| A | B |
|---|
| Our government and all of those that govern us are bound by the law – no one is above the law. | Rule of Law |
| Government is not all-powerful & may do only those things people have given it the power to do, through the Constitution. | Limited Government |
| People are the source of any and all governmental power. | Consent of the Governed |
| In a democratic system of government the people rule | Democracy |
| In what system of government do people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on their behalf? | Representative Government |
| What document stated that the rights of Englishman guaranteed to colonists? | Charters of the Virginia Company of London |
| What document served as a model for the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States of America? | Virginia Declaration of Rights |
| What document, written before the U.S. Constitution, main idea was the freedom of religious beliefs and opinions? | Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom |
| What document stated grievances against the king of Britain? | Declaration of Independence |
| What document declared the colonies’ independence from Great Britain? | Declaration of Independence |
| What document affirmed “certain unalienable rights”? | Declaration of Independence |
| What document established the idea that all people are equal under the law? | Declaration of Independence |
| What are unalienable rights? | Life, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness |
| What document established the first form of national government for the independent states? | Articles of Confederation |
| What document maintained that the major powers (of government) resided with individual states? | Articles of Confederation |
| What document had a weakness of central government (e.g., no power to tax and enforce laws)? | Articles of Confederation |
| What document led to the writing of the Constitution of the United States of America due to the lack of an executive and judicial branch of government? | Articles of Confederation |
| What document expresses the reason the constitution was written? | The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America |
| What does the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America state that the purpose of U.S. Government is? | 1. to form a more perfect union 2. to establish justice 3. to ensure domestic peace 4. to provide defense |
| What document sets forth the goals and purposes to be served by the government in the constitution? | The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America |
| What document introduction begins with, “We the people,” which establishes that the power of government comes from the people (consent of the governed)? | The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America |
| What amendment defines citizenship? | 14th |
| What amendment states “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside”? | Fourteenth |
| What are the means of obtaining citizenship? | • Birth • Naturalization |
| What has led to an increasingly diverse society? | • Immigration • Naturalization |
| What must an immigrant do to become a citizen through naturalization? | A person must demonstrate knowledge of American history and principles and the ability to speak and write English. |
| What fundamental rights and liberties are guaranteed in the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America? | Religion Assembly Petition Press Speech |
| What fundamental right and liberty states, “government may not establish an official religion, nor endorse, or unduly interfere with the free exercise of religion”? | Freedom of Religion |
| What fundamental right and liberty states, “Individuals may peacefully gather”? | Freedom of Assembly |
| What fundamental right and liberty states, “The press has the right to gather and publish information, including that which criticizes the government”? | Freedom of Press |
| What fundamental right and liberty states, “Individuals have the right to make their views known to public officials”? | Freedom of Petition |
| What fundamental right and liberty states, “Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs”? | Freedom of Speech |
| What Amendment guarantees our fundamental rights and liberties? | 1st |
| What Amendment extends the due process protection to actions of the states? | 14th |
| What duties are expected of all citizens? | Duties of responsible citizens Citizens Obey - laws Pay - taxes Serve - armed forces / or jury Arrest – citizens who do not follow C.O.P.S. face legal consequences. |
| What happens if citizens do not fulfill their civic duties? | Citizens who choose not to fulfill these civic duties face legal consequences. |
| What are the ways individuals demonstrate responsible citizenship? | Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by choice; they are voluntary. Vote – register and vote Office – hold elective office Informed – keep informed by using current knowing current events. Communicate – with government officials Equality – don’t infringe on the rights of others Serve in voluntary, appointed positions Participate – in political campaigns |
| What are the ways for citizens to participate in community service? | Volunteer - to support democratic institutions Help - to make the community a good place to work and live Express - concern about the welfare of the community as a whole |
| How do individuals demonstrate thoughtful and effective participation in civic life? | Personal traits of good citizens • Trustworthiness and honesty • Courtesy and respect for the rights of others • Responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance • Respect for the law • Patriotism |
| What roles do political parties play in the American political process? | Help - candidates win elections Educate -`the electorate about campaign issues Recruit - or nominate candidates Monitor - actions of officeholders |
| How are the major political parties similar? | Reflect Liberal and Conservative views Influence Public opinion Appeal to Political center Organize to Win Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center. |
| How do the major political parties differ? | DIFFERENCES found in party’s Platform and stated (reflected) in campaigning |
| How do third parties differ from the two major parties? | Third parties Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt) |
| How do citizens make informed choices in elections? | Separate fact from opinion (fiction.) Identify propaganda. Detect bias. Evaluate sources of information. |
| How does the media play a role in the political process? | Identifying candidates. Writing editorials, creating political cartoons, and publishing op-ed pieces. Emphasizing selected issues. Broadcasting different points of view. |
| Why is running for elective office expensive? | Limits - opportunities to run Advantages - to wealthy individuals Requires - fund-raising Gives - issue oriented groups influence Encourages - PAC’s (political action committees) |
| How has the high cost of getting elected changed campaigning for public office? | Campaign finance reform Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws. Limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to political candidates and campaigns |
| Who is eligible to vote in Virginia? | Only citizens who register can participate in primary and general elections. |
| What are the qualifications for voter registration in Virginia? | Citizen of the United States Resident of Virginia and precinct 18 years of age by day of general election |
| How do voters register to vote in Virginia? | • Citizen – citizen of state • Precinct – permanent address • Resident • 18 years of age by day of general election |
| What are the factors in predicting which citizens will vote? | Education Age Income The percentage of voters who participate in presidential elections is usually greater than the percentage of voters who participate in state and local elections. Every vote is important. |
| Why do citizens fail to vote? | Lack of interest Failure to register |
| How does the electoral college select the President and Vice President of the United States? | Electoral college process The slate of electors for each state is chosen by popular vote. The electors meet to vote for President and Vice President. The winner-take-all system leads to the targeting of large states for campaigning, although candidates must pay attention to small states whose electoral votes may make the difference in tight elections. |
| How many electors are given to each state? | The number of electors of each state is based on the state’s Congressional representation. |
| What is the requirement to win a presidential election in a two-party system? | The requirements for a majority vote to win in the electoral college favors a two-party system. |
| What document establishes the structure of the United States Government? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| What document Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of minorities protected? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| What document Affirms individual worth and dignity of all people? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| What document protects the fundamental freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| What document established a federal form of government in which the national government is supreme? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| What document either enumerated / expressed or implied powers of the national government? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| What document stated the powers not given to the national government are reserved for the states? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| What document denies powers to both the national and state governments? | Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights |
| In Virginia, where does the local government get the power from? | The State |
| How does the Constitution of the United States of America outline powers divided and shared among the national, state, and local levels of government? | Primary responsibilities of each level of government National—Conducts foreign policy, regulates commerce State—Promotes public health, safety, and welfare Local- All powers of local government in Virginia are created and controlled by the state. |
| What are the three branches of government? | NATIONAL, STATE, LOCAL |
| What are the Legislatives powers of government and responsibilities at the local level? | Legislative Local Government Makes ordinances for community; approves annual budget; limits power to that delegated by the state |
| What are the Legislatives powers of government and responsibilities at the state level? | Legislative State Government Makes laws for Virginia; approves biennial (two-year) budget; exercises power under the 10th amendment (“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”) |
| What are the Legislatives powers of government and responsibilities at the national level? | Legislative National Government Makes laws for nation Approves annual budget Approves presidential appointments |
| What powers does the Legislative branch have over the Executive branch? | Legislative over Executive Overrides vetoes Impeaches a President |
| What powers does the Legislative branch have over the Judicial branch? | Legislative over Judicial Approves federal judges Impeaches federal judges |
| What are the Executive powers of government and responsibilities at the local level? | Executive Local Government Elected or appointed by the Board of Supervisors or City Council; city or county managers hired by local legislatures |
| What are the Executive powers of government and responsibilities at the state level? | Executive State Government Executes laws of Virginia Prepares biennial budget for General Assembly Appoints cabinet officers and boards Administers state bureaucracy; grants pardons |
| What are the Executive powers of government and responsibilities at the national level? | Executive National Government Executes law of the land Prepares annual budget for congressional action Appoints cabinet officers, ambassadors, and federal judges Administers federal bureaucracy |
| What powers does the Executive branch have over the Legislative Branch? | Executive over Legislative Vetoes acts of Congress Calls Congress into special session |
| What powers does the Executive branch have over the Judicial Branch? | Executive over Judicial Appoints federal judges |
| What are the roles and powers of the executive branch at the national level? | The powers of the executive branch are defined in the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of Virginia. |
| What are the roles and powers of the executive branch at the state level? | The executive branch at the state and national levels carries out the law. |
| What are the ways the executive branch influences policymaking? | • Proposing legislation in an annual speech to the legislature (State of the Commonwealth or State of the Union Address) • Appealing directly to the people • Approving or vetoing legislation • Appointing officials who carry out the laws |
| What are the institutions that interpret and help the executive branch with carrying out laws? | Cabinet departments, agencies, and regulatory groups. |
| What are the Judicial powers of government and responsibilities at the local level? | Judicial Local Government Local courts—Hear cases under the authority provided by state legislation |
| What are the Judicial powers of government and responsibilities at the state level? | Judicial State Government Supreme Court—Has power of judicial review over state laws Circuit courts—Try civil and criminal cases |
| What are the Judicial powers of government and responsibilities at the national level? | Judicial National Government Supreme Court—Has power of judicial review Federal courts—Try cases involving federal law and U.S. Constitutional questions |
| What powers does the Judicial branch have over the Legislative branch? | Judicial over Legislative Declares laws unconstitutional |
| What powers does the Judicial branch have over the Executive branch? | Judicial over Executive Declares executive acts unconstitutional |
| How are state courts organized? | Virginia, like each of the other forty-nine states, has its own court system whose organization and jurisdiction are derived from Virginia’s constitution and state laws. |
| How are federal courts organized? | The United States has a separate court system whose organization and jurisdiction are derived from the Constitution of the United States of America and federal laws. |
| What is judicial review? | The supreme courts of the United States and Virginia determine the constitutionality of laws and acts of the executive branch of government. This power is called judicial review. |
| What court case established the principle of judicial review at the national level? | Marbury v. Madison |
| What document is the supreme law of the land? | The Constitution of the United States of America |
| What must state laws conform to? | State laws must conform to the Virginia and United States constitutions. |
| What is criminal law? | In a criminal case, a court determines whether a person accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony. 94 |
| What is civil law? | In a civil case, a court settles a disagreement between two parties. |
| What is the basic process for bringing criminal cases to trial? | • A person accused of a crime may be Arrested if the police have probable cause. • The accused may be Committed to jail or released on bail. • The case proceeds to an Arraignment where probable cause is reviewed, the defendant may be appointed an attorney, and a plea is entered. • A Court date is set and a trial is conducted. • A guilty verdict may be Appealed to the Court of Appeals or directly to the Supreme Court in certain cases |
| What is the basic process for bringing civil cases to trial? | • The plaintiff files a complaint to recover damages or receive compensation. • Case can be heard by judge or jury • Case can be appealed to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. |
| What is the basic process for bringing juvenile cases to trial? | • Judges have greater latitude in handling juvenile cases. • Juveniles who commit serious crimes can be tried as adults. |
| What is due process of law? | The constitutional protection against unfair governmental actions and laws |
| How does the due process protections ensure justice? | Due process protections • 5th Amendment—Prohibits the national government from acting in an unfair manner • 14th Amendment—Prohibits state and local governments from acting in an unfair manner The Supreme Court has extended the due process clauses to protect the guarantees of the Bill of Rights. |
| What is the term for a method of removing power to help prevent any one branch from abusing its power? | Separation of Powers |
| What is the term used for a system of constitutional government which guards against absolute power by providing for separate executive, judicial, and legislative bodies who share powers and thereby limiting the powers of other branches? | Checks and Balances |
| How can the Constitution of the United States of America be amended? | Process for amending the Constitution of the United States of America • Action by Congress or convention • Ratification by the states • The amendment process is complex; to date, only 27 amendments have been added. |
| The Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress are what type of legislatures? | They are Bicameral: Having two houses (e.g., the Senate and the House of Representatives) |
| How are the legislative powers defined in the U.S. Constitution? | Legislative powers Expressed (specifically listed) Implied (used to carry out expressed powers) |
| How does the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress make laws? | The lawmaking process in national and state legislatures • Working in committees • Debating on the floor • Voting on a bill by both houses • Signing the bill into law by the President or governor |
| When do elected officials write laws and take action? | In response to problems or issues |
| Who helps shape legislation in the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress? | Individuals and interest groups |
| What influence does the media have on public policy and policymakers? | Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda Using the media to communicate through government officials. Focusing public attention on selected issues. Offering a forum where opposing viewpoints are communicated. Holding government officials accountable to the public. |
| What term means seeking to influence legislators to introduce or vote for or against a bill? | Lobbying |
| What are the ways individuals influence public policy? | • Joining interest groups • Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters) • Participating in politics (voting, campaigning) |
| What are the ways interest groups influence public policy? | • Making political contributions • Identifying issues • Lobbying government officials |
| How do consumers deal with scarcity? | Scarcity is the inability to satisfy all wants at the same time. All resources and goods are limited. This requires that choices be made. |
| How do consumers deal with resources? | Resources are factors of production that are used in the production of goods and services. Types of resources are capital, human, entrepreneurship, and natural. |
| How do consumers deal with choice? | Choice is selecting an item or action from a set of possible alternatives. Individuals must choose/make decisions about desired goods and services because these goods and services are limited. |
| How do consumers deal with opportunity cost? | Opportunity cost is what is given up when a choice is made—the highest valued alternative forgone. Individuals must consider the value of what is given up when making a choice. |
| How do consumers deal with price? | • Price is the amount of money exchanged for a good or service. • Interaction of supply and demand determines price. • Price determines who acquires goods and services. |
| How do consumers deal with incentives? | Incentives are things that incite or motivate. Incentives are used to change economic behavior. |
| How do people deal with supply and demand? | Supply and demand Interaction of supply and demand determines price. Demand is the amount of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to buy at a certain price. Supply is the amount of a good or service that producers are willing and able to sell at a certain price. |
| How do people deal with production? | Production is the combining of capital, human, entrepreneurship, and natural resources to make goods or provide services. Resources available and consumer preferences determine what is produced. |
| How do consumers deal with consumption? | Consumption is using goods and services. Consumer preferences and price determine what is purchased. |
| What are the basic characteristics of free market? | Free Market Private ownership of property/resources Profit Competition Consumer sovereignty Individual choice |
| What are the basic characteristics of command economies? | Command Economy Central ownership of property/resources Centrally-planned economy Lack of consumer choice |
| What are the basic characteristics of mixed economies? | Mixed Economy • Government as decision maker for the public sector • Individuals and businesses as decision makers for the private sector • A greater government role than in a free market economy • Most common economic system today |
| In the United States, who shares in economic decision making? | • businesses • private individuals • government |
| What are the essential characteristics of the United States economy? | • Free markets • Private property • Profit • Competition • Consumer sovereignty |
| What are free markets? | Free markets—Markets are allowed to operate without undue interference from the government. |
| What is private property? | Private property—Individuals and businesses, in the U.S., have the right to own personal property, as well as the means of production without undue interference from the government. |
| What is profit? | Profit—Profit consists of earnings after all expenses have been paid. |
| What is competition in a mixed/free market economies? | Competition—Rivalry between producers/sellers of a good or service results in better quality goods and services at a lower price. |
| What is the consumer sovereignty? | Consumer sovereignty—Consumers determine through purchases, what goods and services will be produced. |
| What are the basic types of profit-seeking business structures? | • Proprietorship—A form of business organization with one owner who takes all the risks and all the profits. • Partnership—A form of business organization with two or more owners who share the risks and the profits. • Corporation—A form of business organization that is authorized by law to act as a legal person regardless of the number of owners. Owners share the profits. Owner liability is limited to investment. |
| What is an entrepreneur? | • A person who takes a risk to produce goods and services in search of profit • May establish a business according to any of the three types of organizational structures |
| How do resources, goods and services, and money flow among individuals, businesses, and governments in a market economy? (Economic Flow) | • Individual and business saving and investment provide financial capital that can be borrowed for business expansion and increased consumption. • Individuals (households) own the resources used in production, sell the resources, and use the income to purchase products. • Businesses (producers) buy resources; make products that are sold to individuals, other businesses, and the government; and use the profits to buy more resources. • Governments use tax revenue from individuals and businesses to provide public goods and services. |
| How do financial institutions encourage saving and investing? | • Receive deposits and make loans • Include banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and securities brokerages • Encourage saving and investing by paying interest on deposits |
| What is a global economy? | Global Economy—Worldwide markets in which the buying and selling of goods and services by all nations takes place |
| Why do Virginia and the United States trade with other nations? | • To create Jobs • To Obtain goods and services they cannot produce or produce efficiently themselves • To Buy goods and services at a lower cost or a lower opportunity cost • To Sell goods and services to other countries Virginia and the United States specialize in the production of certain goods and services which promotes efficiency and growth. |
| What is the impact of technological innovation on world trade? | • Innovations in technology (e.g., the Internet) contribute to the global flow of information, capital, goods, and services. • The use of such technology also lowers the cost of production |
| How does the United States government promote competition? | • Enforcing antitrust legislation to discourage the development of monopolies • Engaging in global trade • Supporting business start-ups |
| How does the United States government regulate competition? | • FCC (Federal Communications Commission) • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) • FTC (Federal Trade Commission) These agencies oversee the way individuals and companies do business. |
| What are public goods and services? | • Would not be available if individuals had to provide them • Include such items as interstate highways, postal service, and national defense • Provide benefits to many simultaneously |
| How do governments produce public goods and services? | • Through tax revenue • Through borrowed funds |
| How does the government by increasing or decreasing taxes influence economic activity? | • Government tax increases reduce the funds available for private and business spending; • tax decreases increase funds for private and business spending. |
| How does the government by increasing or decreasing borrowing influence economic activity? | Increased government borrowing reduces funds available for borrowing by individuals and businesses; decreased government borrowing increases funds available for borrowing by individuals and businesses. |
| How does the government by increasing or decreasing spending influence economic activity? | • Increased government spending increases demand, which may increase employment and production; • Decreased spending reduces demand, which may result in a slowing of the economy. |
| How can the government by increasing or decreasing spending effect taxes? | • Increased government spending may result in higher taxes; • Decreased government spending may result in lower taxes |
| What Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America authorizes Congress to tax incomes (personal and business)? | The 16th |
| What is the central bank of the United States? | The Federal Reserve System (Fed) |
| How do the Federal Reserve banks act as a banker’s bank? | By issuing currency and regulating the amount of money in circulation |
| How does the Federal Reserve bank slow the economy? | To slow the economy, the Federal Reserve Bank restricts the money supply, causing interest rates to rise |
| What are the ways the Federal Reserve Bank slows the economy? | • Sells government securities • Increases the reserve requirement • Raises the discount rate |
| How does the Federal Reserve bank stimulate the economy? | To stimulate the economy the Fed increases the money supply, causing interest rates to decline. |
| What are the ways the Federal Reserve Bank stimulate the economy? | • Lowers the reserve requirement • Lowers the discount rate • Purchases government securities |
| What is the role of the United States government in protecting consumer rights and property rights? | Individuals have the right of private ownership, which is protected by negotiated contracts that are enforceable by law. Government agencies establish guidelines that protect public health and safety. Consumers may take legal action against violations of consumer rights |
| What is the role of self-assessment in career planning? | Career planning starts with self-assessment. |
| What is the role of work ethic in determining career success? | Employers seek employees who demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors of a strong work ethic. |
| What is the relationship between skills, education, and income? | Higher skill(s) and/or education level(s) generally lead to higher incomes. Supply and demand also influence job income. |
| What influence do advances in technology have on the workplace? | Employers seek individuals who have kept pace with technological change/skills. Technological advancements create new jobs in the workplace. |
| What are the three major economic systems today? | Free Market Command Mixed |
