7 Principles of Governnment

Which principle of U.S. Government is illustrated in the sequence above?

• Judicial Review

• Checks and Balances

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

Answer explanation

The image describes how the Leglislative branch can CHECK the President's VETO (rejection) power by overriding (undoing) it.

CHECKS AND BALANCES

Which principle of U.S. Government is most clearly reflected in the 10th amendment above?

• Checks and Balances

• Checks and Balances

• Due Process

• Federalism

Answer explanation

The Tenth Amendment (State's Rights) says the powers not given to the FEDERAL government in the Constitution are given to the STATES.

This division of power between the FEDERAL and STATE government is called - FEDERALISM.

Which quote from the U.S. Constitution best illustrates the principle of Popular Sovereignty?

• "Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members..."

• "The House of Representative shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people..."

• "The Senate shall [choose] their other officers, and also a President Pro-Tempore..."

• "The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Represenatives shall be prescribed in each State..."

Answer explanation

The key word in the quote was "by the People..."

Popular Sovereignty = PEOPLE POWER

In this case the people have the power by voting for U.S. Representatives every 2 years.

Which phrase best represents the U.S. principle of republicanism?

• the power of a court to declare a law unconstitutional

• the division of power between state and federal governments

• the creation of a Congress to carry out the will of the people

• the establishment of courts to interpret laws and government actions

Answer explanation

Congresspeople (U.S. Representatives & Senators) are ELECTED to their positions by the people

REPUBLICANISM = Citizens rule through ELETED representatives

What is the purpose of the U.S. system of checks and balances?

• to increase voter participation

• to limit authority (power) of government branches

• to improve procedures for the legislature

• to limit state powers

Answer explanation

Each branch is given a way to "CHECK" the power of the other two branches - this way no branch of government can get too powerful.

The power of the federal government is BALANCED between the three branches.

Citizens rule through elected representatives in the government.

• Popular Sovereignty

• Republicanism

Congress makes laws for the nation.

President carries out the laws.

Supreme Court enforces the laws.

• Checks & Balances

• Separation of Powers

The Supreme Court declares a law passed by Congress unconstitutional.

• Checks and Balances

• Separation of Powers

State and local governments supervise the public school system, but must follow all federal education laws.

• Republicanism

• Federalism

Congress cannot make a law that violates freedom of speech (1st Amendment).

• Popular Sovereignty

• Individual Rights