Civics & Government lesson 15 workbooks

In what way can the legislative branch check the power of the judicial branch?

impeach judges

Which are powers of the legislative branch? Select all that apply.

impeachment confirmation or denial of judicial appointments

The_____________branch looks at the laws being created and enforced to make sure that they are not unconstitutional.

judicial

Read the sentence. One of the keys to a healthy government at any level is a(n) _[blank]_. Which option correctly completes the sentence?

participatory electorate

Electoral districts are configured by state or local laws.

true

In what way can the executive branch check the power of the legislative branch?

veto legislation

What are the powers of the executive branch? Select all that apply.

veto power nomination of justices

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

The____________________was created because many of those who created the Constitution believed that low literacy rates and slow communication at that time did not provide citizens with enough detail to make an informed decision.

Electoral College

Read the sentence. _[Blank]_ are normally configured according to state or local laws. Which option correctly completes the sentence?

Electoral districts

Shared Powers

Federalism extends beyond the idea of federal and state governments sharing their powers. The concept of federalism also involves sharing powers between the branches of the central government. These branches check each others' reach, actions, and areas of oversight. Federalism provides for a balance within the American system of government.

Shared Powers in the Past

Federalism has historically been put into practice in somewhat different ways. Dual Federalism (1789-1937) in general had a fairly clear division between the duties of federal and state governments. Cooperative Federalism (1937-1960s) ran from the New Deal to the rise of civil rights. It featured a sense of cooperation between different levels of government, and blurred traditional lines of power.

The Idea of Federalism

Federalism involves a sharing of powers between a nation's central and regional government units. The Founding Fathers understood that concentration of power was dangerous. The agreement to share powers between federal and state governments stemmed from a compromise with the supporters of the Articles of Confederation. The idea of federalism was partly inspired by the Swiss Confederation.

Read the sentence. _[Blank]_ is the act of redrawing electoral districts in order to establish political advantage for a particular party or individual. Which option correctly completes the sentence?

Gerrymandering

In what way can the executive branch check the power of the legislative branch?

In what way can the executive branch check the power of the legislative branch?

Read the sentence. _[Blank]_ believed the Electoral College would prevent factions or special interests from taking over the election. Which option correctly completes the sentence?

James Madison

Why was the Electoral College created? Select all that apply.

Literacy rates were not high. 18th century modes of communication were slow. Eligible voters were not well informed.

Militia Camps

Militia camps during the American Revolution were often dirty, disorganized, and dangerous places where disease and disgruntled feelings spead among the soldiers. To raise morale, General Washington had certain books and pamphlets (many written by Thomas Paine) read to the soldiers, especially during the difficult winter at Valley Forge, PA.

Current Shared Powers

State and federal governments cooperate, but a kind of tug-of-war between them regularly tests the limits of power. The Supreme Court also plays a major role in this contest. Its landmark rulings shape public policy trends. Regulated Federalism emerged in the 1960s with the campaign for civil rights. Federal funds were given out with specific provisions for their use. New Federalism, starting from the Reagan presidency, is the current framework for sharing powers.

Supreme Court Precedents

The US Supreme Court upheld federalism while ensuring the supremacy of the federal law and government in two early 19th century decisions: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) The practice of judicial review in America stems from Marbury v. Madison (1803). This case concerned a law under which President Adams had issued a large number of last-minute court appointments. Supreme Court. Joe Ravi/iStock/Thinkstock US Supreme Court The Supreme Court declared the law unconstitutional—the first time this had ever happened. The ruling set in motion a means by which the judicial branch could check the legislative and executive branches. The decision also provided a precedent to check state laws against federal laws.

Article, Pamphlet

The press was alive and healthy in colonial America; newspapers and pamphlets were major vehicles for spreading information throughout the colonies. Such revolutionaries as Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin wrote many articles and pamphlets.

Legislative Branch (Congress)

Who: Senate (two elected officials per state=100 Senators), House of Representatives (varies based on state populations=435 Representatives total); Senators serve six-year terms, Representatives serve two-year terms What They Do: create and pass laws Powers: impeachment, confirm/deny judicial appointments Corresponds somewhat to: British Parliament (Senate=House of Lords, House=House of Commons), though not all members of Parliament are elected Contrast: Canada's Senate is appointed rather than elected

Judicial Branch

Who: Supreme Court, federal Circuit Courts and Courts of Appeal; most federal judges serve for life What They Do: review laws, try cases involving violation of federal laws, hear appeals of difficult cases Powers: declare laws unconstitutional, final court of appeals in civil and criminal cases Corresponds somewhat to: British royal court (Crown is more involved in decisions) Contrast: Germany's Federal Constitutional Court only ruling on constitutional issues

Executive Branch (White House)

Who: president, vice president, cabinet, and staff; president and vice president elected by Electoral College via majority vote to four-year terms; president nominates cabinet members, who need Senate approval by majority vote What They Do: approve and carry out laws Powers: veto over Congress, nominate justices of Supreme/federal courts Corresponds somewhat to: British Prime Minister (elected) and Crown (hereditary) Contrast: Switzerland rotating presidential duties between designated members of Parliament

What is a power of the judicial branch?

ability to declare laws unconstitutional

What is the function of the legislative branch?

creation of laws

In what way can the judicial branch check the power of the executive branch?

declare executive action unconstitutional

What are the three branches of the United States government? Select all that apply.

executive legislative judicial

Each state selects the number of electors for the Electoral College based on the financial capital held in each state six months prior to Election Day.

false

Which court level has jurisdiction over regulations regarding bankruptcy, copyright, antitrust, and patents?

federal