Federalism
How does Federalism divide power in the Constitution?
Local, state and federal levels.
For each branch, what is their MAIN function?
Legislative - Make laws
Executive - Carry out (or execute/enforce) laws
Judicial - Interpret (or judge) laws
Why does the US have "checks and balances" in its government?
To prevent one branch of federal government from having too much power
List 5 rights of political expression as named in the first Amendment
Right to free speech, religion, vote, protest, press, petition
What was Washington's stance on foreign policy?
Stay neutral!
What are 3 Shared /Concurrent powers?
Taxes, borrow money, administer courts of law, make and enforce laws, build roads & transportation, charter banks and corporations, common good
WHO makes up each branch?
Executive - President and Cabinet
Judicial - Supreme Court & federal judges
Legislative - Congress
How can the President check the power of Congress?
The President can veto Congress' bills
(Though Congress can override a veto with a 2/3 vote)
List 3 criminal rights
Right to due process, no search and seizure without warrant or probable cause, can't be tried twice for the same crime, do not have to self-incriminate, speedy public trial with a jury of your peers, right to challenge your accusers, right to an attorney, right to witnesses, right to be told the details of your crime
What are 2 differences between Federalists (Hamilton) and Democratic Republicans (Jefferson)?
Fed - implied powers, strong central govt, representative govt (not public), wealthy and educated, loose interpretation of constitution
DR - no implied powers, strong state govts, public govt, all should participate in democracy, strict interpretation of constitution
!!DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!
List 3 Federal powers (NOT shared powers)
Coin money, Declare war, Regulate foreign & interstate commerce, Tax imports & exports, Postal system, Make treaties, Maintain military, Amend the Constitution, make any laws that are "necessary and proper"
Which branch holds impeachment trials?
Legislative Branch: Congress
What can Congress do that checks the power of the Supreme Court and the Executive Branch?
May impeach Supreme Court justices and the President
!!DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!
WHO advocated for the Bill of Rights and WHY?
Anti-Federalists because they're advocates for states & individuals rights. They oppose the U.S. Constitution as it was first written - feared a strong, national president would become a king or dictator. They wanted to protect citizens since the Constitution does not address the rights of people
How did Washington deal with the Whiskey Rebellion?
He had federal troops put it down and successfully restored law and order
List 3 State Powers (NOT shared)
Regulate intrastate commerce, Establish schools and local government, Promote public health and safety, Maintain state militia (National Guard), Ratify amendments ot the Constitution, all powers not delegated to the federal govt. and not denied to the states by the Constitution
What are 2 powers of the Executive branch?
Make treaties, commander-in-chief, maintain Cabinet, grant pardons, negotiate treaties, appoint ambassadors & federal judges, represent US, execute all laws, accept or veto congressional bills, State of Union address
How does the Legislative Branch (Congress) check the Executive Branch (President)? At least one way
- impeachment for crimes and misconduct
- presidential veto can be overturned with 2/3 vote from each house
- Senate must approve treaties
Because if something is not mentioned in the Constitution or Bill of Rights, then it is up to the states. Congress can't do anything other than what the Constitution says it can do *Amendment 10*
Why did Washington move the capital city to D.C.?
To appease Southerners after creating the National Bank, which forced Southerns to help pay off Northerners' debts
If a power, or job, isn't listed as a Federal power in the Constitution, whose power is it?
State Governments have “all powers not delegated to the National Government or denied to the States per the US Constitution.” AKA reserved powers
(There are a few exceptions though)
What kind of cases does the Supreme Court hear?
those that involve the constitution, a federal law, ambassadors, a treaty, certain inter-state cases
How can the Judicial Branch check the power of Congress?
Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional
No quartering troops (Amendment 3). No cruel or unusual punishment (Amendment 8). Right to bear arms. (Amendment 2). Trial by jury in Civil cases. (Amendment 7). Briefly explain what each of these mean.
3 - Can't be forced to keep soldiers in your house in times of peace. 8 - Punishment must fit the crime. 2 - Right to self-defense and own guns. 7 - You have the right to trial in civil suits (you can sue someone)
How did Hamilton & Jefferson differ in their interpretation of the Constitution?
Hamilton - loose interpretation
Jefferson - strict interpretation