Chapter 3 Flashcards
What does the preamble do?
Explains why the constitution was written and the purpose of government
The U.S. Constitution is divided into three parts:
The preamble, seven divisions called articles, and the amendments.
What does Article 1 of the constitution do?
Established the legislative branch
- section 1 creates the congress
- section 2 and 3 gives details about the two houses of congress: House of Representatives and the Senate
What is the Supremacy Clause?
Established that the constitution, laws passed by congress, and treaties of the United States shall be surpreme law of the land.
What are the amendments?
Changes made to the constitution
The constitution rests on 7 major principles. What are they?
- Popular sovereignty
- Federalism
- separation of powers
- checks and balances
- judicial review
- limited government
- republicanism
What is popular sovereignty?
Rule by the people
What is federalism?
Power is divided between national and state governments
Separation of powers
Limits the central government by diving power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Checks and balances
Each branch of government exercises some control over the others.
What is vetoing?
Rejecting, dismissing
Judicial review
Courts can review laws and actions to make sure they agree with the constitution
Limited government
Lists the powers the government is allowed and the powers that are prohibited.
The elastic clause, also known as the necessary and proper clause, does what?
Allows congress to do everything they can to stretch out and enforce their enumerated powers.
Head of the executive branch
The president
