Civics Quiz #1

Rules: 1) Each group works as a team

2) Each person in row answers on behalf of team

3) Team may help until hand is raised…once hand is raised you

must answer

Q What are three things that the

Declaration of Independence does?

A 1. Declares American independence 2. Lists American ideals 3. States grievances against the King

Q What exactly does the Constitution do?

A Lays out structure of the US gov’t Lists rights that individuals have

Q What is the main difference between the

D of I and the Constitution?

A The Constitution is a legally binding

document

Q What is the difference between a liberal

and conservative on economic issues

A A liberal supports more gov’t

involvement and a conservative supports less gov’t involvement

Q Why do conservatives oppose Obama’s

jobs bill?

A Want less involvement in the economy,

lower taxes

Q Why might a conservative oppose gay

marriage?

A More traditional than liberals/ don’t mind

gov’t regulation of private lives if it preserves “traditional” values

Q Which document contains the phrase

“All men are created equal?”

A The D of I

Q Name one part of the preamble to the

Constitution

A Answers vary

Q Where can you find American ideals in

the Constitution?

A Mainly in the preamble

Q What is another term for “Legislative

Branch”

A Congress

Q What are the 2 chambers of Congress?

A Senate House of Representatives

Q How many years are in one

Congressional (house rep) term?

A 2 years

Q Which political party is on the furthest

right wing of the political spectrum?

A Fascist

Q How does a bill become a law?

A Sponsored Introduced to sub committee Then full committee Then floor Then other chamber Conference committee President

Q How does a lobbyist affect the bill

making process?

A They have a variety of ways to influence

congress to vote a certain way on a bill, such as: Campaign contributions Petition signatures (show that the

American people stand a certain way) Good old fashioned making the case..

Q What is a filibuster?

A A tactic used only in the Senate to delay

vote on a bill

Q How is the president elected?

A Electoral College

Q How many electoral votes does a

candidate need to win the EC?

A 270

Q Why 270?

A 100 + 435+ 3 for D.C.= 538 538/2 + 1 (which is 50% +1)=270

Q Why is Sukol making us do math?

A Sick pleasure

Q Which kind of states benefit most (are

over-represented) in the EC?

A Small ones

Q Which branch of gov’t can declare war?

A legislative

Q What is one example of a ceremonial

role of the president?

A Answers may vary…but this is the

symbolic role---not functional stuff