U.S. Government CBE Study Guide questions and answers rated A+

U.S. Government CBE Study GuideAristotle - correct answer Affirmed the existence of a "law of nature," but he was admired by and influenced the American Founders more for his related views on republican government and the rule of law. John Locke - correct answer 17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property. Karl Marx - correct answer 19th century philosopher, political economist, sociologist, humanist, political theorist, and revolutionary. Often recognized as the father of communism. Analysis of history led to his belief that communism would replace capitalism as it replaced feudalism. Believed in a classless society. Constitutional Republic - correct answer A form of government in which the people and their elected representative are limited by a constitution Petition of Right - correct answer 1628: Signed by Charles I. No imprisonment without due cause; no taxes levied without Parliament's consent; soldiers not housed in private homes; no martial law during peace time. Magna Carta - correct answer A charter of liberties (freedoms) that King John "Lackland" of Englad was forced to sign; it made the king obey the same laws as the citizens of his kingdom Mayflower Compact - correct answer 1620: The first agreement for self-government in America. It was signed by the 41 men on the Mayflower and set up a government for the Plymouth colony. U.S. Constitution - correct answer The government of the United States. A set of principles (guidelines) that describe the duties and powers of the government. Popular Sovereignty - correct answer A belief that ultimate power resides in the people. Executive Privledge - correct answer The power to keep executive communications confidential, especially if they relate to national security. Poll Taxes - correct answer Small taxes levied on the right to vote that often fell due at a time of year when poor African-American sharecroppers had the least cash on hand. This method was used by most Southern states to exclude African Americans from voting. Poll taxes were declared void by the Twenty-fourth Amendment in 1964. Sunshine/Sunset Laws - correct answer Required government agencies to open their meetings to the public and the press. Reserved Powers - correct answer Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states belong to the states and the people. Delegated Powers - correct answer Powers specifically given to the federal government by the US Constitution, for example, the authority to print money. Concurrent Powers - correct answer Powers held jointly by the national and state governments. Implied Powers - correct answer Powers inferred from the express powers that allow Congress to carry out its functions. Public Acts - correct answer Civil laws passed by state legislatures. Interstate Compacts - correct answer Contracts between states that carry the force of law; generally now used as a tool to address multistate policy concerns. Gerrymander - correct answer Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power. Caucus - correct answer A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform.