An especially original, intelligent, or clever idea.
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Popular sovereignty
The idea that the government's authority comes from the people.
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Domestic
Relating to issues within a country.
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Legislative branch
The lawmaking part of government, called the legislature.
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Executive branch
The part of government that carries out, or executes, the laws.
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Judicial branch
The part of government, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, that interprets the laws.
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Judicial review
The power of the Supreme Court to decide whether laws and acts made by the legislative and executive branches are unconstitutional.
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Separation of powers
Key constitutional principle that divides the functions of government among three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.
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Interstate Commerce
Trade and other business dealings between two or more states.
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Discriminate
To treat a person or group unfairly
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Federalism
The constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments.
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Function
The use or purpose of something.
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Interest group
An organization that actively promotes the view of some part of the public on specific issues in order to influence government policy.
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Why has the Constitution been effective for over 200 years?
Because it combines a framework for the government with flexibility for change
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Why is the Constitution considered a living document?
It has changed with time
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What does the Preamble list?
The purposes of the government
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Why does the Constitution begin with "We the People?"
To state that government power comes from the people
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What does "establish justice" mean?
Why we need federal courts
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What is tranquility?
Peace & order
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What does the Preamble mean by "provide for the common defense?"
Protect Americans from foreign enemies
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Who does "our posterity" represent?
Children, grandchildren, etc.
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What is the main job of the Legislative Branch?
Make laws
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Why are there two senators from each state?
To balance the rights of large and small states
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What is the final step before a national bill become a law?
Approved by Congress and signed by the President
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What is the "elastic clause" give Congress the power to do?
Pass laws needed to carry out its other powers
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What are the powers of the Executive Branch?
Carry out laws, make treaties, nominate federal judges
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What are the powers of the Judicial Branch?
Interpret laws & decides whether laws/actions are Constitutional
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What is the purpose of checks and balances?
To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
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How can an amendment be proposed?
-2/3 vote from both houses of Congress -National Convention called by congress request of 2/3 legislatures of all states
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How can an amendment be ratified?
-Approved by the legislatures in ¾ of the states -Approved by the state conventions in ¾ of the state
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What powers are shared by the state and national governments?
Raising taxes
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How can the U.S. population directly participate in government?
Join interest groups, vote, belong to political parties, etc.
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Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
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Who has the power to print & coin money?
Congress
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Who is the commander in chief of the U.S. military forces?
President
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What is the length of a term of office for members of the Senate?
6 years
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What is the length of a term of office for members of the House of Representatives?
2 years
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What is the length of a term of office for the president?
4 years
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How old must one be to hold the office of the president?
35
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How many members of the Supreme Court are there?
9
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What is the length of a term of office for justices of the Supreme Court?
Life
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Who has the power to settle disputes between different states?
Federal Courts
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Who has the power to propose a law to raise revenue (a tax law)?
House of Representatives
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Who must approve judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors that the president appoints to government positions?
Senate
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Who has the power to veto laws?
President
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How many amendments have been made to the Constitution?
27
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How many members of Congress are there?
535 (100 in Senate + 435 in House)
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What is the "supreme law of the land?"
The Constitution
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Who has the power to nominate ambassadors, public ministers, or other officers of the U.S. such as members of the Cabinet?
President
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How old must a person be to be elected to the House of Representatives?
25
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What fraction of states must approve an amendment to the Constitution?
3/4
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How many branches does the American government have?
3
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Why does the Constitution establish the principle of majority rule?
So decisions represent what most people want
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What is the purpose of checks and balances?
To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
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What is the main responsibility of the U.S. Supreme Court?
To review laws
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What does impeach mean?
To formally accuse the President of crimes specified in the Constitution
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What does the Preamble mean by "promote the general welfare?"
Support an economy and society where people can prosper
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