Question | Answer |
expressed powers | Those delegated powers of the National Government that are spelled out, expressly, in the Constitution; also called the "enumerated powers." |
implied powers | Those delegated powers of the National Government that are suggested by the expressed powers set out in the Constitution; those "necessary and proper: to carry out the expressed powers |
inherent powers | Powers the Constitution is presumed to have delegated to the National Government because it is the government of a sovereign state within the world community |
strict constructionist | One who argues a narrow interpretation of the Constitution's provisions, in particular those granting powers to the Federal Government. |
liberal constructionist | One who argues a broad interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, particularly those granting powers to the Federal Government. |
consensus | General agreement among various groups on fundamental matters; broad agreement on public questions. |
tax | A charge levied by government on persons or property to meet public needs. |
direct tax | A tax that must be paid by the person on whom it is levied |
indirect tax | A tax levied on one party but passed on to another for payment. |
deficit financing | Practice of funding government by borrowing to make up the difference between government spending and revenue. |
public debt | All of the money borrowed by the government and not yet repaid, plus the accrued interest on that money; also called the national debt of federal debt. |
commerce power | Exclusive power of Congress to regulate interstate and foreign trade. |
legal tender | Any kind of money that a creditor must, by law, accept in payment for debts. |
bankruptcy | The legal proceeding by which a bankrupt person's assets are distributed among those to whom he or she owes debts. |
naturalization | The governmental acquisition of private industry for public use. |
copyright | The exclusive, legal right of a person to reproduce, publish, and sell his or her own literary, musical, or artistic creations. |
patent | A license issued to an inventor granting the exclusive right to manufacture, use or sell his or her invention for a limited period of time. |
eminent domain | Power of a government to take private property for public use. |
appropriate | Assign to a particular use. |
Necessary and Proper Clause | Constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers |
doctrine | Principle or fundamental policy |
successor | A person who inherits a title or office |
impeach | To bring formal charges against a public official; the House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach civil officers of the united States. |
acquit | Find not guilty of a charge. |
perjury | The act of lying under oath. |
censure | Issue a formal condemnation. |
subpoena | An order for a person to appear and to produce documents or other requested materials. |