Federalism
What was the argument made at the Constitutional Convention?
The representation of Congress.
What are the steps of how a bill becomes a law?
1. A bill is introduced by Congress
2. The Committee marks up the bill
3. Goes to subcommittee for review
4. Goes to the whole floor for debate
5. The Senate and Senate Committee discuss the bill
6. Senate Majority Leader decides how long to discuss bill.
7. Filibuster
8. Both houses must pass the bill.
9. Conference Committee negotiate bill and send back to houses for debate.
10. President makes a final vote.
What is the Establishment Clause?
It says in the First Amendment of the US Constitution that prohibits the establishment of religion by Congress.
Powers named specifically in the Constitution.
Define Pork Barrel Spending.
It is a legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states.
Was Brutus 1 federalist or anti-federalist?
Anti-federalist.
How many votes are needed for a bill to override?
2/3 vote for every chamber.
Who wrote Federalist 78 and for what purpose?
Alexander Hamilton. He wrote it to discuss the powers of Judicial Review in which he viewed it as protection against the abuse of power by congress.
Define Reserved powers.
It is powers not enumerated or prohibited by a constitution, but instead is reserved by the constitution for a specified political authority
Define Logrolling.
It is a trade of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed into legislation.
What was the New Jersey Plan and who favored it the most?
It called for each state to have one vote in Congress instead of the number of votes being based on population and it was mostly favored by small states.
How long can a filibuster be held for?
it can last up to 20 hours.
How does our Judicial system demonstrate Federalism?
Our courts are split among power. Like we have the Supreme Court, Federal Courts, and State Courts.
Define Concurrent Powers.
Powers of a federal system of government shared by both the federal government and each constituent political unit.
Define Gerrymandering.
The intentional use of redistricting to benefit a certain party or group of voters.
Along with James Madison, who was the leader of the Federalist papers?
Alexander Hamilton.
Who votes on the cloture vote?
The senate, which they must pass with a 60% majority vote.
What is the difference between the Writ of Certioari and the Writ of Mandamus?
Writ of Certioari: a court process to seek judicial review of a decision of a lower court
Writ of Mandamus: An order from any court to a government to do their role in congress.
To execute and enforce laws.
Define an incumbency.
A political official who is currently in office.
What shows the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shay's Rebellion.
House is more specific and have to know more specific details while the Senate focuses on the overall state and don't go as far into depth.
Explain the Marbury vs Madison Supreme Court Case.
before John Adams left office, he appointed the Midnight Judges, including Marbury, and the Senate approved. However, when Thomas Jefferson took over, he told the Senate of State, James Madison, to withhold the commissions. Marbury went to court and sued Madison. This is what created Judicial Review since Madison and Jefferson were being unconstitutional.
Define implied powers.
Powers given to federal government but not stated explicitly in the Constitution
Define gridlock.
A halt in Congress's ability to legislate and overcome divisions, especially those based on partisanship.