AMSCO 3.9 — The Federalist Government

What is federalism?

A system in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments.

Why did the framers adopt federalism?

To create a stronger central government while still preserving state powers.

What is separation of powers?

The division of government authority among three branches.

Why did Americans support separation of powers?

They feared concentrated power and wanted to prevent abuses.

What are the three branches of the federal government?

Legislative, executive, and judicial.

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To limit each branch’s power by allowing the others to restrain it.

What document lists the specific powers of Congress?

Article I of the Constitution.

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution.

What are implied powers?

Powers not explicitly stated but suggested by the necessary and proper clause.

What is another name for the necessary and proper clause?

The elastic clause.

What does the elastic clause allow Congress to do?

Make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Where is the elastic clause found?

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

What are reserved powers?

Powers that belong to the states.

Where are reserved powers found?

The Tenth Amendment.

What do reserved powers include?

Powers over education, marriage laws, and local government.

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by both the federal government and the states.

What is an example of a concurrent power?

Taxation.

What is the supremacy clause?

A clause stating that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Where is the supremacy clause found?

Article VI of the Constitution.

What does the supremacy clause establish?

Federal laws outrank state laws in cases of conflict.

What is judicial review?

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Which case established judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Why was judicial review important?

It strengthened the judicial branch and federal authority.

What power does the president have over Congress?

The veto power.

What power does Congress have over the president?

Override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

What power does the Senate have over presidential appointments?

It must approve them.

What power does Congress have over the federal courts?

It can impeach judges.

What power does the Supreme Court have over Congress and the president?

Declare acts unconstitutional.

What principle allows both federal and state governments to tax?

Concurrent powers.

What does federalism help prevent?

The concentration of too much power at one level of government.

Why were Anti-Federalists concerned about federalism?

They feared the national government would overpower the states.

Why did Federalists defend federalism?

They argued dividing power protected liberty and prevented tyranny.

What did Federalists argue about the separation of powers?

It created a government strong enough to function but limited enough to prevent abuse.

Why did the Founders design a complex system of government?

To balance order with liberty and avoid tyranny.