We the People
Founders were afraid of giving too much power to one person, so they split government into three parts. This is the name for that idea.
separation of powers
A journalist publishes a story critical of the government. A blogger posts an opinion online. A pastor preaches a sermon. All three are protected by this amendment.
1st Amendment
The House passed a new education bill. It now moves to this chamber, where it must also pass before heading to the White House.
the Senate
The President is the symbolic face of the nation — attending state funerals, hosting foreign leaders, lighting the National Christmas Tree. This is his title for that role.
Chief of State
Tensions with North Korea escalate. The President orders a carrier strike group into the region and puts troops on alert. What role is he performing?
Commander in Chief
After a commuter train derails outside Chicago, federal investigators are dispatched to the scene. They work for this department, which oversees roads, rails, and airways.
Department of Transportation
Kentucky has 6 representatives and Wyoming has 1 because
population - Seats in the House are based on a state's population.
A defendant is found not guilty of murder. The prosecutor wants to try her again with new evidence. The Constitution says no — because of this concept.
No double jeopardy - from the 5th Amendment
Any member of this body can introduce a bill — a senator from Vermont or a representative from Texas alike.
Congress
A lower court ruled against a civil rights organization. The organization believes the ruling misapplied the Constitution and asks a higher court to look at it. This is what they filed.
an appeal
Marcus is charged with robbing a gas station in Louisville. He and the victim both live in the same state. What type of court — and what type of case — is this?
state criminal
A U.S. company is caught hiding billions in offshore accounts to dodge taxes. IRS investigators report up through this cabinet department.
Department of Treasury
After the Constitution was written, many Americans refused to ratify it unless these were added to protect individual freedoms.
Bill of Rights
A state passes a law giving itself a power the Constitution doesn't mention. This amendment says that power belongs to the states — or the people.
The President refuses to sign a spending bill and sends it back to Congress with his objections. Congress gets another shot at it — but needs this to succeed.
2/3 of both the House and Senate
A man was convicted of a nonviolent federal drug offense 20 years ago. He's served his time but still faces restrictions. The President can wipe his record clean using this power.
pardon
Two neighbors in different states get into a contract dispute worth $90,000. One of them wants to move the case out of state court. Where does it go, and what kind of case is it?
federal civil
A cargo ship carrying weapons parts is intercepted off the coast of Florida. The Secretary of this department gets the call — not the Secretary of State.
Department of Defense
Every 10 years the government counts every person living in the U.S. This count determines how many House seats each state gets.
census - used for apportionment
Someone is arrested on a Friday night and held in jail over the weekend with no hearing scheduled. The 6th Amendment says they are entitled to this.
a fair and speedy trial with a lawyer
A senator has been talking for 14 straight hours to prevent a vote on a bill he opposes. This is the name of the tactic.
filibuster
A federal judge was found to have accepted bribes. The President wants him gone. Under the Constitution, this body must approve nominations for federal judges — and handle removal.
the Senate
The President of France arrives in Washington. The President meets him at the White House and negotiates a climate treaty. What role is this?
Chief Diplomat
A federal agent uncovers a massive money-laundering scheme linked to a cartel operating across five states. The phones ring at this department's headquarters.
Department of Justice
A system where the national government and state governments each hold their own powers — and sometimes share them.
federalism
Police pull over a driver and want to search the car. Without this, the search would likely violate the driver's constitutional rights.
probable cause - from the 4th Amendment
Before most bills ever reach the full House or Senate for a vote, they are sent here first, where they are studied, revised, and sometimes killed.
committees
In 1803, the Supreme Court declared for the first time that it had the power to strike down a law that conflicted with the Constitution. This landmark case established that power.
Marbury v Madison
A governor calls the White House in a panic — a hurricane just devastated his state. The President orders FEMA to mobilize and signs a federal disaster declaration. What presidential role is this?
Chief Executive
A peace summit between two warring nations is proposed, and the U.S. wants to send a mediator. The negotiators come from this department.
Department of State