US Government Principles Quiz

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

A political system where the government's powers are limited by laws or a constitution to protect individual freedoms.

The principle that the government's authority comes from and is sustained by the consent of its people.

A system where government power is divided among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

A system of government where power is shared between a national government and smaller regional governments like states.

The power of courts to review laws and actions of the government to see if they are constitutional.

The principle that divides government responsibilities into three distinct branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

A system where different branches of government can limit the power of the other branches to prevent tyranny.

Entitlements or permissions granted to individuals, often established by law, moral principles, or social norms. In the US, this includes civil liberties like freedom of speech and religion, and political rights like the right to vote.

The authority of individual states to govern themselves independently, free from external interference. Each state has power to make and enforce laws, manage local affairs, and uphold citizen rights, while remaining part of the federal system.

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments. These include taxing, borrowing money, establishing courts, and regulating commerce. This cooperative approach allows both levels to work in areas that affect the public.

The part of the US Constitution stating that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws in case of conflict. It establishes a hierarchy where national power takes precedence.

The introductory part of the US Constitution outlining its goals and intentions. It begins with 'We the People' and emphasizes justice, domestic peace, defense, general welfare, and securing liberty for all.

An agreement reached during the 1787 Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with two houses: the House of Representatives, based on population, and the Senate, with equal representation for each state.

The process of counting the population every 10 years to determine representation in the House of Representatives.

The Speaker of the House leads the House of Representatives, sets the legislative agenda, and presides over debates. They are second in line to the presidency after the Vice President.

A system that distributes governmental powers among three branches: the legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, the executive branch (President) enforces laws, and the judicial branch (courts) interprets laws.

A committee is a group of members of Congress that studies proposed laws, holds hearings, and makes changes before a bill is presented to the full House or Senate.

The power of Congress to impeach and remove federal officials from office, including the President, for misconduct.

Representatives serve two-year terms, while Senators serve six-year terms. This ensures a mix of experience and new perspectives in Congress.

The main duty of Congress is to make and pass laws, which become the rules that govern the country.

The highest court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and federal laws.

Concerns raised by those who feared a strong central government and wanted to protect states' rights and individual liberties.

A judge appointed to serve in a U.S. District Court, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court.

These include degrees from prestigious universities, experience as a Supreme Court Justice clerk, and serving as a judge in lower courts.

Interpreters of the Constitution who believe in interpreting it based on its original meaning at the time it was written.

Interpreters of the Constitution who believe its meaning evolves over time and should be adapted to address modern changes.

Allows a court to hear a case first, rather than on appeal. The Supreme Court has this in cases involving states or foreign diplomats.

The section of the Constitution that establishes the judicial branch of the United States government.

The lowest level of the federal court system where trials take place. They handle cases involving federal law, the Constitution, disputes between states, and cases involving the US government.

This court reviews decisions from District Courts to determine if legal errors occurred.

The authority of a court to review and revise the decision of a lower court. It is exercised by Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

A regional division in the federal Court of Appeals system. There are 13 circuits, each handling appeals from specific geographic areas.

The written explanation of the Supreme Court's decision, supported by most of the justices. It sets a legal precedent for future cases.

An opinion written by justices who disagree with the majority decision. It offers an alternative perspective.

The current Supreme Court has six conservative-leaning justices and three liberal-leaning justices. This composition might influence its rulings on major issues.

The President's role in overseeing the implementation of laws and managing federal agencies.

The President's role in representing the U.S. government in international affairs, negotiating with other countries, and promoting foreign policy.

The President's role in acting as the leader of their political party, supporting party candidates, and shaping the party's agenda.

The President's role in carrying out ceremonial duties, hosting state dinners, and representing the United States symbolically.

The President's role in representing the American people, promoting public interests, and acting as a model citizen.

The President's role in monitoring the economy, proposing policies to promote growth, reduce unemployment, and manage federal spending.

The President's power to issue directives that have the force of law, allowing them to manage federal operations without congressional approval.

The President's ability to refuse to disclose certain communications to Congress or the courts, typically to protect national security or decision-making processes.