US Government Test 1/9/23 Flashcards
Why do we need government?
To maintain order in the country and protect the rights of the people
What is the rule of law?
Both the government and the governed must obey the law- no one is above the law
What are some problems that existed with the Articles of Confederation?
-States had too much power
-Since the government couldn’t collect taxes, there were financial problems
-There was no president/central leader
-Each state had different currencies
What happened during Shay’s rebellion?
Massachusetts farmers, lead by war veteran Daniel Shays, rebelled against the taxes being placed on them. They shit down tax-collecting government buildings and it only ended when the governor sent the militia
What was the “Great Compromise”?
A combination of the New Jersey plan and the Virginia plan- three branches, two houses of Congress (Senate+ House of Representatives)
What was the 3/5ths compromise?
An agreement where when counting population, slaves would count as 3/5ths of a person
What are all of the powers and functions of the Executive Branch? (9)
-Approve or veto all bills passed by congress
-Command armed forces
-develop US foreign policy
-appoint ambassadors and federal judges
-Propose laws and programs to congress
-Prepare the federal budget
-Grant pardons
-Administer federal programs and services through cabinet departments
-Make treaties with foreign countries
What are all of the functions and powers of the Legislative Branch (Both branches)? (8)
-Passes Laws
-Declare war and make peace
-Impeach government officials (House begins, Senate holds trials)
-Override vetoes
-Finance the government
-Approve the coining of money
-Raise the army
-Approve citizenship
What are all of the functions and powers of the Senate? (3)
-Confirm or reject appointments to office
-Hold impeachment trials
-Ratify treaties
What are all of the functions and powers of the House of Representatives? (1)
-Begin impeachment trials
What are all of the functions and powers of the Judicial Branch? (4)
-Judge the laws
-Determine punishment of lawbreakers
-US court of appeals manages appeals
-US Supreme Court is included
What things does the Supreme Court manage? (5)
-Disputes between states
-Cases involving ambassadors and foreign leaders
-Interpreting laws
-Determine the constitutionality of the other branches
-Reviews appeals from the highest state courts
What are some ways the Executive Branch is checked and balanced?
-Congress can approve/deny the president’s nominated court or justice members
-The president can sign an Executive order and the Judicial Branch can strike it down
-Congress can override a president’s veto
-The president can be impeached
What is federalism?
A from of government where power is divided between different levels of government
What is federalism?
A form of government where power is divided between different levels of government
What are the different roles of State and Federal government?
State governments manage licenses, roads, and schools. The federal government manages situations involving foreign countries, war, and the military
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
Because Anti-Federalists were worried the government would become too strong and take away the rights of the people. They refused to ratify the Constitution if there wasn’t a Bill of Rights.
What is limited government?
When the powers of the government are limited
How does the Constitution limit the government’s power?
-Impeachment
-Checks and balances
-Amendment process
What is a Federalist?
A supporter of the Constitution
What is an Anti-Federalist?
Someone against the ratification of the Constitution
What is the meaning of the word petition?
Make a formal request to a form of authority over a particular cause.
What is the meaning of the word ratify?
To approve a plan or agreement
What is the meaning of the word amend?
Add or change something
What is the meaning of the word unconstitutional?
Something that goes against the values of the Constitution.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The original Constitution of the US, was ratified in 1781. The states had more power than the government.
What is the Electoral College?
A group of people who represent the US states and formally cast votes to elect the president and vice-president
What are Due Process Rights?
All of the steps will be completed correctly in a trial
What is the meaning of the word veto?
Stop a law, bill, or other form from being passed.
What are checks and balances?
The system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other 2 branches.
What is the Separation of Powers?
Certain powers are limited to certain branches of government
What is Popular Sovereignity?
The government gets its power from the people.
What is Judicial Review?
When the US supreme court reviews a law or act to see if it is unconstitutional
What rights are protected by the first amendment?
-Freedom of speech
-Right to assemble
-Freedom of religion
-Freedom of the press
-Right to petition the government
