Chapter 6 Flashcards
(32 cards)
Also called the elastic clause; constitutional clause giving lawmakers great leeway in making laws “necessary and proper” for the execution of enumerated and implied powers
Necessary and Proper Clause
The first ten amendments of the Constitution, which protect citizens’ democratic rights by placing restrictions on the state and national governments
Bill of Rights
A principle that limits government to only those powers granted by law
Limited Governments
The principle of separating powers among different branches of government in order to prevent any group or individual from gaining too much control
Separations of powers
The principle of keeping each branch of government in check through the power of another branch of government with the goal of hindering the concentration of power and thus protecting personal liberty
Checks and balances
The president’s power to refuse to sign a bill into law
Veto
The House’s power to file criminal charges against the president or any other government officials; the Senate acts as a trial court for impeachment cases
Impeachment
The power of the judicial branch of government to examine any government action and to nullify it if it is not in agreement with the court’s constitutional interpretation
Judicial review
judicial review case involved the Line Item Veto Act
Marburg vs. Madison
introduces the Constitution by explaining its nature and purpose.
Preamble
Government by elected, representative assembly
Legislative Branch
Official government count of United States citizens taken every ten years and used to determine the number of representatives for each state
Census
Honorary position given to the most senior member of the Senate’s majority party; he presides over the Senate when the vice president is absent
President Pro-Tempore
The minimum number of members needed to transact business in the House or Senate
Quorum
The privilege enabling members of Congress to send official mail free of charge
Franking Priviledge
The automatic veto of a bill if the president leaves it unsigned for ten days during a congressional adjournment
Pocket Veto
The process by which a foreignborn person gains citizenship
Naturalization
constitutional clause giving lawmakers great leeway in making laws “necessary and proper” for the execution of enumerated and implied powers
Elastic cause
A court order that forces authorities to quickly charge and try an arrested person or else release him
Writ of Habeas Corpus
Laws passed and applied to actions that were not criminal when they were committed; laws that impose harsher punishments than the law allowed at the time of the criminal act
Expost Facto Law
Presidential directives or actions that have the effect and force of law
Executive Branch
The presidential power to grant a person temporary postponement of punishment.
Reprieves
The president’s power to give complete forgiveness of a crime and its consequent punishment, thereby releasing someone from the re- mainder of his or her sentence.
Pardons
usually defined as “to interpret the law.”
Judicial Branch
