Across
- 4. Sovereignty the principle that the government’s power comes from the consent of the governed, usually through elections.
- 5. Review the power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.
- 7. Powers powers not explicitly listed but necessary to carry out enumerated powers.
- 12. Powers powers shared by both the federal and state governments.
- 13. Action Committee (PAC) an organization that raises and distributes funds to support political candidates or causes.
- 14. Groups organizations that aim to influence public policy in favor of specific causes or issues.
- 18. the upper house of Congress, with each state having two senators regardless of population.
- 20. Clause a clause in the U.S. Constitution establishing that federal law takes precedence over state law when they conflict.
- 22. Committee a permanent committee in Congress that focuses on specific policy areas and handles most legislative work.
- 23. and Balances a system ensuring no government branch becomes too powerful by allowing each to limit the others.
- 27. a system where power is shared between a central government and smaller political units like states.
- 28. the redistribution of congressional seats among the states based on population changes, usually after a census.
- 31. Leader the leader of the majority party in a legislative body, responsible for guiding the party’s legislative agenda.
- 32. Powers powers not granted to the federal government or prohibited to states, which are reserved for the states or people.
- 36. System the division of legislative work into specialized committees that focus on specific policy areas.
- 37. the practice of exchanging favors, especially in legislative votes.
- 38. the legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- 39. a form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- 44. the transfer of authority and responsibilities from the federal government to state or local governments.
- 45. the body of voters or residents represented by an elected official.
- 46. Faith and Credit Clause a provision requiring states to recognize the public records, acts, and judicial decisions of other states.
- 47. Federalism a political philosophy that advocates for a shift of power from the federal government to the states.
- 49. Leader the leader of the minority party in a legislative body, responsible for representing their party’s interests.
Down
- 1. Clause a provision granting Congress the power to regulate trade between states and with other nations.
- 2. Federalism a system where state and federal governments work together to address issues.
- 3. a tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote, typically by speaking for an extended time.
- 6. a document that outlines the fundamental laws and principles of a nation.
- 8. United v. FEC a landmark Supreme Court decision that allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections.
- 9. PAC a type of PAC that can spend unlimited funds but cannot directly coordinate with candidates or campaigns.
- 10. Barrel Legislation government spending on local projects to benefit a specific area or gain political favor.
- 11. Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) a clause allowing Congress to pass laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers.
- 15. the manipulation of district boundaries to favor one party or group over another.
- 16. Legislature a legislature divided into two chambers or houses, like the U.S. Congress.
- 17. and Immunities Clause a clause ensuring that states do not discriminate against citizens of other states in certain legal matters.
- 19. Advantage the benefits current officeholders have over challengers, such as name recognition and access to campaign funds.
- 21. Mandates regulations requiring state or local governments to perform actions without providing funds.
- 24. a procedure to end a filibuster in the Senate, usually requiring a 60-vote majority.
- 25. Parties organized groups of individuals with similar political beliefs that seek to influence government policy.
- 26. Contract the theory that people consent to be governed in exchange for protection of their rights.
- 29. the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect changes in population.
- 30. Liberties basic rights and freedoms protected from government infringement, such as free speech and religious freedom.
- 33. Federalism a system where state and federal governments operate in separate spheres of influence.
- 34. of Powers the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent concentration of power.
- 35. of Representatives the lower house of Congress, where representation is based on state population.
- 40. Rights the rights of individuals to be free from discrimination and to have equal treatment in all areas of life.
- 41. of Rights the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms and limiting government powers.
- 42. Powers powers specifically granted to Congress in the Constitution.
- 43. the act of attempting to influence government officials’ decisions on specific issues.
- 48. a member of Congress responsible for ensuring party discipline and vote counting.