SS Study Guide

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation was the “plan” or laws for the United States when the country was originally formed.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• The government was unable to enforce laws

• The government could not form a military to handle important matters 

• It needed all countries to approve of a law

• The government could not collect or impose tax

• It was unable to enforce trade laws

Explain the plan that resulted in the “Great Compromise”?

New Jersey and Virginia had differing plans so the Great Compromise  was to combine their plans

What is a constitution?

A plan for a country

What is the preamble of the Constitution?

The opening

What is limited government?

Limited government powers and individuals rights are protected

What are checks and balances?

Ways each branch keeps each other in check

What are examples of checks and balances in the government?

The executive branch can veto (Rejecting a law) And the legislative branch can override the president's objections

What does it mean that “the law is king”?

No one is above the law

Who were the Federalists?

They were supporters of the Constitution They said it supported peoples rights and was a good idea

Who were the Ant–Fed

They argued that it wasn’t a good idea because there wasn’t a bill of rights

Who were the Federalists?

They were supporters of the Constitution

They said it supported peoples rights and was a good idea

Who were the Ant–Fed

They argued that it wasn’t a good idea because there wasn’t a bill of rights

What is the Bill of Rights and what kinds of rights does it protect?

Its a list of guaranteed rights and it protects the rights of the people

What document establishes the nation's government?

The Constitution

What does the preamble do

It tells what the purpose of the Constitution is

What is the responsibility of the legislative branch?

To make laws

What is the responsibility of the executive branch?

To enforce the law

What is the responsibility of the judicial branch?

To interpret the law

What is an amendment?

A change made to the Constitution

What happens in a “representative democracy”?

People are selected to represent a certain group of people in the government

What are the two parts of the Legislative branch?

The House of Representatives and the Senate

How many members are there in the House of Representatives?

435

what are the representatives elected to represent

Their district

Representative Term Length

2 years

Title of leadership position in the House of Representatives

The Speaker of the House

How many members are there in the Senate?

100

what are the members of the Senate elected to represent

Their district

Senator Term Length

6 years

Which official is the president of the Senate?

President Pro Tempore

What is the “president pro tempore”?

The person who presides over the Senate when the Vice President is not there

What do Senate committees do?

They’re groups of people who work to solve specific problems

Standing committee: always there

Select committee: selected to solve specific problem

Give a one sentence summary for each of the steps to create a new law

The Idea: Congress member gets idea for new law The Introduction: idea is written down by either Senator or Representative, and becomes a bill. It is submitted to Congress. To committees: The committing discusses the bill and sends it back to House or Senate Debates and Votes: Each side debates and adds amendments Congressional Compromise: Senate and House compromises on the Amendments Presidential Action: President signs or vetoes bill

What are the three constitutional requirements for being eligible to be the president?

1.  35 years or older

2.  At least 14 years of residence

3. Natural born citizen

How does a candidate win the presidency?

Gain 270 or more votes

How many times can someone be elected president?

twice

What is the purpose of the Presidential Succession Act?

To have a person to lead the country if something happens to the President

What two issues does the 25th Amendment address?

What happens if something happens to President or they are unable to perform job

What is the order of succession? (You may summarize 5-18)

1.   Vice President: Kamala Harris

2. Speaker of the House:

3. President Pro Tempore of the Senate:

4. Secretary of State:

5. Secretaries

Describe the responsibility the president has in each of the following roles they fill while in office.

• Legislative Leader:  Review and veto or sign laws

• Commander-in-Chief: Command the army

• Head of State: Reps the US

• Foreign Policy Leader: Represents the U.S. in foreign matters

Chief Executive: Enforcing laws and managing Executive branch

What is the purpose of the Executive Cabinet?

The job of the secretaries is to advise the president

What does the Department of State do?

manages relationships with other countries

What does the department of the Treasury do?

collects taxes, prints money, deals with the nation's finances.

What does the Department of Defense do?

manages the armed forces and conducts war overseas

What does the Department of Justice do?

enforces laws and represents US in legal matters

How do Congress and the Presidency interact regarding war?

The President must consult congress to approve a declaration of war or utilizing the military. However they can use it without Congress’s permission if they submit a report within 60 days.

What is the responsibility of the judicial branch?

To determine if things are constitutional or unconstitutional and interpret the constitution

How many Supreme Court Justices are there?

9

What is the term length for a federal judge?

There is no term limit; most judges are in their position till they die or retire.

Why are judges appointed to the position for life instead of elected?

They don’t want the justices to worry about getting reelected or make decisions based on future job positions.

What are the three levels of the U.S. Judicial System

District Courts, Appeal Courts, then the Supreme Court.

What is the power of judicial review?

The power to determine if a law is unconstitutional or constitutional. When the decision is made it is final.

What takes place during a trial in a district court?

District courts determine the facts of a case. The Jury will listen to evidence and decide if the person is guilty in a criminal case. Then in a civil case the Jury or Judge will decide if the person has been wronged.

What is a “criminal” case?

If somebody is guilty of a crime.

What is a “civil” case?

About somebody’s personal rights.

What does it mean to “appeal” a court’s decision?

It means if the losing side isn’t happy with the court’s decision and think its wrong, they take it up to the court above it.

What is a court's “opinion” and how does it set precedent?

A precedent is a decision that stands for similar cases

What are the two main steps to appoint a federal judge?

Be appointed by the President and approved by the Senate.

What happens in a Senate confirmation hearing?

The Senate asks the nominee a bunch of questions and interrogates them about past cases they took and other things to decide if they are worthy of getting into the Supreme Court.

What does a U.S. attorney do?

investigate and/or prosecute people being accused of breaking a law, represent the government, are nominees of president and senate, have 4 year terms, are employees of the executive branch.

What are the three ways a case could come to the Supreme Court?

When there is a problem between 2 states and problems involving diplomats. Appealed up.

What are the limits on the power of the Supreme Court?

They can only review cases given to them.

Executive court must enforce

1st Amendment

Freedoms

2nd Amendment

Own weapons

3rd Amendment

No housing soldiers

4th Amendment

No searches or seizures without warrant

5th Amendment

Due process of law, no self incrimination and double jeopardy

6th Amendment

The right to a speedy trial

7th Amendment

Trial by jury in civil cases

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment

9th Amendment

People have more rights than listed

10th Amendment

Any powers not given to the federal government belong to the states-