Principles of the US Constitution (checks and balances etc)

Question 1

What are the two systems of government in Federalism

Answer 1

• Federal government (President Executive, Legislative tow chambers of Congress, judiciary Supreme Court)
• state government (governor, state legislature, and courts)

Question 2

state control in the Constitution

Answer 2

• states possess powers called ‘states rights’ according to the Constitution
• allhtough states have powers and state constitutions, federalism is unclear in detail and the power of the Federal government has grown.

Question 3

how and why are powers separated in Us government?

Answer 3

-Divides different powers among three branches of government.

• Prevents one branch from gaining too much power.

Question 4

Why is it important to have checks and balances on government (three sperate branches)

Answer 4

• Each branch has powers that allows them to check up on the other branches.
• Prevents branches from abusing their powers.
• Preserves the separation of powers.
• Requires cooperation between the branches of government.

Question 5

what is the legislative branch

Answer 5

• Can override a presidential veto.

Can impeach and remove the president.

Ratifies presidential appointments.

Authorizes/appropriates funds for
legislation.

Checks on the judiciary.

Can impeach and remove judges.

Confirms federal judges.

Question 6

what does the Executive branch do

Answer 6

• Proposes legislation (laws).
• Vetoes legislation (laws).
• Makes treaties w/ foreign countries. * Checks on the judiciary.
• Appoints federal judges.
• Enforces court decisions.

Question 7

What does the Judicial Branch do?

Answer 7

• Reviews executive decisions.
• Checks on Congress.
• Reviews congressional laws.
• Judicial Review (executive and legislative).
• Supreme Court Justices appointed for life.

Question 8

what is the significance of bipartisanship in US Government

Answer 8

• Separation of powers often leads to divided government, where different branches are controlled by different parties - have to compromise and cooperate.
• Even without divided government, Democrats and Republicans often cooperate to secure super-majorities for amendments or treaty ratification.

Question 9

how is the Government limited

Answer 9

• checks and balances - * Thanks to the system of checks and balances and the separation of powers, the government cannot simply impose its will on citizens.
• the constitution - government cannot do anything unconstitutional
  The Bill of Rights also makes sure that citizens’ rights cannot be eroded by the government either.

Question 10

What is ‘Big Governent’

Answer 10

Conservatives. and Liberals do not lieke the idea of Big Government

• the tendency of the federal government to expand its power over state governments
  especially in economic and social policy - Obamacare etc