Unit 2 Lsn Government Quiz: Principles Of US Democracy

The main power of the EXECUTIVE branch is to enforce laws. This is true because the executive branch, which is headed by the President in the United States, is responsible for executing and enforcing laws passed by the legislative branch. The President has the authority to enforce federal laws, appoint federal officials, negotiate treaties, and serve as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The executive branch plays a crucial role in ensuring that laws are implemented and enforced throughout the country.

The legislative branch is one of the three branches of government, responsible for making laws. It is composed of elected representatives who propose, debate, and vote on legislation. This branch has the power to introduce and pass bills, which then become laws once signed by the executive branch. Through this process, the legislative branch plays a crucial role in shaping and enacting policies that govern the country. Therefore, the statement "The main power of the LEGISLATIVE branch is to make laws" is true.

The main power of the JUDICIAL branch is to interpret laws. This means that the judicial branch, which includes courts and judges, has the authority to interpret the meaning and application of laws in order to resolve legal disputes. This power is crucial in ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently. By interpreting laws, the judicial branch plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights and liberties.

The characteristic of the United States system of government is that the powers of government are divided between the national and state governments. This means that certain powers and responsibilities are assigned to the federal government, while others are reserved for the individual states. This division of powers is known as federalism and is a fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution. It allows for a balance of power between the national and state governments, ensuring that neither one becomes too dominant or infringes on the rights of the other.

The quote "The purse and the sword must not be in the same hands" expresses the principle of separation of powers. This principle advocates for the division of governmental powers among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It emphasizes the importance of preventing any one branch from acquiring too much power and becoming tyrannical. By keeping the power to control finances (purse) and the power to enforce laws (sword) separate, this principle ensures a system of checks and balances and promotes accountability within the government.

The phrase "rule of law" means that regardless of a person's wealth or fame, everyone is obligated to follow the laws. This principle ensures that no one is above the law and that all individuals are subject to the same legal framework. It promotes equality and fairness in society, preventing any special privileges based on one's status or wealth.

The quote suggests that the government should not interfere in the actions and decisions that individuals can make for themselves. This aligns with the principle of limited government, which advocates for a government that has restricted powers and does not overreach into the personal lives and choices of its citizens. Limited government promotes individual freedom and autonomy, allowing individuals to make their own decisions without unnecessary government interference.

The process of amending the constitution is an example of federalism because it requires approval from both the national and state levels of government. The requirement of 2/3 approval from Congress represents the national level, while the requirement of 3/4 approval from the states represents the state level. This demonstrates the division of power between the federal government and the states, which is a key principle of federalism.

When the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional, it demonstrates the principle of Checks and Balances. This principle refers to the division of powers among the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. In this case, the Supreme Court acts as a check on the legislative branch by reviewing and potentially overturning laws that it deems to be in violation of the Constitution. This ensures that no single branch can exert excessive control and helps maintain a system of separation of powers.

Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to review and invalidate actions or laws that are deemed unconstitutional. In this case, the US Supreme Court exercised its power of judicial review to declare that segregating schools based on race is unconstitutional. This decision demonstrated the principle of judicial review as the Supreme Court reviewed the actions of the schools and determined that they violated the Constitution.

The correct answer is "authorizes the testing of nuclear missiles" because this action falls under the category of Congress acting in an area not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. The power to authorize the testing of nuclear missiles is not explicitly granted to Congress in the Constitution, but it can be justified under the elastic clause as a necessary and proper action for the defense and security of the nation.