Structure of the US Government Flashcards
The Powers of Congress
Tax citizens, set the budget, regulate commerce, declare war, provide advice and consent on appointments, impeach individuals, and oversee the powers of the judicial and executive branches.
Implied Power
A power not expressly defined in the constitution but permitted to congress
Veto Power
The power of a president to reject a law passed by congress
“Power of the purse”
the control over the spending of money by a government
Interstate Commerce Clause
one of the enumerated (express) powers of congress; this is the power to regulate commerce and trade between two or more states.
What is the power of advice and consent?
a constitutional power, stating that presidential nominations for executive and judicial posts take effect only when confirmed by the senate. Also, foreign treaties become official only when the senate approves them by a two thirds vote.
Conference Committee
a type of joint committee whose job it is to form one unified bill from a different versions of the same piece of legislation passed by the house of representatives and the senate to be sent to the president.
Gerrymandering
this the manipulation of political advantage by redrawing electoral districts, producing districts biased in favor of one particular political party.
12th amendment
Pairs presidential candidate with running mate on a ticket.
22nd Amendment
Term limits for the president
Executive Orders
A written directive to a government agency issued by a president in order to manage the operations of the federal government, often in the absence of congressional action. They can be subject to challenge through the federal courts.
Executive Agreement
Formal accords between leaders of countries that do not need to be confirmed by legislative bodies.
Recess appointment
An appointment of a federal official by the president at a time when the senate is not in session and is therefore unable to confirm appointments.
Original Jurisdiction
a case is heard for the first time
Appellate jurisdiction
a court hears a case on appeal from a lower court and may change the lower court’s decision.
Judicial Review
a principle that courts have the power to overturn laws passed by congress and even actions of the president if such laws or actions conflict with the constitution.
Judicial Activism
A viewpoint that US courts should defend individual rights and liberties and stop actions by other branches of government that they see as infringing on those rights
Criminal court case
Establishes rules and punishment, to prohibit harm to others, does harm to society, state presses charges, case will state the name of accused and the government, misdemeanors are lesser crimes, and felonies are major crimes.
Civil court case
Involve two or more private parties, can be individuals and/or corporations, one must allege harm or injury by another, and case will state the names of the two private parties.
Reserved Powers
Any powers not prohibited by the constitution or delegated to the national government; powers reserve to the states and denied to the federal government as outlined in the 10TH AMENDMENT
10th Amendment
The reason why each state has its own health and safety rules and even its own marriage and divorce laws.
Supremacy Clause
Regulates relationship between the federal and state governments by declaring that the constitution and federal law are the supreme law of the land.
Commerce Clause
one of the enumerated (express) powers of congress, allowing for regulation of commerce and trade between two or more states and foreign nations.
Marbury v Madison
Its power of judicial review
what is the purpose of executive aggreements?
to establish aggreements with foreign countries without congressional approval
Gibbons v Ogden
commerce clause
