Constitution / Exec. and Leg. Branches

Question 1

Due Process

Answer 1

Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen’s entitlement

Question 2

Bill of Rights

Answer 2

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

Question 3

Enumerated Powers of Congress (def, and then list 3)

Answer 3

The powers explicitly given to Congress in the Constitution (E.g., Tax, Regulate commerce, Coin money)

Question 4

Implied Powers

Answer 4

Powers that congress has that are not stated explicitly in the constitution (The “necessary and proper” clause, etc.)

Question 5

Federalism

Answer 5

A form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states

Question 6

State Police Power

Answer 6

The State has the responsibility of providing for the safety and well-being of citizens so they are able to regulate business activity as well

Question 7

Consent of the Governed

Answer 7

An agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws

Question 8

Rule of Law

Answer 8

No one is above the law (including citizens, police, governors, legislators, etc.)

Question 9

Checks and Balances (def.)

Answer 9

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

Question 10

Executive Order

Answer 10

A rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law

Question 11

Federal Bureaucracy

Answer 11

The departments and agencies within the executive branch that carry out the laws of the nation

Question 12

3 Enumerated Powers of Congress

Answer 12

1) The power to enact legislation
2) The power to declare war
3) The power to regulate commerce

Question 13

3 Enumerated Roles of the President

Answer 13

1) Acting as Commander-in-Chief
2) The power to make treaties
3) The power to grant pardons

Question 14

The Cabinet

Answer 14

Advisory council for the president

Question 15

Filibuster

Answer 15

A procedural practice in the Senate whereby 40% or more senators refuse to relinquish the floor (end a debate)

Question 16

Congressional Committees

Answer 16

A legislative sub-organization in the United States Congress that handles a specific duty (E.g, Budget Committee)

Question 17

The “necessary and proper” clause

Answer 17

Grants Congress the power to make laws that are “necessary and proper” to carry out the powers specifically granted to it

Question 18

The Constitution

Answer 18

A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws

Question 19

Concurrent Powers

Answer 19

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments

Question 20

List 5 specific due process rights

Answer 20

1) Right to be notified of charges
2) Right to an attorney/lawyer
3) Right to remain silent
4) Protection against cruel and unusual punishment
5) Right to trial by jury

(Right to a fair and public trial, Protection against self-incrimination, Protection against double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same offense))

Question 21

How has Executive power grown since The Constitution was written?

Answer 21

Use of Executive Orders and Actions:
Then: Executive orders were rare and mostly administrative.
Now: Presidents issue orders that have major policy impacts (e.g., immigration, environmental regulation, civil rights)

Question 22

Why is it so difficult to pass a law through Congress? Describe 3 steps in the process.

Answer 22

The U.S. Constitution sets up a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power.
1) Introduction and Committee Review
2) Floor Debate and Vote
3) Presidential Approval (pass/veto)

Question 23

Why did the OG framers of the constitution make it so difficult to pass laws?

Answer 23

To protect the country from hasty, poorly thought-out decisions and to ensure that only laws with broad support might pass

Question 24

2 ways that the Executive branch can check the Legislative branch (E > L).

Answer 24

1) The President can veto bills passed by Congress, preventing them from becoming law.
2) The President can call Congress back into session during emergencies or when urgent issues arise, even if Congress has adjourned.

Question 25

2 ways that the Legislative branch can check the Executive branch

Answer 25

1) If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can still make it law by overriding the veto with a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. 2) Power to impeach the President: Simple majority in house, then 2/3 majority in Senate

Question 26

Should the Senate abandon the filibuster? Define filibuster in your answer.

Answer 26

A filibuster is a tactic used in the U.S. Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by extending debate on the measure. If a bill has majority support (e.g., 51 votes out of 100) but not 60, a filibuster can effectively block it, even if most senators favor it.

Question 27

3 specific differences between the US and Washington State Constitutions.

Answer 27

1) Length and Detail: The WA constitution is way longer and has more specific details, like education 2) Education as a Duty: The WA constitution says that providing education is the “paramount duty of the state"; US constitution doesn’t mention education at all 3) Initiative (people propose laws) and Referendum (people vote on laws passed by the government)

Question 28

What are the strengths of federalism?

Answer 28

1) States can make laws that reflect their own values and needs 2) Citizens can influence government not just at the national level, but also through local and state elections, initiatives, and referendums 3) Power is shared between the national and state governments, making it harder for one group or leader to become too powerful.

Question 29

What are the weaknesses of federalism?

Answer 29

1) Different states can have very different laws (inconsistency) 2) Some states may have better-funded schools, healthcare, or social services 3) Sometimes state laws clash with federal laws (e.g., marijuana legalization, immigration enforcement)

Question 30

How has the federal government pressured states to change their policies?

Answer 30

1) The federal government gives states grants (money) but requires them to follow certain rules to receive it 2) Sometimes the federal government passes a law that overrides (preempts) a state law. (E.g., federal drug laws can override state laws that legalize marijuana — though enforcement may vary.)

Question 31

Number of members in the House?

Answer 31

435

Question 32

Number of members in the Senate?

Answer 32

100 (2 per state)

Question 33

Term length of a House rep.?

Answer 33

2 years

Question 34

Term length of a senator?

Answer 34

6 years

Question 35

Minimum age of a House rep.?

Answer 35

25 y.o.

Question 36

Minimum age of a senator?

Answer 36

30 y.o.

Question 37

Citizenship requirement for HOR?

Answer 37

U.S. citizen for at least 7 years

Question 38

Citizenship requirement for a senator?

Answer 38

U.S. citizen for at least 9 years

Question 39

Supreme court justice term length?

Answer 39

Life, on good behavior