USA Key Words

Question 1

1. CONSTITUTION

Question 2

US Constitution

Answer 2

The basis of all government in the USA and the supreme law of the land. It is a codified, judiciable, entrenched and authoritative document. Created in 1787.

Question 3

Bill of Rights

Answer 3

First 10 amendments of the Constitution from 1789.

Question 4

Separation of powers?

Answer 4

The idea that political power is distributed among three branches of government, all acting independently.

Question 5

Checks and Balances

Answer 5

The abilities and powers exclusively given to each branch of government in order to ‘check’ the actions of the other branches.

Question 6

Federalism

Answer 6

The theory by which political power is divided between a national and state government, each having their own clear jurisdiction (the same). Decentralisation emphasised.

Question 7

2. CONGRESS

Question 8

Congress

Answer 8

The name of the legislative branch in the USA. Has a bicaramel structure of 2 houses- The House of Representatives and The Senate.

Question 9

House of Representatives

Answer 9

Lower chamber of Congress, 435 members from congressional districts.

Question 10

Senate

Answer 10

Upper chamber of Congress, 100 members, 2 from each state.

Question 11

Oversight

Answer 11

The review, monitoring and supervision of executive actions to hold them accountable. Largely happens through the Congressional Committee system.

Question 12

Committee System

Answer 12

Standing Committees that shadow gov departments, Select Committees used for special investigations on an ad hoc basis (when necessary).

Question 13

3. PRESIDENT

Question 14

The Executive

Answer 14

A branch of Government, the one that implements policy and consists of the President, The Cabinet, EXOP and Senior Gov officials.

Question 15

Formal Powers

Answer 15

Originate from Article II of the Constitution outlining what they can and cannot do.
E.g.- Appointments, Pardons etc.