Answer These History of the United States Constitution Flashcards

Flash cards for United States Government classSenior year

98 cards   |   Total Attempts: 188
  

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Government
Made up of the formal institutions and processes through which decisions are made for a group of people.
Name 2 characteristics of a state
Population and soverignty
Name a weakness of the Articles of Confederation
No balance of powers between states and central gov't.
What is the meaning of the supremacy clause?
If there is a conflict b/w the state and federal governments, the federal law takes precedence over the judgement as long as it is constitutional.
Federalism
Power is divided among the central government and the state and local governments
How long is a term in the Senate? House?
6, 2; respectively
Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau all had theories about the social contract. Briefly compare their points of view.
Hobbes: People pledge allegiance to a government and, in exchange, the government ensures the people peace and security.Locke: People are governed by natural lawRousseau: People could regain freedom by establishing government based on a social contract and responsive to the people.
Explain the difference b/w direct democracy and republc.
Democracy has people as main source of direct authority as they vote directly on everything.republic has people elect reps
What is Eminent Domain? What constitutes abuse of Eminent Domain?
The thought that the gov't. has the power to take over property if it benefits the public good.abuse= when the development doesn't benefit the public good (i.e. making a house a restaurant or hotel instead of a road or bridge)
List 2 characteristics each of a presidential government and parliamentary government.
Presidential: elected by people and in charge of exec. branchParliamentary: elected by legislature and directly accountable for gov't.
Partisan politics
Only always side with YOUR party regardless of issue
What are the ideals of the American democracy?
Liberty, equality, self-government
Rule of law
U.S. government and its officials are subject to recognized and enforced limits on their powers, which are spelled out in the Constitution
How did the Founders characterize higher law?
-it sets forth the basic rights of citizens-est. responsibility of gov't. to protect those rights-est. limitations on how those in gov't. may use their power w/ regard to citizens' rights and responsibilities, distribution of resources, and control or management of conflict-can be changed only w/ consent of citizens and according to est. procedures
Why did the Founders fear gov't. might abuse power?
Knowledge of history under British rule