A
This term describes a legislature made up of two separate chambers.
What is bicameral?
These powers are specifically listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
What are enumerated powers?
This clause allows Congress to regulate trade among states, foreign nations, and Native tribes.
What is the Commerce Clause?
This founding principle means that governmental power comes from the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
This principle divides government responsibilities among three branches.
What is separation of powers?
This chamber of Congress has the power to initiate revenue bills and bring charges of impeachment.
What is the House of Representatives?
These powers aren’t written down but are derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.
What are implied powers?
This term refers to federal funds given to states with broad spending discretion.
What are block grants?
This group opposed the Constitution, fearing a strong central government.
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
This executive power allows the president to reject legislation.
What is a veto?
Known for six-year terms and more deliberative debates, this chamber handles impeachment trials and treaty ratifications.
What is the Senate?
Congress’s ability to raise and allocate money is commonly referred to as this.
What is the power of the purse?
This type of federal funding comes with strict rules and oversight.
What are categorical grants?
This group supported the ratification of the Constitution and a strong national government.
Who were the Federalists?
Congress can pass a law over a presidential veto with this type of vote.
What is a two-thirds override?
This rule in the Senate ends a filibuster and limits debate to 30 hours.
What is cloture?
This Supreme Court case affirmed Congress’s implied powers and denied states the right to tax federal institutions.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland?
These powers are held by both state and federal governments (like imposing taxes).
What are concurrent powers?
These organizations try to influence public policy by lobbying lawmakers.
What are interest groups?
Powers only the national government can exercise are called this.
What are exclusive powers?
A senator who wants to delay a vote might use this extended debate tactic.
What is a filibuster?
In this case, the Court ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress's commerce power.
What is United States v. Lopez?
This idea suggests that rights exist naturally and don’t depend on laws.
What is natural law?
This system ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
What are checks and balances?
This constitutional amendment reserves undelegated powers to the states or the people.
What is the Tenth Amendment?