exam 2 prep

What are the eligibility requirements to be elected President of the United States?

Must be a natural born US citizen, at least 35 years old, and a US resident for at least 14 years.

What is the role of the Electoral College in U.S. Presidential elections?

It is a group of representatives from each state that elects the president, requiring a candidate to win 270 electoral votes.

What is a 'faithless elector'?

An elector in the Electoral College who votes contrary to the popular vote in their state.

What distinguishes the popular vote from the electoral vote?

The popular vote is the total votes cast by citizens, while the electoral vote comes from electors in the Electoral College who officially elect the president.

What are the expressed powers of the President?

Military power, diplomatic power, appointment power, legislative power, and judicial power.

What is the purpose of California’s plural executive system?

To ensure elected officials have their own powers and responsibilities, complicating governance due to shared authority.

What is the primary function of the Governor in California?

To execute state laws, oversee government operations, and act as the face of state government during emergencies.

How do California and the U.S. Congress differ in their approach to term limits?

California legislators face term limits, while there are no term limits for U.S. Congress members.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a bill's consideration, requiring 60 votes to invoke cloture to end it.

What are the differences between criminal and civil cases?

Criminal cases involve crimes defined by the government needing proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases involve disputes seeking damages based on a preponderance of evidence.

What does 'stare decisis' mean?

A legal principle guiding courts to follow precedents set by previous decisions to ensure consistency.

How are federal judges selected?

They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime appointments.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

What influences Supreme Court decisions?

Factors include judicial restraint vs. activism, justices' ideologies, precedents, and public opinion.

What is the structure of the U.S. federal court system?

It consists of District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

What is the purpose of the U.S. legal system?

To adjudicate disputes fairly, ensuring justice through a structured approach.