Unit 4 National Government Notes Questions Flashcards
What outlines the structure of our national 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 are the main responsibilities of the national government?
conduct foreign policy
regulate commerce
provide for the common defense (military)
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 reserved powers?
powers set aside for the state governments
Which amendment created reserved powers?
10th amendment
What is a federal mandate?
It is when the national government requires action by the state governments
What are examples of reserved powers?
provide for welfare, public health, and safety
licensing
education
What are concurrent powers?
powers that both the national and state government share (ex. taxation)
What are the three branches of government?
legislative, executive, judicial
What are the separation of powers?
Each branch has distinct and separate powers.
What are checks and balances?
The ability of each branch to limit the powers of the other branches.
What is Congress?
legislative branch
What does bicameral mean?
two chambers
What is a legislature?
a lawmaking body
What are the two chambers of Congress?
House of Representative and the Senate
What is the census?
a count of the citizens that live within a state and it determines a state’s representation in the House of Representatives
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 many Senators are from each state?
2
How many members are in the House?
435
How long is a House term?
2 years
How long is a Senate term?
6 years
