Foundations of Democracy
The principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
popular sovereignty
What was the first governing document of the United States
Articles of Confederation
How many voting members are in the United States House of Representatives
435
Who serves as commander in chief of the United States military
president
The power of the judiciary to determine whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution.
judicial review
Which branch of the federal government has the constitutional power to declare war?
legislative branch
What model of democracy emphasizes broad citizen participation in government decisions
Participatory democracy
Which constitutional clause establishes that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws
Supremacy Clause
a procedure used to limit debate, generally requiring 60 votes for legislation
cloture
A directive issued by the president to manage executive branch operations or implement existing legal authority
executive order
Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
The Senate rejects a president's nominee for a cabinet position. What constitutional principle is demonstrated
Checks and balances
A large republic with a powerful national government would threaten individual liberties and the authority of state governments
Brutus No. 1
powers that belong to the states or the people under the Tenth Amendment
reserved powers
Congress person that make decisions using their own judgment
Trustee
occurs when the president does not sign a bill within ten days, excluding Sundays, and Congress adjourns in a way that prevents the bill's return
pocket veto
involves a more assertive role for courts in reviewing government actions
Judicial activism
What fraction of both the House of Representatives and the Senate must vote to override a presidential veto
Two-thirds of each chamber
A large republic contains many competing interests, making it less likely that one faction will gain enough power to dominate the government.
Federalist No. 10
The Court upheld Congress's implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and ruled that states could not tax legitimate federal institutions
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
congress person who vote according to the preferences of their constituents
delegate model
Which Foundational doc states a single executive promotes decisive leadership, accountability, efficiency, and the ability to respond quickly to national emergencies.
Fed 70
allows agencies to make decisions about how to implement laws
Discretionary authority
A congressional district is redrawn so that voters from one political party are concentrated into a small number of districts, giving the opposing party an advantage in surrounding districts. What redistricting technique is being used?
Gerrymandering
A government does not citizens to vote, instead a group of educated politicians have a disproportionate influence over public policy. Which model of democracy best explains this situation?
Elite democracy
A group of environmental organizations, business associations, and labor unions compete to influence Congress on a proposed energy bill. No single group dominates the decision-making process. What model of democracy does this represent?
Pluralist Democracy
Congress gives states federal education funding but requires them to follow specific federal testing and accountability rules to receive the money. What type of federal funding is being used?
Categorical Grants
The president negotiates an agreement with a foreign country without submitting it to the Senate for ratification. What presidential tool is being used?
Executive Agreement
The president appoints a new secretary of defense, but the individual cannot officially assume the position until the Senate approves the nomination. What constitutional power is the Senate exercising?
Advice and Consent
Congressional committees summon agency leaders to testify about how federal money is being spent and whether programs are operating effectively. What congressional power is being exercised?
Congressional Oversight