A strict separation of powers between the national and state governments in which each layer has its own responsibilities.
What is dual or "layer cake" federalism?
100
A constitutional arrangement in which power is distributed between a central government and states.
What is federalism?
100
Presidential check on Congress' power to legislate, used more than 2,500 times.
What is a veto?
100
System intended to guard against hero-worship, by which voters elect people pledged to a certain candidate. Also why Al Gore was not elected President in 2000.
What is the electoral college?
200
"President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided."
Who is the Vice President of the US?
200
All powers not speciffically delegated tp the national government by the Constitution.
What are reserved powers?
200
A requirement the national government imposes as a condition for receiving federal funds.
What is a federal mandate?
200
The power of the Supreme Court to determine if governmental laws or regulations are unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?
200
Supporters of ratification of the Constitution and of a strong central government. Also why the Bill of Rights are Amendments.
What are the Federalists.
300
Found in Article VI, "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States ...shall be the supreme Law of the Land."
What is the supremacy clause?
300
National law takes precedence over a state or local law, like in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
What is preemption?
300
A method used to interpret the Constitution that understand the document to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the times.
What is an adaptive approach?
300
A formal accusation by the House of Representatives against a public official; first step in removal from office.
What is impeachment?
300
Compromise by states at the Constitutional Convention in favor of a bicameral legislature with the lower house's representation based on population and the upper house having two senators per state.
What is the Connecticut Compromise?
400
"No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office" of this.
What is President?
400
A budgetary tool of Congress made for a specific purpose, such as Medicaid. It has the most strings attached to the funds.
What is a categorical grant?
400
The belief that the authority and legitimacy of government is based in the consent and authority of the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
400
Instead of amending the Constitution, Congress creates legislation to meet a needed change.
What is congressional elaboration?
400
A republic, or system in which people elect those who govern and pass laws. Also meant to keep us from getting confused with the amazing ancient Athenians.
What is representative democracy?
500
"Not shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."
What is the Fifth Amendment?
500
Position that the Constitution is a compact among states with limited authority, and that the powers of the national government should be narrowly defined.
What is decentralism?
500
Governance in which one party controls both the White House and both houses of Congress.
What is a unified government?
500
Presidential refusal to allow an agency to spend funds that Congress authorized and appropriated.
What is impoundment?
500
Document in which James Madison argued, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary."