Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Checks and Balances
Required Documents/Cases
100

Differences between Senate and House of Representatives in terms of size and who they represent

Senate: Each state has 2 representatives (6 year terms and less connected to the people they represent)

House of Representatives: 435 in total (2 year terms and have to be more responsive to constituents)

100

Where does the President get their powers from?

Article 2 of the constitution 

100

Which article outlines the power of the Judicial Branch?

Article 3

100

When congress does a review on an agency and asks questions

Congressional oversight

100

Describe the case Baker v. Carr

It is a gerrymandering case where Tennessee had not separated districts properly so there was a greater say for rural voters than urban voters. It violated the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. Established 1 person-1 vote.

200

Where are the enumerated powers of Congress written and what are a few examples?

From Article 1 section 8: Power to pass a federal budget, power to raise revenue, power to coin money, power to declare war
200

What are the formal powers of the president? 

1) Power of veto but congress can override with a 2/3 vote

2) Pocket Veto: President does not sign the bill 10 days after congress adjourns. 

3) Commander in Chief: Can implement policy agenda 

4) Can select ambassadors and sign treaties with senate approval 

200

Describe the court system

There are district courts. Then there are courts of appeals to make sure the law is applied correctly. Lastly, is the Supreme Court of the US which is the only official court from the constitution.

200

How are the president’s nominations for federal court judges checked?

The senate has advice and consent role so they check these appointments. 

200

Describe the Shaw V Reno case

2 districts were drawn in unusual shapes in North Carolina. It had boosted the power of black votes. The court ruled that drawing districts on race could harm minority voters.

300

Differences in debate between both houses and what are some challenges/solutions to it?

The senate has limited debate which allows for a filibuster(can end it with the cloture rule)

The House of Representatives has limited debate which is set by the House rules committee. 

300

What are some informal powers of the President?

1) Bargaining and Persuasion: The President has the ear of the nation so can convince constituents to put pressure on their representatives 

2) Executive order: Directive from the President that has the force if federal law, but it is not

3) Signing statement: When signing a bill into law, the President informs how they interpret the law 

4) Executive agreement: An agreement with the President and another nation but it is not a formal treaty because no senate approval.

300

What is the main power of the Supreme Court?

Judicial Review: To rule on constitutionality of laws.

300

How can congress and the president check the Judicial Branch

Congress can pass laws that modify the impact of the court decision and the president can decide not to enforce the decision 

300

Federalist 70 main idea

Hamilton argues for a single executive so that they are more decisive and energetic.

400

How is a bill turned into a law?

First the bill is sponsored by the House of Representatives or senate which can undergo changes such as earmarks or pork barrel spending. Then it goes to committee and if it passes the committee, it goes to the floor to be debated.Then if it passes both the HOR and Senate, it goes to the president to be signed. 

400
How can the president communicate with the nation to persuade them on a certain issue?
Through the bully pulpit  method 
400

What is it called when the court rules on a case and it creates a precedent?

Stare Decisis 

400

How does the court check the other branches and where is this power given from?

Due to Judicial review established in Marbury v Madison 

400

Describe the Marbury v Madison case 

When John Adam’s lost presidency, he mailed in midnight appointees in order to dilute Democratic power. However, some appointees did not receive it like Marbury so he issues a write of Mandamus. Overаll, the the importance of this case is that it established judiciary review 

500

Describe the models of Representation 

1) Delegate model: Votes with the will of the people

2) Trustee model: Votes with their own beliefs 

3) Politico Model: Mix of both 

500

Describe the structure and role of the federal bureaucracy?

There are cabinet departments which are subdivided into agenices. They write/enforce regulations. They issue fines for non compliance and they interact with congress due to their expertise on issues. 

500

Describe the difference between Judicial Activism and Judicial Restraint

Judicial Activism: Acts to create policy and considers broad effects of a decision 

Judicial Restraint: Judges not appointed to make policy that violates the constitution (relies on precedent)

500

How can the president check congress?

The president can veto the bill/pocket veto

500

Federalist 78 main idea

Federal judges are appointed by the president and they hold office for life so it is important to keep them private. This also implied Judicial Review