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What is a Constitutional Republic?

The major difference between a constitutional republic and a democracy is that in a democracy, all laws and legislation are decided by a popular vote, and in a constitutional republic, the elected officials decide on legislation as representatives of the people.\nIn addition to having elected officials, the other primary defining factor of a constitutional republic is a well-defined constitution that limits the power of the government and elected officials and also sets out basic structures, laws and procedures under which the country is to be governed. The constitution must also explicitly sp..

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What are the DOT rules and regulations?

The FMCSA provides the most recent rules and regulations for drivers and vehicles online. While there are a number of these rules and regulations, as of 2015, common topics are: hours of service, medical, drug and alcohol testing, and hazardous materials, says the FMCSA. Drivers who operate a property-carrying vehicle or passenger-carrying vehicle must comply. The FMCSA sets specific guidelines for what constitutes a commercial vehicle and the applicable driving limits. For example, as of April 2015, property-carrying drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours of rest, ..

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What is the Sunshine Law?

Sunshine laws, also known as open-meeting laws or public-records laws, support government transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to know what goes on when government officials transact public business, notes the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. These laws typically require government agencies to provide advance notice of meetings to the public and publish agendas in advance. Agencies are usually required to make a transcript of all meetings, even those meetings that can be legally closed to the public.\nThe sunshine laws of most states allow anyone to m..

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How can you get a copy of a last will and testament?

It is not possible to obtain a copy of a living person's will, as that is considered private information, About.com explains. If the estate representing the deceased did not file the will for probate, then that will is not part of the public records, and state law then governs who can see a copy of the will. Generally, those authorized persons are beneficiaries, guardians for minor children and personal representatives.\nIf someone is named as a beneficiary in a will and has been denied the right to view or obtain a copy of the will, a legal action can be filed in the probate court that h..

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What are some of the most common misdemeanors?

Simple assault, also called assault and battery, involves trying to cause or actually causing physical harm against another person, Lawyers.com asserts. In some cases, threatening to harm another person without touching him constitutes a misdemeanor charge as well. Punching someone during a fight is a misdemeanor. If someone inflicts serious bodily harm, uses a weapon, or threatens to use a weapon, the charge may be a felony.\nA driving while under the influence charge entails a person operating a vehicle while under the influence of a mind-altering substance, including some prescription drugs..

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What does the Florida Department of Children and Families do?

In addition, the Florida Department of Children and Families offers child support enforcement assistance for single parents who are not receiving support from an absent parent. Full cooperation with all requests made by child support enforcement officers is a requirement for participation in most of the assistance programs available.\nSubstance abuse assistance is also made available to assist families who face issues related to drug or alcohol abuse. The services offered include prevention, detoxification and drug or alcohol rehabilitation treatment. Mental health services are also offered.\n..

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Where is Cody Posey now?

As a 14 year-old, Posey was convicted in the shooting deaths of his father, stepmother and stepsister at the Hondo, N.M., ranch they shared. The juvenile and his defense claimed the onslaught was the result of years of physical and emotional abuse. After determining that Posey could be rehabilitated, the judge elected to charge him as a juvenile and ruled he could be released from a detention facility on his 21st birthday.

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How do you write an immigration reference letter for a family visiting the United States?

A character reference letter allows the immigration officer or judge to discern the character of a person who wants to apply for citizenship or other immigration benefits, explains Golden Gate Immigration. It should be written by an individual who knows the applicant well. The letter starts with an introduction, stating whether the author is a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident and what position she holds that makes her opinion credible. The author should mention specific places and dates that prove how well she knows the applicant.\nIn the body of the letter, write about present or past eve..

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How do you verify the authenticity of a police warrant?

Before attempting forceful ingress, law enforcement officials should first knock and announce their entry, states the Electronic Frontier Foundation. They should have with them the warrant they intend to execute, and in most cases, must serve it during the day. They should also allow the targets of warrants to verify the authenticity of these documents.\nIn addition, law enforcement officials do not serve warrants by fax or email, but in person, reports US Courts.gov. They also do not demand money or other forms of compensation, in person or by other means, to void the arrests that warrants de..

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How can you support charities that help veterans?

A list of charities that focus on veterans can be found at the Charity Navigator website. Some examples of charities that are highly rated in terms of accountability and transparency by that site include the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.\nEach of these charities has their own individual needs for support. The Air Force Enlisted Village asks for financial and vehicle donations and for volunteers to staff events and fundraisers. The DAV Charitable Service Trust also asks for financial and vehi..

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