Checks and Balances
Name one check the Executive Branch has over the Judicial Branch and Legislative Branch?
Judicial branch;
- it can appoint judges
Legislative;
- it can veto bills.
- Executive orders.
What is federalism?
The notion that various levels of government have control of their domain of influence.
Federal law trumps state law.
What are the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial.
What is the difference between and open and closed primary?
Open primary; You can vote in any primary
Closed primary; You can only vote in the primary of the party you're a registered member of.
What is Majority Rule?
Decisions should be made based on what 50.1% of the population wants.
What is check the Legislative Branch has over the Executive Branch and Judicial Branch
Executive branch
- Overrides veto
Judicial branch
- Have to approve nominations.
Can impeach members of judicial and executive.
What is the principle of government that states all people are equal under the law?
Rule of Law
The main function of the Legislative Branch is to (name 2)
makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies
What is the 19th amendment?
What is gerrymandering?
When a political group tries to change a voting district to create a result that helps them or hurts the group who is against them.
What is one check the judicial branch has one the legislative and executive branch. (Same thing)l
Legislative
- Declare laws unconstitutional.
Executive
- Judicial review (basically same)
What is Judicial Review?
The supreme court has the ability to determine whether laws are constitutional. Determining the legality of actions and enforcement of citizens rights.
Who makes up the legislative branch at each level of government? (National, State, Local).
Congress
State legislator
City council.
Describe the process of the Electoral College
When people cast their vote, they are actually voting for a group of people called electors. The number of electors each state gets is equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress. A total of 538 electors form the Electoral College. Each elector casts one vote following the general election.
A ___________________________ requires that the STATE ask the people if they wish to change the state constitution.
Referendum
What are the reserved powers? name two.
Powers not specifically listed for the federal government, reserved or saved for the State Governments
Examples; power to establish schools, establishment of local governments, and police powers.
What is separation of powers? Define each branch of government and what they are responsible for?
Different branches of government have different responsibilities and they do not overlap.
Judicial: makes sure laws are legal
Executive; overseas day to day operations of the country
Legislative: makes laws
Who makes up the executive branch at each level of government? (National, State, Local).
President
Governor
Mayor/ City manager
What amendment states.... "the right of citizens of the U.S. to vote shall not be denied or abridged based on race or any other characteristics.
15th amendment.
Explain the importance of the Bill of Rights.
1st 10 amendments of the Constitution.
Explicitly states and protects the rights of American citizens. Outlaws protections of the citizens from their government.
What are the concurrent powers? name two.
Powers which are shared by both the federal government and state governments.
Examples: Tax, build roads, create lower courts, set minimum wage.
What is Popular Sovereignty
Political theory that government is created by and subject to the will of the people.
What are THREE powers of the Executive Branch?
The process of re-drawing political districts due to population shifts to ensure that citizens are equally represented is known as what?
Redistricting
What is the difference between Parliamentary and Presidential Representative Democracy
Presidential Representative Democracy:
- The people vote for the President. The president is in charge.
Parliamentary Representative Democracy:
- People vote for representatives. Congress votes for Prime Minister.