POS 2041 American Federal Government Final Exam Study Guide: Chapter 2

The US Constitution

• The US Constitution describes three foundational government bodies or branches.
• The promise of adding a bill of rights led to the ratification of the US Constitution.
• Key articles to focus on:
  • Article III: describes the powers and structure of the judicial branch.
  • Article V: outlines the process of constitutional amendment.
• The Supremacy Clause states that national laws prevail over conflicting state laws, making the US Constitution the supreme law of the land.

The Bill of Rights

• The Bill of Rights contains broad principles that guarantee freedoms, including:
  • Freedom of Speech
  • Freedom of Assembly
  • Freedom of Petition
  • Freedom of the Press
• Amendments 4, 5, 6, and 8, known as "criminal due process rights," are significant components of the Bill of Rights.

The Legislative Branch

• The Framers' vision for Congress was to create a responsive and people-driven legislature that could check the power of the President.
• Key powers of Congress include:
  • Deciding when to send troops into battle
  • Controlling military strategy
  • Acting as supreme commander of the US Coast Guard
• The New Deal, initiated by President Franklin Roosevelt, dramatically transformed people's views of the federal government's role.

The Judiciary

• The US court system is a dual court system.
• The US Supreme Court primarily acts as a court of appellate jurisdiction.
• Marbury v. Madison is an early landmark case that granted the US Supreme Court significant power.
• Constitutional law is the highest form of law in the United States.
• Judicial review is the most significant power exercised by the Supreme Court.

Congressional Committees and Oversight

• Joint Committees consist of members from both chambers of Congress.
• Select Committees are created to address specific policy issues.
• Examples of Standing Committees include the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee.
• The Hopper is a wooden box where House members insert proposed bills.
• Filibuster is a procedural move to halt the passage of a bill.
• Congressional Oversight is the process by which Congress "checks" the executive branch.

The Presidency and Executive Branch

• The President's roles include chief executive, commander in chief, chief of state, chief diplomat, and party leader.
• The President's ceremonial and symbolic role is the chief of state.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the most vetoes during his tenure.
• Key terms to know:
  • Incumbent: a candidate already holding the office
  • Casework: personal aid to a constituent or group
  • Ombudsperson: a member of Congress advocating on behalf of a constituent
  • Pork Barrel: appropriation of federal funds for projects in a congressional district

The Legislative Branch (continued)

• The US Code is a compilation of all laws passed by Congress.
• US Senate:
  • Each state has exactly two senators.
  • The 17th Amendment shifted the power to elect senators from state legislatures to popular elections.
  • The Senate Majority Leader has the most power in the Senate.
  • The President of the Senate is the US Vice-President.
• US House of Representatives:
  • This chamber represents the people's views.
  • The Speaker of the House is the most powerful person in the House.

The Presidency/Executive Branch (continued)

• Statutory Powers are presidential powers granted by Congress.
• The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, with a candidate needing 270 to be elected president.
• The President's cabinet has 15 departments.
• The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is responsible for creating the president's annual budget.
• The Head of the Department of Justice is the Attorney General.
• The Chair of the Federal Reserve Board is appointed by the president and manages the US economy.
• The National Security Council advises the president on foreign policy and national security issues.
• Presidential Succession:
  • Speaker of the House
  • Senate President Pro Tem
  • Secretary of State
  • Secretary of the Treasury