Three Branches of Government
What are the three branches of government?
Judicial, Executitive, and Legaslative
What is checks and balances?
A system to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful
What did Federalists support?
A strong central government
Where do bills start in Congress?
Either the House or the Senate
What is the Constitution?
The supreme law of the land
What is the main job of the Legislative Branch?
It makes laws
How does the President check Congress?
He can veto laws they pass
What did Anti-Federalists fear?
A too-powerful national government
What happens if the President vetoes a bill?
It gets rejected unless Congress Overrides it
What is an amendment?
A formal change or addition to the Constitution
What is the main job of the Executive Branch?
It enforces laws
How does the Judicial Branch check the President?
Courts can declare executive actions unconstitutional
Why did Anti-Federalists demand the Bill of Rights?
To protect individual freedoms
How can Congress override a veto?
2/3 of Congress Votes to pass it anyway
What is a preamble?
The introduction to the constitution
What is the main job of the Judicial Branch?
Interprets the laws
How does Congress check the President?
Congress can override vetoes or impeach the President
What were the Federalist Papers?
A series of essays supporting the Constitution
What happens after a bill passes Congress?
The President signs it into law
What is the Supremacy Clause?
The law that makes the Constitution the highest law of the land
Who is in charge of each branch?
Legislative = Congress, Executive = President, Judicial = Supreme Court
Give an example of checks and balances in action.
Supreme Court striking down a law as unconstitutional
Why did Federalists think a strong government was necessary?
To maintain order and unity among states
How does a bill become a law?
It must pass both houses of Congress, be signed by the President, or overridden if vetoed
What is the Elastic Clause?
A clause allowing Congress to pass laws necessary for governing