American Government Flashcards

Flashcards covering sections of American Government lecture notes

What is limited government?

A government whose power is restricted through laws.

What is representative government?

A system where citizens elect individuals to represent their interests in the government.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first government system adopted by the United States that gave the states more power than the national government.

What are the main components of the Constitution?

Preamble, Articles, and Amendments

What is popular sovereignty?

The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.

What is separation of powers?

The division of governmental power among different branches (e.g., legislative, executive, judicial).

What are checks and balances?

A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

What is the legislative branch?

The branch of government responsible for making laws (Congress).

What is the elastic clause?

A clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8) that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

What is the executive branch?

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws (President).

What is the judicial branch?

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws (Supreme Court).

What is judicial review?

The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate laws or acts of government exceeding its constitutional authority.

What is the formal amendment process?

The process by which changes are made to the Constitution.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

A clause in the Constitution (Article VI) establishing that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

What are the privileges and immunities?

Constitutional rights that prevent a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two chambers or houses (e.g., the U.S. Congress, which has the House of Representatives and the Senate).

What are the formal qualifications of the House?

Age, citizenship, and residency requirements for serving in the House of Representatives.

What is reapportionment?

The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on population changes following a census.

What are the formal qualifications of the Senate?

Age, citizenship, and residency requirements for serving in the Senate.

What are incumbents?

Individuals currently holding political office and running for reelection.