Federal System/Judicial Review/Bill of Rights Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a unitary government?

A system where power is held by states

A system with shared authority

A political system with a weak central government

A system where all authority is placed in a central government (correct)

What is a confederation?

A strong central government

A federal system

A system of local governance

A group of states with ultimate power (correct)

What is authority?

The power or right to give orders and enforce obedience.

What is sovereignty?

The ultimate authority of the government held by the people. Signup and view all the answers

What is federalism?

The principle of a union of states under a central government distinct from the individual governments of the states. Signup and view all the answers

Define federal system.

A form of government in which power is divided between the national government and the states. Signup and view all the answers

What does the distribution of power in a federal system refer to?

It refers to the division of authority between a central authority and constituent political units. Signup and view all the answers

What is the supremacy of the federal government?

The federal government holds greater power than state governments. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to conflicts between state and federal governments?

Disagreements on authority over certain laws. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the advantages of a federal system.

It accommodates diverse needs and prevents tyranny by distributing power. Signup and view all the answers

What are the disadvantages of a federal system?

Potential conflicts in authority and jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cabinet?

A body of advisers to the president composed of the heads of the executive departments. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Judiciary Act of 1789?

A law that established the federal judiciary of the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appellate court?

Any court empowered to hear an appeal of a trial court. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Congress in organizing the executive branch?

Congress created three departments to assist the president. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Judiciary Act do for the new nation?

It organized the court system and established a hierarchy of federal courts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Federal Government

Unitary Government: Centralized system where all authority is concentrated in a single national government.
Confederation: A loose association of independent states where a weak central government holds limited power, while states retain autonomy.
Authority: The legitimized power to issue orders and enforce decisions, equated with the right to govern.
Sovereignty: The ultimate power resides with the people, who create the government and delegate governing authority to it.
Federalism: A system where power is shared between central and regional governments, important for managing diverse populations and needs.
Federal System: Government structure that divides powers between national and state levels, providing localized governance.

Power Dynamics in the Federal System

Distribution of Power: Authority split between a central government and local political entities, allowing for localized decision-making.
Supremacy of Federal Government: Federal powers exceed state powers; states cannot enact laws conflicting with the Constitution or federal laws.
Conflict Resolution: Tensions often arise between state and federal laws. Historical conflicts, such as the Civil War, illustrate the consequences of this tension.

Federal System Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:
- Local governance meets diverse regional needs more effectively than a singular national approach.
- Power distribution helps prevent abuse and tyranny by ensuring no single entity can gain overwhelming control.
Disadvantages:
- Potential conflicts in jurisdiction between state and federal authorities may complicate governance.
- Ambiguity over whether issues are federal or local matters can lead to inefficiencies.

Foundations of the Judicial System

Judiciary Act of 1789: Established the federal judiciary, creating a structured court system for the United States, critical for legal interpretation and justice.
Appellate Court: Courts with authority to review decisions made by trial courts, ensuring checks and balances within the judiciary.

Organizing the Executive and Judicial Branches

Executive Branch Organization:
- Cabinet: Advisors to the president comprising heads of executive departments.
- Departments created under Washington include:
  - Department of State: Led by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, handles foreign relations.
  - Department of Treasury: Managed by Secretary Alexander Hamilton, focuses on financial matters.
  - Department of War: Headed by Secretary Henry Knox, oversees military affairs.
Judicial Branch Organization:
- Supreme Court Composition: Initially led by a Chief Justice and five Associate Justices, expanded to nine justices over time.
- Establishment of lower federal courts, including district courts focused on constitutional and federal law cases, with appeals possible to appellate courts. Each state has a court system to manage state law.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to the federal system, judicial review, and the Bill of Rights. Each flashcard presents a term along with its definition, aiding in the understanding of foundational governance principles. Ideal for students preparing for exams or anyone looking to strengthen their knowledge of American government structure.