Unit One Bits and Pieces Additional Review

The Political System What does the political system answer: Who participates in government (how many)? One person = dictatorship or monarchy All the people = democracy or anarchy What kind of power does the government have (how much)? Total power = dictatorship or totalitarianism Restricted power = limited government

Five beliefs of American Democracy Majority rule; minority rights – majority should make the rules but cannot ignore the rights of the minority Worth of the individual – every person has value, so society must protect EVERYONE’s rights Compromise – find the “happy in-between” Equality – of opportunity, not outcome! Freedom – limited freedom, not absolute

The Declaration of Independence Why do people make governments? To ensure the safety and rights of the people What are the unalienable rights? Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness What is “unalienable”? Cannot be taken away from Where do just governments get their power? From the people who are governed What vocabulary word means that? Popular sovereignty

The Constitution What reasons were given for writing the Constitution? Form a more perfect union – the Articles of Confederation were not working Establish justice – laws treat everyone fairly Ensure domestic tranquility – no rioting in the streets Provide for the common defense – against nations or groups that might attack the USA Promote the general welfare – make sure all people have a decent life Secure the blessings of liberty – allow people to act without a lot of government laws

Separation of Power What are the three branches of government? What power does each have? What article of the Constitution covers each? Legislative – create laws – Article I Executive – enforce laws – Article II Judicial – interpret laws, check if the laws are constitutional – Article III

Separation of Power What are checks and balances? How the different branches can stop the other branches from abusing their powers.

Separation of Power How can the legislative branch check: The executive branch? Override the president’s veto Remove the president from office Impeach The HOUSE ACCUSES the president of a crime Trial The SENATE Has a trial to see if the president is guilty Remove funding for a program Reject a president’s nomination for office Reject treaties

Separation of Power How can the legislative branch check: The judicial branch? Remove judges from the bench Impeach by HOUSE Trial by SENATE Reject a nomination to the bench Write a constitutional amendment to override Judicial Review

Separation of Power How can the executive branch check: The legislative branch? Veto legislation Force Congress to Convene (meet) Adjourn (leave) The judicial branch? Appoint judges to the federal courts Pardon people

Separation of Power How can the judicial branch check: The legislative branch? Declare a law unconstitutional The executive branch? Declare executive actions unconstitutional

Federalism What does federalism mean in the USA? Dividing powers between levels of government. What are the two basic levels of government in American federalism? Nation and state What is dual federalism and cooperative federalism? Dual = clear division of powers (layer cake) Cooperative = blurred division of powers (marble cake)