Section A
Written by James Madison and published in 1788, defends the U.S. Constitution's structure of separation of powers and checks and balances
Federalist #51
What was important from the decision in Marbury v. Madison?
Established the principle of judicial review, confirming the Supreme Court’s power to declare acts of Congress and the executive branch unconstitutional.
Describe the necessary and proper clause
Grants Congress the authority to pass all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its enumerated powers and all other powers vested in the government
How many Senators are there?
100
How many members in the HOR?
435
A type of legislature that is divided into two separate assemblies, chambers, or houses
Bicameral Legislature
Summarize Shaw v. Reno
Shaw v. Reno (1993) is a landmark Supreme Court case ruling that redistricting based primarily on race, resulting in "bizarrely shaped" districts, is unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The 5-4 decision held that while race-conscious districting isn't inherently illegal, it must be narrowly tailored to a compelling state interest.
What is Congress' power of the purse?
It gives the legislative branch sole authority to raise revenue and authorize federal spending. This power ensures that no money is drawn from the Treasury without a specific law passed by Congress
What executes policies and rules with congressional oversight and funding?
Bureaucracy
How many voting members was Washington D.C. given in the Electoral College? Bonus points if you can name the amendment that made it.
3 Voting Members. Came from the 23rd amendment
Initiating Revenue Bills, Electing the President if no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, and Initiating the procedure to Impeach Federal Officials are trusted to which body?
House of Representatives
Name some powers shared by the HOR and Senate
Making Laws, Declaring War, Raising a Military/Army, Coining Money, and Taxing and Spending. Others include Regulating Commerce and Overriding Presidential Vetoes.
Describe Federalist #78:
Justifies the structure of the federal judiciary, arguing for life tenure during "good behavior" to ensure judicial independence. It famously establishes the doctrine of judicial review, asserting that federal courts must strike down acts of Congress that conflict with the Constitution.
Define bureaucratic discretion.
The authority granted to unelected government officials and agencies to make independent decisions, interpret vague laws, and determine the specific methods for implementing public policy (gives Bureaucracies some independence).
Describe Federalist #70
Federalist No. 70, written by Alexander Hamilton in 1788, argues that a single, "energetic" executive (president) is essential to the U.S. Constitution, rather than a plural executive. Hamilton contends that a strong, unified, and accountable executive is necessary for national security, steady law administration, and the protection of liberty.
Treaty Ratification, Acting as Judge and Jury on Impeachment Trials, and Election of Vice President if no candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College are trusted to which body?
Senate
Define informal powers and list some
Unofficial, implied authorities held by an executive (such as the U.S. president) not explicitly stated in the Constitution, but derived from their position, public mandate, and political skill. Examples include: Executive orders, Executive Privilege, and Bully Pulpit.
What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending
Mandatory spending (nearly 2/3 of the federal budget) is dictated by law for entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, operating on "autopilot" without annual votes. Discretionary spending (roughly 1/3) requires Congress to pass annual appropriations bills for defense, education, and transportation.
Where do most bills die?
Committee or Subcommittees
What is a divided government, and what are some effects of it
A divided government occurs when one political party controls the presidency (executive branch) while another party controls one or both houses of Congress (legislative branch). This structure often causes legislative gridlock, increased partisan polarization, and difficulty in passing major policy changes.
Describe Baker v. Carr and the Decision
Baker v. Carr (1962) was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case establishing that federal courts have jurisdiction to hear lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of state legislative apportionment. The 6-2 decision ruled that redistricting is a justiciable issue under the Equal Protection Clause, not a non-justiciable "political question," paving the way for "one person, one vote".
Explain how the senate may model an elite theory of government
functioning as an institution largely composed of, and influenced by, a privileged minority—specifically the wealthy, highly educated, and well-connected—who make policy decisions that often prioritize the interests of this elite class over the general population. There's an influence from the wealthy and their financing to persuade senators to act a specific way in some cases.
What does it mean when someone accuses supreme court judges of "legislating from the bench"
It accuses judges of basing rulings on personal policy preferences, politics, or social agendas rather than interpreting the law as written. It suggests judges are acting as lawmakers (a role meant for Congress or state legislatures) thereby exceeding their constitutional authority and creating new laws.
List 5 formal powers of the President
Commanding the armed forces, granting pardons, making treaties, appointing federal officials/judges, and vetoing legislation.
What is Logrolling Spending?
Logrolling spending is a legislative practice where politicians trade votes, supporting each other's pet projects or "pork-barrel" legislation to ensure passage. It involves mutual, often hidden, cooperation to approve projects that often wouldn't pass on their own merit in a vote.