US Government Separation of Powers

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Questions and Answers

What is the total number of electoral votes in the United States?

538 (correct)

435

535

530

How many electors does a state with 10 seats in the House of Representatives have?

12 (correct)

What is the minimum number of electors a state can have?

3 (correct)

Which method of selecting electors is used by 48 states and DC?

Winner-take-all (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of electoral votes required to win a presidential election?

270 (D) Signup and view all the answers

How often is the reapportionment of representatives done?

Every 10 years (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which two states do not use the winner-take-all method of selecting electors?

Nebraska and Maine (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of electoral votes granted to the District of Columbia?

3 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major concern among the Anti-Federalists regarding the new constitution?

It would lead to a powerful national government that could override state rights. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following perspectives did Federalists hold about government regulation?

They supported government regulation to protect businesses and stimulate the economy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly reflects a belief held by Anti-Federalists?

The President would likely become a monarch. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason Federalists advocated for the ratification of the Constitution?

To establish a national military and enforce laws. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the social status of Federalists differ from that of Anti-Federalists?

Federalists were mostly wealthy and educated elites. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What economic concern did Anti-Federalists express regarding the new constitution?

Tariffs would disadvantage American agriculture and favor European imports. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did James Madison argue in favor of as a Federalist?

A stronger national government for defense and economic growth. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which region was more likely to support Anti-Federalist views?

Southern states. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arguments was NOT used by Anti-Federalists against the ratification of the Constitution?

The federal government would have excessive power. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main argument of James Madison in Federalist #10?

The diversity of interests in a large republic would prevent any one faction from gaining too much power. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a concern raised by Anti-Federalists about the power of the national government?

The potential for the national government to promote economic equality for all citizens. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Anti-Federalists fear that a strong national government would lead to a tyrannical government?

Because they believed that a strong national government would inevitably lead to the suppression of individual liberties. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Federalist Papers contribute to the ratification of the Constitution?

They provided a detailed explanation of the Constitution's provisions and addressed common concerns about the new government. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main argument of Federalist #51?

The government should be divided into three branches with separate powers to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Anti-Federalists believe that factions could be controlled?

By limiting the right of citizens to assemble and express their opinions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of The Federalist Papers?

To persuade the states to ratify the Constitution. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the significance of the Supreme Court case Miller v. Johnson?

The case established the principle that states cannot create majority-minority districts solely for the purpose of increasing minority representation in Congress. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between "reapportionment" and "redistricting"?

Reapportionment determines the number of House seats each state receives, while redistricting draws the boundaries of congressional districts within a state. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the creation of majority-minority districts in Georgia prior to 1990 impact representation?

It led to the dilution of African American voting power in districts where they were not the majority. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the "equal proportions method"?

To allocate House seats to states based on their population size, using a mathematical formula. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately reflects the relationship between reapportionment and redistricting?

Reapportionment occurs first, determining the number of seats a state has, and then redistricting redraws district lines to accommodate the change. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern addressed in the case of Miller v. Johnson?

The potential for racial gerrymandering to dilute the voting power of minority groups. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why was the number of representatives in the House frozen at 435 in 1913?

To prevent the House from becoming too large and unwieldy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the impact of redistricting on minority representation?

Redistricting can both increase and dilute minority representation, depending on how district lines are drawn. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy focuses on directly influencing government officials through personal interaction?

Inside Lobbying (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Outside Lobbying?

Influencing public opinion to sway elected officials (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a tactic commonly associated with Inside Lobbying?

Testifying in legislative hearings (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of groups following the Electoral Strategy?

To elect candidates who support their goals (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the focus of Legislative Strategy employed by interest groups?

Offering financial contributions to sway legislators (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common representation for organizations and companies in lobbying?

Professional lobbyists (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which group typically engages in volunteer lobbying for specific interests?

Unofficial advocates for non-profit causes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an association in lobbying from other interest groups?

They represent multiple corporate entities with shared interests (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland?

The constitutionality of a national bank (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Necessary and Proper Clause in the Constitution?

To grant Congress the power to make laws necessary for executing its powers (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of stare decisis in the context of the Supreme Court?

The principle of following established precedents (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Supreme Court rule in favor of the national bank in McCulloch v. Maryland?

Because the Necessary and Proper Clause allowed for it (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the argument of strict constructionists regarding the national bank?

That the Constitution did not specifically mention a national bank (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'power to tax is the power to destroy' in McCulloch v. Maryland?

That the power to tax gives the power to destroy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between loose and strict constructionism?

The extent to which the Constitution should be interpreted literally (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Necessary and Proper Clause in the context of McCulloch v. Maryland?

To give Congress the power to pass laws necessary for executing its powers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a core feature of the New Jersey Plan regarding representation?

Unicameral legislature with equal votes for each state (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Virginia Plan's legislative structure?

Bicameral legislature with population-based representation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention?

The Connecticut Compromise combined the New Jersey and Virginia Plans (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did the New Jersey Plan promote in terms of the national government's authority?

Defense provision without overriding state authority (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the Virginia Plan, how was the House of Representatives determined?

By popular vote based on state population (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes the Virginia Plan from the New Jersey Plan?

Bicameral versus unicameral legislature (B) Signup and view all the answers

How was representation in Congress determined according to the Great Compromise?

Population-based representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Supremeacy Clause play in the New Jersey Plan?

It was not included in the New Jersey Plan (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a president's veto to be overridden?

Re-passage of the law with a 2/3 majority in both the House and Senate (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which power allows the president to negotiate treaties?

Sole authority with Senate approval required (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one power that Congress possesses in relation to impeachment?

To impeach the President and other officials (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can executive orders be challenged?

In the courts if deemed unconstitutional (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to sign executive agreements with foreign leaders?

The President without Senate approval (A) Signup and view all the answers

What confirms the nomination of Supreme Court justices?

Approval by the Senate (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which branch is responsible for judicial review of laws?

Judicial branch (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can a president issue executive orders?

In the absence of congressional action (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the power that Congress does NOT have?

Veto presidential appointments (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the classification of Congressional powers that includes levying taxes and coining money?

Enumerated powers (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the 'Necessary and Proper Clause' is accurate?

It grants Congress the authority to create laws that are necessary to execute its enumerated powers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to confirm presidential nominees for executive and judicial posts?

The Senate (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for an international treaty to take effect?

Approval by two-thirds of the Senate (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers is expressly granted to Congress?

Create military academies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the House of Representatives in the impeachment process?

To initiate impeachment through a vote (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an implied power of Congress?

Regulating banks (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes strict interpretation of the Constitution?

The national government can only perform actions specifically mentioned. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes loose interpretation of the Constitution?

It allows judges to derive rights that are not specifically listed. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of judicial activism?

To actively defend individual rights and liberties. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do proponents of strict interpretation view the role of the judiciary?

As one that should have limited influence on political decisions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which argument would a loose constructionist most likely support regarding the right to privacy?

It can be inferred from other constitutional protections. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between strict interpretation and judicial activism?

Judicial activism encourages inferring rights, while strict interpretation is limited to the text. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the U.S. court system, what does the dual court system refer to?

The coexistence of federal and state courts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What do those who advocate for judicial activism believe about the role of the courts?

Judges should actively enforce constitutional values and protect rights. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The US government is divided into three separate branches: legislative (Congress), executive (President and Vice President), and judicial (the Supreme Court)
Each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities to ensure a system of checks and balances

Federalist and Anti-Federalist Debates

Federalists:
- Believed in a strong central government for national defense and economic growth
- Favored a national currency, government-regulated trade, and tariffs on imports
- Wanted a strong federal government to collect taxes and make internal improvements
- Consisted mainly of wealthy, well-educated individuals from smaller states (New Englanders)
Anti-Federalists:
- Opposed the new Constitution and preferred the old one
- Feared the power of the national government and believed state legislatures could better protect individual freedoms
- Thought the President would become too powerful, like a king
- Favored states' rights and feared the federal government would favor the rich over the middle class
- Were mainly from larger states (Southern states)

The Federalist Papers

A set of 85 essays written by Federalists to convince states to ratify the Constitution
Federalist #10:
- Argued that a strong national government was necessary to prevent factions from dominating politics
- Believed that a representative government was the best way to control the effects of factions
- Thought that people could elect officials with the highest minds to make decisions
Federalist #51:
- Discussed the importance of constitutional checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent abuse of power
- Argued that Congress, the President, and the judiciary would balance each other's powers

Supreme Court Cases and Redistricting

Miller v. Johnson (1990s):
- Ruled on the creation of majority-minority districts and their impact on representation
- Highlighted concerns about racial and ethnic minorities not being represented in Congress
Redistricting:
- Process of reallocating House seats to each state based on population changes
- Can benefit or harm specific political groups or racial/ethnic minorities
- Leads to the redrawing of district lines to accommodate changes

Electoral College and Electors

Number of electors per state is equal to the number of House representatives plus the number of Senators (at least 3 electors per state)
The District of Columbia has 3 electors, as if it were a state
Electors are not Congressmen; they are chosen by each state to cast electoral votes for President and Vice President
Winner-take-all method:
- 48 states and DC use this method, where the presidential candidate with the most popular votes in a state gets all the electoral votes
District method:
- Used by Nebraska and Maine, where electoral votes are allocated according to the popular vote outcome in each congressional district

Interest Groups and Lobbying

Types of interest groups:
- Legislative (companies, corporate organizations, governments)
- Associations (groups of institutions with shared concerns)
- Volunteer (unpaid, lobby for "pet projects")
Lobbying strategies:
- Inside lobbying (direct, testifying in hearings, contacting lawmakers)
- Outside lobbying (indirect, influencing public opinion to pressure lawmakers)
- Legislative strategy (donating to influence lawmakers' decisions)
- Electoral strategy (electing candidates who support the group's goals)

PACs and Super PACs

To be covered in the next lesson

Constitutional Convention and Plans

The Articles of Confederation required a unanimous vote of the 13 states to make changes.
The New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan were two debates during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to address the issues and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed 3 branches: legislative, executive, judicial.
Unicameral (one legislative chamber) with each state getting one vote regardless of size or population.
Representation is state-based, with each state having equal representation and vote.
Proposed Supremacy Clause.
Role of national government: provide defense but could not override state authority.

Virginia Plan

Proposed 3 branches: legislative, executive, judicial.
Bicameral (two legislative chambers: House of Representatives + Senate).
Representation is population-based, with higher population = more representation.
House of Representatives elected by people, with the number of reps based on state population.
Senate elected by state legislatures.
Role of national government: can legislate for states and veto state law.

Compromises at the Constitutional Convention

The "Great Compromise" (aka Connecticut Compromise) combined NJ & VA plans.
Bicameral legislature: Congress was created (Senate & House of Reps).
Senate is upper chamber, House of Rep is lower chamber.
Each state has 2 senators (6-year terms).
Each state has varying number of House of Reps depending on state size (2-year terms).
All laws must go through Congress.
Laws must be signed by president to go into effect.
President has power to veto legislation.
Congress can override veto if re-passes law with 2/3 majority in both HOR and Senate.
Laws subject to judicial review by judicial branch.
Courts can overturn law if determined to violate Constitution.

Presidential Powers

President can negotiate treaties, subject to approval by 2/3 of Senate.
President can sign executive agreements with foreign leaders (without Senate approval).
Only Congress can declare war.
President nominates Supreme Court justices and lower court judges, subject to Senate approval.
Judges serve during time of good behavior.
Judges can be removed if majority of HOR votes to impeach.

Congressional Powers

Enumerated powers: levy and collect taxes, declare war, raise an army and navy, coin money, borrow money, regulate commerce among states and with foreign nations.
Implied powers: necessary and proper clause allows Congress to make laws necessary for carrying out powers vested in government.
Inherent powers: overseeing powers of judicial and executive branches.

Judicial Review and Stare Decisis

Supreme Court ruled that national bank was reasonable means of carrying out powers of government (McCulloch v. Maryland).
Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to make laws necessary for carrying out powers vested in government.
Stare decisis: principle that courts should rely on previous decisions/established precedents.

Strict vs Loose Interpretation

Strict interpretation: national government can only do things specifically mentioned in Constitution.
Loose interpretation: Constitution gives government power to undertake various activities, and ways to achieve goals can include different methods.

Judicial Activism

Viewpoint that courts need to defend individual rights and liberties.
Judicial activists aim to stop actions and laws by other branches of government that infringe on individual rights.

U.S. Court System

Dual court system: state and national levels.
Today's court system organization: Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Specialty Courts.

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Description

Learn about the separation of powers in the US government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates.