Congress
Why does Congress use standing committess?
To divide the workload and specialize in certain areas of policy
What is the power to declare a law unconstitutional called?
Judicial Review
What are presidential rules that have the force of law called?
Executive Orders
What power does Congress have over a presidential veto?
Congressional override
After a bill's first reading in the House, where does it go?
Standing committee
What is altering district lines for party advantage called?
Gerrymandering
Which case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
Who appoints members of the Cabinet?
The President and then the Senate confirms
Which branch has the "power of the purse"?
Legislative branch
What is the correct order for a bill: Passed in both houses, President signs or vetoes, introduced, override vote?
Introduced, Passed in both houses, president acts, override vote if needed
What clause is often called the Elastic Clause?
The Necessary and Proper Clause
When judges follow earlier decisions in similar cases, they are following what?
Precedent
Which presidential role involves negotiating treaties and meeting foreign leaders?
Chief Diplomat
What is impeachment?
A formal accusation of misconduct
What is the purpose of a conference committee?
To settle differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
Which clause has been used to expand Congress's power into economic and civil rights issues?
The Commerce Clause
Judicial restraint argues judges should decide cases based on what?
Precedent and the original intent of the Framers of the Constitution
During wartime, which president suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War?
Abraham Lincoln
Give one example of checks and balances in action
Veto override, Senate confirming appointments, judicial review, Congress declaring war, impeachment, etc
What is a filibuster used for?
To block or delay passage of a bill
What improvement did the bicameral legislature have over the Articles of Confederation's Congress?
It balanced representation between large and small states (Great Compromise)
How many Federal Judicial Districts are there?
94
What are the three constitutional requirements to be President?
35 years old, natural-born citizen, 14 years U.S. resident
Explain how checks and balances connect to Enlightenment ideas
Inspired by Montesquieu's separation of powers -- prevents tyranny by dividing power among branches
Where must revenue (tax) bills originate?
House of Representatives