gov exam Flashcards
(45 cards)
What were the weaknesses of the Article of Confederation?
- No central leadership (executive branch)
- Congress had no power to enforce its laws.
- Congress had no power to tax.
- Congress had no power to regulate trade.
- No national court system (judicial branch)
- Changes to the Articles required unanimous.
What does rule of law mean?
states that ALL citizens are required to follow the law
What is the social contract theory? Who is credited for endorsing it first?
- the unspoken agreement between individuals to give up certain natural rights in order to enjoy the benefits of society
- Thomas Hobbes’
What are the 6 key principles of the US Constitution? What do they mean?
- popular sovereignty
- federalism
- separation of powers
- checks and balances
- judicial review
- limited government
What is the difference between an expressed and implied power?
- Expressed powers are directly from the Constitution
- Implied powers elaborate and give Congress power to carry them out.
What are the 2 chambers of Congress? How many of each? How are they elected?
- the House of Representatives: 435 seats - the Senate: 100
they both are elected by the public every 2 years
What are the 2 chambers of the General Assembly? How many of each? How are they elected?
- the House of Representatives: 435 seats - the Senate: 100
they both are elected by the public every 2 years
Who presides over the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
What are the primary powers of Congress?
- enact legislation and declare war
- the right to confirm or reject many Presidential appointments,
- substantial investigative powers
Where must a revenue bill begin?
the house of representatives
What is an example of how the executive branch can check Congress? How can Congress check the President?
- The president can veto legislation created by Congress
- Congress confirms or rejects the president’s nominees
Which branch controls the US military?
Presidential command
Which branch can declare war?
Legislative branch
What is an executive order?
official documents … through which the President of the United States manages the operations of the Federal Government
What is the official duty of the Vice President?
to preside over the Senate, and to help decide if the President is disabled
The President’s executive power primarily rests in clause …… (see Article II section 3).
Article II
What are some of the expressed powers of the President?
- veto bills and sign bills. -represent our nation in talks with foreign countries.
- enforce the laws that Congress passes.
- act as Commander-in-Chief during a war
Where is the difference between a primary and a caucus? What is a closed primary? Open primary?
- Primaries are run by state and local governments
- Caucuses are private meetings run by political parties
- In an open primary, voters of any affiliation may vote in the primary of any party
- In a closed primary, only voters registered with a given party can vote in that party’s primary
What is the Bill of Rights and why was it added to our Constitution?
- The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution
- It spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government
Where is the 1st caucus held? It kicks off the primary season.
Iowa
How does the Electoral College work? (winner takes all)
The Electoral College is how we refer to the process by which the United States elects the President
What is the difference between a PAC and a SuperPAC?
PACs can contribute directly to candidates, but super PACs cannot
Campaign financing is a form of ___________.
Campaign finance, also known as election finance or political donations, refers to the funds raised to promote candidates, political parties, or policy initiatives and referendums
What is the purpose of a jury? Which of the 6 Constitutional principles does it reflect?
