All Flashcards
What is the role of Congress?
To make laws, tax, regulate commerce, declare war, and approve appointments.
What is the role of the Senate?
To represent states equally and approve presidential appointments.
What is the role of the House of Representatives?
To represent the population of each state and introduce bills.
What is the role of the Supreme Court?
To interpret laws and the Constitution, and set legal precedent.
What is the role of the President?
To enforce laws, veto legislation, and appoint officials.
What is the role of the Executive Agencies?
To carry out specific functions related to the enforcement of laws.
What is the role of the Cabinet?
To advise the President on any subject he or she may require relating to the duties of each member's respective office.
What is the role of the Vice President?
To support the President.
What is the role of the Lower Federal Courts?
Hear cases involving federal law.
What is the role of the Department of Energy?
Manages funding for renewable energy.
What is 'Policy'?
Rules set by the government to achieve specific goals.
What is the Legislative Branch?
The branch of government that makes laws.
What is the Executive Branch?
The branch of government that enforces laws.
What is the Judicial Branch?
The branch of government that interprets laws.
What does 'bicameral' mean?
Having two chambers, like the U.S. Congress.
What is 'Judicial Review'?
The power to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is a 'veto'?
The power of the President to reject a law passed by Congress.
Define 'checks and balances'.
A system designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
What is 'impeachment'?
The process by which a legislative body formally levels charges against a high official of government.
What is a 'legal precedent'?
A principle or rule established in a prior legal case that is either binding on or persuasive for a court when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts.
What is the effect of a presidential veto?
Cause: President vetoes a bill, Effect: Bill does not become law unless Congress overrides.
What is the effect of judicial review?
Cause: Law is challenged, Effect: Supreme Court can declare it unconstitutional.