Unit 4 National Government Notes Questions Flashcards
What outlines the structure of our government?
The Constitution
What is federalism?
the national and state governments both have power
Which level of government in our federal system is supreme?
national
What is foreign policy?
our government’s relationship with other countries
What is commerce?
trade (National government regulates trade between states and other countries)
What are the main responsibilities of the national government?
conduct foreign policy
regulate commerce
provide for the common defense
What are reserved powers?
powers set aside for the state governments
Which amendment created reserved powers?
10th amendment
What is a federal mandate?
Is when the national government requires action by state governments, often produces tension between the governments
What are examples of reserved powers?
licensing, education, promoting public health, safety, and welfare
What are concurrent powers?
powers that are shared by both the national and state governments (ex. taxation)
What are the three branches of government?
legislative, executive, and judicial
What does separation of powers mean?
Each branch has distinct and separate powers.
What are checks and balances?
Each branch is limited by the other branches of government.
What is Congress?
legislative branch
What does bicameral mean?
two chambers
What is a legislature?
lawmaking body
What are the two chambers of Congress?
Senate and House of Representatives
What is the census?
a count of the number of citizens in every state; conducted every 10 years and is used to determine representation for each state
The House was meant to represent who?
the people
The Senate was meant to represent who?
the states
What is the total number of both the House and Senate?
535
How many members are in the Senate?
100
How long is a Senate term?
6 years
