revision Flashcards
(29 cards)
Is the constitution codified and what does it mean
Yes, written down in one place
Is the constitution entrenched and what does it mean
Yes, hard to change
Name the 3 branches of government set out by the constitution
Executive, legislature, Supreme Court
What is the majority needed to pass a law in congress?
2/3
Who created the Constitution?
The founding fathers
What are the principles of the constitution?
Separation of powers
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Bipartisanship
Limited government
What are checks and balances?
Different branches scrutinising each other
Legislative powers over executive
Amend/delay/reject legislation
Override veto
Control budget
Power to ratify treaties
Declare war
Impeachment, trial and removal
Executive powers over the legislative
Recommend legislation
Veto
Call congress into special session
Executive powers over the judiciary
Appointment of judges
Pardon
Judiciary powers over executive
Judicial review
Legislative powers over the judiciary
Power to confirm appointments
Initiate constitutional amendments
Impeachment
Judiciary powers over the legislative
Judicial review
What is bipartisanship?
When 2 or more parties work together on specific issues
What does the 10th amendment say about government?
powers not given to the Federal Government are reserved ‘to the states or to the people’
What is Federalism?
A mixture of National government and local/state government.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first 10 amendments of the constitution
What is the Necessary and Proper clause?
Congress can pass any
law they believe necessary and proper.
How many attempts have there been to create amendments?
33
How many of the attempts to creates amendments have been ratified?
27
What is ratification?
the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.
What is the role of a super majority?
needed for convicting an impeachment, ending a filibuster, passing an amendment, treaties.
What is the 9th amendment in relation to limited Gov?
rights of the people do not explicitly have to be written in the Constitution for those rights to apply
What are the powers of the federal government?
Declare war
Make treaties
Establish a military
Regulate interstate and
foreign commerce
Make all laws
‘necessary and proper;
