AmGov IA3 Study Guide Pt 2

What are the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in the government?

• Making laws, enforcing laws, interpreting laws

• Enforcing laws, making laws, interpreting laws

• Interpreting laws, making laws, enforcing laws

• Making laws, interpreting laws, enforcing laws.

Answer explanation

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, the executive branch enforces those laws, and the judicial branch interprets them. Therefore, the correct order is making laws, enforcing laws, interpreting laws.

The principle that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful is called (a)   .

• Separation of Powers
• Checks and Balances
• Federalism
• Popular Sovereignty

Answer explanation

The principle of Checks and Balances ensures that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. This system maintains a balance of power among the branches.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

• The action of rejecting a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.

• Amending

• The process by which Congress overturns a presidential veto.

• Vetoing

• The process of making changes to a legal document or legislative bill.

• Overriding

• The act of making something legally null and void.

• Nullifying

Answer explanation

The process by which Congress overturns a presidential veto is called 'overriding'. This requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to successfully enact the legislation despite the president's disapproval.

What is the term for the system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units?

• Federalism

• Unitarianism

• Confederation

• Monarchy

Answer explanation

Federalism is the system of government where power is shared between a central authority and regional entities, allowing for a division of responsibilities and autonomy, unlike unitarianism or confederation.

The specifically listed powers of Congress are called ____.

• Enumerated Powers

• Implied Powers

• Reserved Powers

• Concurrent Powers

Answer explanation

The specifically listed powers of Congress are called Enumerated Powers. These powers are explicitly stated in the Constitution, distinguishing them from Implied Powers, which are not directly mentioned.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

• It establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

• It divides power between state and federal governments.

• It allows Congress to pass any law necessary and proper.

• It gives the President supreme authority over Congress.

Answer explanation

The Supremacy Clause establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, meaning it takes precedence over state laws and actions. This ensures a unified legal framework across the United States.

Which members of Congress are elected to a six-year term?

• Senators

• Representatives

• Justices

• Governors

Answer explanation

Senators are elected to a six-year term, while Representatives serve two-year terms. Justices are appointed, and Governors are elected at the state level, making Senators the correct answer.

What must happen before a president can sign or veto a bill?

• It must be passed by both houses of Congress

• It must be approved by the Supreme Court

• It must be signed by the Vice President

• It must be debated in the Senate.

Answer explanation

Before a president can sign or veto a bill, it must be passed by both houses of Congress. This ensures that the bill has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by the legislative branch.

What power does the Speaker of the House hold?

• Presiding over the House

• Vetoing bills

• Appointing Supreme Court justices

• Commanding the military.

Answer explanation

The Speaker of the House presides over the House, managing debates and ensuring order. This role is crucial for legislative proceedings, unlike vetoing bills, appointing justices, or commanding the military, which are not within their powers.

What type of government is ruled by the people through elected representatives?

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

Answer explanation

A democracy is a system of government where the people exercise power directly or through elected representatives, making it the correct choice for a government ruled by the people.