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Judicial, Executive, Legislative Branches
An Honors American Studies Class studying the judicial, executive, and legislative branches.
40
History
10th Grade
11/18/2010

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Cards

Term
What are two symbols that lady justice represents, explain?
Definition
Lady justice has a blindfold, which represents blind objectivity, also she carries a sward which is the ultimate symbol for authority, and was carried by kings. This means Justice = Power
Term
What is Justice in one word?
Definition
Fairness
Term
What is the main function of the Judicial Branch
Definition
To interpret the laws that congress makes and the executive branch enforces, in light of certain circumstances with the hope that everything will turn out fair.
Term
Why isn't the Judicial branch a 'puppet' of the executive branch and the president?
Definition
The Judicial branch and the executive branch check each other constantly, judges must not become the president's puppets because then the system will not work, and gives the president too much power. 
Term
Name the different court systems in NH.
Definition
The Superior Court, Family Division, Probate Court, District Court, (courts of origin) and the supreme court (appeal court)
Term
What does the Superior Court deal with?
Definition
The superior is a court of origin, but sometimes can be appeal. It hears cases involving property wrights (larger disputes), has final say on marriages/custody, felonies, and misdemeanor appeals for the District Court, it holds jury trials. 
Term
What does the Family Division court deal with?
Definition
The family division deals with the jurisdiction of all types of family law, divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, juvenile matters, domestic violence, guardianship, and adoptions
Term
What does the Probate Court deal with?
Definition
It has jurisdiction over cases dealing with adoption, termination of parental rights, trusts, wills, estates. and involuntary commitments. 
Term
What does the District Court Deal With?
Definition

The district court hears civil cases involving contracts and property (small scale), Small claims, jurisdiction over misdemeanors, and traffic violations.

(civil = suing)

Term
What does the NH Supreme court deal with?
Definition

It has mandatory jurisdiction, issues advisory opinions for the state executive and legislative branches.

 

It is an appeals court

Term
Why does the president vote in supreme court judges in and are approved through the senate?
Definition
So the publicity factor goes down, and the judges can be as objective as possible. Also so the judges don't owe anyone a favor in exchange for money in their campaign.
Term
Name 3 current supreme court judges
Definition
Clarence Thomas, Sonya Sotomayor, Elena Keagen, John G. Roberts Jr., Samuel Alito for example. 
Term
The power to interpret the constitution is called ________
Definition
precident
Term
a law or action that is found to violate the constitution is said to be ______________
Definition
unconstitutional
Term
Define: Precedent
Definition
guiding principles for determining what is legal in future situations that involve similar issues. 
Term
Name the 4 questions judges always ask.
Definition

What would the writers of the constitution think?

Is there a legal precedent?

Are there any deep cultural traditions and customs to be kept in mind?

Should the constitution be reinterpreted to meet the needs of this current generation?

Term
What are the stages a case goes through after being selected for hearing by the supreme court?
Definition
The person appealing will request a writ of certiorari, then file briefs. Then there is an oral argument where a lawyer argues the case, Then the conference where the judges discuss, preparing opinions where the judges review cases and decide opinions, then the Announcement of Decisions!
Term
What is the main purpose of the executive branch?
Definition
To put laws into action (enforce them), and approve and credit some, they also make decisions and "lead" the country. 
Term
Name four main jobs of the president.
Definition
Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, Chief Agenda Setter, Chief of State, Head of Party
Term
How much does the president get paid? 
Definition
$400,000 a year plus $50,000 for travel and entertainment.
Term
Name the first five places in presidential succession. 
Definition

1-Vice President

2- Speaker of the House

3- President Pro Tempore of the Senate

4- Secretary of State

5-Secritary of Treasury

Term

Describe "the war powers resolution law".

 

Definition
this is a law passed that tells you can't sent troops into a country that you haven't declared war in for more than 60 days, or 90 days if congress extends it. Also you have to tell congress you've done this after 2 days.  It was passed in 1973 after the Vietnam and Korean "wars".
Term
What is a pardon.
Definition
a pardon is a grand that can release a convicted criminal from punishment and frees the person from serving out his sentence, granted by the president.
Term
What is a communication?
Definition
A communication is when the president can lessen the severity of a convicted person's sentence. 
Term
Who actually votes in the prez?
Definition
the electoral college
Term
What are the major flaws with the electoral college?
Definition

1-Antidemocratic

2-An elector does not have to vote with the states party.

3-It is complicated and confusing to the average american and makes them feel like their vote does not count. 

Term
What is a signing statement?
Definition
a written pronouncement issued by the president upon the signing of a bill into a law.
Term
What is executive privilege?
Definition
It is the principal that members of the executive branch cannot legally be forced to disclose theirconfidential communications when such disclosure would adversely affect the presidents reputation.
Term
What is extraordinary rendition?
Definition
When the CIA and the US government take potential terrorists from other countries and detain and torcher them without letting the victems know what they are being accused for.
Term
Name two independent organizations.
Definition
The CIA and the US Post office, also the "fed".
Term
Which house in Congress is more democratic?
Definition
The House of Representatives because it is proportional to the states population. 
Term
What are expressed powers and give 2 examples?
Definition

The powers specifically mentioned in the constitution. 

 

To borrow money

To coin money

Term
Define Special Powers for Congress and name 2.
Definition

Special powers that the constitution gives specifically to congress.

Impeaching Officials

Approving Treaties 

 

Term
Define Implied powers, 2 examples.
Definition

Very general implied statements in the constitution

 

making laws that apply to modern society, making banks.

Term
Define Limits on Power, 2 examples.
Definition
no taxing imports,  ex post facto law.
Term
what is a quorum
Definition
a quorum is a majority of members in the house/senate for congress to conduct business.
Term
Name the 5 highest possessions in the house. 
Definition

the speaker of the house

majority floor leader

minority floor leader

majority whip

minority whip

Term
Name the 3 leaders of the senate
Definition

Vice president of the USA

President Pro Tempore

Majority floor leader

So on

Term
Who is the current president pro-tempore
Definition
Robert Byrd
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