Foundations
What begins with "We The People"?
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect fundamental individual rights and limit the power of the federal government
What is the main job of Congress?
To make laws
How long is a Presidential term?
Four years
What is the main job of the Judicial Branch?
Interpret the laws, apply them to cases, decide if laws violate the Constitution
What was the Great Compromise?
Agreement at the 1787 Constitutional Convention that created the U.S. Congress
Define Expressed powers, Implied powers, and Reserved powers
Expressed powers are explicitly listed in the Constitution, Implied powers are inferred to carry out expressed powers, Reserved powers are not those given to the federal government
How many members are in the House and the Senate?
A total of 535, 100 in the Senate, and 435 in the House
What is the main job of the Executive Branch?
To implement and enforce the laws written by Congress
What is a precedent?
An example or guide or similar cases in the future
Define "Social Contract Theory"
Explain the principle of federalism
A system of government that divides power between a central authority and a regional government
What is the main difference between the House and the Senate?
Representation, the House has a number of members based on each state's population, while Senate has two senators from each state
What is the Cabinet?
A group of people who's role it is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member's offices
What is jurisdiction?
Official power and authority of a court, government, or agency to make legal judgments, enforce laws, exercise control
What weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to major problems?
Lacking power to tax, trade, raise an army, or enforce laws
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
Grants Congress the power to make "all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution"
How does a bill becomes a law?
Introduction, Committee Review, Chamber Floor, Passage in First Chamber, Referral to Other Chamber, Resolving Differences, Final Vote
Who approves presidential treaties and appointments?
The U.S. Senate
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?