US Gov Flashcards
(39 cards)
federal system
In the US federal system, some of the important functions of government are carried out by the federal government, some are carried out by the state, while others are shared.
legislative branch
The Legislative Branch makes laws.
executive branch
The Executive Branch enforces the laws.
judicial branch
The Judicial Branch interprets the laws.
what are personal rights?
A personal right allows a person to do as they please as long as it doesn’t infringe on another’s rights.
To be considered a constitutional government, the constitution must do what?
To be considered a constitutional government, the constitution must limit governmental power and give the citizens a way to enforce limits.
Articles 1-3 of the Constitution ensure that the government’s powers remain balanced between the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches. Which term best describes this action?
A system of “checks and balances” ensures that the government’s powers remain balanced between the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches.
Which of the following is NOT a right of citizens of the United States?
Attending a sporting event overseas is not a right guaranteed by the US Constitution.
Civic responsibilities can best be described as which of the following?
A civic responsibility is a duty that a citizen has to society.
Why are constitutions important?
The US Constitution lays out the way the government is organised and functions, and includes any guarantees of liberties and freedoms for citizens.
What is one right a citizen has that an alien does NOT?
A citizen has the right to vote; an alien does not.
An interest group member is actually campaigning on behalf of a candidate. What is this action called?
Electioneering involves the actual campaigning by an interest group member on behalf of a political candidate.
Which of the following pairs is correct regarding the law of blood vs the law of soil?
The first is inherited, the second is based on place of birth
What is naturalisation?
Naturalisation is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to foreign citizens or nationals after they fulfil the requirements.
What helps determine the amount of time we spend on participating in government?
How well we think our elected officials are doing
There are two main ways to lobby. What are they?
Direct and indirect
What is the main goal for interest groups?
An interest group wants to create public policy in a way that pleases its members.
Voters mention several reasons why they don’t vote. Which of the following is one reason?
A voter may not vote for fear that their vote will not make a difference.
What is another name for an interest group?
An interest group may also be referred to as a lobbying group.
Tom Smith and John Doe are both candidates for office. At the end of the election, the two individuals are tied with the same number of votes. According to the election process, what happens next?
Tom and John would face a run-off primary, which occurs when no clear winner emerges with a majority of the votes from the first primary.
During the election process, when do political party nominees compete against one another?
Political party nominees compete against each other during the general election.
What is the purpose of a political party platform?
A political party platform provides a collection of viewpoints or opinions of how the government and society should be governed.
What is the function of a national convention?
A national convention’s delegates meet to debate, modify, and vote on their party’s platform.
The citizens of Missouri seek to remove an official from office due to misconduct. What type of ballot should the citizens use?
A recall is used to remove an elected official from office by a vote of the public.