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