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