Civics Final Exam Study Guide

1. Enlightenment ideas and the Founding Fathers Baron de Montesquieu- Separation of Powers- in order to protect the rights of its citizens, governmental powers

should be divided and balanced. John Locke- Theory of Natural Rights- governments are created to protect the basic rights of life, liberty, and

ownership of property. Founding Fathers- Democratic Republic and the Federal System- Citizens elect representatives to vote on laws for

them and their authority is divided between the federal, state, and local levels

2. Documents influencing the Founder’s creation on the US Constitution The Magna Carta—set forth major legal ideas like right to trial by jury of peers and that the laws apply to everyone

including the rulers The English Bill of Rights- protected the civil liberties of citizens (free expression, ect) The Mayflower Compact- brought the idea of laws being created for the good of the people Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”- written to persuade colonist to split with England

3. Colonial concerns leading to the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Colonists felt the English government should treat them as equal citizens. Laws and taxes were placed on the colonist without their approval. Colonists began to organize themselves in opposition to the unfair treatment The Committees of Correspondence, First Continental Congress, and Second Continental Congress were formed by

the colonist to argue for independence from Britain.

4. Role of government and complains listed in the Declaration of Independence . Representative government is the only reasonable kind. The role of government is to protect the natural rights of its citizens. Any government abusing the rights of life, liberty, and property should be destroyed and new one should be

created.

5. Weakness in the Article of Confederation led to the writing of the US Constitution. Afraid of a powerful leading to tyranny a weak federal government was established in the first government (the

Article of Confederation). It gave more power to the states creating disunion. The power to tax was left out along with no strong federal court and postal service leaving the federal government

useless in many areas. The Articles were so weak that it was overturned and a new plan of government was created at the Constitutional

Convention.

6. The goals of our government are set forth in the Preamble to the Constitution. Unite the 13 states with a strong central government Create a fair justice system to settle disputes in the nation A government that establishes a peaceful society Protection of the citizens through national defense To create conditions to benefit all Americans The government should represent the people in order to allow for individual freedom and choice for now and the

future

7. Limits of government through separation of powers and checks and balances

Federalism--Powers are shared by the national and state governments Popular Sovereignty -Powers are limited by the people Separation of Powers- power is further in the federal government into the 3 branches- Judicial, Legislative, and

Executive Checks and Balances-- give each branch of government the power to limit the powers of the other two.

8. After the writing of the Constitution, the states were split into the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Federalists, led by James Madison, favored a strong central government to run the country and favored ratification

of the new constitution Anti-Federalists, led by Thomas Jefferson, opposed ratification of the constitution. They feared it would take away

the liberties of the US citizens. To please both sides a bill of rights was added to protect the rights of the people

9. The American legal system, political, and governmental systems have been influenced by the Rule of Law. Rule of Law-governments must base their decisions on the law, not the people’s opinion All members of the society must follow the law, even the leaders. This protects citizens from tyranny.

10. Meaning of the word “citizen” and legal means of acquiring citizenship to the US There are legal means to become a citizen of the United States. A citizen is a person with certain rights and duties under a government. Citizenship can be gained through birth or by choice with a pledge of allegiance, or loyalty to the USA.

11. There are obligations of citizenship in the United States. Obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries, and defend the nation. Good citizens take care of their family, vote in elections, and participate in the civic process.

12. Amendments of the Constitution 1. Freedom of Religion, Assembly, Petition, Press, Opinion, and Speech2. The freedom to bear arms3. No military in your home except in war time.4. No unreasonable searches5. The right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself6. The right to a speedy and public trial7. The right to a jury trial in civil matters of $20 and over.8. The right to fair fines and bail. No cruel and unusual punishment9. Individual Rights. Rights that are not in the constitution are still rights given to citizens.10. State Rights. Any right not given in the constitution is given to the states to legislate.11. You cannot sue another state except with permission by that state’s judicial system.12. The Electoral College must have two separate elections for president and vice president13. Emancipation. All slaves are free.14. Foreign born citizens can vote15. All men get the right to vote – including ex-slaves16. The Federal Income Tax is established17. The people elect their own US senators18. Alcohol is prohibited19. Women get the right to vote20. January 20th is the day that a new president takes office21. It is no longer illegal to drink Alcohol. The 18th amendment is struck down.22. A president can only have 2 terms in office.23. Washington DC can vote for the president

24. You may not charge people money so that they can register to vote.25. Lays down the rules for who becomes president if the president dies/resigns etc.26. You can vote at the age of 18.27. Congressmen cannot vote to give themselves a raise in the same term

13. The Constitution safeguards and limits individual rights Checks and Balances and Separation of Powers were created in order to keep any one part of the government from

becoming too powerful Your personal rights end where the next person’s rights begin

14. Current Political Party Beliefs Republican- Less government, lower taxes, choice in education, and free enterprise Democrats- Higher taxes for the rich, regulation of business, welfare programs, and public school funding Third Parties- Focus on one or more issues and changing the outcome of elections

15. Qualifications and details of holding public office Experience- voters favor candidates serving in the military or holding political office in the past Issue based platforms- people vote for candidates with similar ideas as their own Political ads- media exposure allow the public to take the candidates seriously

16. The media’s impact on politics Communications like TV, internet, newspapers, and radio allow politicians to reach millions of people in seconds Political Action Committees influence politicians by donating funds to candidates running for office (MADD, ect) Politicians monitor the media to understand what the public is interested in at that time.

17. Media and political communications The media influences politics in positive and negative ways Propaganda is an effort to spread certain ideas and shape public opinion (Name calling, ect). Bias- when one side is favored over another- (media unsuccessfully tries not to use bias).

18. There are multiple perspectives on public and current issues Ethnicity, wealth, gender, and personal experiences will have an impact on how issues are interpreted Political views and personal opinions provide a different view of the issues

19. Different forms of government exist throughout the world Direct Democracy- voters themselves cast votes Representative Democracy- votes elect people to speak for them Socialism-the government has ownership of production and distribution of goods Communism-the government owns and controls the economy Monarchy—all or most of the power belongs to one individual, whose power is hereditary Oligarchy-power in a county is in the hands of a few elite citizens Autocracy- authority is in the hands of a single leader with unlimited power

20. Different systems of government exist Parliamentary- the power in a country is given to a legislative body Federal- power is divided between the federal, state, and local governments

Confederation- a political union between people, parties, or states Unitary- the political power belongs all to a central government

21. The structure and function (three branches of government established in Articles I, II, and III with corresponding powers) of government in the United States as established in the Constitution.

Article I—Legislative Branch. (Makes law) Longest and largest in Constitution. Separates legislative branch into two houses of Congress—House of Representatives (representatives based on population) and Senate (two representatives per state) Sets forth specific powers for each and both together. Sets forth guidelines for interactions with each other, the other branches, and states.

Article II—Executive branch. (Enforces law) Sets forth qualifications and terms. Sets forth specific powers (Commander In Chief of military, make treaties, appoint ambassadors, etc). Sets forth guidelines for removal in necessary. Sets forth guidelines for interactions with other branches.

Article III—Judicial Branch. (Interprets law) Sets forth powers of the court. Highest in the land, has ultimate power over other courts, power to interpret the Constitution. Sets forth guidelines for interacting with other branches.

22. Identify the relationship and division of powers between the federal government and state governments. National Powers--Create post offices, regulate trade between the states and with other countries, declare and

conduct war, create a national currency State Powers--Regulate trade within the state, establish public schools, create traffic and motor vehicle laws,

regulate marriage and divorce practices. Shared (Concurrent) powers--Make their own laws, tax the people, borrow money, create their own court system,

provide for the health and welfare of the people

23. Explain the Constitutional amendment process . Article V of the Constitution. First the amendment must be proposed, then ratified. Proposal—either by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a national convention requested by two-

thirds of the members (never been done). Ratification- three-fourths of the states must approve the amendment. States ratify amendments by either a state

legislature vote or a special state convention.

24. Evaluate Constitutional rights and their impact on individuals and society . See Bill of Rights/ Amendments Though citizens sometimes disagree on the interpretation of the rights set forth in the Constitution, most agree

that these rights are still very important to our individual freedoms as citizens. When there are disagreements about how to interpret certain rights within the law, the Supreme Court carries the power to judge and interpret the Constitution, setting forth precedents for subsequent cases.

25. The impact of amendments such as the 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th on participation of minority groups in the American political process.

13th Amendment: Freeing of slaves; fight begins for African-American sufferage 14th Amendment: Defines voting age as 21. 15th Amendment: Right to vote cannot be denied based on race; increase in number of African-American voters. 19th Amendment: Women’s right to vote is granted. Increase in female voters. 24th Amendment: Removed poll taxes; allowed anyone to vote, regardless of gender, race, or, now, economic

status. 26th Amendment: Voting age becomes 18.

26. The structure, functions, and processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches . (see attached)

27. The law making process at the local, state, and federal levels. Local— different processes for different local governments. Must be in compliance with U.S Constitution and state

constitution. Usually final laws are called ordinances. State— similar to federal process. Must be in compliance with the U.S. Constitution.

i. Bill is assigned to a committee.ii. Committee holds hearings. Bill is either killed, pigeonholed, or recommended.

iii. Legislature votes if bill is recommended.iv. Process is repeated in the state’s second house.v. Both houses then decide on a final form of the bill.

vi. Both house must vote on and approve the final form of the bill.vii. Sent to the Governor to approve or veto.

Federal—i. Bill is introduced in Senate and/or House

ii. Bill is referred to House and Senate committeesiii. House and Senate debate and pass their form of the bill.iv. House and Senate members reach a compromise on the bill.v. House and Senate approve compromise.

vi. President signs the bill into law or vetoes it. 28. Identify sources and types of law (civil, criminal, constitutional, military). Civil: disputes between people, or between the government and its citizens. Courts seek to settle these disputes

fairly in accordance with the law. Criminal: seek to prevent people from deliberately harming others and their property. Law enforcement enforces

these laws, courts enforce penalties for these crimes. Constitutional: Laws found in the U.S Constitution. Highest in the land. Military: Laws set forth by the U.S. military, which applies to members of the armed forces.

29. The levels, functions, and powers of the courts at the state and federal levels.

30. Analyze the significance and outcomes of landmark Supreme Court cases. Marbury v. Madison—established the concept of judicial review Plessy v. Ferguson—established the “separate but equal” doctrine that allowed segregation Brown v. Board of Education—overturned Plessy v. Ferguson; established “separate but equal” as being

unconstitutional Gideon v. Wainwright—established that a person accused of a major crime had the right to legal counsel during

trial Miranda v. Arizona—ruled that police officers must inform suspects of their rights at the time of arrest Tinker v. Des Moines—protected the right of students to use their freedom of speech. Hazelwood v. Kuhlmier—prohibited printing of offensive story in school newspaper; put caps on freedom of

expression in certain parts of the curriculum in public schools.

United States v. Nixon—established that presidents could use executive privilege in cases where military and national security issues were involved, but not to conceal evidence of a crime.

Bush v. Gore—established that alterative counting procedures for votes could not be used to calculate or tally presidential votes.

31. Compare the constitutions of the United States and Florida.

32. Differentiate between local, state, and federal governments' obligations and services. Federal Government’s obligations and services: Create post offices, regulate trade between the states and with

other countries, declare and conduct war, create a national currency State Government’s obligations and services: Regulate trade within the state, establish public schools, create traffic

and motor vehicle laws, regulate marriage and divorce practices. Local government’s obligations and services: Public safety-- Law enforcement, fire protection, animal control and

protection units, code enforcement, which assures compliances with ordinances, and sometimes emergency medical care. Public services-- Transportation, road construction and maintenance, traffic control, street signs lighting, traffic engineering, bike paths, parking facilities, water purification, waste water management, solid waste management, air quality, toxic and hazardous disposal, storm water runoff, parks and rec, and sometimes airports, harbors, cemeteries, golf courses, housing assistance, cable TV, and electric or gas utilities. Zoning and Planning-- Future development of the city. Quality of life may depend on this. Sometimes made up of a commission or a board of citizens. Can restrict certain areas to residences or businesses

33. Differentiate concepts related to United States domestic and foreign policy. Domestic policy—See federal, state, and local laws/ policies. Four goals of foreign policy—national security, international trade, promoting world peace, spread and promotion

of democracy and human rights.

34. Recognize government and citizen participation in international organizations. U.S. is a member of many global organizations, such as the U.N., NATO, and WTO, among others. The U.S complies

and participates in these organizations, so that they may promote the goals of these organizations and the general well-being of its citizens as well as citizens of the world. Citizens of the United States also comply with these organizations, as well as serve them through volunteer and ambassador work, for similar reasons.

35. The role of : United Nations—World organization devoted to promoting peace and good relationships among nations of the

world. NATO—North Atlantic Treaty Organization; devoted to upholding the specifications of the North Atlantic Treaty,

which includes protecting its members from Soviet and Communist aggression and maintain a balance of power in Europe.

Peace Corps—Agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship World Health Organization—a subsidiary of the U.N. Devoted to promoting world health. World Trade Organization—world organization devoted to regulating and promoting good trade relations among

nations of the world. International Court of Justice— principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). Court’s role is to settle, in

accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

36. How the United States has dealt with international conflicts. World War II—end to U.S policy of isolationism (policy of non-involvement) Cold War—U.S effort to stop communist countries (particularly Russia) from taking over the world. Foreign policy

stemming from this included defense treaties with other countries, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

International cooperation/ “World Police”—U.S. now has a policy of aiding other countries against oppressive governments. They enlist other countries to help defend neighboring nations (ex. Support of other nations in the Persian Gulf conflict)

37. The principles of the U.S. market and mixed economy market economy – people and businesses act in their own best interests to answer the WHAT, HOW, and FOR

WHOM questions. Supply, demand and prices help people allocate resources. mixed economy – combines elements of a market economy and a command economy. Private ownership of

property and individual decision making are combined with government intervention and regulations (in the U.S. most decision are made by individuals although government makes some laws regulating certain areas of business. The U.S. has a mixed market economy)

capitalism – private citizens own most, if not all of the means of production free enterprise – businesses are allowed to compete for profit with a minimum of government interference

38. The importance of borrowing and lending in the United States, the government’s role in controlling financial institutions, and list the advantages and disadvantages of using credit.

Borrowing and lending – most financial institutions function around these things, they drive our economic engine allowing for money to be used for purchasing and investment

The government’s role in controlling financial institutions – the government has several regulatory agencies that help with fiscal policy (SEC, FTC).

The Federal Reserve System (The Fed) is the central bank of the United States. It is a bankers' bank. The Fed regulates the banking industry and controls the flow of money into the economy. One of the Fed's most important functions is to control monetary policy. To control the money supply and interest rates, the Fed can raise or lower the discount rate and reserve requirements, or can engage in open market operations.

Advantages of using credit – using credit allows you to make purchases that you could not afford to make if you had to pay the total cost at one time (home, car, property, business…)

Disadvantages of using credit – many people owe more than they can repay or they overextend themselves, interest is charged on credit

39. The concepts of supply and demand, choice, scarcity, and opportunity cost as they relate to the development of the mixed market economy in the United States.

supply – the amount of goods and services that producers are able and willing to sell at various prices during a specified time period

demand – the desire, willingness, and ability to buy a good or service

choice – economics is the study of how we make decisions (choices) in a world where resources are limited. Choice is also a key component of capitalism or a market economy.

scarcity – when we do not have enough resources to produce everything we want (forces us to make choices) opportunity cost – is the alternative given up when one course of action is chosen over another

40. The function of financial institutions in the development of a market economy. commercial banks – offer full banking services (checking, savings) to individuals and businesses savings and loan associations (S&L) – traditionally loaned money to people buying homes, take deposits and issue

savings accounts credit unions – not-for-profit basis, open only to members of the group that sponsors them, offer better rates on

savings and loans41. Profits, incentives, and competition motivate individuals, households, and businesses in a free market economy.

profit – the money a business receives for its products or services over and above its costs. The profit motive is the driving force that encourages individuals and organizations to improve their material well-being.

incentives – rewards that are offered to try to persuade people to take certain economic actions. Price, bonuses, low interest rates are examples. Knowing how these work helps you make wise choices.

competition – forces firms or businesses to use society’s resources more efficiently to produce not only goods and services that people prefer, but also to produce quality products at low costs. With low costs of production, consumers benefit by paying low prices for products.

42. Federal, state, and local taxes support the economy as a function of the United States government. federal taxes (revenue) – Federal revenues come mainly from income taxes, payroll taxes, and excise taxes. The

federal government spends its money on Social Security, Medicare, national defense, interest on the national debt, and many other programs. The federal government imposes a progressive tax on the taxable income of individuals, partnerships, companies, corporations, trusts, and decedents’ estates. (Revenue Act of 1861, 16th Amendment). Payroll taxes include Social Security (retired and disabled people) taxes and Medicare (healthcare for the elderly) taxes.

state taxes – State governments receive some revenue from the federal government. Sales taxes, contributions, and income taxes are other sources of revenue. Seven states (Florida)do not have a state income tax.

local taxes – Local governments receive revenue from the federal government and state government. Other sources of revenue include property taxes, sales taxes, fines, and fees.

43. The banking system in the United States and its impact on the money supply. banks – provide services to consumers such as savings and checking accounts and CDs, make a profit by lending

deposited money to consumers

44. The United States laws and regulations adapt to promote economic competition. monopoly – a sole provider of a good or service antitrust laws – laws to control monopoly power and to preserve and promote competition (Sherman Antitrust Act,

1890, Clayton Act 1914) used against the Standard Oil Company, AT&T and Microsoft). mergers – combination of two or more companies to form a single business. Since this may threaten competition

the government may prevent this. The government is also involved when it comes to truth in advertising and product labeling information and product

safety (Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration).Federal Regulatory Agencies

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Makes sure that products are safeEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) Prevents air and water pollutionFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) Oversees the air travel industryFederal Communications Commission (FCC) Gives licenses to radio and television stations and

overseas prices for interstate telephone and telegraph services

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Oversees the transmission of energyFederal Trade Commission (FTC) Makes sure that businesses do not engage in unfair

competition

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Makes sure that food, drugs and cosmetics are pure, effective and truthfully labeled

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Oversees issues related to labor unions and labor-management relations

Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)

Makes sure that workplaces are safe and healthful

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Oversees the sale of stocks and bonds and the work of people who trade them

45. How economic institutions impact the national economy.

46. How international trade requires a system for exchanging currency between nations. Nations trade with one another to obtain goods and services that they themselves cannot produce efficiently Exchange rate – what the price of your nation’s currency is in terms of another nation’s currency, it is flexible, the

forces of supply and demand set the prices of different currencies usually changing each day Balance of trade – the difference between the value of a nation’s exports and its imports, A nations balance of trade can either be a surplus or a deficit Trade surplus – a country exports more than it imports Trade deficit – a country imports more than it exports Comparative advantage - is the ability of a country to produce a good at a relatively lower cost than another

country can.

47. How the changing value of currency affects trade of goods and services between nations. Under flexible exchange rates, the trade deficits will correct themselves through the price system, a strong currency

generally leads to a deficit and decline in the value of currency while a weak currency tends to cause trade surpluses which eventually bring up the value of the currency

Countries sometimes try to protect their economies by setting up barriers such as tariffs (tax on imported goods) and quotas (limit on imported goods)

trade agreements – to increase trade countries work together to remove trade barriers (the European Union, NAFTA, WTO)

48. Resource economies and diversified economies. single resource economy – an economy that relies on a single resource like oil, the laws of supply and demand can

either make the nation wealthy or poor since it relies solely on one resource diversified economy – an economy that has different types of goods and services, the more diversified an economy

is the more it can withstand sudden changes in the market

49. The standard of living in various countries today to that of the United States using gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as an indicator.

gross domestic product (GDP) – total dollar amount of all final goods and services produced in a country during a single year

██ above world average██ below world average

The U.S. currently ranks 6th in the world in per capita GDP ($46, 381) standard of living - The idea of a 'standard' may be contrasted with the quality of life, which takes into account not

only the material standard of living, but also other more intangible aspects that make up human life, such as leisure, safety, cultural resources, social life, physical health, environmental quality issues etc.

The standard of living in the United States is one of the top 20 in the world by the standards economists use as measures of standards of living. Per capita income is high but also less evenly distributed than in most other developed countries; as a result, the United States fares particularly well in measures of average material well being that do not place weight on equality aspects.

50. U.S. capital, states/capitals, and U.S. territories/protectorates of the United States.

U.S. territories & possessions include: The Commonwealth of Puerto RicoGuamThe U.S. Virgin IslandsAmerican SamoaThe Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)The Midway Islands

Wake IslandKingman ReefNavassa IslandJohnston Atoll (an atoll is a coral island)Palmyra AtollBaker, Howland and Jarvis Islands

50. Geopolitical divisions and boundaries of places in North America.

52. Major cultural landmarks that are emblematic of the United States.

Statue of Liberty

White House Mount Rushmore

The Capitol Building Empire State Building

Gateway Arch Independence Hall

Alamo Hoover Dam

53. Major physical landmarks that are emblematic of the United States.

Grand Canyon Mt. Denali

Everglades National Park Great Salt Lake

Mississippi River Great Plains

54. How major physical characteristics, natural resources, climate, and absolute and relative location have influenced settlement, economies, and inter-governmental relations in North America.

55. Current major cultural regions of North America U.S. culture has significant regional inflections. Most Americans are aware of these differences despite the fact

that these regions have experienced economic transformations and that Americans are a mobile people who often leave their regions of origin.

The Northeast is densely populated. Its extensive corridors of urbanization have been called the national "megalopolis." Once a leader in technology and industry, the Northeast has been overtaken in those areas by California's Silicon Valley.

The Midwest is both rural and industrial. It is the home of the family farm and is the "corn belt" and "breadbasket" of the nation. In the Great Lakes area of the upper Midwest, the automobile and steel industries were central to community and economy. As those industries declined, the upper Midwest became known as the rust belt.

The South was shaped by its secession from the Union before the Civil War and is associated with slavery and with subsequent battles over civil rights for African-Americans. In contemporary terms, these are the sunshine states, retirement havens, and new economic frontiers.

The West, the last national frontier, is associated with national dreams and myths of unlimited opportunity and individualism. It has the nation's most open landscapes.

California, along with the southwestern states were ceded to the United States by Mexico in 1848 after the Mexican-American War. The Southwest is distinctive because of its historical ties to colonial Spain, its Native American populations, and its regional cuisine, which has been influenced by Native American and Spanish cultures.

This was from a book written by Joel Garreau called The Nine Nations of North America (1981).

56. The location, abundance, and variety of natural resources in North America.

57. Explain cultural diffusion throughout North America. Cultural diffusion is the spreading of ideas or products from one culture to another. Direct diffusion of culture occurs when two distinct cultures are very close together. Over time, direct contact

between the two leads to an intermingling of the cultures. Historically this occurred through trade, intermarriage, and sometimes warfare because members of the various cultures interacted with each other for long periods. An example today would be the similar interest in soccer in some areas of the United States and Mexico.

Forced diffusion or expansion diffusion is the second method of cultural diffusion and takes place when one culture defeats another and forces its beliefs and customs onto the conquered people. An example here would be when the Spanish took over lands in the Americas and later forced the original inhabitants to convert to Roman Catholicism in the 16th and 17th Centuries.

Indirect diffusion type happens when cultural ideas are spread through a middleman or even another culture. An example here would be the popularity of Italian food throughout North America. Technology, mass media, and the internet are both playing a huge role in promoting this type of cultural diffusion around the world today.

58. Examine the importance of demographics within political divisions of the United States. demographics - the characteristics of a human population as used in government, marketing or opinion research,

Commonly-used demographics include sex, race, age, income, disabilities, mobility (in terms of travel time to work or number of vehicles available), educational attainment, home ownership, employment status, and even location.

59. Current information about issues of conservation or ecology in the local community.Gulf of Mexico Oil SpillsOff-shore oil spills can have severe ecological impacts on wildlife and their habitats. Extensive damage is anticipated from the large quantities of crude oil that began flowing into the Gulf of Mexico when a deepwater drilling platform off the coast of Louisiana collapsed on 22 April 2010. Presently, it is too early to tell how extensive the damage will be to the beaches, marshes, and wildlife of the Gulf Coast region. However, given the ongoing nature of the leakage and the quantity of oil being released, serious negative environmental impacts are anticipated.