Save
Busy. Please wait.
Log in with Clever
or

show password
Forgot Password?

Don't have an account?  Sign up 
Sign up using Clever
or

Username is available taken
show password


Make sure to remember your password. If you forget it there is no way for StudyStack to send you a reset link. You would need to create a new account.
Your email address is only used to allow you to reset your password. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.


Already a StudyStack user? Log In

Reset Password
Enter the associated with your account, and we'll email you a link to reset your password.
focusNode
Didn't know it?
click below
 
Knew it?
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.

  Normal Size     Small Size show me how

govt test 8

QuestionAnswer
Establishment Clause Part of the 1st amendment, which prevents the government from setting up or favoring a particular religion
Supreme Court The highest court in the US. It mostly deals with issues and appeals that help define the meaning of the Constitution. Made up of 9 justices. Its decisions are final
Veto A president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress, which prevents it from becoming law, in most cases
Committee Step in the law-making process where most work gets done. This small group of senators or representatives can amend or table bills under consideration
Popular Sovereignty Key principle of the Constitution, which states that government gets its power from the consent (agreement) of the people
Warrant A document, issued by a judge, that allows authorities to search a house, seize evidence, or otherwise monitor a person suspected of a crime
Federalism Principle of the Constitution which creates a strong national government, while still allowing states the freedom to have their own governments and run their own affairs.
District Courts Lowest ranking federal courts. They are the first to hear a case involving violations of federal laws, or disputes between parties from different states.
Commander in Chief The President's role as leader of America's military forces.
Bill A proposed law
Majority One more than half
Chief Executive The job the President is doing when he carries out the laws, and acts as the "boss" of the various government departments and employees
Appeals Court Federal courts which exist only to hear cases where one part or the other's rights to a fair trial were violated. Can overturn earlier cases and order new trials
Delegated Powers Powers granted to the national government by the Constitution
Bail An amount of money an accused person can pay as a deposit, to guarantee they show up for their trial. Otherwise, they have to wait for their trial in jail.
1st Amendment Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
Reserved Powers Powers set aside for the states
Judicial Review The power of the courts to declare an executive action or law to be unconstitutional
Chief of State A mostly ceremonial role filled by the President, where he acts as the representative of and living symbol for all Americans.
Ex Post Facto Law A law that would punish a person for something that was legal at the time
5th Amendment Protects the rights of those accused of a crime, including the rights to due process and to remain silent, and prevents "double jeopardy"
Concurrent Powers Powers that are shared by the national and state governments
Marbury v. Madison Supreme court case that established the power of judicial review
Ambassador a person, appointed by the President and approved by Congress, who serves as America's representative in a foreign country
Census The counting of the American population, which happens every ten years. Important for determining the number of representatives and electoral votes each state receives
Cabinet A group of people, picked by the President and approved by the Senate, who advise and assist the President in carrying out laws in their areas of expertise
Requirements for Senators 30 years old, 6 year term, citizen for 9 years
6th Amendment Protects the right to a fair trial, including the rights to a speedy trial with a fair jury, a lawyer, to call witnesses on your behalf, and question witnesses against you
Amendment A change or addition to the Constitution
Separation of Powers Principle of the Constitution which splits the three, basic government powers into three different branches of government
8th Amendment Protects against unreasonable bail and cruel or unusual punishment.
Checks and Balances Principle of the Constitution which seeks to prevent any one part of the government from abusing its power, by giving each branch of government some power and control over the other two
Amendment process Proposed with a 2/3 vote of both the House and Senate, and then approved by 3/4 of the states.
Electoral College Chosen by the people in a popular vote in each state, it is this group that elects the President; 270 of their votes are required to win
Requirements for Representatives 25 years old, 2 year term, citizen for 7 years
Impeachment A process, begun in the House of Representatives, that charges a president with a "high crime or misdemeanor." If convicted, it can lead to removal from office.
Elastic Clause Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: Allows Congress to make any laws "necessary and proper" for carrying out its duties. Allows Congress to make laws that fit the changing needs of our nation over time.
Supremacy Clause Article 6 of the Constitution establishes this, which declares
Limited Power of Government Principle of the Constitution which reinforces the idea of Rule of Law, and explicitly prohibits the government from engaging in certain actions
Jury A group of citizens asked to sit for and hear evidence for a particular trial; they decide the outcome of the case
Due Process Another name for all of the rights a citizen is owed, enabling them to receive a fair trial before any of their rights are taken away
Legislative Branch makes the laws
Chief Justice Leader of the Supreme Court. He or she decides who writes the court's official opinion after a case is decided.
Chief Diplomat/ Foreign Policy maker The President's role as our main representative in our dealings with other countries.
Filibuster An attempt to "talk" a bill to death in the Senate, as Senators are permitted to speak for an unlimited amount of time
Petition A formal request, asking the government to do something differently.
Executive Branch carries out the laws
Federal Judges Appointed by the President to any of the three levels of national courts. They serve for life, in order to protect them from political pressure, so they can focus on basis their decisions on the Constitution and laws.
Treaty An agreement with another country. Negotiated by the President and his advisors, it must also be approved by the Senate before it gains the force of law.
The amount of votes needed to override a veto or approve of a treaty or presidential appointment 2/3 (two-thirds) vote
Judicial Branch interprets the laws
Created by: omancuso12
Popular American Government sets

 

 



Voices

Use these flashcards to help memorize information. Look at the large card and try to recall what is on the other side. Then click the card to flip it. If you knew the answer, click the green Know box. Otherwise, click the red Don't know box.

When you've placed seven or more cards in the Don't know box, click "retry" to try those cards again.

If you've accidentally put the card in the wrong box, just click on the card to take it out of the box.

You can also use your keyboard to move the cards as follows:

If you are logged in to your account, this website will remember which cards you know and don't know so that they are in the same box the next time you log in.

When you need a break, try one of the other activities listed below the flashcards like Matching, Snowman, or Hungry Bug. Although it may feel like you're playing a game, your brain is still making more connections with the information to help you out.

To see how well you know the information, try the Quiz or Test activity.

Pass complete!
"Know" box contains:
Time elapsed:
Retries:
restart all cards