1. a constitution: the principle, structure and laws to set up and support the gov.
Things we can and can't do. Stays in check by the people and protects from tyranny/
total power.
2. Constitution: The united states constitution
3. Preamble: The opening paragraph of the Constitution and tells what founding
fathers set to do. Structure of what we need to do
4. How the constitution is organized.: Article, Section, Clause
5. popular sovereignty: Rule by the People
6. federalism: The division of power of the national government
7. exclusive powers/ Delegated powers: National government powers
8. concurrent powers: shared powers between the national gov and state
9. separation of powers: separating the government into three branches to have
checks and balances on the executive. Afraid this would become a three headed
monster.
10. checks and balances: A way to make sure certain parts of the government
doesn't have too much power
11. what limits the government: a system of government that is bound to certain
principles of action by a state constitution.
12. Article I: legislative branch and what it can and cant do, powers of congress.
13. bicameral: having two branches in congress- great compromise
14. House of Representatives: represents the people- based on population- Lower
house but bigger with 435 members with 2 year terms. Each state has at least 1
member. 25 years or up 7 years a citizen and lives in state- serve district
15. reapportionment: Changing representation in the legislative body.
16. enumerated or expressed powers: how three distinct government branches of
the central government work- tax, coin money, raise an army, trade, postage, etc.
17. implied powers: powers not explicitly named in the Constitution but assumed-
named in Article I. CARRY OUT THE LAWS
18. elastic clause: to make laws (carry out) necessary and proper for the powers of
the government- Keeps in tact and says what is and isn't. allows congress to stretch
its powers
19. commerce power: to regulate commerce among foreign nations and the several
states, and tribes- huge congressional power
20. power of the purse: The influence that legislatures have over public policy-
huge congressional power
21. Congress non-legislative powers: investigate- president and instititions
impeach- make a formal statement saying that a public official is guilty
confirm- presidential treaties (senate)
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, THE BAR EXAM! TEST QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
22. Speaker of the House: House of Representatives- leader of majority party
second in line to presidency
23. President Pro Tempore: The senate- Leader of majority party, third in line to
presidency, ceremonial position.
24. Chief Executive: Enforces Federal Laws, appoints officials (confirmed by sen-
ate)
25. Chief Diplomat: Deals with other country's- negotiating, trading, and treaties
(confirmed by senate)
26. Chief Legislator: proposes laws not in congress, calls congress in session and
has the power to veto!
27. Commander in Chief: Head of the us armed forces and sends troops places
28. Chief of Party: Leader of political party fundraises supports candidates
29. Chief of State: Serves as a symbol of country, ceremonial duties.
30. Economic Chief: oversees the economy and appoints officers (confirmed by
senate) prepares national budget (passed by congress)
31. pardon: decision to allow a person who has been convicted of a crime, to be free
32. Other Executive Agencies: Nasa, CIA, FBI
33. Federal Court System: created in article 3 in constitution the other courts are
created by congress
34. jurisdiction: authority to hear a case, the right to be heard
35. District Court: hear cases for first time do 90% of work at least one in each state
36. Circuit/Appeals Court: Double check- hear cases from lower courts 12 across
country
37. Supreme Court: established by constitution has 9 members- say what the law
is
38. judicial review: reviews/ checks other branches, checks and balances and
determines if its unconstitutional.
39. precedent: Say what a law is- affects law in all states.
40. Bill of rights: To protect our rights and ratify the constitution- the first 10
amendments of the constitution with a balance of individual rights and the rights
of community. (listing of freedoms)
41. the "Five Freedoms": The first 5 amendements- Religion, Speech, Press,
Assembly, and Petition
42. establishment clause: Congress cant pass a law is establishment of a religion.
No promotion of demotion of a religion.
43. free exercise clause: Congress can't get in the way of practicing your religion,
clothing, food, praying.
44. speech: The freedom of speech.
Pure speech- spoken words
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