Context Flashcards
When did the Civil war start and end?
April 1861 - April 1965
How many states formed the Confederacy and who were they?
11: Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia
Loyal border states included Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri
Was Lincoln for or against slavery?
Didn’t really mind but wanted to gain support and end the Civil War as soon as possible
What is the structure of the governmental system?
What is the structure of the governmental system?
When was the constitution written, ratified and put in practice?
1787, 1788, 1789
How many votes does it take to amend the constitution?
If 2/3 of congress and 3/4 of the united states agree
What does federal government mean?
A government with a central body who is responsible for national defence, foreign policy, interstate commerce/law and trade.
Then this is combined with state governments who are responsible for law and order, education and welfare.
What are the parts of the United States federal government?
Executive (President)
- President elected every 4 years and is responsible for running the government
- Can veto a law but a 2/3 majority vote from both houses of the legislature can override it
Legislature (US Congress)
- Responsible for law making and taxes with both houses having to agree before action is taken
- Divided into 2 houses:
Representatives - 435 members elected every 2 years (distributed between states on the basis of population)
Senate - 2 senators from each state elected for 6 years that is responsible through its power of “advice and consent” to give approval (or not) to all major appointments to government
Supreme court
- Contains 9 judges appointed by the president and approved by the senate who are voted in for life and have the power to dictate whether a law abides by the US constitution
- Laws can be declared illegal
