Congress &Lawmaking
Who makes federal laws in the United States?
Congress
What is the power to reject a bill passed by Congress?
Veto power
How many justices are on the U.S. Supreme Court?
9
What are the three core parts of the Criminal Justice System?
Law Enforcement (Police), Courts, and Corrections.
Legislative Branch/Who checks the President?
Congress can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote. It also holds the power of impeachment.
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress called?
The Senate and the House of Representatives
Which role gives the president control over the armed forces?
Commander in Chief.
What is the primary role of the judicial branch?
To interpret laws and ensure they are constitutional
What is the "court of last resort" in the federal system
The United States Supreme Court.
Legislative Branch/Who checks the Supreme Court?
Congress can approve or reject judicial nominees and also impeach federal judges
What does the "Necessary and Proper Clause" (Elastic Clause) do?
It gives Congress implied powers to make laws that are necessary to carry out its expressed powers
Which role puts the president in charge of foreign policy and negotiating with other nations?
Chief Diplomat
How are federal judges selected?
They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
What is the consensus model?
A perspective that assumes the system's components work together harmoniously to achieve justice
Judicial Branch/Who checks Congress?
The Judicial branch can declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional.
Why is the filibuster so difficult to overcome, and how is it ended?
To end a filibuster, the Senate must invoke cloture
What is the annual speech the president gives to Congress to outline their legislative agenda?
State of the Union Address
What is the lowest tier in the federal court system?
U.S. District Courts.
What are "victimless crimes"?
Offenses involving the consensual exchange of illegal goods or services
Judicial Branch/Who checks the President?
The Courts can declare presidential acts or executive orders unconstitutional
What happens when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill?
Congress uses a Conference Committee.
Where are the president's formal (enumerated) powers officially listed?
Article II of the U.S. Constitution
Why do federal judges serve life terms?
To ensure judicial independence, protecting them from political interference
What is the FBI’s definition of terrorism?
The systematic use of terror or unpredictable violence against governments
Executive Branch/Who checks the Supreme Court?
The President nominates Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges.