Withrow - How Our Government Has Changed Over Time

Constitutional government in the United States has changed over time as a result of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation and informal practices.  
 The War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the president to report to Congress within 48 hours after American forces have been committed to combat missions. It also requires the president to withdraw American forces from combat within 60 days, unless Congress agrees to extend the period.  
Which best explains the purpose of the War Powers Resolution of 1973?

•  to prevent presidents from waging undeclared wars
•   to allow Congress to lead the military in foreign conflicts
• to give presidents unlimited powrs when waging war
• to stop Congress from interfering with the power of the president

As the supreme law of the land, the U.S. Constitution incorporates basic principles which help define the government of the United States as a federal republic including its structure, powers and relationship with the governed.
Use the passage below to answer the question.  
 
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States... and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land...                                           ---Article VI, United States Constitution
Based on the Supremacy Clause which statement is true?

• Federal laws overrule the U.S. Constitution.
•     Federal laws carry greater authority than state laws.
•     State laws are not covered under the U.S. Constitution.
• State laws have more authority than treaties with foreign powers.

Constitutional government in the United States has changed over time as a result of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation and informal practices.
When deciding a case, the United States Supreme Court looks to each of the following EXCEPT:

• precedent set forth by past cases
• popular public opinion
• The United States Constitution
• The letter of the law in question

Law and public policy are created and implemented by three branches of government; each functions with its own set of powers and responsibilities.
 The highest court of appeals in the United States is the     

•   U.S. District Court.
• U. S. Court of Federal Claims
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals

In the United States, people have rights which protect them from undue governmental interference. Rights carry responsibilities which help define how people use their rights and which require respect for the rights of others.
^{Which statement best explains the importance of the right of assembly guaranteed under the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?}

•   It allows legislative bodies to meet regularly.
•  It allows citizens to meet and discuss how to influence their government.
• It provides beneficial social contacts for citizens
• It provides the news media with information on political candidates

The Federalist Papers and the Anti-federalist Papers framed the national debate over the basic principles of government encompassed by the Constitution of the United States.
Anti-federalists criticized the United States Constitution primarily because governing power was concentrated in the 

• State legislatures
• Presidnet's Cabinet
• delegates to the Constitutional Convention
• National Government

The Federalist Papers and the Anti-federalist Papers framed the national debate over the principles of government encompassed by the Constitution of the United States.
Use the passage below to answer the question. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this, you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.                                                                                                                                      ---Federalist Papers: FEDERALIST No 51
The passage from the Federalist papers refers to the need for

• a weak executive
• a system of checks and balances
• an independent military
• a national educational system

The Bill of Rights was drafted in response to the national debate over the ratification of the Constitution of the United States.
The major reason the Bill of Rights was added to the United States Constitution was to

• limit the power of state governments.
• protect individual liberties against abuse by the Federal Government
• provide for equal treatment of all people.
• separate powers between the three branches of government

In the United States, people have rights which protect them from undue governmental interference. Rights carry responsibilities which help define how people use their rights and which require respect for the rights of others.
 Use the passage below to answer the question.
 He (detained suspect) must be warned prior to any questioning that he has the right to remain silent, that anything he says can be used against him in a court of law, that he has a right to the presence of an attorney, and that, if he cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for him prior to any questioning if he so desires.                 ---Supreme Court Chief Justice Early Warren, Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

• It protects the rights of individuals held in custody.
• It prevents defendants from being charged excessive bail
• It protects convicts against cruel and unusual punishment
• It guarantees the right to a speedy trial for criminal defendants

As a result of this struggle, the government has increasingly extended civil rights to marginalized and broadened opportunities for participation.
Use the passage below to answer the question.
All persons shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods , services, facilities, and privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodation, as defined in this section, without discrimination or segregation on the ground of race, color, religion, or national origin.                                                                                                    ---Civil Rights Act of 1964 Which best explains how the Civil Rights Act of 1964 serves the public good?

• It maintains the freedom of the market place from government regulations.
• It defends people from unfair eminent domain claims by cities.
• It protects corporations from being sued for liabilities.
• It guarantees the constitutional rights of minorites.