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 primary responsibilities of the national government?
conduct foreign policy, regulate commerce, provide for the common defense
What is foreign policy?
It is our country’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 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; often produces tension between governments
What are examples of reserved powers?
licensing, education, promoting public health, safety, and welfare
What are concurrent powers?
Powers that both the national and state governments have (ex. taxation)
What are the three branches of government?
legislative, executive, and judicial
What does separation of powers mean?
Each branch of government is given separate and distinct powers.
What are checks and balances?
Each branch has the power to limit the powers of the other branches.
What is Congress?
legislative branch
What does bicameral mean?
two chambers
What is legislature?
lawmaking body
What are the two chambers of Congress?
House of Representatives and the Senate
What is the census?
a count of the number of citizens in every state; used to determine 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 the Senate?
535
How many members are in the Senate?
100
How long is Senate term?
6 years
How many senators are from each state?
2
How many members are in the House?
435
How long is a representative’s term?
2 years
