American Government and Political System

Practice flashcards covering the foundation of the American government, the three branches of power, checks and balances, and the history of political parties.

What are the three documents that the American system of government is largely based on?

1) The declaration of independence (1776), 2) The constitution (1787), and 3) The bill of rights (1791).

What is the primary purpose of government according to the Declaration of Independence?

To secure the people the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

What does the 10th amendment of the Bill of Rights establish?

It limits the power of the central government by reserving the power that are not listed or implied as federal in the constitution to the states.

How is political power divided under the principle of "Federalism"?

Power is split between the Central/Federal government and the government in each state, creating two layers of political power.

What is required for the federal government to change the Constitution?

Consent from $\frac{3}{4}$ of the states.

What are the two chambers of the legislative branch (Congress)?

The Senate (representing the states) and the House of Representatives (representing the people).

How many senators are in the Senate, and what is their term length?

There are $100$ senators (two from each state) who sit for a period of $6$ years.

Why are Senate elections held every two years if the term is six years?

To ensure continuity, only $\frac{1}{3}$ of senators are up for election at a time.

How many members are in the House of Representatives, and how long is their term?

There are $435$ members who are elected for $2$ years.

How is the number of representatives from each state determined?

It varies according to the population based on the national census held every $10$ years.

What specific responsibilities does the Senate have regarding presidential actions?

To approve important appointments (like judges and the Supreme Court) and to ratify treaties signed with foreign nations.

What majority is required for Congress to override a presidential veto?

A $\frac{2}{3}$ majority in both houses.

What are the five capacities in which the President serves?

Chief executive, Head of state, Commander-in-chief, Chief diplomat, and Chief legislator.

Who makes up the Judicial branch at the top level?

The US Supreme Court, consisting of a chief justice and $8$ associate justices appointed for life.

What is "judicial review"?

The right of the Supreme Court to determine whether or not laws are in accordance with the Constitution; if a law is declared unconstitutional, it is null and void.

Which branch has the power to impeach the president?

The legislative branch (Congress).

When was the Republican Party established and what were its original goals?

Established in $1854$ by anti-slave activists and people who wanted the government to grant free land in the West to settlers.

Who was the first Republican to win the White House?

Abraham Lincoln in $1860$. house.

What was the "New Deal" and which president launched it?

A set of government programs aimed at revitalizing the economy and building America, launched by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the $1930s$.

Who was Ross Perot?

A wealthy businessman from Texas who captured $19\%$ of the popular vote as an independent candidate in a presidential election.