Branches of Government
What are the three branches of the U.S. government?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
What case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
What document starts with "We the People"?
The U.S. Constitution
What is the official term for the total number of votes cast by individual citizens during an election?
Popular vote
What check does the President have on Congress?
Veto power
Which branch writes laws?
Legislative
Which case ruled that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional?
Brown v. Board of Education
Which document argued for separation of powers in a large republic?
Federalist No. 51
What is the name of the body that officially elects the President?
Electoral College
How can Congress override a presidential veto?
With a 2/3 vote in both houses
Which branch interprets the Constitution?
Judicial
What case protected symbolic speech in schools with black armbands?
Tinker v. Des Moines
Which document warned about factions and supported a strong central government?
Federalist No. 10
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
An organization that raises money to influence elections
What can the Supreme Court do to laws it finds unconstitutional?
Strike them down (judicial review)
Who is the head of the executive branch?
The President
What case ruled that individuals have a right to possess firearms for self-defense in their homes?
McDonald v. Chicago
Which Anti-Federalist paper warned that the Constitution would concentrate too much power in the national government and threaten the rights of the states and the people?
Brutus No. 1
What is gerrymandering?
Drawing district lines to favor one party
What is one check the Senate has on the President?
Confirming appointments or treaties
What is the main responsibility of the judicial branch when it comes to interpreting federal laws and resolving constitutional disputes?
To interpret laws and rule on constitutional issues
What case said Congress exceeded its power under the Commerce Clause by banning guns near schools?
U.S. v. Lopez
What founding document formally severed political ties between the American colonies and Great Britain?
The Declaration of Independence
What was the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. FEC about limits on independent political spending by corporations and unions?
The Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions are allowed to spend unlimited amounts independently on political campaigns
What check does Congress have on the judicial branch?
Can impeach judges or change laws