Baker v. Carr (1962) Quiz

A landmark Supreme Court case that addressed the role of race in drawing electoral districts. It established the strict scrutiny standard for evaluating racial gerrymandering.

The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to give a particular racial group a majority in the district. It is often used to dilute the voting power of minority groups.

A clause in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution that guarantees equal protection of the laws to all citizens. It prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

A legal standard used by courts to review government actions that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or alienage. It places a heavy burden on the government to demonstrate a compelling interest for the action and that it's narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.

A reason that is sufficiently important to justify a government action, such as preventing harm or promoting a fundamental right.

A legal standard that requires government actions to be designed in a way that minimizes any negative impact on individual rights while still achieving the government's purpose.

Electoral districts that are designed to ensure a majority of the population in the district belongs to a minority racial group.

The unequal distribution of voters among legislative districts, resulting in some districts having significantly more voting power than others.

The power of the judiciary to review laws passed by the legislature and actions taken by the executive branch to ensure they are constitutional.

The principle of dividing government powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

A system where each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of the other branches.

Dividing government authority into distinct branches, each with its own responsibilities and powers.

The judiciary's ability to make decisions without undue influence from the other branches of government.

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The branch of government responsible for enforcing the laws, headed by the President.

The branch of government responsible for interpreting the laws and applying them to specific cases.

A system of government where power is shared between a national government and state governments, creating multiple layers of authority.

The legislative branch is considered the strongest because it directly represents the people, but it is divided into two houses (Senate and House) to prevent it from overpowering the others.

The system is designed to protect the rights of minorities against the potential tyranny of the majority by ensuring a diversity of interests.

A strong and active executive branch is crucial for effective governance, ensuring the ability to protect the nation, maintain order, enforce laws, and safeguard individual rights.

Having a single executive (like a president) is preferred because it provides clear accountability, avoids confusion, and allows for decisive action.

An effective executive should have unity (a single person), duration (a term long enough to implement policies), support (resources and independence), and competent powers (authority to fulfill duties).

A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses, like the US Congress with the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Specific powers listed in the Constitution that are granted to the federal government, primarily found in Article I, Section 8.

A clause in the Constitution that grants implied powers to Congress, allowing them to make laws that are necessary to carry out their enumerated powers.

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by continuously speaking.

The power of Congress to monitor and review the actions of the executive branch, ensuring they are performing their duties properly.

A judicial philosophy that allows judges to interpret the Constitution broadly, considering contemporary values and social changes. This approach emphasizes the evolving nature of the document and allows for more flexibility in interpreting its clauses.

A single, strong executive is better than multiple executives because it promotes decisiveness, efficiency, and avoids conflicts, ensuring a clear chain of command and public confidence.

A judicial philosophy that emphasizes a strict interpretation of the Constitution, prioritizing the original intent of the framers and limiting judicial intervention in governmental affairs. Judges holding this view generally defer to the decisions of elected branches.

Hamilton argues that a strong executive can be controlled by the other branches of government through the separation of powers, public accountability, and potential impeachment.

A judicial philosophy where judges actively interpret and apply the Constitution in light of current societal needs, even if it means shaping or expanding its meaning. This approach considers the impact of rulings on society and takes a more proactive role in addressing social issues.

The federal bureaucracy, composed of departments, agencies, and commissions, plays a crucial role in translating laws passed by Congress into concrete actions. This involves developing regulations, administering programs, and enforcing regulations, ultimately making the laws operational.

The judicial branch is the weakest branch, with only the power to interpret laws, not enforce or create them.

A significant power granted to the federal bureaucracy allowing them to create detailed rules and regulations to implement laws passed by Congress. This process involves gathering public input, drafting proposals, and publishing final regulations in the Federal Register.

Lifetime appointments for judges ensure their independence, as they don't need to worry about losing their job due to political pressure.

The Constitution is the highest law of the land, and all branches of government must obey it. The judiciary protects the Constitution from being undermined.