Government Unit Flashcards
The source of all power to govern comes from the people
Popular Sovereignty
The constitution places limits on state and national governments and government officials as well.
Limited Government
Who was the president that said “When a president does it, that means that it is not legal.”
Richard Nixon
The Constitution divides the power to govern between the states and the national gov’t
Federalism
The power to govern is divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Seperated Powers
Why was separation of powers created?
To ensure that no single branch can dominate the government.
Each branch of the national government has ways to check or control the other branches.
Checks And Balances
What are some things the legislative branch can do?
They can override the president’s veto with a 2/3 vote.
What are some things Judicial branch can do?
Can declare presidential acts on the consitution.
What are some things Executive branch can do?
They can veto a bill.
The constitution has built in ways to meet changing conditions.
Flexibility
Purpose of 22nd amendment
To prevent presidents from being reelected over two terms
Three powers Executive Branch has
- Commander in chief of military
- Can choose new Supreme Court Justices
- Sign or return bills from Congress
What is the president’s cabinet?
Each head of a government agency (Department of Homeland Security, Dept of Treasury, Etc.)
Two parts of Legislative Branch
Senate and House of Representatives
Things required to be a member of the US Senate
- Live in state you represent
- Senators must be at least 30 years old
- Must be a citizen of US for at least nine years.
Things required to be a member of House of Representatives
- Must be a citizen for at least 7 years
- Be at least 25 years old
- Must live in district they represent
of House of Representatives per state are determined by
Each states population
of Senators per state determined by
Two per state
How long is a US Senator Term
Term is 6 years
How long is House of Representatives Term
2 years
When a case is brought before a higher court for review of the decision of a lower court.
Appeal
Supreme Court ruled students have first amendment right to wear black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War.
Tinker V Des Moines
1st amendment rights can be limited in school newspaper
Hazelwood V Kulhmeir
Classmates right to an education outweighs your right of freedom of speech.
Morse V Frederick
Supreme Court Make Up
1 Chief of Justice, 8 Associate Justices
How does one get appointed as a Justice on Supreme Court
Appointed by President and then Senate must confirm it.
How long can Justices stay on Court
For life
Supreme Court is the first and only Court to hear a case.
Jurisdiction
It hears appeals from lower courts
Appellate Jurisdiction
Can declare laws Unconstitutional.
Judicial Review
Requirements for Executive Branch of NY (Governor)
Citizens of at least 30 and 50 year residents of NY
Bicameral (Two Chamber) legislature
Legislative Branch
Highest Court in Judicial Branch of NY
Court of Appeals
