Unit 4 National Government Notes Questions Flashcards
What outlines the structure of our government?
The U.S. Constitution
What is federalism?
the national and state governments 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?
Our government’s relationship with other countries
What is commerce?
trade (national government regulates trade between states and with other countries)
What are reserved powers?
Powers that are set aside for the state governments
Which amendment created reserved powers?
10th amendment
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 states and national governments (ex. taxation)
What is a federal mandate?
It is when the national government requires action by the state governments; often produces tension between the governments
What are the three branches of government?
legislative, executive, judicial
What does separation of powers mean?
The government’s power is divided between the branches and each branch is given separate and distinct powers.
What are checks and balances?
The ability of each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.
What is Congress?
legislative branch
What does bicameral mean?
two chambers
What is a legislature?
a law making body
What are the two chambers of Congress?
House of Representatives and the Senate
What is the census?
This counts the citizens in every state and is conducted every 10 years for the purpose of determining a state’s representation in the House of Representatives.
The House was meant to represent who?
the people
The Senate represents 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 representatives are in the House?
435
How long is a Senate term?
6 years
How long is a House term?
2 years
How many senators are from each state?
2
