Studied by 24 peopleWhat are the roles of biblical government?
Administer justice
Protect the weak
Protect the innocent from the guilty
Restrain evil
Equality before the law
What principles flow from the roles of biblical government?
Limited government
Checks and balances
Individual liberty
Each has role with society
Negative commands protect positive rights
Explain how the roles and principles of biblical government protect the rights of citizens.
Protects peoples rights and promotes justice
Analyze the principles contained in the Declaration of Independence.
God made men all equal and gave them the right to life
the pursuit of happiness
the role of government is to protect the citizens rights
How did the Articles of Confederation structure the government? Why did its framers structure it in these ways?
No power to tax, and it was a very weak govnement system. They did this so that the people wouldnt get mad that the government had too much power
What were the weaknesses and failures of the Articles of Confederation?
No power to tax, and it was a very weak governmenet system
Why did the Anti-Federalitsts oppose the Constitution?
They thought it gave too much power to the government
Why did the Anti-Federalists prefer smaller, simpler, more local, and more democratic government?
So they could avoid tyranny
What was the Federalists’ case for the Constitution?
Believed it offered a good balance of power between national and state governments
What is/are the benefit(s) of a written constitution?
Cannot be changed easily because it is written
How did the Constitution structure and arrange the powers of the government?
they made 3 branches of government; legislative, executive, and judicial
What does “We the People” mean?
The constitution created by the people to make a more perfect government
What is the rule of law?
Laws govern the people
Break down the phrases contained in the Preamble to the Constitution.
It explains who we are, what we do, and why
Apply the biblical principles of government to the structure and principles of the Constitution.
both protect the people, have limited government, protect the innocent
Enumerated Powers
Expressed and implied powers
Basic requirements for office
house of reps: at least 25 years old, 7 years a citizen, and shall be living in the state elected for
senate: at least 30 years old, 9 years a citizen, and live in the state elected for
Reserved Powers
If a power isnt specifically given to the federal government, it is a reserved power for the states (education, collect and enforce property sales tax, speed limits)
Police powers
It is the states power to protect its citizens health and safety and to promote ‘general welfare’ of state citizens
Concurrent powers
Powers shared by enumerated and reserved powers
Purse power
The ability to tax and spend public money for the national government
Necessary & Proper Clause
The founders knew it would be impossible to think of every tiny power the federal government would need, so the list is very basic and to cover details they added this clause (10th amendment)
Commerce Clause
Congress can regular commerce with foreigh nations, among several states, and with indian tribes
Supremacy Clause
If there is a conflict between federal states, then federal always trumps state
who has legislative power
congress
Primary duty of the executive branch
To enforce laws
Constitutional requirements on the president
At least 35 years ols
Must be born in US
14 years a citizen
How the electoral college functions
House of reps # + senate # = electoral college #
Need 270 votes from electoral college to become president
Why people want to change the electoral college
Because they believe that the electoral college is biased and they watn the voted to be based on popular vote, not people representing the population
Informal power of the president
Power to emply american forces abroad and commit them to military operations
Power over the court
Power to talk to other country leaders
Checks on presidential power
Must notify military withing 48 hours of military actions
Cant take money from ambassadors
Has to be approved by senate to appoint ambassadors
Duties of the President
Commander in chief of army and navy
Power with teh advice and consent of the senate to make treaties
Power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the senate
Presidential cabinet positions and responsibilites
Secretary of state, attorney general, secretary of homeland security
Executive orders
Official documents through which the president of teh US manages the operation of the federal government
Election process
People vote and electors are rewarded based on how each state votes
The electors would represent the people and choose the president based on that
Helps represent everyone in every state
What is judicial power?
To interpret laws, determine the constitutionality of laws, and review individual the law of individual cases
Who establishes courts besides the Supreme Court?
congress
What is the term for federal judges?
for life, with good behavior
What is jurisdiction?
The official power to make legal decisions and judgments
What kinds of cases does the Supreme Court possess jurisdiction?
Issues related to the constitution at sea, laws of the US, and elected officials
Where do all other cases begin?
State where the incident happened
What is original jurisdiction?
Court that is first to hear the case
What is the requirement for criminal trials?
Trial shall be held by jury
Where should a criminal trial take place?
In the state where the crime was committed
What is the definition of treason?
Adhering to enemies, giving them aid and comfort, levying war against the US
What is required to convict someone of treason?
Have 2 witnesses to the same act, or confession in open court
State circuit courts
Trial courts that hear civil and criminal cases
Specialized courts include family and juvenile
State court of appeals
Review decisions of the state trial courts
State supreme court
Reviews the decisions of the state trial and appellate courts
US district courts
Trial courts that hear civil and criminal cases Specialized courts include bankruptcy, international trade, and federal claims
US court of appeals
Review decisions of the federal district courts
US supreme court
Reviews the decisions of the federal and state trial and appellate courts
What is judicial activism?
The willingness of a judge to overturn laws by declaring them unconstitutional
What is judicial restraint?
The belief that judges should limit their power over legislation
Note
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