SLO Test Flashcards
What is the Declaration of Independence considered a persuasive essay?
Because it was to persuade people why they deserved freedom
How is the social contract theory reflected in the Declaration of Independence?
If the government becomes too powerful people have the right to alter or abolish it
Why was John Locke influential to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence?
He helped introduced social contract theory; natural rights: right to life liberty and property
Define popular sovereignty
Basic principle of the American system of government which asserts that people are the source of any and all government power in the government can only exist with the people (Power to the people)
Define rule of law
Cons of that holds the government and its officers are always subject to the (limited government)
Define separation of powers
The power of the government is divided among three branches
Define checks and balances
System of overlapping the power of the legislative executive and judicial branches to remit each branch to check the actions of the others
Define federalism
Power divided between central and state governments
What are implied powers?
Powers not expressively stated in the constitution but a reasonably suggested (elastic clause)
What are enumerate powers?
Powers designated to the national government, specifically listed
what are reserved powers?
Powers that the Constitution does not grant to the national government and is given to the states
What does the supremacy clause, article 6, reveal about the Constitution?
But you can’t make a law that violates the Constitution and the Constitution is the supreme law of the land
What are the first amendment rights?
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
What are the differences between the ninth and 10th amendment?
The night is rights not protect the Constitution but the tenant refers to the power of the states
What is the relationship between the three branches of government in a system of checks and balances and separation of powers?
The branches check each other so that no one branch has more power than the others
How can the legislative branch checked the actions of the executive branch?
Can override the presidents Vito with a two thirds vote or impeach the president
How does the executive branch check the actions of the legislative branch?
The Pres. can veto laws passed, call special sessions
How can the president influence the Supreme Court?
Appoint justices and judges
How can the judicial branch check both the legislative and executive branch?
Can declare laws passed unconstitutional
Which enlightenment philosopher a starburst the concept of checks and balances on with separation of powers?
Baron de Montesquieu
What is the relationship of the states government to national governments?
Power is shared
How is the love to process demonstrated in the fifth and 14th amendments?
You can’t deny anyone’s basic rights without due process
What does it mean her every citizen to be treated equally under the law?
For no one to be treated better than anyone else
How do you members of the Democratic Party feel about the role of government in every day lives of citizens?
More government
Who are the constituents of the Democratic Party?
African-Americans, liberals, lower-class, Catholics, Jews
How do you members of the Republican Party feel about the role of government in the lives of every day citizens?
Less government
Who are the constituents of the Republican Party?
Whites, males, Southerners
What did the 15th amendment do?
Gave African-Americans the right to vote
What did the 19th amendment do?
Gave women the right to vote
What did the 26th amendment do
Lowered the voting age to 18
What are the requirements for becoming a senator and member of the house?
Must be a certain age, must live in the US for a certain time, must be a member of the state you’re being elected from
What is the standing committee?
A permanent panel
What is a select committee?
Committee set up for a special purpose or limited time
What is a joint committee?
A temporary committee to settle differences and a bill passed by both houses
What is the role of the speaker of the house?
Presiding officer in the house
What is the role of the vice president?
Presides in the absence of the president
What is the role of the president pro tem?
Presides an absence of the president of the Senate
What is the role of the Senate majority leader?
Floor leader of the majority party
What is the role of the Senate minority leader?
Floor leader of the minority party
What is the role of the house minority leaders?
Floor leader of the minority party
What is the role of a whip?
Assistant floor leader
What are the basic steps in the process of the bill becoming along?
1) introduced a bill
2) Study by committee
3) Study by subcommittee
4) Floor debate
5) voting
6) off to the White House
What does the Presidents roll as commander-in-chief mean?
Leader of the armed forces
What does the president’s role as chief executive mean?
Represents the country at public events
What does the president’s role as chief agenda settler mean?
Voices opinions
What does the Presidents roll as representative of the nation mean?
Presides over the nation
What does the president’s role as chief of state mean?
Presides over the judicial branch
What does the Presidents roll us foreign-policy leader mean?
Deals with foreign affairs
What does the pres. role as party leader mean?
Help get people from their party elected
What are the requirements for becoming president of the United States?
Native born US citizen, live in the US for more than 14 years, Be at least 35 years old
What are the duties of the presidents cabinet?
Advise the president
In which house does the impeachment process begin?
The House of Representatives
Which body acts as the jury for the impeachment process?
The Senate
What is required to impeach a president?
Two thirds of the Senate
How many members sit on the US Supreme Court?
Nine
How does the Supreme Court decide cases?
Whether violets the Constitution or not
How is the opinion by Chief Justice Marshall on the case of Mulberry versus Madison crucial to the development of the United States government?
It establish the right of judicial review, because the court the right to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional, coequal branches with the legislative and executive branches
