Required Documents
Government document that established a unicameral legislature and equal representation for all states
What are the Articles of Confederation
This chamber of Congress is designed to represent all states equally.
What is the Senate?
The decision to create a bicameral legislature based on both population and equality.
What is the Great Compromise
When Congressional chambers or the presidency is not held by a singular party
What is divided government
This court case established the Supreme Court's informal power of judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal"
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This individual breaks a tie if necessary in the Senate
Who is the Vice President
Position in Congress responsible for gathering support/votes for legislation or boosting morale.
What is a Whip
This court case struck down the use of the Commerce Clause to justify the Gun Free School Zones Act
What is US v. Lopez
Document that argued against the ratification of the Constitution, emphasizing individual liberties
What is Brutus 1
In 2013, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) spoke for 21 hours and 19 minutes in opposition to the Affordable Care Act per this loophole in Senate rules.
What is the filibuster?
The formal motion used to end the filibuster in the Senate.
What is cloture?
Committee that sets the restrictions for debate and procedures in this chamber.
House Rules Committee
This court case used the Supremacy Clause to restrict the states ability to tax a National Bank
What is Mcculloch v. Maryland
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary", explained the system of checks and balances
What is Federalist No. 51
Bills passed in each chamber that are similar but not identical are edited in this committee to create a compromise
What is a conference committee
Permanent Committees
Spending that can vary year to year in our Federal Budget
What is discretionary spending
In this case, the Court struck down racially-based gerrymandering.
What is Shaw v. Reno?
Explained the necessity of factions within the United States
What is Federalist 10
This type of committee is used as a way to bypass strict debate rules in the House.
What is a Committee of the Whole.
Amount needed in each house to override a Presidential veto
2/3s in both houses
The use of government funds for local projects that are not essential to national interest, but rather serve a representative's constituents and help their own reelection.
What is Pork Barrel Spending
What is Baker v. Carr?