All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Identify the term for laws that apply retroactively to actions committed before the law was passed.
Answer: Ex post facto laws. These laws are prohibited by Article I of the Constitution.
Flashcard 2: What is the term for the President's advisory group composed of the heads of executive departments?
Answer: The Cabinet. Department heads advise the President on policy matters.
Flashcard 3: Which option describes the purpose of the State of the Union address?
Answer: To inform Congress about the nation's condition and propose legislation. Constitutional requirement for presidential communication with Congress.
Flashcard 4: How does the judicial branch check the power of the legislative branch?
Answer: By declaring laws unconstitutional. Judicial review serves as a check on legislative power.
Flashcard 5: Which term refers to the division of powers among the three branches of government?
Answer: Separation of powers. Each branch has distinct constitutional powers and responsibilities.
Flashcard 6: What is the primary function of the legislative branch in the U.S. government?
Answer: To create and pass legislation. Congress drafts, debates, and votes on bills that become law.
Flashcard 7: What is the primary role of Congressional committees in policy-making?
Answer: To review and amend proposed legislation. Committees provide detailed review and markup of bills.
Flashcard 8: Which option best describes a filibuster?
Answer: A prolonged speech to delay legislative action. Senators use extended debate to prevent votes on bills.
Flashcard 9: What is a pocket veto?
Answer: When the President takes no action on a bill for 10 days. If Congress adjourns, the bill dies without presidential action.
Flashcard 10: Identify the rule requiring a supermajority to end a filibuster in the Senate.
Answer: Cloture. Senate Rule XXII requires 60 votes to end debate.
Flashcard 11: Which amendment limits the President to two terms?
Answer: The 22nd Amendment. Ratified in 1951 to limit presidential terms to two.
Flashcard 12: Identify the document that serves as the supreme law of the United States.
Answer: The Constitution. The supreme law takes precedence over all other laws.
Flashcard 13: Which body within the legislative branch has the power to initiate revenue bills?
Answer: The House of Representatives. Article I, Section 7 requires all revenue bills originate in the House.
Flashcard 14: What is the primary role of the Vice President in the legislative process?
Answer: To cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate. The VP serves as President of the Senate per Constitution.
Flashcard 15: What is the term for the President's ability to pardon individuals for federal crimes?
Answer: Presidential pardon. Constitutional power to forgive federal criminal convictions.
Flashcard 16: Identify the primary purpose of the Federal Reserve System.
Answer: To regulate the U.S. money supply and banking system. The Fed controls monetary policy and oversees banks.
Flashcard 17: What role does the Speaker of the House play in the legislative process?
Answer: To preside over House sessions and influence legislation. The Speaker controls House agenda and legislative priorities.
Flashcard 18: Which judicial principle ensures that previous court decisions guide future cases?
Answer: Stare decisis. "Let the decision stand" - courts follow prior precedents.
Flashcard 19: Identify the main function of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Answer: To assist the President in preparing the federal budget. OMB helps develop and oversee federal spending plans.
Flashcard 20: What is the main purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
Answer: To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The system maintains balance by limiting each branch's authority.
Flashcard 21: Identify the term for the President's power to issue orders that have the force of law.
Answer: Executive orders. Presidential directives that implement and enforce existing laws.
Flashcard 22: What role does the Senate play in treaty ratification?
Answer: The Senate must approve treaties by a two-thirds vote. Senate approval ensures legislative input on foreign agreements.
Flashcard 23: Which body initiates impeachment proceedings against a federal official?
Answer: The House of Representatives. The House has sole power to bring impeachment charges.
Flashcard 24: What is the term length for a U.S. Supreme Court Justice?
Answer: Life tenure, subject to good behavior. Lifetime appointment ensures judicial independence from politics.
Flashcard 25: Identify the constitutional clause that grants Congress the power to pass laws necessary to execute its powers.
Answer: The Necessary and Proper Clause. Also known as the Elastic Clause, it expands Congressional power.
Flashcard 26: What is the role of a conference committee in Congress?
Answer: To reconcile differences in House and Senate versions of a bill. Joint committees resolve differences between House and Senate bills.
Flashcard 27: Identify the main purpose of the War Powers Resolution.
Answer: To limit the President's power to deploy military forces without Congressional approval. Requires Congressional authorization for extended military action.
Flashcard 28: Which branch of government has the power to regulate interstate commerce?
Answer: The legislative branch. Commerce Clause grants Congress power over interstate trade.
Flashcard 29: Which constitutional amendment grants Congress the power to levy income taxes?
Answer: The 16th Amendment. Ratified in 1913 to enable federal income taxation.
Flashcard 30: Which body initiates impeachment proceedings against a federal official?
Answer: The House of Representatives. The House has sole power to bring impeachment charges.