Gov't History Chapter 3 Flashcards
3 Parts Of The Constitution
1st Preamble, 2nd Articles, 3rd Amendments
Why did the founder not spell out every aspect of how the government would function?
They knew they could not predict the course of future events or issues
Both federalism and the separation of powers divide the powers of government. Compare these two methods of dividing power.
Federalism state & national levels, separation of power: Three branches
How did the elastic clause of the constitution support a loose interpretation of the constitution?
Broad implied powers, pessary & proper in times
Why did the founder establish a strong executive branch in the government?
Lack of a strong executive had been a problem under the articles of confederation.
How did the power of judicial review enable the judicial branch to gain an equal status with the other two branches of gov’t
They gave Supreme Court a last say on laws made
In what ways are cooperation & conflict among the branches of government valuable to the U.S. system of govt
Cooperation helps create good policies
What are the basic jobs of the three branches
Congress - Makes the laws, Executive - Inforces the law, Supreme Court - Interput the law
How did the laws and practices of congress help to make the constitution a “living document”
Congress makes laws that makes changes with the times
Describe the presidents changing role in developing legislation during modern times
Modern presidents have been aggressive in requesting legislation from congress
Identify the role played by political parties in changing the constitution
Explain four ways that the constitution is changed informally
Congress- Makes laws, President - executive orders, Supreme Court - rulings, Customs- Political Parties
How does the due process clause in the fifth and fourteenth amendments protect individuals?
Prevent government from depriving people of life liberty or property without due process of laws
What is the Preamble?
Sets fourth the goals of the government
What is the Seven articles
Are the main divisions in the body of the constitution, each article covering a general topic
What Is The Amendments
A modification of the constitution of a polity
What isPopular sovereignty
Rule by the people, is the cornerstone of the constitution
What is Federalism
In which power is divided between national & state governments, is the government’s basic structure.
What is the Constitution
Provides for a separation of powers, among the legislative, executive & judicial branches
What is Checks & Balances
The process by which each branch of government exercise some powers over the others, guarantee that no branch of government will become too powerful
What is Judicial Review?
The power of the courts to over-turn laws & actions of national, state, and local governments ensures that laws made by congress & the states do not violate individual rights - Final Say
What is Limited Government?
By which the constitution limits government actions by specifying its powers & listing powers it does not have, retains for the people the right to govern themselves
What does the Legislative Branch do
Congress handles bills/laws, taxes ( Congress )
What does the Executive Branch Do?
Enforcing laws of the land ( President )
What does the Judicial Branch Do?
Has 2 levels, federal & state each with it’s own jurisdiction, does disputes on federal laws.
What is the amendment process?
Proposed by Congress 2/3rds votes of both houses –> Ratified by 3/4 of state ratifying convention
What is an informal presidential change?
Presidents have the ability to use an executive order that dose not require approval by congress
6 Major principles of government
Popular Sovereignty, Separation of power, Judicial review, limited government, checks & balances & federalism
How does the system of “ Checks and Balances “ separate powers among three branches
Because each branch of government checks on each other.
How many amendments are in the bill of rights?
Ten
Enumerated Powers
Expresses powers of congress
Elastic Cause
This clause gives congress the right to make all laws “necessary & proper” to carry out the powers expressed in the other clauses Article I
Balanced Budget
In Which the federal government’s spending never exceeds it’s income.
Judicial Restraint
Holds that the court should avoid taking the initiative on social and political questions
