Lecture 9 The Consititution, Federalism, Sepration Of Power, Checks And Balances Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What are the 3 pillars of the American government ?

A
  • Federalism
  • Separation of powers
  • Checks and balances
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is federalism ?

A

Political system in which the governing power is shared between the national government and the state’s government.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Who are the Americans citizen of ?

A

Both the state and the federation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the article 4 of the constitution about ?

A

It describes the relationship between the federal government and the states.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

In which article is described the relationship between the states and the federal government ?

A

The article 4 of the constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How is the structure of the state’s government ?

A

It’s the same as the federal government :

  • The Congress is called the general assembly
  • The President is the “Governor” and the vice president is the “Lieutenant Governor”
  • There is also a State Supreme Court
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Give the types of powers from the most powerful to the least ?

A
  • Federal constitution
  • Federal laws
  • State’s constitution
  • State’s laws
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How are the powers shared between the federal’s government and the state’s ?

A
  • Certain powers are delegated to the federal gov.
  • Some are “concurrent” shared by both.
  • And some are reserved for the state.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the separation of powers ?

A
  • In a constitution when there are 3 branches of power (legislative, executive, judicial) that have different duties and different responsibilities.
  • No one can serve in 2 branches at a time.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the result of the separation of powers ?

A

One chamber could be held by a party and the president be held by another party.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why could it be possible that a president is held by a party and a chamber by another party ?

A

Because of the separation of powers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the system of “checks and balances” ?

A

The 3 branches share power. None has the authority on the other. No domination on one branch.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why does the “checks and balances” system exist ?

A

It prevents any branch of the government to become too powerful. it prevents abuses of power.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Official causes of impeachment :

A

Treason, bribery (corruption), or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Give the 3 steps of an impeachment.

A

1) An impeachment inquiry : investigates the actions of the president
2) The House of representatives can recommend articles of impeachment ad there is a vote : if the majority vote for him to live, then he lives. (Even if the president is impeached by the HoR he stays in office.)
3) There is a trial (procès) in the Senate : they decide to convict or acquit him. Only a 2/3 maj can remove the president.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Who was already impeached by the HoR and when?

A

Andrew Johnson (1868) and Bill Clinton (1998), but they stayed in the office.

17
Q

What are the 3 types of power of the 3 different branches of the government ?

A

Legislative : Power to make a law change
Executive : Power to put law into action
Judicial : Power to make judgments on law

18
Q

hat happened with Richard Nixon ?

A

He was going to be impeached, and he was sure that the senate and the HoR were against him so he left by himslef.