Rule of Law
What does “rule of law” mean?
Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.
What is the main job of the legislative branch?
Make/create laws
What is the term for the President rejecting a bill from Congress?
Veto
What does it mean to appeal your case?
Have a higher court review your case again to check for errors
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
To make sure no branch becomes too powerful or does something unconstitutional
What document is the basis for rule of law in the U.S.?
The U.S. Constitution
What does it mean that Congress is “bicameral”?
There are 2 chambers
What are the requirements to be President? (3)
1. be a natural-born citizen
2. be at least 35 years old
3. be a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years
What is the main job of the judicial branch?
To interpret/clarify laws and decide if they are constitutional
What check does the President have over Congress?
The President can veto laws passed by Congress
What do government officials have that allow them to sometimes violate people's constitutional rights and get away with it?
How long is a representative’s term in the House and Senate?
2 years (House) and 6 years (Senate)
What group officially elects the President of the United States?
Electoral College
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
What check does Congress have over the President in extreme cases?
Congress can impeach and remove the President
What is an example of violating rule of law?
A leader breaking the law without punishment
Who is the leader of the House of Representatives and the Senate?
What group advises the President and leads the departments of the executive branch?
The cabinet
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
For life (as long as they maintain good behavior)
What check does the judicial branch have over Congress?
It can strike down/take away unconstitutional laws
What does “procedural fairness” mean?
Laws and courts must treat people fairly and follow proper legal steps
What clause gives Congress power to make any law needed to carry out its powers?
"Necessary and proper" clause
Example: Internet Privacy
What is an executive order?
An official direction from the President to manage how the government operates
Example: Birthright citizenship
What is "judicial review"?
The power of the courts to declare laws constitutional or unconstitutional
What check does Congress have over BOTH the executive and judicial branch?
Congress (Senate) can approve or reject judicial nominations
Executive Branch nominates Supreme Court judges but Senate has final say
Judicial Branch can only receive judges Senate approves of