Civics and Government Flashcards

What is the purpose of the U.S. Census, conducted every 10 years?

Answer: To count the population and determine congressional representation and federal funding.

The Census determines the U.S. population for reapportioning congressional seats and allocating federal funding to states.

What does 'due process' mean under the 5th and 14th Amendments?

Answer: The government must follow fair legal procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.

Due process requires the government to follow fair, established legal procedures before taking away anyone's rights or property.

Which of the following is an example of a civic responsibility (as opposed to a civic duty)?

Answer: Volunteering in your community

Civic responsibilities are voluntary actions that strengthen democracy (voting, volunteering); civic duties are legally required (jury duty, taxes).

What does the phrase 'separation of church and state' mean in American government?

Answer: The government cannot establish an official religion or prohibit religious practice.

The Establishment Clause prevents the government from endorsing or establishing a religion; the Free Exercise Clause prevents banning religious practice.

In the U.S. legislative process, what happens after both the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill?

Answer: A conference committee meets to reconcile the differences into a single version.

A conference committee with members from both chambers works out a compromise bill that must then be passed by both chambers again before going to the President.

What is 'gerrymandering'?

Answer: Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Gerrymandering is the drawing of district lines to give one party a voting advantage by concentrating or diluting certain groups of voters.