Unit 1 Free Response Questions and Answers

Checks and Balances

A system that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by providing oversight functions.

Federalist No. 51

An essay by James Madison that argues for the importance of checks and balances in government, suggesting that legislative authority should predominate.

Tenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Bicameral Structure

A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses, which allows for thorough debate and consideration of diverse viewpoints.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states.

Domestic Policy

Government decisions related to activities within a nation, concerning issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Executive Overreach

The executive branch exceeding its authority, potentially leading to abuses of power.

Representative Nature of Congress

The composition of Congress which consists of elected officials, making it more accountable to the people's needs and desires.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Legislative Authority

The power given to the legislative branch to create laws and policies reflective of the public's needs.