FOUNDATIONS OF GOVERNMENT
This Enlightenment philosopher believed in natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
Who is John Locke?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as this.
What is the Bill of Rights?
Powers shared by state and national governments are called these.
What are concurrent powers?
This term describes a legislature with two separate chambers, such as the U.S. Congress.
What is bicameral?
These are the two major political parties in the United States.
These are the two major political parties in the United States.
This document officially separated the American colonies from Britain.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This principle divides government power between national and state governments.
What is federalism?
This term describes powers that only the state governments have, such as running public schools.
What are reserved powers?
This principle ensures each branch of government can limit the powers of the other two.
What are checks and balances?
This group officially elects the President of the United States.
What is the Electoral College?
This compromise at the Constitutional Convention created a bicameral legislature.
What is the Great (Connecticut) Compromise?
This is the idea that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
These powers belong only to the national government, such as coining money or declaring war.
What are delegated (or enumerated) powers?
This Supreme Court power allows the Court to strike down laws or executive actions it finds unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?
A private organization that raises money to influence elections is known as this.
What is a PAC (Political Action Committee)?
These were the first set of laws governing the U.S., later replaced due to weaknesses.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
This amendment guarantees due process and protects against self-incrimination.
What is the 5th Amendment?
This amendment states that any powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.
What is the 10th Amendment?
This constitutional principle prevents any branch from becoming too powerful by requiring shared responsibilities in areas such as war-making and appointments.
What is separation of powers?
These states can be won by either major political party in an election and often determine the overall outcome because their voters are not consistently Democratic or Republican.
What are swing states?
This rebellion in 1786 convinced many Americans the Articles of Confederation were too weak.
What is Shays’ Rebellion?
What document influenced American government by establishing principles like limited government, rule of law, due process, and individual rights?
What is the Magna Carta?
This type of power exists because it is not directly written in the Constitution but is needed for the national government to carry out its duties.
What are implied powers?
This process allows Congress to check the executive branch by formally charging a president or other federal official with misconduct.
What is impeachment?
This term refers to efforts by individuals or interest groups to influence lawmakers’ decisions, often through meetings, information sharing, or advocacy.
What is lobbying?