Civics: U.S. Government Principles Flashcards

What power does judicial review give the Supreme Court?

Answer: The authority to declare laws unconstitutional

Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution, established by Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Which clause of the Constitution makes federal law supreme over conflicting state laws?

Answer: The Supremacy Clause

The Supremacy Clause in Article VI establishes that the Constitution and federal laws are the 'supreme law of the land.'

How is the President of the United States formally elected?

Answer: Through the Electoral College

The President is elected through the Electoral College, where each state has electors equal to its total congressional representation.

What right does the First Amendment NOT explicitly protect?

Answer: Freedom to bear arms

The right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment, not the First Amendment.

Which of the following is a concurrent power shared by both federal and state governments?

Answer: Collecting taxes

Both the federal government and state governments have the power to levy and collect taxes.

What is the process by which the House of Representatives can charge a federal official with wrongdoing?

Answer: Impeachment

Impeachment is the formal accusation process in the House; the Senate then holds a trial to determine removal.

Which founding document declared that 'all men are created equal' and that people have unalienable rights?

Answer: The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence (1776) proclaimed that all people possess unalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.