Unit 2: Interactions among the branches of government

What is "due process of law?"

• Government must act fairly and in accordance with established rules

• Government must not enact too many laws or regulations.

• Office holders and officials must be bound by the laws.

• The process of citizens following the law.

Why did the Constitution provide for two separate court systems?

• to establish the federal court system as having more power than State courts

• to keep the federal court system from being overwhelmed

• to strengthen the balance of power between the three branches of Federal Government

• to maintain a balance of power between the Federal Government and the States

The only official task of the vice-president is to

• advise the president in foreign affairs

• serve as the president's good will ambassador to other countries

• preside over the Senate and to vote in case of a tie

• chair government commissions at the President's request

Which of the following is an example of checks and balances in action in the United States government?

• The voters at the state level elect a governor from a party other than the president’s.

• The president vetoes a bill passed by Congress

• The president issues an executive order that freezes federal government hiring

• The voters reject the status quo and elect all new members of Congress

Commands the armed forces.

• Legislative Branch

• Judicial Branch

• All 3 branches

• Executive Branch

Can declare a law unconstitutional.

• Legislative Branch

• Judicial Branch

• Executive Branch

• All 3 branches

What did Hamilton mean when he made the following statement?

“Laws are a dead letter without courts to expound and define their true meaning and operation.” —Alexander Hamilton

• For laws to be effective, there must be courts to make them known to citizens consistently.

• Laws that are not obeyed should be enforced by the courts.

• For laws to be effective, there must be courts to interpret them consistently.

• Laws that are not obeyed should be repealed by the courts.

This type of jurisdiction is shared by both Federal and State judiciary.

• Appellate

• Concurrent

• Original

• Exclusive

What is the last step of the lawmaking process in Congress?

• sending the bill to the President (sign or veto)

• introducing a bill in either house

• working in committees

• voting on the bill

In order for someone to become a cabinet member, the President must ____ them and the Senate must ___ them.

• nominate, interview

• appoint, accept

• appoint, train

• nominate, confirm