Key Ideas of American Government

What does "federalism" mean?

• The government is divided into three branches, each with their own job

• The sharing of power between the federal and local governments

• Each branch of the government can do something to limit the actions of the other branches

What does "separation of powers" mean?

• The government is divided into three branches, each with their own job

• The sharing of power between the federal and local governments

• Each branch of the government can do something to limit the actions of the other branches

What does "checks and balances" mean?

• The government is divided into three branches, each with their own job

• The sharing of power between the federal and local governments

• Each branch of the government can do something to limit the actions of the other branches

The President can nominate justices to the Supreme Court, but the Senate must approve them. This is an example of...

• Checks and balances

• Separation of powers

• Federalism

The federal government can declare war. State governments can issue licenses. This is an example of...

• Checks and balances

• Separation of powers

• Federalism

The federal government distributes power among three "branches" with very different jobs. This is an example of...

• Checks and balances

• Separation of powers

• Federalism

State governments can't impeach the President, but they can make laws about voting rights. This is an example of...

• Checks and balances

• Separation of powers

• Federalism

The legislative branch can make laws, but the Supreme Court can declare them unconstitutional (going against the constitution). This is an example of...

• Checks and balances

• Separation of powers

• Federalism

Which key idea of government means that everyone must obey all the laws?

Under the idea of rule of law, who has to obey the laws?