1. Unit One Bits and Pieces
Additional Review

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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)