Final Flashcards
What event led many Americas to want a strong national gov’t instead of the Articles of Confederation?
Shay’s Rebellion
What is the type of commerce that refers to trade among the states?
interstate commerce
Purpose of Federalist Papers?
Argue FOR the Constitution
Type of powers that state and nation gov’t share?
concurrent powers
A Supreme Court that demonstrates a willingness to change public policy and alter judicial precedent is engaging in _______ ________.
judicial activism
What is a writ of certiorari?
order sent from Supreme Court to lower court for more info indicating they are choosing to take on an appeals case
What was ruled as unconstitutional as a result of Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka?
separate but equal doctrine
Why is the House Rules Committee considered the most powerful?
control which bills will be seen and when
What is the primary function of PACs?
financial support to candidates
What is American Federalism?
divides powers of government between national government and state government
What is Judicial Review?
power of Supreme Court to assess if a law is constitutional or not
Why was the line-item veto found to be unconstitutional?
gave the executive branch legislative powers
How are cabinet members chosen?
nominated by president, approved by Senate
How can the executive branch check the legislative branch?
can veto laws passed by Congress
The term of office for House of Reps.
2 yrs
What type of committee is formed when the Senate and House of Reps pass different versions of the same bill?
conference committee
What is the elastic clause?
Allows Congress some flexibility to pass laws that are for the good of the nation
What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? (4)
- gov’t couldn’t collect tax
- no executive branch
- can’t raise an army
- weak federal gov’t
How does the electoral college elect a president? (3)
- electors vote for president
- each state has a certain amount of electoral votes
- president can lose popular vote but win election
What are swing states in the electoral college?
can be converted to either political party
What congressional committee has influence over tax policy?
House Ways and Mean Committee
Who has the power to confirm appointments to the Supreme Court?
Senate
Who has the power of the purse?
Congress
How do the results of the national census affect Congress?
results in reapportionment –> distribution of reps in congressional district
What is incorporation as it relates to the 14 amendment? (2)
- due process, process of Supreme Court as it reviews cases to apply rights to states
- it hears cases and it applies to all citizens in all states
What is the largest portion of the Federal Budget?
Entitlements –> Social Security payouts
