9: The American Regime Flashcards
Describe the concept of “checks and balances.”
Constitutional concept provides system of power for each branch to check the others.
The balance of power refers to what?
Co-equal branches of government.
Describe the four processes of checks and balances, related to the branches of government.
Congress checks Executive: confirming appointments; approving bills.
Congress checks Supreme Court: vetting appointments.
Executive checks Supreme Court: power of appointment.
Executive checks Congress: by virtue of veto power.
What two branches make up Congress?
Senate; House of Representatives.
For the four branches of U.S. government, describe how they are elected and how long each term lasts.
President: electoral college; 4 years.
Senate: elected (states); 6 years.
House: elected (districts within states); 2 years.
Supreme Court: nominated by President, approved by Senate; life.
One core principle of American government is popular sovereignty. Define this, and five elements that it encompasses.
Government operates by consent, people are source of power.
Free elections.
Voice opinions.
Accountability.
Prevents overreach and tyranny.
Reminds politicians that they are public servants.
One core principle of American government is limited government. What does this mean, and what are three purposes?
Powers and functions circumscribed by Constitution and Acts.
Not all-powerful, can only do as much as people allow.
Subject to law and NOT above it.
Prevents tyranny.
Checks and balances are based on what?
Holy Roman Empire and Ancient Roman Republic.
One core principle of American government is judicial review. What does this mean?
Actions of other branches subject to review; laws can be invalidated.
Two core principles of American government are federalism and republicanism. What do each mean in this context?
Federalism: some key powers held by centralized national government, others reserved for various state departments.
Republicanism: no monarch, people are sovereign.
List three reasons for the necessity of government in the American system.
Protect individual rights.
Maintain order.
Provide public goods.
What are the two founding ‘theories’ that undergird the American government?
Liberalism: negative liberty (freedom from external restraint).
Republicanism: positive liberty (capacity to act upon one’s free will).
What are the four qualifications to become elected President?
At least 35 years old.
Natural born citizen.
Lived in U.S. for at least 14 years.
NOT directly elected by people - Electoral College.
Explain the Electoral College.
Mechanism for indirect election. When voters go to polls, choose which candidate receives their state’s electors. The candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes (270) wins the Presidency.
How does the Electoral College work?
Varies from state to state, but generally, political parties nominate electors at state conventions (state-elected officials, party leaders, people with strong affiliation with Presidential candidates).
