Civics & Economics Top 100 What every student should know to pass the Civics & Economics EOC Goal 2

Goal 2: The learner will analyze how the government established by the United States Constitution embodies the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy.

Principles of the Constitution Popular sovereignty Federalism Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Limited Government Flexibility

3 Branches of Government Legislative – makes laws Executive – executes or enforces laws Judicial – interprets laws

Bill of Rights, 1791 The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee basic individual rights.

Suffrage Amendments 15 th gave African Americans the right to vote. 19 th gave women the right to vote. 23 rd gave residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote in presidential elections. 24 th abolished poll taxes. 26 th gave citizens 18 years and older the right to vote.

Civil War Amendments 13 th abolished slavery. 14 th defined citizenship and guaranteed all citizens “equal protection under the law.” 15 th gave African Americans the right to vote.

Impeachment A majority of the members of the House of Representatives accuse the President or other high government officials of serious wrongdoing.

Judicial Review The Supreme Court’s power to overturn any law that it decides is in conflict with the Constitution. Judicial Review was established by the decision in Marbury v. Madison.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases Marbury v. Madison – judicial review Plessy v. Ferguson – “separate but equal” Brown v. Board of Education – “separate is not equal” Gideon v. Wainwright – court-appointed attorney Miranda v. Arizona – rights of the accused

States’ Rights The states' rights concept is usually used to defend a state law that the federal government seeks to override, or to oppose a perceived violation by the federal government of the bounds of federal authority.

Government Revenue Money the government collects, such as taxes, fines, bonds, or user fees.

Contemporary Issues Strict versus loose construction of the Constitution States’ rights Electoral College and process Civil and personal liberties

Government Agencies Conservation of natural resources Immigration and naturalization Crime control and drug prevention Information gathering and policy formation Health and human services National security Transportation