Social Studies Review

What is the plan for the government of the United States called?

Constitution

What guarantees that the government would not take away people’s basic rights?

Bill of Rights

Which amendment of the Bill of Rights protects freedom of speech?

First Amendment

What are the three separate groups of government called?

3 Branches of Government

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

Legislative Branch

Who enforces the laws in the government?

The president (Executive Branch)

Which branch interprets the laws?

Judicial Branch

What are the systems that prevent any one branch of government from having too much power called?

Checks and Balances

Name one check the Executive Branch has over the Legislative Branch.

Veto laws (others include appointing Supreme Court Justices, appointing cabinet members, and influencing public opinion)

Name one check the Legislative Branch has over the Executive Branch.

Override a veto (others include approving Supreme Court Justices and cabinet members, and impeaching the president)

What is one check the Judicial Branch has over the other branches?

Decide if a law goes against the Constitution.

What power does the federal government have regarding international relations?

Make war with other nations.

What is one power of the state governments?

Provide public education or issue marriage and driver’s licenses.

What is one power shared by both federal and state governments?

Make and enforce laws or collect taxes.

What was a reason for the Whiskey Rebellion?

The government needed money and decided on a tax on whiskey, upsetting farmers.

What was a result of the Whiskey Rebellion?

Washington sent troops to stop the revolt, demonstrating the government's willingness to enforce its laws.

What did the Federalist Party believe in?

A strong federal government and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

What did the Democratic-Republicans believe in?

A weak federal government with strong state governments and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

What is a loose interpretation of the Constitution?

The belief that actions not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution can still be taken.

What is a strict interpretation of the Constitution?

The belief that only actions directly written in the Constitution can be taken.