US History and Democratic Principles Flashcards

Which Constitutional amendment abolished slavery throughout the United States?

Answer: 13th Amendment

The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States.

The principle of 'checks and balances' in the U.S. government is best described as:

Answer: Each branch of government has powers to limit the other branches

Checks and balances means each branch (legislative, executive, judicial) has specific powers that allow it to limit and oversee the other branches.

What was the main purpose of the Marshall Plan after World War II?

Answer: To rebuild Western European economies devastated by the war

The Marshall Plan (1948) provided over $12 billion in economic aid to help rebuild Western European nations after World War II and prevent the spread of communism.

Which landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

Answer: Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

The Declaration of Independence states that governments derive their 'just powers' from:

Answer: The consent of the governed

The Declaration of Independence states that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, reflecting the social contract theory.

During the Cold War, what was the policy of 'containment' designed to do?

Answer: Prevent the spread of Soviet communism to new countries

Containment, articulated by diplomat George Kennan, was the U.S. strategy to prevent Soviet communism from spreading beyond its existing boundaries.

Which of the following is a power specifically reserved to the states under the 10th Amendment?

Answer: Regulating intrastate commerce and establishing public schools

The 10th Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states; regulating intrastate commerce and education are classic reserved state powers.