cunha midterm
necessary and proper clause (aka elastic clause)
stretches the powers of government to include powers that are closely related to an expressed power, so it makes sense that they become a power too. this is how implied powers are made
articles of confederation
the document that provided structure for the united states immediately following independence. this gave states most powers and made the central government weak
u.s. constitution
the document that provides structure and power for our government and our principles of government
parliamentary democracy
the elected legislature chooses the executive to be prime minister; there is usually a ceremonial king/queen
limited government
the enumerated and denied powers of the constitution clearly state what the government can and can't do
consent of the governed
the people give their approval for a government, usually through an election
example of checks and balances
the president can veto a bill passed by congress. in response, congress can overturn the veto with a 2/3 vote
judicial review
the supreme court has the power to review all actions of congress and the president to determine their constitutionality
house of representatives powers
start the impeachment process, select a president if one does not win in the election, start all money bills
to approve treaties, the president must get approval from
2/3 of the SENATE
the great compromise was
between small and large states about representation in congress
the bicameral structure of congress arose from
a disagreement about representation at the Constitutional Convention
what is the political action committee
an organization that raises money privately to influence federal elections or legislation
checks and balances
each branch has powers to watch over the others to ensure that they do not abuse their power
supremacy clause
establishes that the federal laws will always be supreme over state and local laws
rule of law
everyone, even the government, follows the law
the virginia plan
favored the large states, wanted bicameral legislature, lower house elected by the people, upper house elected by lower house, executive was ceremonial, created a legislative branch
the new jersey plan
favored the small states, had equal representation, congress got the added power of collecting taxes, executive was elected by congress, created judicial branch
confederate
form of government where the states have most of the power and the national/central government has minimal power
why is the senate considered the upper house
has stricter qualifications and is more prestigious; longer terms and is a stepping stone to higher spots
what compromise was made on the slave trade
iIt would not be restricted before 1808
magna carta
is one of the most important documents in history as it established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the king, and guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice, and the right to a fair trial
purposes of government
maintain social order, provide public services, provide national security, make economic decisions
constitutional convention
meeting where delegates from each state met in Philadelphia 1787 and produced a new constitution
weaknesses of the articles of confederation
no power to tax, president lacked power, no money to buy ships or pay soldiers
mixed economy
people choose what to produce, who gets to produce and for how much it will be sold, but the government regulates the production for safety
market economy
people have a choice in what to produce, how to make it and to whom and for how much it should be sold
social contract theory
people live together in society in accordance with an agreement
characteristics of a state
population, territory, government, sovereignty
federalism
power is shared between the national and state governments. the constitution is always supreme, however
expressed powers
powers specifically granted to the national government
implied powers
powers that are closely related to an expressed power, so it makes sense that they become a power too
senate powers
ratify all treaties, approve all presidential appointments, hold the impeachment trial
what do conference committees do
resolve differences in bills
oligarchy
ruled by a few elite; a type of authoritarian government
denied powers
things any level of government cannot do