American Government
This document establishes the structure of the U.S. government.
U.S. Constitution
What are the powers held by both state and federal governments called?
shared powers
Citizens must do this in order to vote in U.S. elections.
register to vote
This political party was founded in the 1850s, opposing the expansion of slavery.
Republican Party
This body of Congress has 100 members.
The Senate
This document outlines the process for amending the U.S. Constitution.
Bill of Rights
This event is where the drafting of the U.S. Constitution occurred due to the failure of the Articles of Confederation.
The Constitutional Convention
This is the act of participating in government by voting or joining in protests.
civic participation
This political party currently controls the majority of the U.S. Senate and many state governments.
republican party
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve terms of this length.
two years
What is the concept that divides power between the national government and the states in this system.
federalism
The federal government has these types of powers, including the ability to coin money and regulate commerce.
enumerated powers
This type of government, where leaders are elected by the people, is common in the U.S.
representative democracy
This term refers to the division between political ideologies, often leading to conflict.
partisanship
This group in the legislative branch approves or rejects presidential appointments.
The senate
This concept in American government ensures no one branch becomes too powerful.
separation of powers/checks and balances
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to the states and the people in this principle.
reserved powers
This is the responsibility of citizens to serve on a jury if called.
jury duty
This term describes a political system where two major political parties dominate.
two-party system
This principle allows for direct participation by citizens in government decisions.
democracy
The U.S. government is based on this system of government, where power is divided between national and state governments.
federal system
This type of tax is levied by both the federal and state governments on earnings.
Income tax
Which founding father warned against political parties?
George Washington
How many representatives are in the House of Representatives?
435