Unit 1.1 - Structure and Function of the Government

What does the Legislative Branch do?

Makes the laws

What is the Legislative Branch made up of

Congress/Senate & House of Representatives

What are some of the jobs of the Legislative Branch?

create the laws (propose, debate and vote on bills), federal budget, currency, regulate commerce, declare war, impeachment

What does the Executive Branch do?

Enforce the laws

What is the Executive Branch made up of?

President, Vice President and cabinet members

What are some of the jobs of the Executive Branch?

Enforce laws, foreign policy, commander of chief of the army, veto power (reject bills passed by Congress), grant pardons, emergency powers, appoint cabinet

What does the Judicial Branch do?

Interpret the laws (make sure they are constitutional)

What is the Judicial Branch made up of?

Supreme Court and lower district courts

What are some of the jobs of the Judicial Branch?

Interpret laws, judicial review(challenge the constitutionality of laws), resolve legal disputes, checks and balances

What is a bill?

A proposed law by Congress or Senate legislation that is presented for debate before a Legislative body

When does a bill become a law?

When it is approved by the Legislative body and signed by the US President

What is a joint committee?

A committee with members from House and Senate

Define Filibuster

A tactic to delay or prevent a bill to be voted on

Define Federalism

Divides power between state and federal government to balance power

What are Enumerated Powers

Federal Government Powers

What can Enumerated Powers/Federal Government do?

Regulate interstate and foreign commerce, declare war, establish currency, foreign policy and treaties, regulate immigration, maintaining military, and establish post office

What are Reserved Powers?

State Powers

What can Resvered powers/ Sates powers do?

Regulating intrastate (within the state) and commerce, education and public schools, establishing local governments, overseeing criminal justice systems, conducting elections, family laws

What are concurrent powers?

Powers that are reserved for both the federal and state governments

What can Concurrent Powers do?

Taxation: you pay both federal and state taxes even if they tax differently

Lawmaking/Enforcement: both levels enforce and enact laws, but federal laws take priority

Education: federal government can set standards while states have control over administration

Commerce and Trade: the federal government has international control while state government regulates trade in their borders

What is the Supremacy Clause?

States the federal law is the supreme law of the land in the Constitution. Federal laws take priority if there are conflicting state laws

When can the State government take priority over federal government?

When the state is trying to further protect individuals

ex. gun laws, abortion, drugs

What are the Bill of Rights?

The First Ten Amendments

What is the 1st Amendment?

Free speech, religion, assemble, petition, and press

What is the 2nd Amendment?

Right to bear arms and militia

What is the 3rd Amendment?

Protection from quartering/housing troops

What is the 4th Amendment?

Protection from unreasonable search and right to privacy

What is the 5th Amendment?

Right to Due Process: fair and just procedures must be followed

Double Jeopardy: Can’t be tried for the same crime twice after being found not guilty or convicted

Right Against Self Incrimination

What is the 6th Amendment?

Trial by jury, unbiased jury, speedy trial, public trial, right to attorney

What is the 7th Amendment?

Right to a Jury in a Civil Trial (non criminal charges) and stake is more than $20

What is the 8th Amendment?

No excessive bail, fines no cruel or unusual punishments

What is the 9th Amendment?

Citizens have more rights than what is listed in the Constitution/Bill of Rights

What is the 10th Amendment?

Federal Government only has the rights listed in the Constitution

Powers/rights not given to the federal government than it belongs to the states and citizens

What is Popular Sovereignty?

“Power to the people” people can vote or run for office, also called consent of the people

What is the principle that allows citizens to have the ultimate power in government?

Popular Sovereignty

A proposed amendment becomes law when it is ratified by?

¾ of the states

Constitution is able to stretch and adapt to change over time

Elastic Clause

Which article outlines the powers of the Executive Branch?

Article II

Which article outlines the powers of the Legislative Branch?

Article I

Which article outlines the powers of the Judicial Branch?

Article III

What is the Preamble?

An introduction to the highest law of the land

What is the process called by which the Constitution can be amended?

Amendment Process

Which document outlines the fundamental laws and principles of the United States?

US Constitution

What is the function of Checks and Balances?

To make sure one Branch of Government doesn’t get too powerful

Which body can use the power of national supremacy to remove an amendment from a state constitution?

federal courts

Each branch of government having its own power is an example of?

Separation of Power