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Worksheets2025/2026 Semester 2 exam review
Total questions: 125
Worksheet time: 1hrs 10mins
Which Article of the U.S. Constitution establishes the judicial branch?
Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
What is the primary job of the judicial branch?
To create laws
To interpret laws
To enforce laws
To amend laws
How is the federal court system structured?
U.S. Supreme Court at the top, U.S. Courts of Appeals beneath it, and U.S. District Courts at the base
U.S. Supreme Court at the top, state courts beneath it, and local courts at the base
U.S. Supreme Court at the top, specialized courts beneath it, and appellate courts at the base
U.S. Supreme Court at the top, trial courts beneath it, and municipal courts at the base
How many justices serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Seven
Nine
Eleven
Thirteen
How are federal judges appointed and removed?
Appointed by Congress and removed by impeachment
Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate; removable only by impeachment and conviction
Appointed by the Supreme Court and removed by the President
Appointed by the Senate and removed by a vote of the House of Representatives
What is the term length for federal judges?
Four years
Ten years
Lifetime unless removed for misconduct
Twenty years
What is original jurisdiction? Give an example.
Authority to review decisions of lower courts; example: appeals cases
Authority to hear a case first; example: disputes between states or cases involving foreign diplomats
Authority to hear cases only in federal courts; example: bankruptcy cases
Authority to hear cases in either state or federal courts; example: civil suits between citizens of different states
What is appellate jurisdiction?
Authority to hear a case first
Authority to review decisions of lower courts without hearing new evidence
Authority to hear cases only in federal courts
Authority to hear cases in either state or federal courts
What is exclusive federal jurisdiction? Give an example.
Cases that can be tried only in federal courts; example: bankruptcy or federal criminal prosecutions
Cases that can be tried in either state or federal courts; example: civil suits between citizens of different states
Cases that can be tried only in state courts; example: family law cases
Cases that can be tried in municipal courts; example: traffic violations
What is concurrent jurisdiction? Provide an example.
Cases that can be tried only in federal courts; example: bankruptcy cases
Cases that can be tried in either state or federal courts; example: civil suits between citizens of different states
Cases that can be tried only in state courts; example: family law cases
Cases that can be tried in municipal courts; example: traffic violations
What kinds of cases do U.S. District Courts hear?
Federal crimes, federal civil cases, and other matters within original federal jurisdiction
State crimes, state civil cases, and other matters within state jurisdiction
Appeals from state courts and federal agencies
International trade disputes and foreign relations cases
What is the role of U.S. Courts of Appeals?
Hear appeals from state courts and federal agencies; panels of judges review legal and procedural issues
Hear appeals from district courts and certain federal agencies; panels of judges review legal and procedural issues (no new evidence)
Hear appeals from municipal courts and state agencies; panels of judges review evidence
Hear appeals from international courts; panels of judges review foreign law
What is a writ of certiorari?
A Supreme Court order directing a lower court to send up the record for review
A Supreme Court order directing a lower court to dismiss a case
A Supreme Court order directing a lower court to retry a case
A Supreme Court order directing a lower court to transfer a case to another jurisdiction
What rule of the Supreme Court determines acceptance of cases?
The 'Rule of Three'
The 'Rule of Four'
The 'Rule of Five'
The 'Rule of Six'
What are briefs and amicus curiae briefs?
Written arguments submitted by the parties; amicus curiae briefs are submitted by third parties to provide additional perspectives.
Oral arguments presented by the parties; amicus curiae briefs are submitted by the Supreme Court.
Written arguments submitted by the Supreme Court; amicus curiae briefs are submitted by the parties.
Oral arguments presented by the parties; amicus curiae briefs are submitted by the President.
What types of opinions can the Supreme Court issue?
Majority opinion, concurring opinion, and dissenting opinion.
Majority opinion, minority opinion, and concurring opinion.
Concurring opinion, dissenting opinion, and advisory opinion.
Majority opinion, advisory opinion, and dissenting opinion.
Which case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison (1803).
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857).
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).
How does judicial review affect the balance among branches of government?
It enables the judiciary to invalidate laws or actions that exceed constitutional authority.
It allows the judiciary to create new laws to balance power.
It prevents the executive branch from appointing judges.
It limits the legislative branch from passing constitutional amendments.
What constitutional protections were clarified in Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?
Suspects must be informed of rights to remain silent and to an attorney before custodial interrogation.
Suspects must be informed of their right to vote before interrogation.
Suspects must be informed of their right to appeal before interrogation.
Suspects must be informed of their right to testify before interrogation.
What doctrine did Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) establish, and which case overturned it?
"Separate but equal" segregation doctrine; Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
"Equal protection" doctrine; Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).
"Separate but equal" segregation doctrine; Miranda v. Arizona (1966).
"Equal protection" doctrine; McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).
What did Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) guarantee?
The right to counsel for indigent defendants in criminal trials.
The right to vote for all citizens.
The right to appeal any court decision.
The right to testify in criminal trials.
Define and contrast judicial activism and judicial restraint.
Judicial activism involves proactive use of judicial review to address societal issues; judicial restraint defers to elected branches and follows precedent.
Judicial activism involves deferring to elected branches; judicial restraint involves proactive use of judicial review.
Judicial activism involves creating new laws; judicial restraint involves overturning existing laws.
Judicial activism involves following precedent; judicial restraint involves ignoring precedent.
What are the main judicial interpretation philosophies described in the notes?
Literal interpretation (textualism), original intent/originalism, fundamental principles, modernism (living constitution), and judicial pragmatism
Literal interpretation, judicial activism, modernism, and strict constructionism
Pragmatism, judicial activism, textualism, and fundamentalism
Originalism, judicial activism, and living constitution only
How does judicial pragmatism differ from strict originalism?
Pragmatism focuses on the framers' intent, while originalism emphasizes practical outcomes
Pragmatism emphasizes practical outcomes and societal effects, while originalism focuses on the framers' intent and historical meaning
Originalism focuses on societal effects, while pragmatism emphasizes historical meaning
Both pragmatism and originalism focus on the framers' intent and societal effects equally
What is the role of the Solicitor General in the Supreme Court process?
To represent the U.S. government before the Supreme Court and submit briefs in cases involving federal interests
To act as a judge in Supreme Court cases involving federal interests
To represent individual states in cases involving constitutional amendments
To oversee the appointment of Supreme Court justices
What mechanisms exist to change an unconstitutional Supreme Court decision?
Constitutional amendment, subsequent Supreme Court reversal, or new federal legislation consistent with constitutional limits
Presidential veto, congressional override, or public referendum
State-level legislation, judicial activism, or constitutional amendment
Supreme Court impeachment, judicial activism, or public opinion
How did John Marshall shape the Supreme Court’s role?
By limiting the Court’s authority and focusing on state rights
By establishing the Court’s authority and national role through decisions like Marbury v. Madison
By promoting judicial activism and reducing federal power
By focusing on legislative supremacy over judicial review
What is the legal and educational importance of majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions?
Majority opinions form binding precedent; concurrences explain alternate reasoning; dissents critique the majority and influence later shifts or legislative responses
Majority opinions are non-binding; concurrences and dissents are equally binding
Majority opinions are only symbolic; concurrences and dissents hold legal weight
Majority opinions are binding, but concurrences and dissents have no legal or educational value
How do split (5–4) decisions affect the Court’s perceived legitimacy?
They strengthen the Court’s legitimacy by showing unity
They lead to public debate, political backlash, and potential efforts to change law or the Court’s composition
They have no impact on the Court’s legitimacy
They ensure ideological balance in the Court’s decisions
Which document lists many civil liberties and what are those first ten amendments called?
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation
The U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights
The Federalist Papers
What two clauses in the First Amendment protect religious freedom?
The Free Speech Clause and the Establishment Clause
The Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause
The Equal Protection Clause and the Free Exercise Clause
The Due Process Clause and the Free Speech Clause
What types of speech are not protected by the First Amendment according to the notes?
Political speech and satire
Libel, slander, obscenity, seditious speech, hate speech, and speech presenting a clear and present danger
Commercial speech and artistic expression
Symbolic speech and peaceful protests
What is the “incitement” standard for unprotected speech?
Speech that criticizes the government
Speech that is likely to produce imminent lawless action or immediate illegal actions
Speech that is offensive to others
Speech that is unpopular but peaceful
What is prior restraint and when is it generally prohibited?
Government censorship before publication; prohibited when it causes irreparable harm
Government censorship after publication; prohibited when it is offensive
Government censorship of private conversations; prohibited when it violates privacy
Government censorship of public speeches; prohibited when it is unpopular
What protections does the Fourth Amendment provide?
Protection against self-incrimination
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
Protection against double jeopardy
Protection against cruel and unusual punishment
Define probable cause and explain how it differs from suspicion.
Probable cause is a reasonable belief supported by facts or evidence; suspicion is insufficient
Probable cause is a vague assumption; suspicion is based on evidence
Probable cause is a legal term; suspicion is a psychological term
Probable cause is based on intuition; suspicion is based on facts
What is the exclusionary rule?
A rule allowing evidence obtained without a warrant
A rule prohibiting illegally obtained evidence from being used in court
A rule allowing hearsay evidence in court
A rule prohibiting evidence obtained through legal means
What are Miranda rights and which amendment supports them?
Rights to free speech; supported by the First Amendment
Rights to remain silent and have counsel; supported by the Fifth and Sixth Amendments
Rights to privacy; supported by the Fourth Amendment
Rights to vote; supported by the Fifteenth Amendment
What protections are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment in criminal proceedings?
Right to free speech and peaceful assembly
Right to grand jury indictment, protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process, and uncompensated takings
Right to privacy and protection against cruel punishment
Right to vote and equal protection under the law
What does the Sixth Amendment guarantee to criminal defendants?
Right to free speech and peaceful assembly
Right to be informed of charges, speedy and public trial, impartial jury, confront witnesses, and assistance of counsel
Right to privacy and protection against cruel punishment
Right to vote and equal protection under the law
What is habeas corpus?
The right to vote in elections
The right to challenge unlawful detention or imprisonment
The right to free speech
The right to privacy
What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?
Excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Freedom of speech and press.
Right to bear arms.
Protection against self-incrimination.
How has the Supreme Court applied 'cruel and unusual punishment' over time?
By banning all forms of punishment.
By using evolving standards of decency to limit certain punishments, such as for juvenile offenders and intellectually disabled persons.
By allowing all punishments as long as they are approved by Congress.
By applying the same standards of punishment since the Constitution was written.
What is the incorporation doctrine?
The process by which the Supreme Court applies most Bill of Rights protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.
The process of creating new amendments to the Constitution.
The process of incorporating federal laws into state laws.
The process of incorporating international laws into U.S. law.
Which landmark case began the incorporation of First Amendment protections against the states?
Brown v. Board of Education (1954).
Gitlow v. New York (1925).
Roe v. Wade (1973).
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).
What is the Equal Protection Clause and where is it found?
It requires states to provide equal protection under the law and is found in Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment.
It guarantees freedom of speech and is found in the First Amendment.
It protects against self-incrimination and is found in the Fifth Amendment.
It ensures the right to bear arms and is found in the Second Amendment.
What tests do courts use for unequal classifications?
Rational basis test and strict scrutiny.
Intermediate scrutiny and rational basis test.
Strict scrutiny and intermediate scrutiny.
Rational basis test and intermediate scrutiny.
Name three major civil rights laws listed in the notes.
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title IX (1972).
Voting Rights Act of 1965, Title IX (1972), Equal Pay Act of 1963.
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title IX (1972).
What is Title IX and what does it prohibit?
Title IX prohibits gender discrimination in federally funded educational programs.
Title IX prohibits racial discrimination in public schools.
Title IX prohibits age discrimination in employment.
Title IX prohibits religious discrimination in public institutions.
What is selective incorporation and which amendments are noted as not fully incorporated?
Selective incorporation applies Bill of Rights protections to states; the Third, Seventh, and Tenth Amendments and the Fifth Amendment's grand jury requirement are not fully incorporated.
Selective incorporation applies state laws to federal courts; the First and Second Amendments are not fully incorporated.
Selective incorporation applies international laws to U.S. states; the Fourth and Fifth Amendments are not fully incorporated.
Selective incorporation applies federal laws to state courts; the Eighth and Ninth Amendments are not fully incorporated.
What was the significance of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?
It overturned 'separate but equal' in public education and held racial segregation in schools unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.
It upheld 'separate but equal' in public education.
It established the right to privacy in education.
It allowed states to decide on racial segregation in schools.
Give two examples of 14th Amendment cases involving privacy or equality.
Griswold v. Connecticut and Obergefell v. Hodges.
Roe v. Wade and Plessy v. Ferguson.
Brown v. Board of Education and Gitlow v. New York.
Miranda v. Arizona and Marbury v. Madison.
What protections does the Seventh Amendment provide and in what courts does it apply?
Right to jury trial in federal civil cases.
Right to jury trial in criminal cases.
Right to a speedy trial in all courts.
Right to legal counsel in federal courts.
How can rights be limited for the public interest?
Rights can never be limited under any circumstances.
Rights may be balanced against compelling public interests like public safety and order.
Rights are only limited during wartime.
Rights are limited only by the President of the United States.
What amendment protects due process at the federal level?
The First Amendment
The Fifth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment
What document creates Virginia’s government and where are the state branches located?
The Declaration of Independence; Legislative Branch (Article I), Executive Branch (Article II), Judicial Branch (Article III)
The Constitution of Virginia; Legislative Branch (Article IV), Executive Branch (Article V), Judicial Branch (Article VI)
The Articles of Confederation; Legislative Branch (Article III), Executive Branch (Article IV), Judicial Branch (Article V)
The U.S. Constitution; Legislative Branch (Article II), Executive Branch (Article III), Judicial Branch (Article IV)
Name the three statewide elected executive officers in Virginia.
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General
Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice
Governor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer
What are major duties of the Governor of Virginia?
Preside over the Virginia Senate and cast tie-breaking votes.
Prepare the biennial state budget, propose legislation, oversee execution of state laws, and command the state National Guard.
Defend the state in legal matters and issue advisory opinions.
Introduce bills in the General Assembly and vote on them.
How long is the Virginia governor’s term, and can a governor serve consecutive terms?
Four-year term; a governor may serve consecutive terms.
Four-year term; a governor may not serve consecutive terms.
Six-year term; a governor may serve consecutive terms.
Six-year term; a governor may not serve consecutive terms.
What are the powers and duties of the Lieutenant Governor in Virginia?
Presides over the Virginia Senate, casts tie-breaking votes, and succeeds the governor if necessary.
Prepares the state budget and oversees the execution of state laws.
Defends the state in legal matters and issues advisory opinions.
Introduces bills in the General Assembly and votes on them.
What is the role of the Attorney General of Virginia?
Presides over the Virginia Senate and casts tie-breaking votes.
Defends the state in legal matters, issues advisory opinions, and serves as the chief legal officer.
Oversees the execution of state laws and commands the state National Guard.
Prepares the biennial state budget and proposes legislation.
Describe the structure of the General Assembly in Virginia.
Bicameral legislature with an upper house (Senate) and a lower house (House of Delegates).
Unicameral legislature with one house (Senate).
Bicameral legislature with two equal houses (Senate and House of Representatives).
Unicameral legislature with one house (House of Delegates).
What must bills dealing with taxation do in Virginia?
Originate in the Senate.
Originate in the House of Delegates.
Be approved by the Governor before introduction.
Be introduced by the Attorney General.
What options does the Virginia Governor have when a bill is sent to them?
Sign into law, veto, or recommend amendments.
Sign into law, veto, or send to the Supreme Court for review.
Sign into law, veto, or send to the Attorney General for review.
Sign into law, veto, or send to the Lieutenant Governor for approval.
What are the main units of local government in Virginia?
Counties, incorporated towns, and independent cities
States, counties, and federal districts
Municipalities, states, and federal districts
Counties, states, and federal districts
What powers do local governments commonly exercise?
Enforce state and local laws, promote public health, protect public safety, educate children, regulate land use, levy and collect local taxes
Create federal laws, regulate international trade, and manage national defense
Enforce state laws only, regulate land use, and manage national parks
Promote public health, manage international relations, and levy federal taxes
How do counties differ from independent cities in Virginia?
Counties are political subdivisions of the state, while independent cities are separate government entities independent of county authority and taxing power
Counties are governed by federal law, while independent cities are governed by state law
Counties are part of municipalities, while independent cities are part of states
Counties are independent entities, while independent cities are subdivisions of the state
What local officials must be elected in Virginia?
Sheriff, Commissioner of Revenue, Treasurer, and a clerk of the circuit court
Governor, Mayor, and Attorney General
President, Vice President, and Secretary of State
Police Chief, Fire Chief, and City Manager
What is the role of regional authorities in Virginia?
Address cross-locality needs like planning, transportation, water and waste services, and regional facilities
Manage federal programs and oversee national defense
Regulate international trade and manage state parks
Enforce state laws and oversee local ordinances
How can individuals influence state and local public policy?
Voting, campaigning, contacting officials, attending public meetings, serving on boards and commissions, lobbying, petitioning, writing letters, and joining interest groups
Protesting, boycotting, and creating federal laws
Managing local businesses and enforcing state laws
Attending international conferences and regulating trade
What responsibilities do school boards have in Virginia?
Oversee public school operations, set local education policy and budgets, employ staff, and manage curriculum matters within state law
Manage federal education programs and regulate international schools
Enforce state laws and oversee local ordinances
Create national education policies and manage state parks
Why do local governments levy property taxes and what are they used for?
Property taxes are a main revenue source for local governments and are used to fund schools, public safety, infrastructure, and local services
Property taxes are used to fund international trade and national defense
Property taxes are collected to manage state parks and federal programs
Property taxes are used to regulate land use and enforce state laws
What is the relation between state law and local ordinances?
Local ordinances must conform to state and federal law; local governments implement and enforce state laws at the local level
Local ordinances override state law in all cases
State law is independent of local ordinances
Local ordinances are created without regard to state law
How are vacancies in local executive positions usually filled?
By special elections or appointments as prescribed by state law or local charters.
By public voting during general elections.
By random selection from eligible citizens.
By appointment from the federal government.
What is the importance of public participation in local government decision-making?
It shapes the public agenda, influences policymakers directly, helps ensure accountability, and allows citizens to address local needs effectively.
It reduces the need for government officials.
It eliminates the need for elections.
It centralizes decision-making power.
What is economics?
The study of how people and societies use limited resources to satisfy unlimited needs and wants — essentially scarcity and choice.
The study of political systems and governance.
The study of natural resources and their conservation.
The study of historical trade routes.
What three basic economic questions must every society answer?
What goods and services should be produced? How should they be produced? For whom are they produced?
How much money should be printed? Who should control the economy? What should be taxed?
What is the role of government? How should resources be distributed? What is the role of technology?
How should education be funded? What industries should be prioritized? Who should own property?
A mixed economy is best described as:
An economy combining market forces with government intervention — the United States is a mixed economy.
An economy entirely controlled by the government.
An economy based solely on traditional customs.
An economy where only private individuals control production.
Which of the following correctly names and briefly defines the three basic economic systems?
Traditional (customs guide production), Command (government controls means of production and planning), Market (private individuals/firms determine production via supply and demand).
Traditional (based on technology), Command (based on democracy), Market (based on barter).
Traditional (based on agriculture), Command (based on monarchy), Market (based on trade).
Traditional (based on religion), Command (based on socialism), Market (based on capitalism).
Which of the following lists includes four individual economic freedoms found in a free-market society?
Earn income, purchase property, choose occupations, open businesses/decide what to produce.
Earn income, vote in elections, choose leaders, open businesses.
Purchase property, follow government rules, choose leaders, decide what to produce.
Earn income, follow traditions, choose leaders, open businesses.
How does economic freedom relate to political freedom?
Higher economic freedom tends to correspond with higher political freedom (e.g., democracies); authoritarian systems limit both.
Economic freedom and political freedom are unrelated.
Economic freedom always leads to political instability.
Political freedom is more important than economic freedom.
What are the four factors of production?
Land, Labor, Capital, and Entrepreneurship.
Land, Money, Technology, and Resources.
Labor, Technology, Resources, and Capital.
Land, Resources, Money, and Entrepreneurship.
Supply and demand are defined as:
Supply — amount producers are willing and able to sell at different prices. Demand — amount consumers are willing and able to buy at different prices.
Supply — amount of goods available. Demand — amount of goods needed.
Supply — amount of money in the economy. Demand — amount of money spent.
Supply — amount consumers want to buy. Demand — amount producers want to sell.
How do changes in factors of production affect market equilibrium?
Changes (e.g., labor cost increases) shift supply or demand curves, altering equilibrium price and quantity.
Changes in production factors have no effect on market equilibrium.
Changes in production factors only affect demand, not supply.
Changes in production factors only affect supply, not demand.
What role do competition and free enterprise play in economic growth?
They drive efficiency, innovation, and lower prices, benefiting consumers and stimulating growth.
They reduce the need for government intervention.
They eliminate the need for regulations.
They ensure equal distribution of wealth.
Which of the following lists includes four government agencies that protect consumers, workers, or the environment?
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Federal Reserve, Department of Defense, NASA, Department of Education.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), NASA, Department of Energy, Department of Justice.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce.
Property rights are important because:
They provide the rule-of-law backdrop markets need to function and encourage investment.
They ensure political stability by granting voting rights.
They eliminate government intervention in business ownership.
They reduce the need for economic freedom.
What is eminent domain?
The power to levy taxes on income.
The ability to enforce contracts through the judicial system.
The power to take private property for public use with just compensation.
The authority to regulate imports and exports.
Define a contract and explain how governments enforce them.
A verbal agreement to exchange goods without legal enforcement.
A legally binding agreement to buy/sell or perform, enforceable through the judicial system.
A written agreement that cannot be enforced by law.
A mutual understanding between parties without legal consequences.
What is the 16th Amendment and its significance?
It abolished tariffs on imported goods.
It granted Congress the power to levy an income tax, forming the foundation for federal income taxation.
It established mandatory spending for Social Security.
It restricted free trade to protect domestic industries.
Distinguish direct and indirect taxes with examples.
Direct taxes are included in the price of goods, while indirect taxes are paid straight to the government.
Direct taxes are paid straight to the government (e.g., income, property), while indirect taxes are included in the price (e.g., sales tax, excise tax).
Direct taxes are only applicable to imports, while indirect taxes apply to exports.
Direct taxes are voluntary, while indirect taxes are mandatory.
Define progressive, proportional (flat), and regressive taxes with examples.
Progressive taxes apply equally to all income levels, proportional taxes increase with income, and regressive taxes decrease with income.
Progressive taxes require higher earners to pay a larger percentage, proportional taxes apply the same percentage to all incomes, and regressive taxes place a larger burden on lower-income earners.
Progressive taxes are only applicable to imports, proportional taxes apply to exports, and regressive taxes apply to domestic goods.
Progressive taxes are voluntary, proportional taxes are mandatory, and regressive taxes are optional.
What are excise taxes and what is a “sin tax”?
Taxes on imports and exports; sin taxes are taxes on luxury goods.
Taxes on specific goods/services (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, gasoline); sin taxes are high excise taxes intended to discourage harmful consumption.
Taxes on property and income; sin taxes are taxes on high-income earners.
Taxes on foreign goods; sin taxes are taxes on environmentally harmful products.
What are tariffs/duties and their economic effect?
Tariffs are direct taxes on income, and they reduce government revenue.
Tariffs are indirect taxes on imports that raise prices on foreign goods, regulate import levels, protect domestic producers, and generate revenue.
Tariffs are taxes on exports that increase competition in foreign markets.
Tariffs are voluntary contributions to the government.
Why do countries sometimes restrict free trade?
To increase imports and reduce exports.
To protect key industries or workers harmed by competition, preserve strategic interests, and ensure national defense.
To encourage foreign investment in domestic markets.
To reduce government spending on trade policies.
What is fiscal policy and how can Congress use it to stabilize the economy?
Fiscal policy involves regulating imports and exports to stabilize trade.
Fiscal policy involves government taxation and spending choices; Congress can increase spending/cut taxes to stimulate demand or reduce spending/raise taxes to cool inflation.
Fiscal policy is conducted by the Federal Reserve to control interest rates.
Fiscal policy is a voluntary program to encourage savings.
What is monetary policy and which institution conducts it?
Monetary policy involves government spending choices; conducted by Congress.
Monetary policy involves actions affecting money supply, interest rates, and credit availability; conducted by the Federal Reserve (FOMC).
Monetary policy involves regulating imports and exports; conducted by the Department of Commerce.
Monetary policy involves taxation policies; conducted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
What are mandatory (direct) vs. discretionary spending?
Mandatory spending is annually approved by Congress, while discretionary spending is required by law.
Mandatory spending is required by law (e.g., Social Security, Medicare), while discretionary spending is annually approved by Congress (e.g., defense, education, research).
Mandatory spending applies to imports, while discretionary spending applies to exports.
Mandatory spending is voluntary, while discretionary spending is mandatory.
How can fiscal and monetary policy be used together during a recession?
Congress can increase spending/cut taxes (fiscal) while the Fed lowers interest rates or increases money supply (monetary) to boost demand and employment.
Congress can reduce spending/increase taxes (fiscal) while the Fed raises interest rates (monetary) to cool inflation.
Congress can regulate imports and exports (fiscal) while the Fed adjusts trade policies (monetary).
Congress can increase tariffs (fiscal) while the Fed reduces credit availability (monetary).
What is inflation and how is it measured?
Sustained rise in the average price level; measured by the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
A decrease in the average price level; measured by the annual percentage change in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Sustained rise in the average price level; measured by the annual percentage change in the unemployment rate.
A decrease in the average price level; measured by the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
What are the three units of local government in Virginia?
(Select 3.)
precincts
cities
localities
counties
towns
What are legislative powers held by localities in Virginia?
(Select all answers that apply.)
enforcing laws
enacting ordinances (local laws)
adopting a biennial budget
adopting an annual budget
Which of the following localities have an elected or appointed school board to oversee the operation of the K-12 public schools?
cities
towns
counties
regions
The Virginia Constitution requires that voters in every locality elect which of the following officials?
(Select all answers that apply.)
president
treasurer
sheriff
clerk of the circuit court
commissioner of revenue
Not all counties and cities are given the same powers. Cities have _____ listing their powers.
constitutions
preambles
ordinances
charters
This court has appellate jurisdiction on trials by juries
Cases in this court are always held in private and records are secret
Match the following characteristics of Local Government
Defines Local Gov't Power
Dillon's Rule
Grant Power to Local Gov't
State Constitution and Gen. Assembly
Makes ordinances
Local Government
City and County
Types of Local Gov't
Not part of County
Independent Cities
Regional Authority functions include:
School board, Sheriff, and Public Health
Transportation, Water and Waste disposal, and Jails
State Laws, State Prisons, and State Healthcare
Federal Agencies
More examples of Local Government
Enforce local laws, and educate children
Local Gov't Powers
Terrorism and pandemics
Int'l Issues that require local action
School board, Sheriff, and Treasurer
Elected Local Officials
Mayor or City Manager
City/Local Executive Branch
Chairman of Board of Supervisor
Elected County Executive Branch
What three economic questions are asked when studying the similarities of traditional, command, market, and mixed economies among nations of the world?
What to produce, why to produce, when to produce?
What is your opportunity cost, what economic resources are needed, why should these resources be used?
What is produced, how is it produced, and for whom is it produced?
What is your opportunity cost, why are economic resources needed, when should these resources be used?
What is a market economy?
A. An economy where the government makes most of the economic decisions.
B. An economy where consumers and businesses jointly answer questions of what, how, and for whom to produce.
C. An economy where traditional societies use ritual/habitat/custom to answer what, how, and for whom to produce.
D. An economy where the government and businesses jointly answer questions of what, how, and for whom to produce.
Who is considered the father of classical economic theory?
Adam Smith
Milton Friedman
John Maynard Keynes
Karl Marx
Which economist is associated with Keynesian economic theory?
John Maynard Keynes
Milton Friedman
Karl Marx
Adam Smith
What is the main idea behind Keynesian economic theory?
Reducing government intervention to stabilize the economy and promote economic growth.
Free market principles to stabilize the economy and promote economic growth.
Government intervention to stabilize the economy and promote economic growth.
Government intervention to control the economy and restrict economic growth.
Who is the main proponent of monetarism?
Milton Friedman
Adam Smith
Karl Marx
John Maynard Keynes
What is the central idea of monetarism?
The central idea of monetarism is that interest rates are crucial for economic stability.
The central idea of monetarism is that fiscal policy is crucial for economic stability.
The central idea of monetarism is that controlling the money supply is crucial for economic stability.
The central idea of monetarism is that government spending is crucial for economic stability.
What is the main principle of Frederick Hayek's economic theory?
Belief in free markets and limited government intervention
Advocacy for socialism and government control
Support for monopolies and excessive regulation
Emphasis on income redistribution and wealth equality
According to Frederick Hayek, what is the role of government in the economy?
To promote and support specific industries and businesses.
To redistribute wealth and ensure economic equality.
To control and regulate all economic activities.
To ensure the rule of law, protect property rights, and maintain a stable monetary system.
Which economic theory emphasizes the importance of free markets and limited government intervention?
planned economy
command economy
laissez-faire
socialism
Which type of election is used for filling most elected school and municipal offices?
Nonpartisan election
Primary election
Partisan election
Special election
Not identified with any political party.
lobbyist
Partisan.
political parties
nonpartisan
Connected with political parties, as in a partisan election.
referendum
partisan
policy
nonpartisan
