Founding Philosophers
Which Enlightenment philosopher believed people possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
What document explained and justified the American colonies' decision to separate from Great Britain?
Declaration of Independence
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives, and how long is a senator's term?
House: 2 years, Senate: 6 years
What is the president's constitutional military role
Commander in Chief of the United States armed forces
The ability of government officials to exercise judgment when applying laws, rules, and regulations
bureaucratic discretion
Which philosopher argued that people establish government to escape violence, insecurity, and chaos?
Thomas Hobbes
The president can veto legislation, Congress can override vetoes, and courts can declare laws unconstitutional.
Checks and Balances
What do we call Congress's authority over federal government spending and appropriations.
Power of the Purse
A directive issued by the president to manage executive-branch operations
Executive Order
What is the primary responsibility of the federal bureaucracy
Implementing and administering laws and public programs
Which Enlightenment philosopher argued that governmental power should be divided among separate branches to prevent tyranny?
Montesquieu
Under the Articles of Confederation, explain how much power the national government had in comparison to the state power
National gov was much weaker than state gov
What type of legislature does the United States have?
Bicameral Legislature
The group of executive department leaders advises the president on major policy issues?
Presidential Cabinet
This system awarded government jobs to political supporters.
Spoils System
The idea that government receives its legitimate authority from the people?
Popular sovereignty
What is the difference between separation of powers and federalism
Separation of powers divides authority among the three branches of government, while federalism divides authority between national and state governments.
A member of Congress votes against a bill that most constituents support because the representative believes the bill would harm the country. Which model of representation is this?
Trustee Representation
The president nominates a new Supreme Court justice. What must happen before that nominee can serve?
Senate must approve the nomination (simple majority)
A congressional committee, a federal transportation agency, and a highway construction interest group repeatedly work together to shape transportation policy. What political relationship does this represent?
Iron Triangle
An agreement in which people accept government authority in exchange for order, security, and protection.
Social Contract
What event highlighted the weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
Shay's Rebellion
What are the two different types of gerrymandering used for political gain?
Packing & Cracking
Name three ways the legislative or judicial branches can limit presidential power
Congress overriding presidential vetoes, the Senate rejecting presidential appointments, Congress controlling federal spending, and courts declaring presidential actions unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful
Which act promoted merit-based federal government employment rather than hiring based on political connections.
Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act