Government Systems
This form of democracy allows citizens to elect others to make laws and decisions on their behalf.
What is representative democracy?
This document was the first governing agreement for the Plymouth Colony.
What is the Mayflower Compact?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known by this name.
What is the Bill of Rights?
This branch interprets laws and can declare executive actions unconstitutional.
What is the Judicial Branch?
Overseeing public schools is a power held by this level of government.
What is state government?
The idea that the power of the government comes from the people is known as this foundational principle.
What is popular sovereignty?
Colonial resistance to royal authority helped inspire this foundational American document.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This clause gives Congress the flexibility to pass laws deemed necessary and proper.
What is the Elastic Clause (or the Necessary & Proper Clause)?
This branch has the power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote.
What is the legislative branch?
Local governments employ more people than federal ones because they handle services like this.
What are public safety and education (or direct services)?
John Locke's theory that individuals give up some freedoms to protect their natural rights is called this.
What is the social contract?
Early American government was influenced by this belief that kings received their power from God.
What is the divine right of kings?
This principle ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful.
What are checks and balances?
This power allows the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.
What is the veto?
A state cannot do this with regard to money, even though it can collect taxes and build roads.
What is print money?
This Enlightenment-era thinker believed people are born with rights like life, liberty, and property.
Who is John Locke?
This compromise addressed both small and large states' concerns over representation in Congress.
What is the Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise)?
This Supreme Court case established the power of judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
The president can appoint Supreme Court justices, but this body must confirm them.
What is the Senate?
This type of tax, collected at the pump, helps fund infrastructure projects.
What is a sales tax (or gas tax)?
When government powers are split between different levels, such as national and state, it is known as this system.
What is federalism?
These were written by Alexander Hamilton to argue for the ratification of the Constitution.
What are the Federalist Papers?
The Constitution reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people in this amendment.
What is the Tenth Amendment?
The president cannot do this without congressional approval, despite being commander-in-chief.
What is declare war?
These local officials may be elected or appointed and are responsible for enforcing state laws.
What is the local executive branch?