The Constitution (College Board AP® US History): Flashcards
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What two goals did the framers have for the new government?
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Cards in this collection (17)
What two goals did the framers have for the new government?
The framers wanted a government stronger than the Articles of Confederation in which no one part became too powerful.
Define federalism.
Federalism is when power is shared between a national government and state governments.
Federalism is also known as sovereignty.
Federalism is also known as dual sovereignty.
Define enumerated powers.
Enumerated powers belong to the federal government, such as regulating trade between states and with foreign countries, issuing currency, and declaring war.
Define reserved powers.
Reserved powers belong to the states, such as controlling trade within state borders, setting up schools, and deciding marriage and divorce laws.
Which amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people?
The 10th Amendment reserves those powers to the states or the people.
Define concurrent powers.
Concurrent powers are held by both federal and state governments, such as levying taxes and borrowing money.
Which clause lets the federal government pass laws needed to carry out its responsibilities?
The "necessary and proper" clause lets the federal government pass laws needed to carry out its responsibilities.
Define Supremacy Clause.
The Supremacy Clause says that when state and federal law conflict, federal law overrules state law; the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land."
Why did the framers separate governmental power into three branches?
The framers knew people in power can be tempted to abuse that power.
What is the role of the legislative branch?
The legislative branch makes the laws; the Senate and House of Representatives together form Congress.
True or False?
The executive branch interprets the laws.
False.
The executive branch carries out and enforces the laws; the judicial branch interprets them.
What powers does the president hold as head of the executive branch?
The president appoints judges, ambassadors, and department heads and is commander-in-chief of the military.
Define checks and balances.
Checks and balances is the system that ensures no one branch of government is more powerful than another.
How can Congress check the power of the president?
Congress can overrule a veto, reject nominees, refuse to approve treaties, and impeach the president.
How can the judicial branch check the power of Congress?
The judicial branch can determine that a law is unconstitutional.
Members of the House of Representatives are elected every years.
Members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years.
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