Vocab #2

Question 1

House of Representatives

Answer 1

The lower chamber of the united states congress, it has the sole power to initiate revenue bills and can impeach federal officials.

Question 2

U.S. Senate

Answer 2

The upper chamber of Congress; it gives advice and consent, it serves as a court of impeachment, and it has equal say with the House in all legislation.

Question 3

Amendment

Answer 3

A formal change or addition to the constitution, allowing for adjustments to original document to reflect evolving needs and societal changes.

Question 4

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 4

The power of government comes from the will of the people
(the government exists based on the “consent of the governed”)

Question 5

Separation of Powers

Answer 5

Dividing government into the three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial

Question 6

Checks and Balances

Answer 6

A system where each branch of government has the power to limit/control the actions of the other branches, preventing either one from getting too powerful.

Question 7

Federalism

Answer 7

A system where power is divided and shared between the national government and state governments.

Question 8

Judicial Review

Answer 8

The power of a court to declare a law or action taken by the government as unconstitutional.

Question 9

Limited Government

Answer 9

Governments power is restricted by law and individuals have certain rights that the government cannot infringe upon.

Question 10

Supremacy Clause

Answer 10

Establishes the constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the “supreme law of the land”, meaning they take presidence over any conflicting state laws.

Question 11

Budget

Answer 11

A plan that outlines a governments projected income and proposed expenditures for a specific period, this reflects the priorities of the governing body.

Question 12

Expressed powers

Answer 12

Powers of the national government that are explicitly stated in the constitution.

Question 13

Filibuster

Answer 13

A tactic where senators prolong debate on a bill by delaying or preventing a vote on the legislation.

Question 14

Speaker of the House

Answer 14

The presiding officer of the house of representatives.

Question 15

Senate Majority Leader

Answer 15

The leading member of the Senate, responsible for steering their parties bills through the chamber, controlling the flow of legislation, and generally guiding the agenda of the Senate floor

Question 16

Implied Powers

Answer 16

Powers not stated in the Constitution but are considered necessary for the government to carry out its powers.

Question 17

Advice and Consent

Answer 17

The power of the Senate to review and approve/reject treaties negotiated by the president, as well as confirm/reject presidential nominees for federal government positions

Question 18

Concurrent Powers

Answer 18

Powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments

Question 19

Elastic Clause/Necessary & Proper Clause

Answer 19

The Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws that are “necessary and proper” to carry out its powers.

Question 20

Treaty

Answer 20

A binding agreement between two or more independent nations, established with the view of promoting public welfare.

Question 21

Commerce

Answer 21

Buying, selling, and exchange of goods/services between individuals, businesses, or nations.