Branches/Checks
What power does the judicial branch have over laws and executive actions?
It can declare them unconstitutional
What system divides power between national and state governments?
Federal system
What economy is based on custom and historical precedent?
Traditional
Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
What was Rousseau’s idea that influenced our government?
By joining together into civil society through the social contract, individuals can both preserve themselves and remain free.
Who confirms presidential appointments and can override vetoes?
Congress (Legislative Branch)
Most power lies with Parliament
Constitutional Monarchy
Free Market Economy
What document was written by Jefferson and influenced the 1st Amendment?
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
What are two examples of how government provides public services to promote the general welfare?
Sewer systems and schools (also includes roads, parks, food safety laws, etc.)
What does Article III say about judicial power and jurisdiction?
The Supreme Court has ultimate judicial power and original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and states
Democracies and dictatorships are classified according to who can
Participate
Establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and youth employment standards in private and public sectors.
Fair Labor Standards Act
What charter guaranteed colonists the same rights as Englishmen?
What is the meaning of “to establish justice” as stated in the Preamble of the Constitution?
It means that every resident has the right to equal justice, to have their life, liberty, and property protected, and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
What check does the executive branch have on the judicial branch?
Appoints federal judges and justices
Decisions made by the majority of voters in free elections are accepted
Majority rule with minority rights recognized.
Most governments have this style of economy
Mixed
Ways to become a US Citizen
Birth, naturalization
How does the government help resolve conflict in society?
Through courts, compromise, and representation (e.g., Congress).
Explain the steps the Supreme Court takes when deciding a case—from request to final opinion.
1. Request for hearing (writ of certiorari) → 2. Case accepted if 4 justices agree (rule of four) → 3. Written briefs submitted → 4. Oral arguments presented → 5. Justices meet in conference → 6. Majority opinion written and announced; dissenting and concurring opinions may also be written
What is the main difference between a dictatorship and totalitarian regime?
Dictatorship focuses on government; totalitarian controls all aspects of life
How are economic and political freedom related in nations?
More political freedom usually means more economic freedom
Name and explain the other two documents James Madison wrote.
Virginia Plan proposed a federal government of three separate branches (legislative,executive, and judicial) and became the foundation for the structure of the new government.
Bill of Rights
How do judicial activists and those who support judicial restraint differ in their views of the federal courts?
Judicial activists believe courts should use judicial review to resolve societal issues, while those favoring judicial restraint think courts should avoid constitutional rulings unless necessary and decide cases narrowly.