Lecture 9 The Consititution, Federalism, Sepration Of Power, Checks And Balances Flashcards
What are the 3 pillars of the American government ?
- Federalism
- Separation of powers
- Checks and balances
What is federalism ?
Political system in which the governing power is shared between the national government and the state’s government.
Who are the Americans citizen of ?
Both the state and the federation.
What is the article 4 of the constitution about ?
It describes the relationship between the federal government and the states.
In which article is described the relationship between the states and the federal government ?
The article 4 of the constitution
How is the structure of the state’s government ?
It’s the same as the federal government :
- The Congress is called the general assembly
- The President is the “Governor” and the vice president is the “Lieutenant Governor”
- There is also a State Supreme Court
Give the types of powers from the most powerful to the least ?
- Federal constitution
- Federal laws
- State’s constitution
- State’s laws
How are the powers shared between the federal’s government and the state’s ?
- Certain powers are delegated to the federal gov.
- Some are “concurrent” shared by both.
- And some are reserved for the state.
What is the separation of powers ?
- In a constitution when there are 3 branches of power (legislative, executive, judicial) that have different duties and different responsibilities.
- No one can serve in 2 branches at a time.
What is the result of the separation of powers ?
One chamber could be held by a party and the president be held by another party.
Why could it be possible that a president is held by a party and a chamber by another party ?
Because of the separation of powers.
What is the system of “checks and balances” ?
The 3 branches share power. None has the authority on the other. No domination on one branch.
Why does the “checks and balances” system exist ?
It prevents any branch of the government to become too powerful. it prevents abuses of power.
Official causes of impeachment :
Treason, bribery (corruption), or other high crimes and misdemeanors.
Give the 3 steps of an impeachment.
1) An impeachment inquiry : investigates the actions of the president
2) The House of representatives can recommend articles of impeachment ad there is a vote : if the majority vote for him to live, then he lives. (Even if the president is impeached by the HoR he stays in office.)
3) There is a trial (procès) in the Senate : they decide to convict or acquit him. Only a 2/3 maj can remove the president.
