Purdue university civics literacy Exam
Questions and Verified Answers
private life
relates to a citizens right to privacy and the pursuit of private and personal
interests.
civic life
the public life of the citizen concerned with the affairs of the community and
nation
Limited Government
the government has only the powers granted to it in the constitution, and it can
only conduct actions permitted by the constitution. in other words these are
established and respected restraints on government power.
Rule of Law
an essential component of limited government. society is governed according to
widely known and accepted rules followed not only by government but also by
those in authority.
,Checks and Balances
The Constitutionally granted power for one branch of government to block action
by an equal branch of government. The Constitution specifies instances in which
one of the three branches can stop action by another.
Separation of powers
The Constitution keeps the three branches of government (executive, legislative,
and judicial) separate. The powers and responsibilities of each is described in a
separate Article. Separation makes each Branch the equal of the others.
Declaration of Independence
the public act by which the Second Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776,
declared the Colonies to be free and independent of Britain.
Articles of Confederation
1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (government weaknesses-no executive, no
judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade, declare war, raise revenue,
coin money, or control international tariffs.)
power was in the states (provide troops and money, own currency, own tariffs. tax
goods)
, Took agreement of 9 states before the government could act and every state had
to agree before articles were to change.
Great Compromise or Connecticut compromise (revised constitution)
1787 combined Virginia and New Jersey plans calling for bicameral legislature or
two houses.
house of representatives in which larger states had more representatives and the
senate where each state had 2 senators regardless of population.
creation of electoral collage and Supreme Court
power to congress not states (raise taxes, coin money, regulate commerce
between state and foreign, pass necessary and proper laws, war power, ability to
amass forces to fight war, power to declare war, president was commander in
chief)
Electoral College
the body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice-
president.
the number of electors depends on states population
Supreme Court
Questions and Verified Answers
private life
relates to a citizens right to privacy and the pursuit of private and personal
interests.
civic life
the public life of the citizen concerned with the affairs of the community and
nation
Limited Government
the government has only the powers granted to it in the constitution, and it can
only conduct actions permitted by the constitution. in other words these are
established and respected restraints on government power.
Rule of Law
an essential component of limited government. society is governed according to
widely known and accepted rules followed not only by government but also by
those in authority.
,Checks and Balances
The Constitutionally granted power for one branch of government to block action
by an equal branch of government. The Constitution specifies instances in which
one of the three branches can stop action by another.
Separation of powers
The Constitution keeps the three branches of government (executive, legislative,
and judicial) separate. The powers and responsibilities of each is described in a
separate Article. Separation makes each Branch the equal of the others.
Declaration of Independence
the public act by which the Second Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776,
declared the Colonies to be free and independent of Britain.
Articles of Confederation
1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (government weaknesses-no executive, no
judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade, declare war, raise revenue,
coin money, or control international tariffs.)
power was in the states (provide troops and money, own currency, own tariffs. tax
goods)
, Took agreement of 9 states before the government could act and every state had
to agree before articles were to change.
Great Compromise or Connecticut compromise (revised constitution)
1787 combined Virginia and New Jersey plans calling for bicameral legislature or
two houses.
house of representatives in which larger states had more representatives and the
senate where each state had 2 senators regardless of population.
creation of electoral collage and Supreme Court
power to congress not states (raise taxes, coin money, regulate commerce
between state and foreign, pass necessary and proper laws, war power, ability to
amass forces to fight war, power to declare war, president was commander in
chief)
Electoral College
the body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice-
president.
the number of electors depends on states population
Supreme Court
