OSAT Social Studies and Government Flashcards

Which constitutional amendment extended voting rights to citizens aged 18 and older?

Answer: 26th Amendment

The 26th Amendment, ratified in 1971, lowered the national voting age to 18.

Which economic concept describes the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given year?

Answer: GDP

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total monetary value of goods and services produced within a nation's borders.

The principle of 'popular sovereignty' in U.S. history referred to allowing residents of which territories to decide the issue of slavery?

Answer: Western territories before statehood

Popular sovereignty, as promoted by Stephen Douglas, allowed settlers in new western territories to vote on whether to permit slavery.

Which branch of the U.S. federal government has the power to declare war?

Answer: Legislative branch (Congress)

Article I of the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power to formally declare war.

The Columbian Exchange primarily refers to the transfer of plants, animals, culture, and ideas between which two regions?

Answer: The Americas and Europe/Africa

The Columbian Exchange was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's 1492 voyage.

A government that has total control over all aspects of public and private life is best described as:

Answer: Totalitarian

A totalitarian government exercises complete authority over nearly every aspect of public and private life.

Which U.S. Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

Answer: Marbury v. Madison

Marbury v. Madison (1803) established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.