Checks and Balances
Which branch has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?
Judicial Branch
What is the name of the presidential power that has the force of law, allowing the President to manage federal agencies and direct the implementation of policies without needing Congressional approval?
Executive Order
What is the term for the process of drawing congressional district lines to benefit a specific political party?
9
What case ruled that Congress cannot use the Commerce Clause to justify criminalizing gun possession near schools?
US v Lopez
What is the President's main way of checking legislative power?
Which article of the Constitution enumerates the Executive Branch's power?
II
What is the process called when senators delay a vote by continuously speaking on the floor?
Filibuster
Which Federalist paper argued for an independent judiciary and explained the importance of judicial review, the life tenure of judges, and the need for the courts to check the powers of the other branches.
Federalist #78
Which SCOTUS case ruled that redistricting may not be based solely on race?
Shaw v Reno
Which Congressional action which needs a 2/3 vote from both chambers and 3/4 approval from state legislatures allows Congress to check the Judicial branch?
Passing a constitutional amendment
The President refusing to release "sensitive" information to the public illustrates which Presidential power?
Executive Privilege
How many votes are needed in both chambers to override a presidential veto?
2/3
Marbury v Madison established which judicial power?
Judicial Review
In which case did the Supreme Court rule that the right to an attorney is fundamental, and the states must provide one for criminal defendants?
Gideon v Wainwright
Which power is enumerated to only one chamber in congress which allows them to check two presidential actions?
The power of advice and consent (confirming appointments and ratifying treaties)
What is a "lame duck" president, and how does this status impact their ability to influence legislation?
A "lame duck" president is one whose term close to its end. This status often weakens their political power and ability to influence legislation.
What is the practice called that involves exchanging political favors, particularly in legislative bodies, where lawmakers agree to support each other’s proposed bills or amendments? It often involves trading votes.
Logrolling
What is the difference between judicial activism and judicial restraint?
Judicial activism is when judges interpret the Constitution to reflect current values, while judicial restraint is when judges avoid overturning laws unless they clearly violate the Constitution.
What case ruled that campaign donations are a form of free speech and struck down limits on indirect campaign donations?
Citizens United v FEC
Which congressional power allows congress to fiscally check the bureaucracy?
It is granted delegated discretionary authority by the executive branch
What type of representative is a representative that votes based on what they believe is best for their constituents, rather then voting based on how their constituents would want them to vote?
Trustee
What is the difference between appellate jurisdiction and original jurisdiction?
Original jurisdiction is when it's the first time a case is heard. Appellate jurisdiction is when a higher court reviews a lower court’s decision.
Which court case establish the "one person one vote" principle and that district lines are subject to scrutiny by the courts?
Baker v Carr