Chapter 3

repeal

if the people do not like the effects of an amendment, another amendment can be passed to repeal, or cancel it.

What is the function of the judicial branch of the US government?

interprets the meaning of the laws passed by Congress and sets punishments for people who break the law

Arm of government that interprets the laws

judicial branch

lawmaking arm of the federal government

legislative branch

What are the three branches of government?

legislative branch, executive branch, judicial branch

rule of law

no one is above the law, not even the people who make the laws

government by the consent of the governed

popular sovereignity

What are "reserved powers"?

powers that are reserved, or set aside, for the states or the people. The state governments, for example, conduct elections, regulate trade within the state and establish local gov'ts

What is the function of the Executive Branch?

responsible for executing or carrying out the country's laws.

Structure of government in which power is divided up among different branches

separation of powers

Preamble

the introduction to the U.S. Constitution

judicial review

the power of the Supreme Court to examine the laws or actions of the legislative and executive branches of the government and to determine whether such actions are constitutional.

majority rule

the principle that in a disagreement, everyone will accept the decision of the majority.

separation of powers

the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities

What is the function of the legislative branch?

to make laws

amendment

written change made to the Constitution

Q. When a proposed amendment to the US Constitution has been approved by a ⅔ majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives, the proposed amendment is then submitted for approval to all 50 states of the union. What percentage (fraction) must approved of the amendment for final ratification?

¾ (three-fourths)

In order to amend the US Constitution, what percentage (fraction) of both the Senate and the House of Representatives must approve the amendment?

2/3 (two-thirds) in both Senate and the House of Representatives

Which principle is included in the U.S. Constitution? A. rule of law B. right to trial C. capitalism D. confederalism

A. The rule of law is one of the core organizing principles of the U.S. Constitution.

How did the outcome of "Marbury v. Madison" help influence the checks and balances system? A. It enabled the judicial branch to check the power of the president B. It enabled the president to remove members of Congress C. It enabled the judicial branch to check the power of the Congress. D. It established citizens as the source of authority for laws.

C. It enabled the judicial branch to check the power of the Congress.

Which characteristic serves as a long-term protection against tyranny and is a foundation of liberty in the United States? A. the commerce clause B. the elastic clause C. the right to trial D. the rule of law

D. The rule of law

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments. For example, both the federal and state governments can tax, borrow money, establish courts, enforce laws and provide for the general well-being of the people.

veto

Presidential power to reject proposed laws

Who composes the Executive Branch of the US government?

The President and Vice President

What two legal entities compose "Congress"?

The Senate and the House of Representatives

What check does the U.S. Senate have on the president? A. overriding vetoes B. appointing judges C. declaring laws unconstitutional D. refusing to confirm appointments

The Senate has the sole power to confirm the presidential appointments.

Which statement describes an impact of the rule of law? A. state of nature B. checks and balances C. separation of powers D. transparency of institutions

The U.S. Constitution is organized around the rule of law; a government organized around the rule of law will include transparent (open) institutions.

After a proposed amendment to the US Constitution is approved by a 2/3 majority in both Senate and House of Reps, what is next in the process?

The proposed amendment is sent to each individual State Governor for approval or rejection by each state.

Marbury v. Madison

U.S. Supreme Court case that established judicial review

constitutional government

a form of government based on a written set of laws that all citizens agree to; in this form of government, the constitution is the highest law of the land

limited government

a government that has been limited in power by a constitution, or written agreement

checks and balances

a principle of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches

Advisers to the president who head executive branch departments

cabinet

The equal distribution of governmental powers and limits on those powers

checks and balances

Arm of government that is responsible for executing the country's laws

executive branch

What are the 3 branches of government?

executive, legislative and judicial