Checks and Balances
If the President vetos a bill, what can Congress do to check this action?
Override Veto
Give a definition of Federalism.
A sharing of power between the federal government and the state governments
In this principle, citizens vote for representatives to run the government for them.
Republicanism
What is an amendment?
A change to the Constitution
Where can a bill be introduced?
House of Representatives or the Senate
A Supreme Court Justice retires at the age of 73. Who has the power to appoint a new judge?
The President
This type of power is shared by both the federal and state governments
Concurrent powers
This principle means that the people hold the power in government.
Popular Sovereignty
This part of the Constitution allows Congress to make laws that are needed for the country.
Elastic Clause
What two options does the President have when a bill reaches him.
Sign/Approve or Veto
The President signs a bill saying the news is no longer allowed to cover anything that has to do with politics. Who can check this action, and what is the action called?
Judicial Branch (Supreme Court) uses Judicial Review
Name 3 powers that are reserved for the state governments.
Marriage laws
Set up local government
Driving Laws
Provide for Public Safety
Conduct Elections
Set up schools
This principle divides government power into three branches.
Separation of Powers
Name one way a new amendment can be ratified.
By ¾ of the State Legislatures
OR
By ¾ of ratifying conventions in the States
After a bill is introduced, a smaller group of lawmakers studies it, debates it, and decides whether it should move forward.
Committee
A Supreme Court Justice takes a bribe involving a court case. Who can check this action and what is the check?
Congress can impeach and remove the judge
Name 3 powers that are delegated to the Federal Government.
Declare War
Establish Post Office
Coin Money
Regulate Trade
Copyrights and Patents
Establish Military
Define Limited Government.
The government can only do what the Constitution says. All people, even government officials must follow the laws
How do the amendment process and the elastic clause make the U.S. Constitution flexible?
Both allow the Constitution to stretch their powers to cover new situations, and to change the Constitution if needed
After passing in the House of Representatives, a bill must go to this part of Congress where the process repeats.
Senate
Name all four ways (that we discussed) the Legislative branch can check the Executive branch.
Approve Treaties
Approve Appointments
Override Veto
Impeach and Remove President
Come up with a real life example/scenario of a concurrent power.
Levy taxes
Set up courts
Borrow money
Make laws
Come up with a real life example of Flexible Government.
The constitution is a living document that can change over time. This allows the government to deal with new problems as they come up.
What is a real life example of how the government could use the elastic clause?
Congress passes a new law regulating drones, even though drones are not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution. Congress justifies the law by saying it is needed to regulate air travel and safety.
What is the purpose of making it hard for a bill to become a law?
Laws are hard to pass so that we make sure they are well thought out, most people agree with them, and that they are purposeful.