The US Constitution and Federalism

Question 1

Bipartisanship

Answer 1

Attempts within the structure of the US Congress to try and ensure that the two main parties must work together in order to fulfil Congressional functions.

Question 2

Checks and Balances

Answer 2

The division of power between the three branches of government where each branch has a direct ability to prevent action from another branch.

Question 3

Codification

Answer 3

A constitution that is written down in one document.

Question 4

Constitution

Answer 4

A set of rules determining where sovereignty lies in a political
system, and establishing the precise relationship between the
government and the governed.

Question 5

Entrenchment

Answer 5

A system by which the US Constitution is protected from change by law; in this case, by the Amendment Process of Article V.

Question 6

Enumerated Powers

Answer 6

Such powers are stated explicitly in the US Constitution –
For example Article 1, Section 8 provides a list of Congressional powers.

Question 7

Federalism

Answer 7

The US system in which sovereignty is shared between a central
government (federal government) and the individual states, with
each having their own specific rights.

Question 8

Federalism

Answer 8

The US system in which sovereignty is shared between a central
government (federal government) and the individual states, with
each having their own specific rights.

Question 9

Limited Government

Answer 9

The power of the US federal government over its states and citizens is subject to limitations as laid out in the Constitution.

Question 10

‘Principle’

Answer 10

A fundamental and ‘organising’ idea that runs throughout the US
Constitution, e.g. democracy or accountability.

Question 11

Separation of Powers

Answer 11

The three key bodies of government, legislature, executive and
judiciary each have their own powers, personnel and buildings.