Vocab Def.
Introductory paragraph to the constitution... outlines the goals of the constitution
Preamble
the duties of governing are divided up
separation of powers
What does establish justice really mean?
Create fair laws/courts
the inability to govern effectively because powers are too separated to get anything meaningful done
Gridlock
Organized group that wants to win elections so they can influence the government decisions
Political parties
This branch's job is to make laws
Legislative
Making sure not one branch becomes to powerful
checks and balances
what does "ensure domestic tranquility" mean?
keep the peace within our country
the governing body of 538 people that choose the president and vice president
electoral college
What are the 3 courts created from the Judiciary Act? And their job
District - federal cases
circuit - review
Supreme Court - they have final say
The powers of the government are restricted
Limited Government
What is Federalism?
powers of government are distributed between the national and state governments
What does "promote the general welfare" mean and give an example
help citizens live good/healthy lives
Examples: roads, hospitals, schools
Why is representation still a criticism? What is the main argument?
Small states technically have more influence per person in the senate
Who makes up the Supreme Court? (How many chief justices, how many associate justices?)
1 Chief Justice
8 Associate Justices
What is the definition of judicial review
the power to determine whether a government action is constitutional or not
Who makes up the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Congress, president and his departments, courts/judges
Which statement in the preamble means "we are going to create this government... put a stamp of approval on it"
Do ordain and establish this constitution
What are the 3 criticisms of the Constitution?
Gridlock, Representation (in the senate), Electoral College
What is one way the president (executive branch) can check the legislative branch?
Veto a bill
The foundation of the constitution
Popular Sovereignty
What court case established judicial review? And who was the chief justice of the Supreme Court at the time?
Marbury v. Madison, John Marshall
What does it mean when the preamble says "in order to form a more perfect union" and what are the 5 statements after this line that map out how to do that?
create a stronger more unified country
establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity
Why is the electoral college criticized? What does it do well that makes us keep using it?
You can win the popular vote and not become president... it forces the candidates to get support from both large and small states
To propose an amendment, Congress needs to pass it, and the states need to ratify it. (Bonus 50 for what those types of votes are called)
What % of votes are needed for Congress to pass it?
How many states need to vote yes to ratify it?
2/3 in both houses
38/50 for states
Supermajority