Second Quarter Benchmark

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

Granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Implied Powers

Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution.

The three parts (preamble, articles, and amendments) of the United States Constitution.

Preamble: an introduction that states the goals and purposes of the government \n \n Articles: describe the structure of the government \n \n Amendments: additions and changes, to the Constitution.

Redistricting

Redrawing boundaries or legislative districts for electoral purposes

Apportionment

The system to distribute representatives

Suffrage

The right to vote

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution, laws of Congress, treaties made by the national government shall be the supreme law of the land

Roles of President

Head of state, chief executive, chief administrator, chief diplomat, commander in chief, Legislative Facilitator, party chief

House Speaker

Elected by \n other members to "run the \n show."

Senate Majority Leader

The chief spokesperson of the majority party in the Senate, who directs the legislative program and party strategy.

Cabinet

Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments carries out executive duties, gives advice, and participate in the Presidential line of succession. THEY HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE SENATE

President Pro Tempore

A high-ranking senator of the majority party who presides over the US Senate in the absence of the vice president.

Popular Sovereignty

A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional

Checks and Balances

Used to keep the government from getting too powerful in one branch

Limited Government

Government structure in which government actions are limited by law

Representative Government

We elect people to make laws and policies for us

Federalism

Power is divided into different levels of government

What amendments deal with suffrage?

15, 19, 23, 24, 26

Function of Executive Branch

Enforce laws

Function of Judicial Branch

Interpret laws

Function of Legislative Branch

Create laws

Electoral College Process

Presidential candidates choose slates of electors in each state. Popular vote in state decides which candidate's electoral slate wins. Electors' ballots counted in Congress. Congress declares winner, or refers to House if no candidate has majority.

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review

McCulloch v. Maryland

-Maryland could not tax the national bank; state law interferes with valid federal law \n -Secured for national government implied powers \n -Recognized Supremacy Clause