Government & the State Flashcards
What is Popular Sovereignity
People are the ONLY source for any and all governmental power. Public elects leaders to carry out their wishes
Describe Limited Government
Limits on the power of government. Much of the Constitution sets these limits.
What are checks and balances?
Each branch has power over the other to prevent abuses.
President can veto laws Congress passes
President appoints judges
Court can rule on meaning of laws
Congress can overrule President with enough votes.
What is Judicial Review?
Power of court to determine whether an action by government is constitutional
i.e. Trump building a wall on border
What is Federalism?
Division of power among a central government (Federal) and local governments (states)
What are the three powers in government?
Judicial - interpret laws & settle disputes Legislative - make laws, budget & set policy
Executive - execute & enforce laws
What are two types of government?
Democracy - power rests with majority of people
Dictatorship - power held by single person
What is the purpose of government?
Institutions that make and enforce policies made by citizens. Taxes, education, healthcare, transportation
What are basic notions of democracy?
- recognize worth & dignity of every person
- respect for equality of all
- faith in majority rule with minority rights
- acceptance of needed compromise
- insist on widest possible personal freedoms
What is the difference between politics and government?
Government - institution
Politics - how government is run
Where does the power of the three branches of government come from?
Laid out in the Constitution.
What is the main role of government?
To protect the people of the nation.
Is U.S. democracy direct or indirect?
Indirect - choose leaders to act on their behalf. Held accountable through elections.
Democracy means that all citizens should have equal possessions T/F?
False
Equal opportunity to succeed
Equal treatment under the law
