issues helps determine what? | Voter turnout |
What are the 3 requirements for voter registration in VA? | At least 18 years old, US citizen, VA resident |
Where can you register to vote in VA? | DMV, Registrar's Office, through mail |
How many days before an election does voter registration close? | 29 days |
What are 3 factors that determine voter turnout? | Age, Income, Education |
What are 2 reasons citizens fail to vote? | Lack of interest, failure to register |
In what type of election is voter turnout generally the highest? | Federal |
True or False: Every vote is important | True |
What is a local voting district in a county, city, or ward? | Precinct |
This is the place within a precinct where registered voters cast their ballots - | Polling place |
Who are the everyday people who vote in general elections? | Electorate |
Who are the voting members of the Electoral College? | Electors |
What is the process by which the President and Vice President are selected? | Electoral College |
How many total votes are in the Electoral College? How many does a candidate need to win? | 538; 270 |
How are the slate of electors for each state chosen? | Popular vote |
The winner take all system in the Electoral College has led to the targeting of which states? | Large (population) |
How is it determined how many electoral votes each state gets? | Congressional Representation |
Which two officials are elected by the Electoral College? | President and Vice President |
What are the 3 branches of government? | Legislative, Executive, Judicial |
Which article of the US Constitution sets up the Legislative Branch? | Article I |
Which article of the US Constitution sets up the Executive Branch? | Article II |
Which article of the US Constitution sets up the Judicial Branch? | Article III |
Which compromise established our bicameral legislature? | Great Compromise |
Who is the presiding officer of the US Senate? | Vice President/President Pro Tempore |
What do we call the state level legislative branch? | General Assembly |
How many members are in the VA Senate? | 40 |
How long is a VA Senator's term in office? | 4 years |
Who is the presiding officer of the VA Senate? | Lt. Governor/President Pro Tempore |
How many members are in the House of Delegates? | 100 |
How long is a term in office for a member of the House of Delegates? | 2 years |
Who is the presiding officer of the House of Delegates? | Speaker of the House |
Who is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives? | Speaker of the House |
How long is a term in office for a US Senator? | 6 years |
How are states represented in the US Senate? | Equally - 2 Senators each |
How are states represented in the House of Representatives? | Based on population |
How long does a member of the House of Representatives serve in office? | 2 years |
The Federal Legislative Branch is collectively called what? | Congress |
Congress is made up of which two houses? | US Senate and House of Representatives |
The State Legislative Branch is collectively called what? | General Assembly |
The General Assembly is made up of which two houses? | VA Senate and House of Delegates |
How many members are in the House of Representatives? | 435 |
How many members are in the US Senate? | 100 |
What are 4 functions carried out by the US Congress? | Making laws, approving annual budget, regulate trade, declare war |
Which branch of government carries out laws, prepares the budget, appoints officials, and administers the federal bureaucracy? | Executive Branch |
What is the division of government into 3 branches? | Separation of Powers |
What is the division of government into different levels? | Federalism |
What are the 3 levels of government? | Federal, State, and Local |
What is the system in which each branch of government has powers to limit the other branches? | Checks and Balances |
What are two legislative powers over the executive branch? | Override presidential veto, impeach the president |
What are the legislative powers over the judicial branch? | Approving/rejecting appointments, impeach justices |
What are executive powers over the legislative branch? | Veto legislation, call special session |
What are the executive powers over the judicial branch? | Nominate justices |
What are the judicial powers over the other branches? | Declare laws/actions unconstitutional (judicial review) |
What are expressed or enumerated powers? | Powers of Congress specifically listed in the Constitution |
What are implied powers? | Powers of Congress NOT specifically listed in the Constitution |
What are 3 expressed powers of Congress? | Declare war, coin and print money, maintain a military |
What are 3 implied powers of Congress? | Creating a national bank, regulating airlines, NASA |
Where in the Constitution are the expressed and implied powers of Congress? | Article I: Section 8 |
What are 2 other terms for the implied powers clause? | Elastic Clause, Necessary and Proper Clause |
What are the 5 steps in the Federal lawmaking process? | Introduce bill, working in committee, debating on the floor, voting by both houses, signed by the President |
What are the 5 steps in the State lawmaking process? | Introduce bill, working in committee, debating on the floor, voting by both houses, signed by the Governor |
What are 4 ways the President can influence policy making? | Propose legislation, appeal to the public, approve/veto legislation, appoint officials |
What is the main function of the Executive Branch? | Carry out/Enforce laws |
In which annual address does the President give Congress information on the condition of the country? | State of the Union Address |
What is one function the President serves as Chief of State? | Speeches, ceremonies, awards |
What is one function the President serves as Chief Executive? | Carries out laws, appoints officials |
What is one function the President serves as Commander-in-Chief? | Deploy troops, inspects troops |
What is one function the President serves as Chief Diplomat? | Meeting with foreign leaders, deciding foreign policy, treaties |
What is one function the President serves as Chief of Party? | Supporting candidates, head of party |
What is one function the President serves as Chief Citizen? | Meets with sports teams |
According to the Constitution, which level of government is supreme? | Federal |
What are the primary functions of the Federal Government? | Foreign policy, defense, trade |
What are the primary functions of the State Government? | Public health, safety, and welfare |
What are the powers given only to the State Government called (hint: Richmond)? | Reserved (10th Amendment) |
What are the powers given only to the Federal Government called (hint: DC)? | Delegated |
What are the power shared by the Federal and State Government are called? | Concurrent |
What is an example of a reserved power? | Marriage/drivers licenses |
What is an example of a delegated power? | Declare war, coin/print money |
What is an example of a concurrent power? | Make laws, collect taxes |
What are some of the primary issues discussed in the state level legislature? | Education, public health, environment, state budget |
The government of VA draws its powers from which document? | State Constitution |
What are some of the roles fulfilled by the VA Governor? | Chief of State, Chief Legislator, Chief Administrator, Chief of Party, Commander-in-Chief |
List 4 people/groups that assist the governor in carrying out laws, regulating the economy and providing services. | Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Cabinet, Government agencies |
Why do government officials usually use the media? | Communicate with the public |
What are 3 ways the media can play a role in setting the public agenda? | Focusing on important issues, broadcasting different viewpoints, holding officials accountable |
What is it when you seek to influence legislators to vote for or against a bill? | Lobbying |
How can individuals influence public policy? | Voting, express ideas by demonstrating or writing letters, join interest groups |
How can interest groups influence public policy? | Identify issues, make political contributions, lobbying government officials |
What is the inability to satisfy all wants at the same time? | Scarcity |
What are the factors of production called? | Resources |
What are the 4 types of resources? | Human, natural, capital, and entrepreneurial |
What is selecting an item from a list of possible alternatives? | Choice |
What is given up when a choice is made? | Opportunity cost |
What is the amount of money exchanged for a good or service? | Price |
What are things that incite or motivate and are used to change economic behavior? | Incentives |
What is the amount of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at a certain price? | Demand |
What is the amount of a good or service that producers are willing and able to sell at a certain price? | Supply |
What is the combining of resources to make goods or services? | Production |
What is the using of goods and services? | Consumption |
What determines the type of economy a country has? | Level of government involvement |
What are the 3 types of economic systems? | Free Market, Command, Mixed |
Which type of economy has minimal government involvement, private ownership, competition, and lots of individual choice? | Free Market Economy |
Which type of economy has a lot of government control, central planning, and a lack of consumer choice? | Command Economy |
Which type of economy has individual control of the private sector and government control of the public sector? | Mixed Economy |
What type of economy does the US have? | Mixed Economy |
What is a form of business organization with one owner who takes all the risks and profits? | Sole Proprietorship |
What is a form of business organization that is authorized by law to act as a legal person regardless of the number of owners? | Corporation |
What is a form of business organization with two or more owners who share the risks and the profits? | Partnership |
What is a person who takes a risk to produce goods and services in search of profit? | Entrepreneur |
What are the characteristics of the US Economy (hint: FPPCC)? | Free markets, private property, profit, competition, consumer sovereignty |
What are free markets? | Markets that operate with very little government involvement |
What is profit? | Earnings minus expenses |
What is competition? | Rivalry between producers/sellers |
What is consumer sovereignty? | Consumers determine through their purchases what is produced |
What are 3 examples of Private Financial Institutions? | Banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations |
How do private financial institutions encourage saving and investing? | Paying interest on deposits |
What is the Global Economy? | Worldwide markets in which the buying and selling of goods and services by all nations takes place |
Why do nations engage in global trade? | To get goods they cannot produce, to get goods at a lower cost, to sell goods, and create jobs |
What is the FCC? | Government agency that regulates business - Federal Communications Commission |
What is the EPA? | Government agency that regulates business - Environmental Protection Agency |
What is the FTC? | Government agency that regulates business - Federal Trade Commission |
What are public goods and services? | Goods/services provided by the government that provide benefits to many simultaneously and would not be available if individuals had to produce them |
What are some examples of public goods and services? | Interstate highways, postal service, national defense |
How does the government pay for public goods and services? | Tax revenue, borrowed funds, fees |
Which amendment authorizes Congress to tax incomes? | 16th Amendment |
What is the central bank of the US? | Federal Reserve System |
How can the FED slow down the economy? | Restrict the money supply, increase the reserve requirement, raise the discount rate, sell government securities |
How can the FED speed up the economy? | Increase the money supply, lower the reserve requirement, lower the discount rate, buy government securities |
What protects individuals' rights to to private property? | Negotiated contracts |
Why does the government establish guidelines that protect public health and safety? | To protect consumer rights |
What can consumers do if their rights are violated? | Take legal action |
What happens when the government increases taxes? | Reduces the funds available for private and business spending |
What happens when the government decreases taxes? | Increases the funds for private and business spending |
What happens when the government increases borrowing? | Reduces the funds available for borrowing by individuals and businesses |
What happens when the government decreases borrowing? | Increases funds available for borrowing by individuals and businesses |
What happens when the government increases spending? | Increases demand, may increase employment and production, higher taxes |
What happens when the government decreases spending? | Slows the economy, lower taxes |
What is Civics? | The study of the rights and responsibilities of a US citizen |
What is citizenship? | Anyone who by birth or by choice owes allegiance to a certain nation |
What is government? | The organizations, institutions, and individuals who hold power over a group of people |
What does diverse mean? | Made up of many different parts |
What is a multi-party system? | A political system with many political parties |
What is one party system? | A political system with only one main political parties |
What does it mean to nominate someone? | To select to run for political office |
Who is a candidate? | Someone who runs for political office |
Who are the electorate? | The everyday citizens who vote in the popular elections |
What is bias? | When your personal feelings influence a choice |
What is propaganda? | Any form of media that tries to sway public opinion |
What is an editorial? | The official stance or opinion of a newspaper |
What is an op-ed? | A newspaper article stating the opposite opinion of the newspapers' official stance |
What is foreign policy? | A country's stance on issues with other nations |
What is the bureaucracy? | The everyday workers who help carry out the day to day business of government |
What is an ordinance? | Local law |
What does ratify mean? | Formally approve |
What does bicameral mean? | Consisting of two houses |
Policy making is another word for what? | Lawmaking |
What are regulatory agencies? | Government agencies that promote public health and safety |
Who are magistrates? | Court officials who set bail, issue search and arrest warrants, summons, and subpoenas |