Structure & Function
What is a government?
This is how laws are made and enforced.
Separation of powers in the Constitution was meant to do what?
Make sure one branch doesn't have too much power.
What are the 3 branches of the United States Government?
What does a lobbyist do?
Tries to influence Congress to pass laws that benefit their cause.
One of the biggest problems the United States has under the constitution is?
Trying to protect individual civil rights while maintaining the practice of majority rules.
What is Global Involvement?
This policy has America involved in foreign affairs.
What is the elastic clause?
Article 1, Section 8 that gives Congress the power to make laws not expressed in the Constitution in order to meet needs that the founders could not forsee.
Who is the leader of each branch?
Executive - The President of the United States
Legislative - Vice President (Senate); Speaker of the House (House of Representatives)
Judicial - Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
What is an interest group?
A group of people that share a common interest, idea or belief.
What are changes made to the Constitution that are used to protect an individual's civil rights?
Amendments
What is the purpose of Government?
Maintain Order, Provide National Security and Provide Services
What are the 3 types of powers given to the national and state governments?
Delegated, Reserved and Concurrent
What is the main job of the Legislative branch?
Their main job is to make laws and fund programs for the people.
Propaganda is used to influence ________.
Public Opinion
Many times the Supreme Court makes rulings on cases that affect our civil rights like Brown vs. the Board of Education in 1954. What amendment was passed because of this case?
Integrated public schools
The 3 Levels of Government are?
Local, State and National (Federal)
When an amendment to the Constitution is made, it does not become law until it is ________?
Ratified
What does the Supreme Court do?
The Supreme Court gives ruling on court cases that affect the entire nation, and determine if laws are constitutional.
When 2 or more groups join together to influence change they are called a _______.
Coalition
The first 10 amendments of the Constitution were listed by America's founders to protect the people's rights, what is this referred to as?
The Bill of Rights
What is considered the Supreme Law of the Land in America?
The Constitution of the United States of America
What are the 5 basic principles of the US Government?
Federal System, Popular Sovereignty, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Limited Government
What is the main function of the Executive branch?
To enforce the laws that Congress passes.
Political Action Groups or PAC's are used for what purpose?
To raise and donate money to a candidate that the interest group wants to get elected.
Amendments 18 and 21 took away and returned rights having to do with what?
Exporting, selling and producing alcohol