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GACE: Social Studies > Government and Citizenship > Flashcards

Government and Citizenship Flashcards

(65 cards)

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1
Q

Purpose of Laws

A

To keep order between citizens and government and prevent anarchy

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2
Q

Rule of Law

A

Principle that everyone—including government officials—is subject to the same laws, ensuring fairness and accountability

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3
Q

Constraints on Government Power

A

Independent courts, checks and balances, and due-process rules limit officials’ authority

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4
Q

“We the People”

A

Preamble phrase signaling that ultimate power comes from the citizens

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5
Q

“Establish Justice”

A

Preamble goal of ensuring fair laws and courts

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6
Q

“Insure Domestic Tranquility”

A

Preamble goal of maintaining peace within the country

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7
Q

“Provide for the Common Defense”

A

Preamble goal of united protection against external threats

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8
Q

“Promote the General Welfare”

A

Preamble goal of caring for citizens’ well-being

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9
Q

“Secure the Blessings of Liberty”

A

Preamble goal of protecting freedom for current and future generations

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10
Q

1st Amendment

A

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

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11
Q

2nd Amendment

A

Right to keep and bear arms

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12
Q

3rd Amendment

A

No quartering of soldiers in homes

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13
Q

4th Amendment

A

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

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14
Q

5th Amendment

A

Due process, no self-incrimination, no double jeopardy

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15
Q

6th Amendment

A

Right to a speedy, public trial with counsel and impartial jury

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16
Q

7th Amendment

A

Right to jury trial in civil cases

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17
Q

8th Amendment

A

No cruel or unusual punishment

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18
Q

9th Amendment

A

People retain rights not specifically listed in the Constitution

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19
Q

10th Amendment

A

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or people

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20
Q

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A

Established judicial review (Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional)

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21
Q

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A

Confirmed Congress’s implied powers and barred states from blocking federal actions

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22
Q

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

A

Gave Congress sole authority to regulate interstate commerce

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23
Q

Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)

A

Ruled that enslaved people were not citizens; decision later overturned by 13th & 14th Amendments

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24
Q

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

A

Uphheld “separate but equal” segregation laws

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25
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Struck down school segregation as inherently unequal
26
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
Guaranteed counsel for defendants who cannot afford a lawyer
27
Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Required police to inform suspects of their rights (“Miranda warning”)
28
United States v. Nixon (1974)
Limited presidential privilege; President must comply with subpoenas
29
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Extended right to privacy to abortion decisions
30
Citizens United v. FEC (2010)
Allowed unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions
31
Magna Carta (1215)
First major document to limit a monarch’s power and guide later democratic ideas
32
Social Contract Theory
Idea (Locke) that government power comes from the governed’s consent
33
Natural Rights
Universal rights to life, liberty, and property that pre-exist governments
34
Republicanism
System where citizens elect representatives to make laws
35
Popular Sovereignty
Concept that governmental authority comes from the people
36
Separation of Powers
Constitutional division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches
37
Checks and Balances
Each branch can limit the powers of the others (e.g., vetoes, judicial review)
38
Great Compromise
Created bicameral Congress: Senate (equal representation) and House (population-based)
39
Elastic Clause
Allows Congress to pass “necessary and proper” laws beyond those expressly listed
40
Commerce Clause
Grants Congress power to regulate interstate commerce
41
Judicial Review
The courts’ authority to decide constitutionality of laws (established by Marbury v. Madison)
42
Naturalization
Process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting tests and oath requirements
43
Birthright Citizenship
Automatic U.S. citizenship for anyone born on U.S. soil
44
Benefits of Citizenship
Constitutional protections, due process, equal protection, and voting rights
45
Civic Responsibilities
Obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries, vote, and defend the nation if called
46
First Amendment Freedoms
Speech, religion, press, assembly, petition
47
Due Process
Legal requirement for fair procedures before depriving life, liberty, or property
48
Equal Protection Clause
14th Amendment mandate that laws apply equally to all persons
49
Voting Rights Amendments
15th (race), 19th (sex), and 26th (age 18+) guarantee suffrage
50
Common Law
Law developed through court decisions and precedent
51
Natural Law
Rights and wrongs understood through human reason and nature
52
Divine Right
Belief that monarchs receive authority from God
53
Social Contract
Citizens agree to form government and follow laws for collective security
54
Rule of Law vs. Tyranny
Rule of law prevents arbitrary use of power; tyranny ignores legal limits
55
Elastic vs. Enumerated Powers
Enumerated = specifically listed; Elastic = implied powers needed to carry them out
56
Miranda Rights
Statement of rights (silent, attorney) police must read upon arrest
57
Supreme Court
Highest U.S. court; interprets Constitution and reviews lower-court decisions
58
Legislative Branch
Makes laws; composed of House of Representatives and Senate
59
Executive Branch
Enforces laws; headed by the President
60
Judicial Branch
Interprets laws; headed by the Supreme Court
61
Interstate Commerce
Trade and economic activity crossing state lines, regulated by Congress
62
Bill of Rights
Purpose was to calm Anti-Federalist fears and protect individual & state rights
63
Civil Rights Act (1964)
Banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
64
Title IX (1972)
Prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs
65
Voting Rights Act (1965)
Outlaws discriminatory voting practices

GACE: Social Studies (10 decks)

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