Government Midterm II

What is a constitution?

The fundamental set of laws, rules, and principles by which a nation, state, or organization is governed.

What is new federalism?

A transition back toward dual federalism by restoring states' rights and giving more power to state governments.

What is a writ of certiorari?

An order from a higher court telling a lower court to send up the records of a case for review.

What is going public?

When a president or leader appeals directly to the public to build support for policies or pressure lawmakers.

Who coordinates legislative strategy, builds support, and collects votes in Congress?

Party Whip.

What is a majoritarian system?

A system where institutional design often allows a single party to have strong control over government.

How many votes are needed to invoke cloture in the Senate?

60 votes, or three-fifths of the Senate.

What are expressed powers?

Powers specifically granted by the Constitution to Congress or the president.

What are implied powers?

Powers considered necessary to carry out other granted powers.

What are delegated powers?

Powers assigned to one branch or agency but exercised by another branch or agency, according to the study guide.

What are inherent powers?

Powers claimed by presidents as inferred from the Constitution.

Which article creates the legislative branch?

Article I — Congress, which makes laws.

Which article creates the executive branch?

Article II — The president, who enforces laws.

Which article creates the judicial branch?

Article III — The Supreme Court and federal courts, which interpret laws.

What is cracking in gerrymandering?

Splitting minority groups across multiple districts to weaken their ability to elect a representative.

What is stacking in gerrymandering?

Putting minority groups into districts with large minority populations to reduce their ability to elect a representative, as described in the study guide.

What is packing in gerrymandering?

Concentrating minority groups into as few districts as possible.

What is representation via selection?

Voters elect someone who already shares their beliefs, values, and political opinions.

What is representation via adaptation?

Elected officials adjust their decisions or positions to reflect what their voters want.

What is dual federalism?

Federal and state governments have more clearly separated powers and responsibilities.

What is cooperative federalism?

Federal and state governments have overlapping powers and shared responsibilities.

What is new federalism's main goal?

To give more power and responsibility back to state and local governments.

What is a presidential system?

The head of government leads an executive branch separate from the legislature.

What is a parliamentary system?

The head of government is selected by the legislature and depends on its confidence.

What is a mixed system?

A system combining elements of presidential and parliamentary government.

What is judicial restraint?

The philosophy that constitutional interpretation should stay close to the Constitution's text.

What is judicial activism?

The philosophy that courts may go beyond the Constitution's words and consider broader societal implications.

What are examples of expressed presidential powers?

Appointing officials, granting reprieves, pardons and amnesty, and recognizing other governments.

What major event changed the structure of U.S. federalism?

The Great Depression and the New Deal.

What is the first limitation on Supreme Court judicial power?

Cases must be brought before the courts.

How are courts financially limited?

Individuals may need money or assistance to bring a legal case.

Why does the Supreme Court have limited enforcement power?

It relies on others to enforce its decisions.

How do presidential appointments limit judicial power?

The president appoints federal judges with Senate confirmation.

How can Congress limit judicial power?

Congress can change certain aspects of federal court jurisdiction.

How many votes are needed to override a presidential veto?

A two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.

What year does the study guide give for the last change in House membership?

1929.

Has the federal bureaucracy grown significantly in recent decades?

No, not significantly in terms of employees, although its responsibilities have expanded.

What is an easy way to remember bureaucracy growth?

More work, not more workers!

What is an easy way to remember the three types of federalism?

Dual = separate powers; Cooperative = shared powers; New = power back to states.

What is military power?

president as the commander in chief of armed forces

what is Judicial power?

president can grant reprieves, pardons, and amnesty

What is Diplomatic power?

President as chief national representative

What is exective power?

president as chief executive

What is legislative powers

formal authority to create, amend, and repeal laws