(bell rings) - [Announcer] Semi-final action is heating up.
Today, two excellent teams compete for the final spot in the Civics Bowl Championship match.
(upbeat fanfare music) (upbeat fanfare music continues) - [Narrator] The Civics Bowl is made possible by Eastern Washington University, Canopy Credit Union, the Avista Foundation, the League of Women Voters of the Spokane area and of Washington and by viewers like you.
(upbeat fanfare music continues) - Hello and welcome.
I'm your host for Civics Bowl as well as President and general manager of KSPS, Gary Stokes.
Civics Bowl pits teams from Spokane area high schools against one another, quizzing them on topics related to government, politics, elections, history and more.
Questions were prepared by volunteers from the Spokane branch for the League of Women Voters.
It's been a great tournament so far and today is the final semi-final matchup.
If we look at the bracket, you can see that Liberty High School advanced to the championship last week, so who will be joining them?
Central Valley High School or the Community School?
Let's meet each team now.
Central Valley, we'll start with you.
- Hi, I'm Brian.
- Hi, I'm Izzy.
- Abigail.
- Zak.
- Thank you, and in the audience we have Central Valley's alternate Jaimeson, and their coach, Rob Rowe.
The Community School also returns this week.
Let's meet the players.
- Hi, I'm Siera.
- Hi, I'm David.
- Hi, I'm Avery.
- Hi, I'm Astor.
- And we want to also welcome the alternates from TCS, Eden and Everest, and their coaches, Dave Egly and Chelsea Duvall.
(upbeat fanfare music) Thanks for being here teams.
I hope you're ready.
The questions are getting harder now that we are in the semi-finals.
Let's get started with the Toss-Up Round.
Now in this round I'll ask a toss-up question to all the players.
You must wait until I've finished reading the question then you can buzz in to answer.
Whichever team answers the toss-up question correctly will receive a bonus question.
All questions in this round are worth 10 points.
There is no deduction for wrong answers.
You are encouraged to collaborate with your teammates only on the bonus question.
Teams, are you ready?
Let's go.
We're going to start with a toss-up from one of our guest presenters.
- Hi, I'm Kiantha Duncan, a member of the friends of KSPS board.
Here's your question.
In 1963 more than 200,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C. to push Congress to pass civil rights legislation.
What was this gathering called?
(buzzer beeps) - [Gary] David?
- The March in Washington for jobs and freedom.
- That is correct and here's your bonus.
- What was the famous civil rights speech given at the march?
- I had a dream.
I have a dream.
- We'll count that.
Thank you.
All right, here's your next toss-up.
Which of the following prohibits discrimination in public facilities such as motels, restaurants or theaters on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin?
A, Title IX, B, Brown versus the Board of Education, C, The Civil Rights Act of 1964, D, Hospitality Industry Pact.
(buzzer beeps) David.
- [David] C. - That is correct and here's your bonus.
What act passed in 1990 required public facilities to make an effort to accommodate people with physical limitations?
(timer beeps) The Americans with Disabilities Act.
Here's your toss-up.
What 1857 Supreme Court case declared that an enslaved person could never be a citizen?
(buzzer beeps) David.
- Scott V. Sanford.
- That is correct.
And here's your bonus.
Chief Justice Roger Brook Taney, who wrote the Dread Scott decision, was in the news in December of 2022.
Why?
(timer beeps) Congress voted to remove his bust from the Capitol and instead Thurgood Marshall was replaced.
It's time for another video toss-up question.
- Hi, I'm Joe Bruce, a retired educator and NASA solar system ambassador volunteer for Eastern Washington and northern Idaho.
Here's your question.
Which branch of the US government has the power to admit new states into the union?
(buzzer beeps) - [Gary] Zak.
- Congress.
- [Gary] That is correct, and here is your bonus.
- Alaska and Hawaii were the last two states to be admitted into the union, in the same year as a matter of fact.
What year did Alaska and Hawaii give us a nice, even 50 states?
- 49.
1949 - Incorrect.
1959.
1959.
Here's your toss-up.
What does Congress send to the president to sign before a new state can be created?
(buzzer beeps) David?
- A bill.
- [Gary] Incorrect.
(buzzer beeps) Zak?
- A charter?
- Act of admission.
Act of admission.
Okay, here is your next toss-up.
Many presidents in history have favored a veto power that allows them to cancel out some provisions in a measure while approving others.
What is this type of veto called?
(buzzer beeps) Izzy.
- Line item veto.
- Correct, and here is your bonus.
In what year did the Supreme Court strike down the line item veto act saying Congress lacked the power to give the president a line item veto?
(timer beeps) Need an answer.
- 1992.
- 1998.
Here's your next toss-up.
What are two elements of the second amendment?
(buzzer beeps) David?
- The right to bear arms and the right to for states to keep a militia.
- That is correct.
And here's your bonus.
A strict gun control ordinance in what city prompted the 2008 Supreme Court decision that the rights of individuals to keep and bear arms is more important than the state's ability to control the ownership of guns?
- The District of Columbia.
- That is correct.
Toss-up for both teams.
Let's hear from another of our guest presenters.
- Hi, I'm Vanessa Waldref, the US attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Here is your question.
What is the primary rule established by the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution?
(buzzer beeps) - [Gary] David?
- No unreasonable searches and seizures.
- That is correct.
And here is your bonus.
- What is meant by the exclusionary rule in relation to search warrants?
- If there's probable cause.
- That is incorrect.
Evidence found without a search warrant is not allowed to be used in a person's trial.
Here's your toss-up.
Both teams.
Why has the Supreme Court upheld drug testing without a warrant, despite the Fourth Amendment's prohibition against searching a person?
(timer beeps) When the violation of privacy is outweighed by a legitimate government interest.
All right, here is your last question in the Toss-Up Round.
What is the name of the law passed in 2001 that increased government powers to combat domestic and international terrorism?
(buzzer beeps) Abigail.
- Patriot Act.
- That is correct.
And here's your bonus.
The law's major provision focus on three broad areas.
Name one.
- Security.
- That's incorrect.
Surveillance and investigation, immigration and financing of terrorist groups.
(bell rings) Nice work on this first round and when we come back we're gonna see some videos and hear more from our players, so we'll see you there.
(audience applauding) (upbeat music) - [Narrator] Here's the answer to last week's question.
Billions of bank notes, what most of us call cash, are printed each year in the United States.
What is the average lifespan of a $20 bill?
2.5 years, 7.9 years, 8.5 years, 15 years?
The correct answer is B, 7.9 years.
American money is printed on currency paper consisting of 75% cotton and 25% linen, which allows most bills to last five to 10 years.
28 federal reserve banks nationwide process notes regularly to ensure that they are genuine and fit for recirculation.
Suspected counterfeit notes are sent to the US Secret Service.
By the way, there is more than $1.4 trillion worth of federal reserve notes in circulation.
Stay tuned.
This week's question is coming up later in the show.
- Welcome back.
We'd like to take a couple of minutes to chat with our players.
Team Central Valley, I'm gonna start with you.
We'd like to know what your grade level is and your plans after graduation.
Brian.
- I'm a senior and I plan to double major in finance and biochemistry.
- [Gary] Izzy?
- I'm a senior and I'm hoping to major in biology and public health.
- [Gary] Abigail?
- I'm a senior and I'm hoping to pursue a degree in sociology.
- [Gary] And Zak.
- I'm a senior and I'm looking to major in global business.
- Excellent.
And now let's hear from the players from the Community School.
- I'm a senior and I'm going to go to Eastern and figure it out from there.
- [Gary] Thank you, Siera.
David?
- I'm a senior and I wanna major in computer science and minor in criminal justice.
- [Gary] Avery?
- I'm a junior.
I'd like to go into healthcare.
- [Gary] And Astor.
- I'm a senior.
I'd like to major in archeology and minor in women and gender studies.
- Excellent.
Thank you very much teams.
Very impressive.
Can't wait to see what you all do.
And what we're going to do is get back to the game with the Head-to-Head Round, coming up next.
(upbeat music) We're back on the head-to-head set now where players will face each other one-on-one.
Teams, here are the rules.
Just as with the last round, you must wait for me to finish asking the question then you can buzz in to answer.
Correct answers are worth 10 points, no deduction for wrong answers.
And teams, you are not allowed to work together in this round.
Let's remind everyone of the score.
Central Valley 30, the Community School 70.
Are you ready?
Let's go.
According to Article two, section four of the US Constitution, name one offense that can lead to removal from office by impeachment.
(buzzer beeps) - Treason.
- That is correct.
Next.
Name all three of the presidents who have been impeached by the US House of Representatives.
(buzzer beeps) - Donald Trump, Richard Nixon, um... William Taft.
(chuckles) - Incorrect.
- Donald Trump, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.
- Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.
Next.
If the president vetoes a bill, how can Congress override the veto?
(buzzer beeps) - Two-thirds majority vote.
- That is correct.
Define the pocket veto.
(buzzer beeps) - It's a veto in which the President waits until the legislative session has ended and doesn't sign a bill into action.
- That is correct.
In US foreign policy, what is deterrence?
(timer beeps) The strategy of maintaining such a high level of military might that it deters or discourages an attack on this country by any hostile power.
Next.
What is the term for the right to send and receive diplomatic representatives from other countries?
(buzzer beeps) - Embarrment?
- Incorrect.
- Diplomatic immunity.
- Right of legation.
Next.
Who appoints US ambassadors to other countries?
(buzzer beeps) - Would it be the president?
- That is correct.
And who confirms those appointments?
(buzzer beeps) - The senate.
- That is also correct.
Name three of the five permanent member nations of the UN Security Council.
(buzzer beeps) - France, the United States and Germany.
- Incorrect - No dice.
- United States, Britain, France, Russia and China.
Next.
What is a command economy or planned economy?
(buzzer beeps) - Economy where the government institutes government policies over the economy?
- That is correct.
Why is a typical American election ballot often called a bedsheet ballot?
(timer beeps) It's lengthy with many candidates and ballot measures.
Next.
What is the reasoning behind the long ballot?
(buzzer beeps) - So that people are informed voters?
- That is incorrect.
Can you steal?
- Because there's a lot of candidates on the ballot?
- Judge?
Incorrect.
The more people you elect, the more democratic the system.
(bell rings) And that wraps up this round.
We will be back for the category round right after this.
(upbeat music) Welcome back.
It's time for the Category Round.
In this round, teams will answer questions from the following categories.
European Settlers, Expressed Powers, After World War II, Voting Trends.
and On the Radio.
Each category has five questions that increase in point value from 10 to 30.
Teams will alternate choosing a category.
You can pick any category, however, you cannot jump ahead in point value.
Points are deducted for wrong answers in this round and you will work together to answer each question.
Now there's some strategy involved in this round.
You can pass on a question, which means you can choose not to answer and no points will be deducted.
You can also toss a question to the other team.
The receiving team is then forced to answer that question and either win or lose the associated points.
But you can only toss a question three times, so use them wisely.
Let's remind every one of the scores.
Central Valley 80, Community School 80.
So, this is gonna be a big one.
Okay, teams, if you're ready, let's begin, and we'll start with the Community School.
- [David] We'll do European settlers.
- [Gary] European settlers, and here is your video question.
- By the mid 16th and early 17th centuries, many explorers and settlers were coming to North America.
Name three of the European countries where these people came from.
- Spain, Portugal, and France.
- That is correct.
And Central Valley, your pick.
- Expressed powers.
- Express powers for 15.
Which branch of Congress has the power to impeach federal officials?
- Legislative branch.
- No, the answer is House of Representatives.
The Community School.
- [David] We'll do expressed powers.
- Express powers for 20.
In the case of impeachment, the Senate holds the trial.
The vice president presides over the trial except in the case with the president.
Who presides over a presidential impeachment trial to avoid a conflict of interest?
- The chief justice of the US Supreme Court.
- That is correct.
CV.
- [Abigail] Express powers.
- Expressed powers for 25.
Once again, here's US attorney Vanessa Waldref with your video question.
- For more than 1000 executive officers, like myself, federal judges and cabinet secretaries, the hiring process is extensive.
After I was nominated by President Biden, which Chamber of Congress confirmed my appointment?
- Senate.
- That is correct.
The Community School.
- [David] We'll do expressed powers.
- Express powers and wrapping up this category.
A lesser publicized power of the US Senate involves international treaties.
What vote count is required to ratify a treaty?
(soft upbeat music) - We'll pass that question.
- All right.
It was a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
Two-thirds vote in the Senate.
- [Abigail] Voting trends.
- Voting trends for 10.
Name one characteristic of individuals who are most likely to vote.
- Educated.
- [Gary] Yes, that is correct.
- [David] Voting trends.
- Voting trends for 15.
Name one reason why someone might be or become a non-voter.
- Felony charges.
- That is correct.
- [Abigail] Voting trends.
- Voting trends for 20.
What is the single best predictor of how a person will vote in any election?
- Party alignment.
- That is correct.
- [David] Voting trends.
- Voting trends for 25.
Generally speaking, at the present time, which political party is dominant in rural areas?
- The Republican party.
- That is correct.
- [Abigail] Voting trends.
- Voting trends and finishing the category.
Where are the swing areas generally located?
(soft upbeat music) - Pass.
- Okay, passing on that one.
The answer is the suburbs.
The suburbs.
- [David] European settlers.
- European settlers for 15.
From which European country did the largest number of settlers come from in the 16th and 17th centuries?
- Great Britain or England.
- That is correct.
- [Abigail] After World War II.
- After World War II for 10.
What do we call the four decade period of tense and hostile relations between the US and the Soviet Union?
- The Cold War.
- Correct.
- [David] After World War II.
- After World War II for 15.
We need a two-part answer for this one.
Who said to the Soviet Union General Secretary, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall," and what wall was he talking about?
- Ronald Reagan and the Berlin Wall.
- That is correct.
- [Abigail] After World War II.
- After World War II for 20.
The US began to counter the aggressive actions of the Soviet Union early in 1947.
At that time, what two countries were in danger of falling under Soviet control?
(soft upbeat music) - Pass.
- Okay.
Greece and Turkey.
Greece and Turkey.
- [David] After World War II.
- After World War II for 25. Who declared in 1947 that it was quote, "The policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures?"
(soft upbeat music) - We'll toss that question.
- All right.
- Truman.
- That is correct.
- [Abigail] After World War II.
- After World War II and finishing the category.
Briefly, what was the US Cold War policy of containment?
- To keep communism where it is and to not let it spread.
- [Gary] That is correct.
- European settlers.
- European settlers for 20.
Before the arrival of the first Europeans, which group of people were in North America?
- The Native Americans.
- Correct.
- [Abigail] European settlers.
- Settlers originating from which country brought knowledge of political systems from their own country, which can be found in our founding documents?
(soft upbeat music) - Pass.
(bell rings) - It'll be England.
England, and that was your last question and we are one round away from finishing this great and tight match.
We'll see you for the final round coming up next.
(upbeat fanfare music) (upbeat music) - [Narrator] First Lady is the official title for the President's wife.
However, not all first ladies were married to the president.
In incidences of where the chief executive was a bachelor or widower, the role has occasionally fallen to daughters, sisters or other close family.
Who was the most recent sitting president to need a First Lady pinch hitter?
A, Woodrow Wilson, B, Warren G. Harding, C, Lyndon B. Johnson, D, Richard M. Nixon.
Do you know the answer?
Follow the QR code on your screen or go to ksps.org/civicsbowl to submit your answer and be entered into a drawing to win a prize.
The deadline to enter is Monday at noon.
And please, you're on the honor system here.
No Googling.
We will contact the winner directly and let you all know the right answer next week on Civics Bowl.
(upbeat music) - Welcome back.
Only one round separates these players from a trip to the championship match.
In the Lightning Round, we'll put 90 seconds on the clock.
This is your chance to answer as many questions as you can in that time.
Each question is worth 20 points.
Points are deducted for wrong answers.
You answer individually in this round.
No conferring is allowed.
Let's get a final check of the score.
Central Valley 185, Community School 200.
Teams, are you ready?
Let's go.
Are most election laws federal or state law?
(buzzer beeps) Izzy.
- State.
- Correct.
What is a voting district called?
(timer beeps) Precinct.
How many electors make up the electoral college?
(buzzer beeps) Zak?
- 535.
- Incorrect.
538.
True or false, amendments to revise or eliminate the electoral college have been introduced in every term of Congress since 1789.
(timer beeps) True.
Can voters amend the Washington Constitution through a ballot initiative?
(buzzer beeps) David?
- True.
- No.
Does Washington state have an income tax?
(buzzer beeps) David?
- No.
- Correct.
Who said that, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes?"
(timer beeps) Ben Franklin.
Spokane City Council is split into how many districts?
(buzzer beeps) Zak.
- Three.
- Correct.
Who is the current chair of the Federal Reserve?
(timer beeps) Jerome Powell.
What was created from a $200,000 Congressional grant to the states in 1808 to support the militia?
(timer beeps) National Guard.
True or false, the president must wait to send help into a state to stop domestic violence until the governor or state legislature requests the help?
(buzzer beeps) Astor.
- True.
- False.
Name the theory in which it was assumed that Congress would lead the policy process- (bell rings) And that's the end.
Oh my goodness.
Central Valley 205, Community School 180.
And that's the final.
So congratulations, Central Valley, and Community School, thank you as well.
This was an amazing round and it's been great watching you all throughout this season and we look forward to seeing you in the championship round in just one week's time.
So you don't wanna miss the championship match next week.
Join us as Liberty High School and Central Valley will play for the Civics Bowl Championship trophy and major bragging rights.
We hope you enjoyed playing along at home.
We'll see you next week.
(audience applauding) (upbeat music) (upbeat music continues) - [Narrator] The Civics Bowl is made possible by Eastern Washington University, Canopy Credit Union, the Avista Foundation, the League of Women Voters of the Spokane area and of Washington and by viewers like you.
If you are a regional school interested in taking part in Civics Bowl next year, we wanna know.
Go to ksps.org/civicsbowl to fill out our online contact form.
(upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues)