Political Science Test 2

What structure of government is characterized by a central government sharing power with state governments?

Federal Government

What structure of government is characterized by a central government that is subordinate to state governments?

Confederal Government

Where can (most of) the enumerated powers be found in the Constitution?

Article 1, Section 8

Which amendment in the Bill of Rights says that powers not enumerated to the federal government belong to the state governments?

10th Amendment

What is the term for powers which belong to the federal government AND state governments?

Concurrent Powers

What structure of government do we use in the United States?

Federal Government

What was the governing document of the United States during the time between the Declaration of Independence and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?

Articles of Confederation

What is the supreme law of the land in the U.S.?

U.S. Constitution

Which two Supreme Court cases discussed in class expanded Congress's power to regulate economic activity under the Commerce Clause?

1)Gibbons vs. Ogden →Expanded Congress' power to regulate trade and navigation between states.

2) Wickard vs. Filburn →Expanded Congress' power to regulate economic activity.

How long can military appropriations passed by Congress last?

2 years

What two categories is Congress explicitly allowed to spend money on?

Common Defense and General Welfare

What agency was originally created to be the counterfeiting police?

U.S. Secret Service

What is the term for laws passed by Congress that authorize the government to spend money for specific purposes.

Appropriations

Which clause says the U.S. Constitution shall be the supreme law of the land (name of clause)?

The Supremacy Clause

Which branch of government MAKES laws?

Legislative

Which branch of government EXECUTES laws?

Executive

Which branch of government INTERPRETS laws on a case-by-case basis?

Judicial

What compromise created a bicameral legislature?

The Great Compromise

Which house of Congress is based on population?

House of Representatives

Which house of Congress gives all states equal representation?

Senate

How long is a term in the House of Representatives?

2 years