The Constitution
Freedom of speech, religion, petition, assembly, and press.
What accounts for the difference in size between the House of Representatives and the Senate?
Equal representation in the Senate (2 Senators per state)
vs.
Representation based on population in the House of Representatives
What are concurrent powers?
Powers shared between both federal and state governments.
Who may nominate Supreme Court justices whenever there is a vacancy?
The president
What was the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education?
Bonus: What was the ruling based on? (What right or amendment?)
Racial discrimination in schools is unconstitutional.
Bonus: 14th amendment's guarantee of equal protection
Describe the system of checks and balances, as established by the Constitution.
The three branches of government have checks over one another that help prevent one branch from having too much power over the people.
All revenue (money) bills originate in which house of Congress?
The House of Representatives
What are the three requirements to be president of the United States?
Be at least 35 years of age
Be a natural born citizen
Have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years
How long are federal judge terms?
For life, as long as they display good behavior
What court case introduced the clear and present danger test to determine limitations on free speech?
Schenck v. United States
What were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists debating over?
The scope and power of the central government
What does the word bicameral mean?
Two houses, such as the two houses of Congress: House of Representatives and Senate
Describe the bully pulpit.
Which article of the Constitution goes over the powers and responsibilities of the Judicial Branch?
Article 3
What was the ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright?
Sixth amendment right to counsel applies to those accused of major crimes under state laws
Which article of the Constitution goes over the process for amending the Constitution?
Article 5
Which house impeaches the president and which house votes to determine the guilt of the president?
House of representatives impeaches, Senate votes on guilt
Describe the pocket veto.
It occurs when the president takes no action on a bill for ten days during which Congress is adjourned.j
Describe the Supreme Court's power of judicial review.
The Supreme Court may declare an action by the other branches unconstitutional.
What was the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland?
The federal government had the authority to establish a national bank, and Maryland's tax was unconstitutional.
What was Madison's argument in Federalist No. 10?
A system of republican representation helps to limit the excesses of factionalism
What are two checks Congress has on the other branches?
Congress can impeach president, confirm presidential appointments, declare war, override vetoes, etc. Congress can impeach judges, amend Constitution,etc.
Who is the president of the Senate?
The vice president
Unrelated question: List three weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Government was unable to raise taxes, Government was unable to raise an army, Government could not provide public services
What was the ruling in Baker v. Carr?
The Supreme Court could make decisions over legislative apportionment.