government semester test Flashcards
a from of government in which the power to rule is held by a small elitist group ( usually self- appointed)
oligarchy
the belief of the people that a government has the right to make public policy
legitimacy
a state’s supreme and absolute power within its own territory
sovereignty
the institution through which society makes and enforces its public policy
government
form of government where those who rule cannot be held responsible to the will of the people
dictatorship
form of government in which a single person holds unlimited power
autocracy
all the things the government decides to do
public policy
a system that provides orderly regulation of citizens’ relationships with one another
ordered government
basic principle of american government which states that government is restricted in whait it may do, citizens have rights that can’t be taken away
limited government
the joining of several groups for a common purpose
confederation
system of government in which public polices ae made by officials selected by the voters and held accountable in periodic elections
representative government
constitutional requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state
full faith and credit clause
the idea that government can exist only with the consent of the people being governed
popular sovereignty
those powers that both the national government and the states posses and exercise
concurrent powers
those powers that can be exercised by the national government alone
exclusive powers
a system of government in which a written constitution divides power between a central or national government and several regional governments like states
federalism
those powers that the constitution does not grant to the national government and does not deny to the states
reserved powers
powers the constitution is presumed to have delegated to the national government because it is the government of a sovereign state
inherit powers
those delegated powers of the national government that are suggested by the necessary and proper clause needed to carry out the expressed powers
implied powers
system of overlapping the powers of the three branches to check the actions of the other branches
checks and balances
those delegated powers of the national government that are expressly stated in the constitution, aka the “enumerated powers”
expressed powers
proposed laws presented to legislators for consideration
bill
the drawing of electoral district line so the advantage to the part of power
gerrymandered/ gerrymandering
the people and interests that an elected official represents
constituencies/ constituents
exclusive power of Congress to regulate interstate and foreign trade
commerce power
a court order for a person to appear and produce documents or other requested materials to the court
subpoenas
power of the government to take private property for public use
eminent domain
a blanket pardon offered to a group of law violators by the president
amnesty
the power of the president to reduce the length of a sentence or fine for a crime
commutation
release from punishment or legal consequences of a crime by the President
pardon
an official postponement of the execution of a sentence granted by the president
reprieve
the exclusive power of the President to legally recognize (establish diplomatic relations) foreign states
recognition
the 40 or so year period where relations between the U.S. and Soviet Union were tense and often hostile; time of threats and military build-up
cold war
the use of violence to intimidate a government or society
terrorism
the policy of making America and its allies so military strong that their very strength sill discourage, or prevent and attack
deterrence
all matters not directly connected to the realm of foreign affairs
domestic affairs
a group of policies made up of all the stands and actions that a nation takes in every aspect of its relationships with other countries
foreign policy
treaties in which the U.S. and other countries involved have agreed to take collective action to meet aggression in a particular part of the world
regional security alliance
what are the 4 characteristics of all states?
sovereignty, government, territory, population
what 3 powers do all governments possess?
legislative, judicial, executive
name the 4 theories that describe the “origin of states”
Force, evolutionary, dive right of kings, social contract
what governments are classified as those with a “geographic Distribution of power”?
initary, federal, confederate
which governments are classified as those based on the “relationship between the executive and legislature”?
parliamentary and presidental
which governments ae classified as those “who may participate”?
democracy and dictatorship
why did many European countries turn to “colonialism”?
economy was mercantalism and needed more resources
what is the difference between a duty and a responsibility?
responsibility- should do, not forced to do
duty- have to do
what were the 3 types of colonies founded in America?
Royal, Proprietary, Charter
what 3 key government beliefs did the colonists bring with them from England?
ordered, limited, representative
How did British colonial practices contribute to the growth of self-government in the colonies?
england was to far away, the colonies learned how to lead with there own problems
Describe two ideas brought forth in the Declaration of Independence.
natural rights, government should be representative, all men created and treated equally
name two things that were happening during the “critical period” that showed a need for a stronger national government.
made there own money, secret treaties with countries, states trade with each other
differentiate between the VA plan and NJ plans, two point for each
NJ- unicameral, small state supported, equal representation, include tax & trade power
VA- bicameral, big states supported, population based representation
explain the opposing arguments of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, two points each
Feds- no separation of powers, no tax, no trade regulation, social problems
Anti- Feds- too much power to national government, no bill of rights
name two of the framers goals when creating the constitution.
establish justice, domestic tranquility, promote general welfare
what are the 3 main parts of the constitution?
Preamble, Articles, Amendments
why is the amendment process a good example of federalism.
states and National government work together to pass an amendment
what was the framers main goal when creating a federal system of government?
creates stronger national government presence, power to the states
what is the purpose of the “extradition Clause”
a fugitive from Justice in one state can be returned to that state
what is the purpose of the “privileges and Immunities Clause”?
states can’t draw unreasonable distinctions between it’s residents and residents of other states
what are the 4 ways a congressman typically votes?
delegate, trustee, partisan, politico
when does a term of Congress begin?
Jan 3, odd yearsw
what are the 2 requirements of the District Plan Law?
each state has responsibility for drawing congressional districts within their state, districts have to have equal population
what are the 2 requirements of the Reappointment Act?
set the size of the house, after a census determine number of seats each state should have, seat reappointment every 10 years
why is the Senate considered a “continuous body”?
only 1/3 of the seats are up every election year
describe how the President and Congress share power in regard to war and national defense.
congress- only declare war
president- chief commander of military
why does Congress possess the power of oversight
gather info, oversee the executive branch
who is the presiding officer of the House? The Senate?
speaker of House, President of Senate/ Pres Pro temp
name 2 actions a committee can take on a bill
pigeonholed, report bill favorably, submit revised form
name 2 actions the President can take in a bill
pass, veto
what are the requirements under the 22nd amendment?
presidental tenure, 2 term limit
what are the 2 ways of dealing with disability under the 25th amendment?
president reports themselves to congress, VP and majority of cabinet report to congress
what is meant by choosing a VP that will “balance the ticket”
counter act presidents weaknesses, better chances of being elected
what formal duties are assigned to the VP?
Preside over senate, help decide presidental disability
who is responsible for approving Presidential appointment?
senate
what is the purpose of asking an ambassador to leave our country?
show displeasure with the countries actions, rebuke the government
what are the three main parts of all bureaucracies?
hierarchical structures, specified jobs, formal rules
hame two areas the EOP gives advice to the President
foreign policy, homeland security
what is the nerve center of the EOP?
white house
who is considered the most influential aide to the President?
white house chief of staff
what is the main purpose of American Foreign policy?
security
what was the theme of american foreign policy 150 years after independence?
isolationism
what ended this policy?
WWII
what foreign policy was followed for nearly 30 years to keep COmmunism in check?
containment
what groups are placed in charge of the U.S. military?
president, congress
