(dramatic music) - Time to match your wits with Spokane County's best and brightest civics and history high school students, it's "Civics Bowl 2024".

We're back for our third season.

10 area high school teams will go head to head, but only one will bring home the trophy.

(bright music) - [Announcer] "Civics Bowl" is made possible by Eastern Washington University, the Avista Foundation, the League of Women Voters of the Spokane Area and of Washington, and by viewers like you.

(bright music continues) - The teams are ready and so are we.

I'm your host and president and general manager of KSPS, Gary Stokes.

This is match two, four rounds of tough questions and a chance for you to see if you can compete with these students.

In round one, we were proud to host teams from the Spokane Valley, Central Valley and Ridgeline.

Now in round two, Liberty, last year's champion, takes on U-High.

Let's meet each team now.

Up first, Liberty.

Carter?

- Hello, I'm Carter.

- Hello, I'm Z'Hanie.

- Hi, I'm Mitchell.

- Hi, I am Allison.

- [Gary] And we want to also welcome Liberty's alternate, Gwen Olson and their coach, Randy Degenhart.

And now Team U-High.

- Hello, I'm Olivia.

- Hello, I'm Jackson.

- Hi, I'm David.

- Hi, I'm Rhett.

- And in the audience, we have university's alternate, Ellery Patterson, and coaches Paul Schneider and Ryan Montag.

So now it's time to get started.

Up first, the toss up round.

(bright music) We've provided teams with rules and there's a copy for those watching at home online at ksps.org.

In a nutshell, I'll ask a toss up question to all players.

Only after I finish can a student buzz in with an answer.

The right answer means the winning team gets a bonus question.

You are encouraged to collaborate with your teammates only on the bonus questions.

Teams, are you ready?

Let's go.

Name the first two political parties in the United States.

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell.

- The Democratic Republicans and the Federalists.

- That is correct.

And here's your bonus.

Did the Federalists or Anti-Federalists usually side with the common man and favor a more limited government?

- The Anti-Federalists?

- That is correct, and here's your toss up, both teams.

What does the term PAC stand for in elections?

(buzzer beeping) David?

- Political Action Committee?

- That is correct, and here's your bonus.

What do PACs do?

- Provide funding for elections?

Provide funding for elections.

(buzzer blaring) - You have to- - Oh, provide funding for elections?

- That is correct.

Here's your toss up.

What year did the US Constitution take effect?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- 1789.

- That is correct and here's your bonus.

Where can we view the original US constitution?

- In the National Archives?

- [Gary] That is correct, here's a toss up.

What does the word bicameral mean when referring to the US legislature?

(buzzer beeping) Allison?

- There are two houses in the legislature.

- That is correct.

And here's your bonus.

Before the bicameral congress was created, which state wanted to distribute the seats in Congress in proportion to the population of each state?

- Proportional, Virginia.

Virginia.

- That is correct.

And toss up, both teams.

Which clause in the Fifth Amendment states that the government can only take people's inalienable rights by first offering a fair trial?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Due process.

- That is correct and here's the bonus.

For what period of time did the second continental Congress serve as this nation's first national government?

- Our team's answer is from 1776 until the adoption of the Constitution in 1789.

- That is incorrect, 1776 to 1789, for five years, essentially during the Revolutionary War, Revolutionary War.

Okay, here's your next toss up, please look at the monitor in the studio.

Here's a picture of a man, who is he?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Niccolo Machiavelli.

- Correct, and here's your bonus picture.

What was the premise of Niccolo Machiavelli's most famous work?

- That morality was a hindrance in state craft and that one needed to be prepared to bend the rules to govern.

- [Gary] That is correct.

Toss up, which US president persuaded Congress to establish the EOP or the Executive Office of the President?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Franklin Roosevelt.

- That is correct and here's your bonus.

What is the title of the presidential employee who directs all operations of the EOP?

- Chief of Staff?

Chief of Staff?

- That is correct.

Toss up, what does civil law refer to?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Non-criminal law?

- That is correct and here's your bonus.

Give one example of civil law.

- Tort law.

Tort law?

- That is correct.

Toss up, how many executive departments formed the main cabinet of our federal executive branch?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- 15.

- Correct and here's your bonus.

The last time an undecided presidential election went to a vote in the US house was in 1825. Who did they pick to become president after an inconclusive vote in the electoral college?

- John Quincy Adams.

- [Gary] Correct, here's your toss up.

What term means the authority of the court to hear a case?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Jurisdiction?

- Correct and here's your bonus.

Original jurisdiction resides with the court in which a case is first heard.

In the federal judiciary, which courts have only original jurisdiction?

- Circuit courts?

- District courts.

Toss up, which was the first state to submit its constitution to the voters for approval?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Massachusetts.

- Correct and here's your bonus.

Most state constitutions became effective after a popular vote.

Name one state whose present day constitution came into force without a vote of the people.

- Maine maybe?

I think it might be Maine?

Maine?

- Incorrect.

Delaware, Mississippi, South Carolina and Vermont.

And here is your last toss up and bonus.

What term describes state colleges that were built with money from the sale of public land?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Land grant?

- Correct and your bonus.

There are two land grant colleges in Washington State, name one.

- WSU.

- That is correct and that wraps up this category.

Great job, teams.

And after round one, we'll be giving you the score in just a bit, but soon we'll be back in a moment to get to know the players and play the head-to-head round.

(audience applauding) (bright music) We'd like to take a moment to get to know our players and their schools a little better.

We've asked each school to produce a video for "Civics Bowl".

Here's Liberty's.

(upbeat music) (upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) Nicely done, Liberty, nicely done.

Now let's hear from each of you.

Tell us about your class year and your favorite hobbies, starting with Carter.

- Hi, I'm Carter, I'm a freshman and I enjoy playing basketball and football.

- Hi, I'm Z'Hanie, I'm a junior, and I enjoy reading literature and baking.

- Hi, I'm Mitchell, I am a junior and I love studying politics and history.

- Hi, I'm Allison, I'm a freshman, and I enjoy playing my violin.

- Thank you very much, Team Liberty.

And next, we have an inside peek at University High.

- What's up, guys?

We are your University High school "Civics Bowl" team, and come along with us as we take a trip and tour of our school.

- [All] Go Titans.

- What are three words people or students might use to describe U-High?

- Well, we've used the word community a bunch and I do really think that applies.

We've got a sense of family, we've got a sense of belonging and so I think those things would all go into what would make us such a good place.

- The Titan motto has come to be, "You belong."

How do the people at U-High make this school and community bring a sense of belonging?

- I think that it, you know, there's definitely a team effort, without everybody having that understanding of belonging here at U-High, it's just nobody would want to come to school, nobody would want to be here.

But with everybody knowing that we are all together, all here for each other, we have that sense of belonging.

- So many great high schools.

What makes U-High stand out above the rest?

- I would say something that makes U-High stand out above the rest is the staff that we have here at the school.

- [All] Go Civics Bowl!

(people cheering) - Nicely done.

Players, same question to you.

What's your class year and what your hobbies are when you're not doing homework, Olivia?

- Hi, I am Olivia, I'm a senior, and I enjoy horseback riding and drawing.

- Hi, I'm Jackson, I'm a senior and I enjoy playing tennis.

- I'm David, I'm a senior and I'm a wrestler.

- Hi, I'm Rhett, I'm a senior and I like to hunt and lift.

- Thank you very much, teams, thank you for being here.

And we have the head-to-head round coming up next, but first, a thank you to the Spokane branch of the League of Women Voters.

Their volunteers prepared hundreds of questions for this competition and we could not do this without them.

Thank you for your hard work.

And now we're gonna get ready for the head-to-head, see you soon.

(bright music) - [Announcer] Last week, we asked you which of the framers of the constitution argued US senators serve lifetime terms?

The answer is Alexander Hamilton.

He thought the move would protect senators from the amazing violence and turbulence of the Democratic spirit.

Stay tuned, this week's question is coming up later in the show.

(bright music) - It's time for the head-to-head round.

Again, we've got the rules online so you can follow along.

Here's a quick look at them.

You still need to wait until I finish asking the question before you buzz in.

Each right answer is worth 10 points and players cannot work together to find the answer.

Are you ready?

- Ready.

- Let's go.

Name one place that is not one of the 50 states where a child born is a United States citizen.

(buzzer beeping) - Puerto Rico.

- That is correct.

Name two legal responsibilities that undocumented immigrants in the United States have.

(dramatic music) (buzzer blaring) Pay taxes, obey the law, and for males, register for military service, next.

Most states require that you are a resident of that state for a short period of time, usually 30 days, before you can register to vote.

Name one reason states impose this requirement.

(buzzer beeping) - Need to work there for a while.

- That is incorrect.

To prevent voter fraud and to allow new voters time to familiarize themselves with candidates and issues.

What is the term for those who are considered unqualified to vote because they only plan to reside in a state for a short time?

(dramatic music continues) (buzzer blaring) Transients.

Next, name one example of someone who a state might consider transient.

(buzzer beeping) - Someone who only works there part-time for a couple days.

- That is correct.

Next, in recent years, which state holds the first presidential primary each presidential election year?

(buzzer beeping) - Maryland.

- Incorrect.

- Virginia.

- New Hampshire, New Hampshire.

Which state holds the first presidential caucuses each presidential election year?

(buzzer beeping) - Iowa.

- Correct.

In most states, the presidential candidate who receives the most popular votes wins all of the electoral votes for that state.

Which two states are the exceptions?

(dramatic music continues) (buzzer blaring) Maine and Nebraska.

Who was the oldest US president to be elected?

(buzzer beeping) - Joe Biden?

- That is correct.

Who was the youngest US president to be elected?

(buzzer beeping) - Barack Obama?

- Incorrect.

- Franklin Roosevelt.

- John Kennedy, John Kennedy.

What months or annual timeframe is the Supreme Court in session?

(buzzer beeping) - October.

- That is correct.

What was the purpose of the Smith Act in 1940?

(dramatic music continues) (buzzer blaring) It made it a crime to advocate the violent overthrow of the government.

Are legal residents of Puerto Rico automatically citizens of the United States?

(buzzer beeping) - Yes.

- That is correct.

The US Constitution grants many powers to the president but also limits some of those powers.

For example, the president is head of the military but how is that power limited?

(buzzer beeping) - Congress must declare war.

- Correct.

And finally, what year did Spokane host the World's Fair?

(buzzer beeping) - 1976.

- Incorrect.

- 1992.

- Also incorrect, 1974.

We're celebrating the anniversary this year.

Another great round, don't go anywhere.

Up next, the students face off in the category round.

Everything from US Economy 101 to Washington's Wild Wild West.

(bright music) Welcome back, in just a few minutes, we'll have a chance for viewers to answer a civics question for some KSPS bling.

But before that, it's time for the category round.

In this round, teams will answer questions from the following categories, Legislature in Session, Federalism, US Economy 101, Washington's Wild West, and Elections 2024.

Teams will alternate choosing a category but you can't jump ahead from a 10 point question to one of higher value, and this time, points will be deducted for wrong answers.

Again, these rules are online and the student teams received them last fall.

They can decline a question, that's a way to make sure you don't lose points and you can toss the question to the other team.

They have to answer but a team can only pass three times.

Here's a quick check of the score.

Liberty 230, University 50.

Okay, teams, let's go.

U-High, you get to make the first pick.

- All right, we will choose Washington's Wild West for 10.

- Washington's Wild West.

Most state constitutions have greatly expanded in size from when they were first written.

What's a leading cause of this?

(quirky music) - Population growth?

- No, the popular distrust of government has led to amending the Constitution to insert detailed provisions aimed at preventing the misuse of government power.

Liberty?

- [Mitchell] We'll do 2024 Election for 10.

- 2024 Election for 10.

What word is used for the process of selecting those people who will seek office?

- Nomination?

- Nomination, yeah.

- Nomination?

- That is correct.

- U-High?

- We'll choose Federalism for 10.

- Federalism for 10.

Washington State government does not receive federal funds.

True or false?

- False.

- That is correct.

- 2024 Election for 15.

- What word is used for the nominating process in which like-minded people meet to select the candidates they will support in the upcoming election?

- Caucus?

Caucus.

- [Gary] That is correct.

U-High?

- 2024 Election for 20.

- What is the name for a form of election in which voters directly choose a political party's candidate for office?

- Primary?

- Primary?

- That is correct.

- [Mitchell] We'll do 2024 Election for 25.

- What kind of primary does the state of Washington have?

- Blanket.

- [Gary] That is correct.

U-High.

- [Jackson] Let's do US Economy 101 for 10.

- Name one way the US government can control imports of goods from other countries.

- Tariffs.

- Tariffs?

- [Gary] That is correct.

- [Mitchell] We'll do 2024 Election for 30.

- And that wraps up that category.

Which of the following is not cited as a problem with primaries?

They're expensive, they provide an excellent opportunity for candidates to debate the issues, generally fewer than half of those eligible to vote do so in the primaries, ballots can be very long.

- B.

- [Gary] That is correct.

U-High.

- Federalism for 15.

- Federalism for 15.

What government program does the federal government pay half the cost and the state government pays half the cost?

- Social security?

- That is incorrect.

Medicare.

- US Economy for 15.

- US Economy for 15, what is the difference between trade embargoes and import quotas?

- One prohibits the importation of something and the other merely sets a limit on how much of it can be taken in.

- That is correct.

- [Jackson] US Economy 101 for 20.

- Here's a guest question from Kelsey Carlston.

- What is the term for the economic phenomenon where there is consistently high inflation concurrent with high unemployment?

- Hyperinflation.

- Hyperinflation?

- That is incorrect, stagflation - US Economy.

- [Gary] Also from Kelsey Carlston.

- Under what US president did we most recently leave the gold standard?

- Gerald Ford?

- That is correct.

U-High?

- US Economy.

- Name three of the five fundamental factors of the free enterprise system.

- We will pass.

- They are private ownership, individual initiative, profit, competition, limited or no government interference in the economy.

- [Mitchell] Federalism for 20.

- What's the highest form of law in this country?

- The Constitution.

- That is correct.

- Federalism for 25.

- List the three types of federal powers.

(quirky music continues) (buzzer blaring) Express powers, implied powers, inherent powers.

- [Mitchell] Federalism for 30, please.

- What is the name given to the powers that the Constitution does not grant to the federal government and does not deny to the states?

- Concurrent powers?

- That is incorrect, reserved powers, reserved powers.

- [Jackson] Washington's Wild West for 15.

- Prior to 1962, state legislatures in many states, including Washington, were dominated by rural less populated areas.

What was the impact of this on the residents of large cities?

- There was a difference in voting.

- Their vote had less power?

- [Gary] That is correct.

- [Mitchell] Washington's Wild West for 20.

- Why does making laws go to the very heart of Democratic government?

- Because laws are the means by which a country is governed and the making of them is an expression of popular will.

- [Gary] That is correct.

- Washington's Wild West for 25.

- And here's Brian Newberry.

- I'm Brian Newberry, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.

Here's your question.

In 1871, Susan B. Anthony and Abigail Duniway led a crusade through the territories of Washington and Oregon to help form the Washington Women's Suffrage Association.

When and how did their efforts pay off?

- The passing of the 19th amendment.

- That is incorrect.

Territorial legislature approved giving women the rights of the vote.

(bell ringing) And that wraps up this category, well done.

Only one round remains, the lightning round, and it's coming up next.

(bright music) - [Announcer] Play along with your favorite high school "Civics Bowl" team.

Here's this week's question.

On December 23rd, 1925, the Washington State Legislature corrected the spelling of one of the state's counties.

Which is the correct answer?

A, Stephens County change to Stevens County.

B, Wallawalla became Walla Walla County.

C, Clarke County was corrected to Clark County without the E. (bright music) Do you know the answer?

Scan this QR code or head to ksps.org/civicsbowl to submit your answer.

You'll be entered in a drawing to win a prize.

The deadline to enter is Monday at noon.

We'll notify the winner and give the right answer next week on "Civics Bowl".

(bright music) - We're now just one round from learning who will be the first to advance in the "Civics Bowl" tournament this season.

In the lightning round, we'll put 90 seconds on the clock.

The idea is to answer as many of these 20 point questions as you can in that time.

No conferring.

Teams, are you ready?

Let's go.

Which has a higher sales tax, Washington or Idaho?

(buzzer beeping) Allison.

- Washington.

- That is correct.

What is a party unity score?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- A score of how frequently members of a party vote on an issue in Congress as a block.

- [Gary] That is correct.

The US Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two houses, name the two Houses of Congress.

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- House and Senate.

- [Gary] That is correct.

What's the term of office for a US Senator?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Six years.

- [Gary] Correct, who is the President of the Senate?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Kamala Harris as Vice President.

- [Gary] Correct.

Is there a requirement regarding an individual's religious belief to serve in the House of Representatives?

(buzzer beeping) Rhett?

- No.

- That is correct.

What federal body was designed by the framers of the Constitution to be a check on abuse of executive power?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- The Senate.

- That is incorrect, Congress.

How are judges selected in Washington State?

(buzzer beeping) Olivia?

- They're voted, I mean, they're brought in by the governor.

- [Gary] That is correct.

What's the name of the television network that broadcasts many state government events?

(buzzer beeping) - Jackson?

- PBS?

- Hmm?

- PBS?

- No, unfortunately, TBW, TBW.

And here's our last one in the lightning round.

What is the session called when the Legislators do not finish their work on time?

(buzzer beeping) Mitchell?

- Special.

- That special session is correct, and that wraps it up.

Taking a look at the final score, Liberty will advance to play North Central High School.

Congratulations to all of the teams and we look forward to seeing you again next week.

(audience applauding) (bright music) - [Announcer] The "Civics Bowl" is made possible by Eastern Washington University, the Avista Foundation, the League of Women Voters of the Spokane Area and of Washington, and by viewers like you.