Foundations &Principles
The system that divides power between a national government and state governments
What is federalism?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known by this name
What is the Bill of Rights?
The branch of government primarily responsible for making laws.
What is the legislative branch / Congress?
The House of Congress in which representation is based on a state’s population
What is the House of Representatives?
The voting process that officially selects electors who, in turn, elect the president (state-based process every four years).
What is the Electoral College / presidential election?
The political philosopher who wrote that governments must protect life, liberty, and property
Who is John Locke?
This amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the First Amendment?
The presidential power to reject a bill passed by Congress.
What is a veto?
If the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, members from both chambers meet in this committee to reconcile differences.
What is a conference committee?
One legal requirement to vote in federal elections in the United States.
What is being a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old?
The compromise that created a bicameral Congress with representation by population in one house and equal representation in the other
What is the Great Compromise / Connecticut Compromise?
The amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people
What is the Tenth Amendment?
One check Congress has on the president besides overriding vetoes.
What is the power to impeach and remove? / What is the power of the purse? / What is Senate confirmation of appointments?
A primary function of congressional committees that helps shape legislation before full-chamber votes
What is markup/hearings or conducting oversight?
These party events and state contests determine how many delegates a presidential candidate will have at the national convention.
What are primary elections and caucuses?
The group that opposed ratification of the Constitution because they feared a strong central government and wanted the Bill of Rights.
Who were the Anti‑Federalists?
The principle that courts can declare laws and actions unconstitutional was established in this 1803 Supreme Court case
What is Marbury v. Madison?
One check the president has on the judiciary besides appointments.
What is the presidential pardon power?
Two formal requirements to serve in the House of Representatives (age and citizenship)
What are at least 25 years old and seven years U.S. citizenship?
The court that reviews appeals from U.S. District Courts before cases may reach the Supreme Court.
What is the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals / Court of Appeals?
The Enlightenment thinker who argued for separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial) influencing U.S. constitutional design
Who is Montesquieu?
Name one civil liberty that is limited in the interest of "due process" rather than absolute—e.g., rights balanced with public safety
What is freedom of speech when it incites imminent lawless action? / What is the right to a fair trial?
The power the Supreme Court exercises to interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws that conflict with it.
What is judicial review?
Two formal requirements to serve in the U.S. Senate and one difference from the House (age/citizenship/constituency)
What are at least 30 years old and nine years U.S. citizenship; senators represent entire states while House members represent districts?
Briefly describe the impeachment process: which chamber brings charges, which chamber conducts the trial, and the vote required to convict
What is the House impeaches/accuses, the Senate tries and convicts, and conviction requires a two‑thirds Senate vote?