Midterm 1 Flashcards
What is a Confederacy?
A system where power is held by individual states or regions, and the central government has very limited authority.
20/80 split with central = 20, states = 80
Example: the Articles of Confederation.
What defines a Federal System?
A system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments (states).
50/50 split btwn central government control and state control
The U.S. operates under a federal system, as outlined by the Constitution.
What is a Unitary System?
A system where power is concentrated in a central government, and local governments derive their authority from the central government.
80/20 split where central is 80 states is 20
What was the impact of British rule on American governance?
Colonists were governed by a distant, centralized monarchy, leading to dissatisfaction and calls for more local control and independence.
What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It created a weak central government that lacked the ability to regulate commerce, raise taxes, or maintain a standing army.
What are Static Limits on Central Government?
Fixed limitations, like the Bill of Rights or enumerated powers in the Constitution, which protect citizens’ rights.
What are Dynamic Limits on Central Government?
Flexible checks, such as judicial review and the amendment process, allowing adaptation to changing circumstances.
Define Separation of Powers.
Dividing government responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent concentration of power.
What are Checks and Balances?
Mechanisms that allow each branch to limit the powers of the others, ensuring no branch becomes too powerful.
Separation of Powers separte branches, Checks and Balances keep the branches having equal power
What is the role of the Speaker of the House?
Elected leader of the House of Representatives, responsible for legislative leadership.
What is the role of the Senate Majority Leader?
The real leadership of the Senate, elected by the majority party.
What is the primary function of Congressional Committees?
Most legislative work happens here, including drafting bills, hearings, and revisions.
What powers are outlined in Article II of the Constitution?
Powers of the executive branch, including executing LAWS, commanding the MILITARY, and negotiating TREATIES.
What are the major roles of the President?
- Chief Executive
- Commander-in-Chief
- Chief Diplomat
- Chief Legislator
- Chief of State
- Economic Leader
Name four presidents who contributed to the expansion of the modern presidency.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Abraham Lincoln
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Woodrow Wilson
What does Article III of the Constitution establish?
The judicial branch, outlining the structure of the courts and their jurisdiction.
What is the difference between State and Federal Jurisdiction?
Some cases are handled by state courts, while others fall under federal jurisdiction.
The federal court system has three main levels: district courts (the trial court), circuit courts which are the first level of appeal, and the Supreme Court of the United States, the final level of appeal in the federal system.
Trial Courts (state)
This is the initial level where most cases are heard, including both civil and criminal matters.
What is the distinction between Civil and Criminal cases?
civil cases involve disputes between people or organizations, while criminal cases involve violations of the law.
What is Judicial Review?
The power of the courts to review laws and executive actions for constitutionality.
Checks that laws and actions follow the US Constitution
What does the 1st Amendment protect?
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What is Selective Incorporation?
The process by which the Supreme Court applies certain provisions of the Bill of Rights to the states, case by case.
What was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
The principle of judicial review.
Judicidal Review: To allow courts to ensure that reviewed laws follow the consitution or need adjustment otherwise
What is a key characteristic of bureaucracy?
A hierarchical organization designed to implement laws and policies.
What types of organizations are included in the U.S. federal bureaucracy?
- Departments (e.g., Defense, State)
- Independent agencies (e.g., EPA)
- Regulatory commissions (e.g., FCC)
