Principles of American Government - AP US Government and Politics
- Which branch can veto legislation?
- The Executive Branch. The President can reject bills passed by Congress.
- Which principle divides power between national and state governments?
- Federalism. It divides authority between the federal and state levels.
- What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
- To establish the framework of government and protect citizens' rights. It sets up how government works and safeguards individual liberties.
- What concept ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful?
- Separation of powers. Divides government into three distinct branches with different roles.
- Which principle allows citizens to vote directly on laws?
- Direct democracy. Citizens vote on issues themselves rather than through representatives.
- What does the principle of judicial review allow?
- Courts can declare laws unconstitutional. Established in Marbury v. Madison to check legislative power.
- Which principle supports the idea that law applies equally to all?
- Rule of Law. Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.
- Identify the concept where government power is restricted by law.
- Limited government. Prevents government from having unlimited authority over citizens.
- Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
- The Fourth Amendment. Requires warrants based on probable cause for searches.
- Identify the amendment that prohibits excessive bail and fines.
- The Eighth Amendment. Prevents unreasonable financial penalties in criminal cases.
- What does bicameralism refer to?
- A two-house legislature. Congress has two chambers: House and Senate.
- Which amendment established the income tax?
- The Sixteenth Amendment. Allows federal taxation of personal income.
- What is the separation of powers?
- Dividing government roles into three branches. Creates legislative, executive, and judicial branches with distinct functions.
- What is federalism?
- Sharing of power between national and state governments. Divides authority between different levels of government.
- What is the main function of the Legislative Branch?
- To make laws. Congress creates statutes that govern the nation.
- What is the Bill of Rights?
- The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments protect fundamental individual freedoms.
- Which amendment abolished slavery?
- The Thirteenth Amendment. Ended involuntary servitude after the Civil War.
- What is the Supremacy Clause?
- Federal law takes precedence over state law. Federal law overrules conflicting state laws.
- What is the process of formally charging a public official with misconduct?
- Impeachment. House impeaches, Senate tries the case for removal.
- What is the main role of the Executive Branch?
- To enforce laws. The President ensures laws passed by Congress are implemented.
- Identify the principle that allows each branch to limit the others.
- Checks and balances. Prevents any branch from becoming too dominant.
- What is the main idea behind the Social Contract Theory?
- People consent to government authority for protection. Citizens give up some freedom for government protection and order.
- Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws?
- The Judicial Branch. Courts determine what laws mean and if they're constitutional.
- Which amendment lowered the voting age to 18?
- The Twenty-Sixth Amendment. Expanded voting rights to 18-year-olds in 1971.
- Which amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?
- The Eighth Amendment. Protects against inhumane treatment in the justice system.
- What does the principle of popular sovereignty entail?
- Government power derives from the consent of the governed. Authority comes from the people's agreement to be governed.
- Identify the principle that emphasizes individual rights.
- Individual rights. Protects personal freedoms from government interference.
- What is the main purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
- To outline the goals of the Constitution. States the Constitution's purposes and principles.
- Which clause gives Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper?
- The Elastic Clause. Also called the Necessary and Proper Clause, expanding Congressional power.
- What is the purpose of checks and balances?
- To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. Each branch can limit the others to maintain balance.
- Identify the clause that allows Congress to regulate commerce.
- The Commerce Clause. Gives Congress broad power over interstate and international trade.
- Identify the clause that prohibits the establishment of religion.
- The Establishment Clause. Government cannot create an official national religion.
- Identify the amendment that grants women's suffrage.
- The Nineteenth Amendment. Gave women the right to vote in 1920.
- Which amendment grants citizenship to all persons born in the U.S.?
- The Fourteenth Amendment. Defines birthright citizenship and equal protection under law.
- What principle supports the division between church and state?
- Separation of church and state. Government cannot favor or establish any particular religion.
- Which document begins with 'We the People'?
- The U.S. Constitution. The Preamble starts with this famous phrase establishing popular sovereignty.
- What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
- States must respect other states' laws and judicial decisions. Promotes national unity by requiring interstate legal recognition.
- Which principle involves government officials following the same laws as citizens?
- Rule of Law. No one is above the law, including leaders.
- Which amendment limits presidential terms?
- The Twenty-Second Amendment. Presidents can only serve two terms maximum.
- Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech?
- The First Amendment. Part of the Bill of Rights protecting free expression.