Separation of Powers

Judicial

100

Legal brief

A legal brief is a written document filed with a court to persuade the judge to rule in a client's favor by presenting a concise, persuasive argument

200

Why is proof beyond reasonable doubt important?

It is the highest standard of proof in the legal system, requiring that a criminal defendant's guilt be proven to a level that leaves the jury firmly convinced.

300

What is the difference between a criminal and civil case?

Civil: dispute between private parties (ex. people or businesses)

Criminal: committing a crime and determining punishment 

400

Constitutional Powers of the Judicial Branch

interpreting laws and the Constitution, settling legal disputes, and enforcing the rule of law

500

Explain all the Players in the Court room.

The people involved in a court case are the defendant, who is accused of a crime or being sued; the prosecution, who brings the case against the defendant in a criminal trial; the plaintiff, who brings a lawsuit against the defendant in a civil case; the witnesses, who provide testimony about the case; and the jurors, who are a panel of citizens that determine the verdict.

Legislative

100

what is a filibuster?

A filibuster is a tactic used in legislative bodies, like the U.S. Senate, to delay or block a vote on a bill or other measure by extending debate indefinitely

200

Difference between delegates and trustees

Delegate: Acts as a direct mouthpiece for the will of the people.

Trustee: Acts in the best interest of the people, using their own judgment.

300

what is the legislative check on the executive branch and judicial branch?

Executive: Override vetoes, Presidential impeachment

Judicial: rejecting presidential appointments, impeaching judges

400

What are the Powers of Congress?

Oversight: investigate the executive branch and monitor federal programs 

Taxation and finance: Lay and collect taxes, borrow money on credit, and coin money. 

Commerce: Regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Native American tribes. 

Military: Declare war, raise and support armies and a navy, and regulate the militia. 

Lawmaking: Establish rules for naturalization and bankruptcy, create post offices and roads, and promote science and arts through patents and copyrights. 

Judicial: Establish lower federal courts and define and punish piracies and felonies on the high seas. 

500

Explain how a bill becomes a law? 

• Introduction: A bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. Bills dealing with revenue must start in the House.
• Committee: The bill is assigned to a committee for review, where it can be debated, amended, and voted on.
• Floor vote: If it passes the committee, it is sent to the full House or Senate for a floor vote.
• Passage in both chambers: The bill must be passed in identical form by both the House and the Senate.
• Presidential action: Once passed by both chambers, it goes to the President.
  • Sign: The President signs the bill, and it becomes law.
  • Veto: The President rejects the bill. Congress can then attempt to override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.

Executive

100

What is veto power? 

President's authority to reject legislation passed by congress

200

How many electoral college votes are needed to win the Presidential election?

270

300

What is the main source of revenue for the federal government? 

income tax

400

Qualifications to be President

• Natural-born citizen: The candidate must be a citizen from birth. 
• Age: The candidate must be at least 35 years old. 
• Residency: The candidate must have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. 

500

Explain how Presidential Power has grown over the years and why it has grown?

Answers vary, but important context to include in reasoning:

- Civil War Powers under Lincoln

- FDR New Deal

- WW2 Powers under FDR

- Accessibility and influence of the President in the Age of technology 

- size of government has grown significantly

- Executive orders