Federalism
This term describes the sharing of power between the national and state governments.
federalism
A system in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them
republic/representative democracy
This document was America's first national system of government.
Articles of Confederation
This presidential power allows the president to reject legislation passed by Congress.
veto
The president nominates a federal judge, but this institution must confirm the nominee.
Senate
These powers belong specifically to the states, such as establishing local governments.
reserved powers
This principle means government authority comes from the consent of the people.
popular sovereignty
This congressional process involves redrawing House district boundaries after the census.
redistricting
The constitutional role that makes the president head of the U.S. military.
commander in chief
The House believes a president committed serious misconduct and formally accuses the president of wrongdoing. The House has exercised this constitutional power.
impeachment
This constitutional clause establishes that federal laws generally take precedence over conflicting state laws.
Supremacy Clause
This democratic model emphasizes broad participation by citizens in politics.
participatory democracy
The Senate has this constitutional power over presidential appointments and treaties.
advice and consent
A presidential directive to federal agencies that carries the force of law without being legislation passed by Congress.
executive order
The Senate can check presidential appointment power by doing this.
rejecting/refusing to confirm a nominee
This Supreme Court case established that Congress could create a national bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
McCulloch v. Maryland
This democratic model argues that competing groups and interests influence government policy.
pluralist democracy
A representative votes against the preferences of most constituents because they believe their own judgment will produce a better policy outcome. This behavior reflects this model of representation.
trustee model
These agreements with foreign governments can be made by presidents without Senate treaty ratification.
executive agreements
Congress passes a bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. The president vetoes it, but Congress votes again and the bill becomes law anyway. What congressional check occurred?
veto override
In United States v. Lopez, the Supreme Court limited Congress's use of this constitutional power.
Commerce Clause
A member of Congress wants to increase their own institution's power, while the president wants to protect executive authority. Madison would argue that this competition actually helps preserve liberty. This argument comes from this foundational document.
Federalist No. 51
A senator threatens to continue debate indefinitely unless supporters of a bill can obtain enough votes to end debate. Supporters would need to invoke this procedure.
cloture
Congress can override a presidential veto with this fraction of both chambers.
two-thirds
Congress disagrees with how an executive agency is implementing a program. Rather than eliminating the agency, Congress reduces the money available for the program in the next federal budget. Which congressional power is being used as a check?
power of the purse