Question 1

Veto Override

Accepted Answer

The power of the South Carolina General Assembly to pass legislation despite a governor's veto.

Question 2

Due Process

Accepted Answer

The constitutional principle that ensures fairness and protection of individual rights in legal proceedings.

Question 3

Separation of Powers

Accepted Answer

The division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to prevent concentration of power.

Question 4

Civil Liberties

Accepted Answer

Basic individual rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Question 5

Original Jurisdiction

Accepted Answer

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction.

Question 6

Eminent Domain

Accepted Answer

The government's power to take private property for public use, with fair compensation to the owner.

Question 7

Judicial Review

Accepted Answer

The power of the courts to review the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

Question 8

Popular Sovereignty

Accepted Answer

The principle that political power resides with the people who can govern themselves through elected representatives.

Question 9

Concurrent Powers

Accepted Answer

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments, such as taxation and law enforcement.

Question 10

Limited Government

Accepted Answer

The principle that government should be restricted in its powers and actions to protect individual rights.

Question 11

Fiscal Year

Accepted Answer

The 12-month period used by governments and organizations for financial accounting and budgeting purposes.

Question 12

Free Exercise Clause

Accepted Answer

The part of the First Amendment that protects individuals' right to practice their chosen religion.

Question 13

Extradition

Accepted Answer

The legal process of returning a fugitive from one state to another to face criminal charges.

Question 14

Statutory Law

Accepted Answer

Laws enacted by a legislative body, such as the South Carolina General Assembly.

Question 15

Elastic Clause

Accepted Answer

The part of the U.S. Constitution that grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.

Question 16

Felony

Accepted Answer

A serious criminal offense, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

Question 17

Line-item Veto

Accepted Answer

The power of a governor to veto specific parts of a budget bill without rejecting the entire bill.

Question 18

State Sovereignty

Accepted Answer

The independent authority and power of a state government within its own borders.

Question 19

Precedent

Accepted Answer

A legal decision or ruling that serves as an authoritative guide for future similar cases.

Question 20

Naturalization

Accepted Answer

The process by which a foreign-born individual becomes a citizen of the United States.

Question 21

Public Policy

Accepted Answer

The course of action or stance taken by the government to address public issues and promote the general welfare.

Question 22

Bipartisanship

Accepted Answer

Cooperation and collaboration between members of different political parties to achieve common goals.

Question 23

Habeas Corpus

Accepted Answer

The right of a person under arrest to be brought before a court to determine the lawfulness of their detention.

Question 24

Defendant

Accepted Answer

The person accused or charged with a crime in a legal proceeding.

Question 25

Appellate Court

Accepted Answer

A higher-level court that reviews decisions made by lower courts to determine if errors were made.

Question 26

Initiative

Accepted Answer

A process by which citizens can propose and enact laws or constitutional amendments through a petition and subsequent vote.

Question 27

Gerrymandering

Accepted Answer

The practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to benefit a particular political party or group.

Question 28

Lobbying

Accepted Answer

The act of attempting to influence lawmakers and government officials on specific issues or legislation.

Question 29

Constituent

Accepted Answer

A person who is represented by an elected official and resides in the official's district or jurisdiction.

Question 30

Impeachment

Accepted Answer

The process of charging and removing a public official, such as a president or governor, from office for misconduct.

Question 31

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Accepted Answer

An organization that raises and spends money to influence political campaigns and elections.

Question 32

Judicial Activism

Accepted Answer

The belief that judges should interpret the law in light of societal changes and their own personal values.

Question 33

Supremacy Clause

Accepted Answer

The part of the U.S. Constitution that establishes federal law as the supreme law of the land, overriding conflicting state laws.

Question 34

Redistricting

Accepted Answer

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect changes in population and ensure equal representation.

Question 35

Public Debt

Accepted Answer

The total amount of money owed by a government through borrowing to cover budget deficits.

Question 36

Judicial Restraint

Accepted Answer

The philosophy that judges should limit their interpretations of the law and defer to the legislative and executive branches.

Question 37

Sunshine Law

Accepted Answer

Laws that require government agencies to conduct their business in public and provide access to meetings and records.

Question 38

Bicameral Legislature

Accepted Answer

A legislative body composed of two separate chambers or houses, such as the South Carolina General Assembly.

Question 39

Stare Decisis

Accepted Answer

The principle of following established legal precedents in court decisions to maintain consistency and predictability in the law.

Question 40

Proportional Representation

Accepted Answer

A voting system in which the number of seats a political party wins in an election is proportional to its share of the popular vote.

Question 41

Budget Deficit

Accepted Answer

The amount by which a government's spending exceeds its revenue in a given fiscal year.

Question 42

Lobbyist

Accepted Answer

An individual or organization that seeks to influence government officials and policies on behalf of specific interests or causes.

Question 43

Nullification

Accepted Answer

The theory that states have the right to invalidate federal laws they deem unconstitutional within their jurisdiction.

Question 44

Implied Powers

Accepted Answer

Powers not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution but inferred from the expressed powers granted to the federal government.

Question 45

Double Jeopardy

Accepted Answer

The constitutional protection that prevents an individual from being tried for the same offense twice after being acquitted or convicted.

Question 46

Ombudsman

Accepted Answer

An independent official appointed to investigate and address complaints or concerns about government actions or policies.

Question 47

Ex Post Facto Law

Accepted Answer

A law that retroactively criminalizes an act, making it punishable even if it was legal when committed.

Question 48

Filibuster

Accepted Answer

A parliamentary tactic used to delay or block legislation by giving lengthy speeches or engaging in other obstructive actions.

Question 49

Subpoena

Accepted Answer

A legal order requiring an individual to appear in court or produce documents as evidence in a legal proceeding.

South Carolina Program Admission Assessments