Legislative
This chamber of Congress has 435 voting members, with representation based on state population.
What is the House of Reps?
This constitutional power allows the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.
What is veto?
Most cases heard by the Supreme Court reach it through this process, in which the Court agrees to review a lower court's decision.
What is a writ of certiorari?
This system uses competitive exams and qualifications to hire government employees and was designed to reduce political patronage.
What is the merit system?
Congress passes a law regulating an economic activity that occurs across state borders. A challenge is brought arguing that Congress does not have the authority to regulate the activity. Which constitutional clause is most relevant?
What is the commerce clause?
This chamber of Congress gives each state two members, regardless of population.
This is the president's role as commander of the nation's military forces.
What is commander in chief?
A group or organization that is not directly involved in a case may submit one of these to provide information or arguments to the Court.
What is an amicus curiae brief?
This process allows Congress to monitor and investigate federal agencies to make sure they are implementing laws as intended.
What is congressional oversight?
This clause establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties take precedence over conflicting state laws.
What is the supremacy clause?
Unlike the House, senators serve this length of term.
What is 6 years?
The president nominates a Supreme Court justice, but the Senate refuses to confirm the nominee. Which constitutional principle does this demonstrate?
What are checks and balances?
Because federal judges serve during “good Behaviour,” this constitutional provision helps protect them from political pressure.
What is life tenure?
These government employees are generally hired based on qualifications rather than elected by voters.
What are civil servants?
This clause gives Congress the power to make laws that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out its enumerated powers.
What is the necessary and proper clause?
This principle explains why Congress is divided into two chambers.
What is bicameralism?
A written directive issued by the president that manages operations of the federal government is called this.
What is an executive order?
This principle means that courts generally follow previous judicial decisions when deciding similar cases.
What is precedent/stare decisis?
When Congress gives a federal agency authority to develop specific regulations to carry out a law, Congress is engaging in this process.
What is delegation?
This article of the Constitution establishes Congress and gives it legislative powers.
What is article I?
This procedure is used by the Senate to end a filibuster and requires 60 votes.
What is cloture?
This article of the U.S. Constitution establishes the executive branch and outlines the powers of the president.
Congress passes a law restricting political speech. A citizen challenges the law in federal court, arguing that it violates the First Amendment. The Supreme Court agrees to hear the case. What power allows the Court to determine whether the law is constitutional?
What is judicial review?
A congressional committee, a federal agency, and an interest group work closely together to influence policy in a particular area. This relationship is known as what?
What is an iron triangle?
This article establishes the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court.
What is article III?