Legislative
What is the role of the legislative branch?
To make laws
What is the primary function of the Executive Branch?
To enforce the law
What is the main function of the judicial branch?
To interpret laws
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press?
The 1st Amendment
What is the significance of the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education?
It desegregated public schools, "separate but equal is NOT constitutional"
How many members does the Senate AND the House have?
100, 435
Which of the following is NOT a power of the president under the U.S. Constitution?
Commander-in-chief of the military
Appointing Supreme Court justices
Declaring war
Vetoing legislation
Declaring war
What is a "check" that the judicial branch has on the legislative branch?
The Supreme Court can rule laws unconstitutional
What does the "Supremacy Clause" of the U.S. Constitution state?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land
The concept of "judicial review," which allows courts to strike down laws that are unconstitutional, was established by which landmark case?
Marbury vs. Madison
Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
What are the requirements to be the President of the United States?
At least 35, natural born citizen, resident of the US for at least 14 years
How long do US Supreme Court Justices serve for?
For life (unless retired or removed)
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote?
19th
What was the outcome of Gideon vs. Wainwright and what amendment is the case primarily focused on?
The right to counsel for those who cannot afford an attorney, the 6th amendment
A filibuster is used by members of which legislative body to delay or block a bill?
The Senate
What is the Electoral College?
A group of electors who select the president on behalf of the states
What is the primary purpose of the "writ of certiorari" in the U.S. judicial system?
To allow a higher court (the Supreme Court) to review a lower court's decision
Which clause in the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for carrying out its duties?
Elastic Clause
In Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), the Supreme Court ruled that:
Students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school
What power is exclusive to the House of Representatives and not shared with the Senate?
The power to initiate revenue bills (taxes)
The process of redrawing congressional district boundaries is called:
Gerrymandering
Describe the concept of "stare decisis"?
The principle that courts should follow precedents set by previous decisions
Which of the following is an example of a concurrent power under the U.S. system of federalism?
Taxes, making laws
In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court ruled that:
States could not tax the federal government, and the federal government had the power to establish a national bank