Constitution Test Flashcards
How does the constitution divide power across different government bodies?
3 branches - legislative, judicial, and executive
Individual Rights
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.
How do individual Rights limit the power of government?
We try to protect this condition through the articulation of rights, which are intended to prevent infringements by government, and each other.
Rule of Law
Every person is subject to the law, including lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and judges.
How does the rule of law limit the power of government?
The constitution sets limits to governmental power and establishes how leaders who overstep their power can be removed.
Popular sovereignty
The ideas that power comes from the people, so it must represent our interests. Also protects minority groups, as well as checking “public opinion”.
How does popular sovereignty limit the power of government?
This concept bestows upon citizens a responsibility to be informed and act out of a sense of community.
Separation of powers or Checks and balances
We attempt to limit government power by dividing the powers of the government into three “branches” and giving them a variety of powers over each other so they can “check” each other.
How do checks and balances limit the power of government?
Ensures that any one person or group doesn’t stray away from their powers or duties.
Independent Judiciary
The judicial branch is established as an independent entity, free of pressures and influences from the other two branches and other self-interests.
How does independent Judiciary limit the power of government?
The supreme court (SCOTUS) is the highest authority in the federal court system.
Federalism
Power is divided between the central government and individual states and local governments.
How does federalism limit the power of government?
They established the constitution with a clear division of powers between the levels of government. This kept from the federal government from taking too much power away from the states.
What can executive branch do?
- Appoints judges to the Judicial branch
- Can veto bills passed by the legislative branch
- Can pardon individuals
- Enforces laws
What can Judicial branch do?
- Can declare laws and executive orders to be unconstitutional
- Interpret laws
What can Legislative branch do?
- Must approved federal judges
- Must approve members of the Presidential cabinet
- Must approve any treaties
- Can amend the constitution
- Can override Presidential vetoes of bills
- Can impeach members of the executive and Judicial branches
- Makes laws
What are the powers of the state government?
professional licensure, inheritance laws (non-tax), establish local governments, regulate business within a state, assuming powers not granted in the Constitution, moral laws
What are the powers of the national government?
declare war, mail delivery, coin money, maintain public lands, patents, regulate international & interstate trade, admit new states, foreign policy
What are shared powers between the state and federal government?
collect taxes, maintain law & order, marriage laws, borrow money, common good & health, public welfare, punish criminal, maintain schools
What are the requirements a person must meet in order to vote in a general election in Illinois?
being a citizen, be a resident for at least 30 days before, 18 years old, not serving a sentence, ONLY claim the right to vote in the state of Illinois
What is a primary election?
picking the candidate you want to represent the party
What is a general election?
Picking the winner of the 2 candidates
What is a midterm election?
Election halfway between presidential elections
What is the total number of electors in the Electoral college?
538 electors
what is the number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?
at least 270 electors - more than half
What is a third party?
A smaller party other than democrats and republicans - don’t do as well as other parties
How many years can a member of the U.S. Senate serve in one term?
2 years