US Government Principles and Amendments Quiz

The governing body of a nation, state, or community.

A system where government power is restricted by laws or a constitution to protect individual rights. This ensures no branch becomes too powerful, promoting balance.

The principle that government authority comes from the consent of the people. Ultimate power rests with the citizens.

A system that divides government power among separate branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.

Power is shared between a central (national) government and smaller units (states or provinces). Each level has its own responsibilities and powers.

The power of courts (especially the Supreme Court) to review laws and government actions for constitutionality. This allows courts to invalidate actions that violate the constitution.

A principle that divides government functions into three separate branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. No branch holds too much power.

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. These representatives are responsible to the people they represent.

A system where citizens directly participate in decision-making and legislation through mechanisms like referendums or initiatives.

A system where the states hold most of the power and the central government is weak. The federal government has limited authority, primarily for foreign affairs and managing war efforts.

A system where power is shared between the national government and state governments. Each level has its own responsibilities and can enact laws within its domain.

A system where power is concentrated in a central authority, with regional or local governments acting primarily as extensions of the central government.

Social programs, economic regulations, and environmental protections that the government creates to address societal needs.

Government policies designed to manage the economy, such as spending on infrastructure, tax cuts, or interest rate adjustments.

A period in US history (1781-1789) after independence where the states were largely autonomous and the central government had limited powers under the Articles of Confederation.

A defining moment (1787) when US leaders gathered to create a stronger federal government under the Constitution, replacing the weak Articles of Confederation.

The period (1789-1865) characterized by the expansion of the US westward and growing tension over slavery. The conflict between free and slave states led to the Civil War.

The era (1865-present) after the Civil War focused on rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people. The US has faced challenges of industrialization, civil rights movements, and global influences.

A time of significant change in US history (1930s) where the federal government played a stronger role in economic affairs, implementing policies like Social Security and other programs.

The process where citizens propose laws or amendments for a vote through a petition.

The official results of an election.

A direct vote by citizens on a proposed law or amendment.

A process allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before their term ends.

A geographic area within a state represented by one member in the House of Representatives.

All eligible voters in an election.

Campaigning by directly contacting voters to solicit votes or share information.

The collective attitudes and beliefs of the public about issues or candidates.

The House of Representatives has 435 members, while the Senate has 100.

The House of Representatives is based on population, meaning states with more people have more representatives. The Senate has equal representation, with two senators from each state.

The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives. They set the legislative agenda, preside over debates, and are second in line to the presidency.

Congress has the power to make laws, raise taxes, declare war, regulate commerce, and approve the federal budget.

Congress can impeach and remove federal officials, including the president, for misconduct.

The US government's system of checks and balances ensures no branch becomes too powerful. The legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. Each branch can limit the others.

Committees review proposed legislation, hold hearings, and make changes before a bill goes to the full House or Senate. An example is the House Ways and Means Committee, which deals with tax and revenue issues.

Senators represent their entire state, propose and vote on laws, and approve treaties and appointments. Representatives represent their district, propose and vote on laws, and address local concerns.

The Bill of Rights ensures individual liberties and restricts the federal government's authority, safeguarding freedoms like free speech, due process, and protection from unreasonable searches.

The Speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives, setting the legislative agenda and maintaining order during sessions.

Congress controls government spending through its "power of the purse." This means it approves the federal budget, allocates funds to different programs, and oversees how money is spent.

Both the House and Senate are responsible for making laws. They propose, debate, and vote on bills, with bills needing approval by both chambers and presidential signature to become law. Both chambers uphold the Constitution and enjoy privileges like immunity from arrest during sessions, except for serious crimes.

The House of Representatives and the Senate have distinct qualifications, terms, and representation. House members must be 25 years old, citizens for 7 years, and serve 2-year terms representing districts within states. Senators must be 30 years old, citizens for 9 years, and serve 6-year terms representing entire states. These differences reflect a balance between short-term local concerns and longer-term national perspectives.

A bill begins its journey when it is introduced by a member of Congress in either the House or the Senate. The assigned committee reviews the bill and can make amendments before sending it to the floor for debate and a vote. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the president, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.

After introduction, bills are assigned to specialized committees in the House and Senate. These committees hold hearings, review the bill, and can recommend amendments or rejection to the full chamber. The committee process helps ensure bills have careful consideration and expertise.

The House and Senate debate and vote on bills after committee consideration. If both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the president. If they pass different versions, a conference committee works to find a compromise. After a bill is passed by both chambers, the president can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. A two-thirds majority vote can override a presidential veto.