HSA Study Guide 2025 :) Flashcards
(143 cards)
1
Q
What is government?
A
A group of people who make and enforce laws for a country, state, community. It helps keep order and provides services for the people.
2
Q
Why are governments formed?
A
To keep order, make laws, and protect people’s rights. They help solve problems and ensure smooth functioning in a society.
3
Q
What does government do?
A
Makes laws, enforces them, keeps people safe, and provides services like schools, roads, and police.
4
Q
What powers do governments have?
A
Governments can make laws, collect taxes, keep people safe, build roads and schools, and ensure rules are followed.
5
Q
What is legislative power?
A
The power held by the Legislative Branch to make laws.
6
Q
What is executive power?
A
The power held by the Executive Branch to carry out laws.
7
Q
What is judicial power?
A
The power held by the Judicial Branch to interpret laws and ensure they follow the Constitution.
8
Q
Who was John Locke?
A
A thinker who wrote about government and people’s rights, believing everyone has the right to life, liberty, and property.
9
Q
Define: Consent of the governed
A
Means the people agree to be ruled by a government, showing that the government gets its power from the people.
10
Q
What is an authoritarian government?
A
A government where one leader or a small group has all the power, and people have little or no say.
11
Q
What is a confederation?
A
A group of states or countries that join together for a common purpose, with each member keeping most of its power.
12
Q
What is a unitary government?
A
A government where one main central government is in charge, and local governments have little power.
13
Q
What is a federal government?
A
A government that shares power between a national government and state governments.
14
Q
What is a democracy?
A
A type of government where the people have the power to vote and choose their leaders.
15
Q
What is a direct democracy?
A
A system where people vote on laws and decisions themselves without elected leaders.
16
Q
What is a representative democracy?
A
A system where people vote for leaders to make decisions and laws for them.
17
Q
What is a parliamentary democracy?
A
A system where the people vote for a president who is separate from the group that makes laws.
18
Q
What is a presidential democracy?
A
A system where people vote for leaders to make decisions and laws for them.
19
Q
What is a monarchy?
A
A government led by a king or queen, who may have all or shared power.
20
Q
What is totalitarianism?
A
A system that controls almost every part of people’s lives and punishes those who disagree.
21
Q
Define: Rule of Law
A
Everyone must follow the law, ensuring laws are fair and apply equally to all people.
22
Q
Define: Majority Rule
A
The decision most people agree on is the one that gets followed.
23
Q
Define: Limited Government
A
Leaders do not have total power and must follow the laws while respecting people’s rights.
24
Q
Define: Separation of Powers
A
The division of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with its own job.
25
Define: Checks and Balances
Each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
26
Define: Judicial Review
Courts check if a law or action follows the Constitution and can declare it unconstitutional.
27
What are the characteristics of authoritarian governments?
* Power is held by an individual
* Leaders gain power by force
* No free and fair elections
* No rule of law
* No limits on government control
28
What are the characteristics of democratic governments?
* Power is held by the people
* Leaders gain power by the will of the people
* Free and fair elections
* Rule of law
* Limits on government control
29
Define: Wants
Things people would like to have but don’t need to live.
30
Define: Goods
Things you can touch and buy, like food, clothes, or toys.
31
Define: Services
Jobs people do to help others that cannot be touched but can be used.
32
Define: Opportunity Cost
What you give up when you choose one thing instead of another.
33
What is economic freedom?
The ability of people to choose how to earn, spend, and save their money.
34
What is economic growth?
When the economy gets bigger and stronger over time, often through business growth and job creation.
35
What is economic stability?
When prices remain steady, allowing people to plan for the future.
36
What is economic equity?
Ensuring people are treated fairly regarding money and resources.
37
What is economic security?
When people feel safe about their jobs and money, ensuring they have what they need even in hard times.
38
List the four ways the government is involved in the economy.
* Collecting Taxes
* Making Rules and Laws
* Providing Public Services
* Spending Money
39
Define: Economy
The way people and businesses make, sell, and use goods and services.
40
Define: Natural Resources
Things found in nature that people use to make goods and services.
41
Define: Human Resources
The people who work to make goods and provide services, using their skills and knowledge.
42
Define: Capital Resources
Tools, machines, and buildings used to make goods and services.
43
Define: Traditional Economy
An economy based on customs and history, where people often farm, hunt, or trade.
44
Define: Command Economy
An economy where the government makes all decisions about production and distribution.
45
Define: Market Economy
An economy where people and businesses decide what to make, sell, and buy, with prices set by supply and demand.
46
Define: Mixed Economy
An economy that combines elements of both market and command economies.
47
What was the Mayflower Compact?
The first agreement for self-government in America, showing that people could create their own rules.
48
What was the Magna Carta?
A document that limited the power of the king of England and gave nobility basic rights.
49
What was the English Bill of Rights?
A document that expanded the powers of parliament and protected people’s rights.
50
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution that protect individual freedoms.
51
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson.
52
When was the Declaration of Independence written?
1776.
53
Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
To explain why the American colonies wanted to break away from British rule.
54
What basic human rights are stated in the Declaration?
The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
55
Where does the government get its power?
From the people, known as 'consent of the governed.'
56
What were the Articles of Confederation?
The first plan for the US government, creating a weak national government.
57
What could the national government do under the Articles of Confederation?
* Make treaties
* Declare war
58
What could the national government not do under the Articles of Confederation?
* Print money
* Collect taxes
* Force states to follow federal laws
59
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
Because the national government was too weak to collect taxes or enforce laws.
60
How did the Constitution fix the Articles of Confederation?
By creating a stronger national government with three branches and powers to collect taxes and make laws.
61
What were the arguments of the Federalists?
They supported the new constitution, believing a strong national government was needed.
62
What were the arguments of the Anti-Federalists?
They opposed the new constitution, fearing it gave too much power to the national government.
63
Define: Popular Sovereignty
The power of government comes from the people.
64
Define: Federalism
A system where power is shared between national and state governments.
65
Define: Bill of attainder
A law that punishes a person without trial, which is not allowed by the Constitution.
66
Define: Ex post facto law
A law that makes an act illegal after it was already done, which the Constitution prohibits.
67
Define: Suspension of writ of habeas corpus
The government can hold someone in jail without letting them go to court during emergencies.
68
Define: Procedural due process
The government must follow fair steps before taking away someone's life, liberty, or property.
69
Define: Substantive due process
The government cannot make unfair laws, protecting basic rights from bad legislation.
70
Define: Equal protection
The government must treat all people fairly and equally under the law, as stated in the 14th amendment.
71
What is the 1st Amendment?
It protects the right to free speech, religion, assembly, and petition.
72
What is the 2nd Amendment?
It protects the right to own and carry weapons.
73
What is the 3rd Amendment?
It prohibits the government from forcing individuals to house soldiers without consent.
74
What is the 4th Amendment?
It requires police to have a good reason or a warrant to search a person or property.
75
What is the 5th Amendment?
It protects against self-incrimination and unfair punishment.
76
What is the 6th Amendment?
It guarantees the right to a quick and fair trial with a lawyer and jury.
77
What is the 7th Amendment?
It provides the right to a jury trial in civil cases involving money.
78
What is the 8th Amendment?
It prohibits cruel punishments and excessive bail or fines.
79
What is the 9th Amendment?
It states that people have rights not listed in the Constitution.
80
What is the 10th Amendment?
It reserves powers not given to the national government for the states or the people.
81
Define: Bicameral
A legislative body that has two parts or houses, such as Congress.
82
What is Congress?
The part of the US government that makes laws, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
83
What is the minimum age to be a member of the House of Representatives?
25.
84
What is the minimum age to be a member of the Senate?
30.
85
What is the term of office for a member of the House of Representatives?
2 years.
86
What is the term of office for a member of the Senate?
6 years.
87
What is the process for a bill to become a law?
* Idea
* Intro
* Committee Review
* Debate and Vote (First House)
* Committee Review (Second House)
* Debate and Vote (Second House)
* Final Version
* President’s Desk
88
What is the process for a bill after it is introduced in Congress?
1. Committee Review
2. Debate and Vote (First House)
3. Committee for Study
4. Debate and Vote (Second House)
5. Final Version
6. President’s Desk
7. Override
89
What happens if a bill passes in the second house?
It moves on; if not, the bill dies.
90
What are the three main types of committees in Congress?
* Standing Committee
* Joint Committee
* Conference Committee
91
What is a Standing Committee?
A permanent group in Congress that studies bills about specific topics like education or the military.
92
What is the role of a Joint Committee?
Has members from both the House and the Senate to study big issues or handle tasks.
93
What is the purpose of a Conference Committee?
To work out differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.
94
How do interest groups impact lawmaking?
By sharing news and information, putting pressure on leaders, and organizing people to vote.
95
What are the two parts of the Maryland General Assembly?
* Maryland Senate
* House of Delegates
96
Define 'Equity'.
Treating people fairly by giving them what they need to succeed.
97
What is Affirmative Action?
A policy to help groups treated unfairly in the past, giving them better chances for jobs and education.
98
Who did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect?
Minorities.
99
How did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 protect African Americans?
Bans literacy tests and allows federal government assistance for fair elections.
100
What does Title IX ensure?
Equal opportunities in sports, education, and activities for both boys and girls.
101
What group did the Civil Rights Act of 1968 protect?
Minorities in housing.
102
How does the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protect individuals?
Ensures equal access to jobs, public places, and services for people with disabilities.
103
What is the highest position in the Executive Branch?
The President.
104
Who assists the President?
The Vice President.
105
List the roles of the President.
* Chief of State
* Chief Executive
* Commander in Chief
* Chief Diplomat
* Legislative Leader
* Economic Leader
106
What is the main function of the Department of Agriculture?
Helps farmers, ensures food safety, and protects forests.
107
What does the Department of State manage?
Handles relationships with other countries.
108
What is the main responsibility of the Department of Justice?
Ensures laws are followed and handles cases in court.
109
What does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulate?
Civil aviation, air traffic, and piloting standards.
110
Define 'Governor'.
The leader of a state’s government.
111
What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor?
The 2nd highest leader in a state’s government who assists the governor.
112
What is 'jurisdiction'?
The power or authority a court has to make decisions.
113
What distinguishes original jurisdiction from appellate jurisdiction?
Original jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case first; appellate jurisdiction reviews lower court decisions.
114
What is a felony?
A serious crime punishable by more than 1 year in prison.
115
What is a misdemeanor?
A less serious crime punishable by a fine or less than 1 year in jail.
116
What is the standard of 'beyond a reasonable doubt'?
The standard used in criminal cases requiring strong certainty of guilt.
117
What does 'preponderance of evidence' mean?
One side has more convincing proof than the other, used in civil cases.
118
Describe the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Established judicial review.
119
What was the outcome of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?
Ended legal school segregation.
120
Define 'public policy'.
The government's plan to solve problems and improve lives.
121
What is a census?
An official count of the population taken every 10 years.
122
List three national domestic policy issues.
* Health Care
* Education
* Gun Control
123
Define 'land use'.
How people use land for various purposes.
124
What is urban sprawl?
When cities grow outward into the countryside.
125
Define 'fiscal policy'.
How the government uses taxing and spending to influence the economy.
126
What is the role of the Federal Reserve?
Controls interest rates and manages the money supply.
127
What is foreign policy?
A country’s plan for dealing with other countries.
128
What are imports?
Goods bought from another country.
129
What are exports?
Goods sold to another country.
130
What are Foreign Policy GOALS?
Things a country tries to achieve in its relationships with other countries, such as:
* Keeping peace
* Building trade
* Protecting national security
## Footnote
These goals shape how a country interacts with others on the global stage.
131
What are Foreign Policy TOOLS?
The ways a country tries to reach its goals with other countries, including:
* Making agreements
* Giving aid
* Using the military
* Placing sanctions
## Footnote
These tools are essential for implementing a country's foreign policy effectively.
132
Define Foreign Policy
A country’s plan for how it deals with other countries.
## Footnote
Foreign policy can encompass diplomatic, economic, and military strategies.
133
What are Imports?
Goods or products that a country buys and brings in from another country.
## Footnote
Imports are crucial for a country's economy as they can provide goods not available domestically.
134
What are Exports?
Goods or products that a country sells and sends to other countries.
## Footnote
Exports are vital for generating revenue and creating jobs within a country.
135
What are Tariffs?
Taxes that a country adds to goods brought in from other countries, making imported products more expensive to help local businesses compete.
## Footnote
Tariffs can influence trade balances and domestic market prices.
136
What are Embargos?
A government order that stops trade with another country to change its actions.
## Footnote
Embargos are often used as a political tool to exert pressure without military intervention.
137
What are Economic sanctions?
Rules that limit trade or money with another country to try to change its behavior.
## Footnote
These sanctions can target specific sectors or individuals to achieve foreign policy objectives.
138
What does NAFTA stand for?
North American Free Trade Agreement.
## Footnote
NAFTA was established in 1992 between the US, Canada, and Mexico to facilitate trade.
139
What does NATO stand for?
North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
## Footnote
NATO was established in 1949 as a collective defense alliance.
140
What does IMF stand for?
International Monetary Fund.
## Footnote
The IMF was established in 1994 to help countries manage their money and maintain financial stability.
141
What does the World Bank do?
An international organization that gives money and support to poor and developing countries.
## Footnote
The World Bank focuses on reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.
142
What does WHO stand for?
World Health Organization.
## Footnote
The WHO is a global group that works to keep people healthy around the world.
143
What does the International Red Cross do?
A global organization that helps people during emergencies like war, natural disasters, and health crises.
## Footnote
The International Red Cross is known for its humanitarian efforts and neutrality in conflicts.
