Constitutional Democracy Flashcards for Political Science 102
When both the House and Senate approve something by a two-thirds majority vote
Joint Resolution
3/4 of state legislatures must approve
Necessary for the ratification of a new constitutional amendment
2/3 majority vote in the House and the Senate
Most common way that a constitutional amendment is proposed
Establishes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches as the three branches of the U.S. government
The U.S. Constitution
This amendment guarantees American citizens the right to free speech, religion, assembly and press.
Amendment I of the Constitution
Right to due process of law, freedom from self-incrimination, and freedom from double jeopardy
Amendment V of the Constitution
The process people go through to determine their political beliefs
Political socialization
This Constitutional clause states that federal laws that are supported by the Constitution cannot be overpowered by state laws.
The Supremacy Clause
Form of government that permits two or more entities to retain authority over the same region
Federalism
The government only has authority that the citizens have granted
Limited government
Judicial branch
The branch of government that interprets laws
Expression of the general public’s opinion about a topic or issue
Public opinion
Can overrule presidential veto
Congress
The amendment that provides U.S. citizens with the right to bear arms.
Amendment II of the Constitution
The rights given to individuals who have been accused of a crime are protected by this amendment.
Amendment VI of the Constitution
This says that the Constitution and federal laws are the ‘Supreme Law of the Land’
The Supremacy Clause
highlights the good of the people by allowing their participation and affording them rights
Democratic principles
Describes the legislative branch of the U.S. government
Article I of the U.S. Constitution
This article of the U.S. Constitution ensures that states must honor the laws of other states, including those related to marriage.
The U.S. Constitution: Article IV
The Constitutional amendment that states that soldiers can’t be quartered in someone’s house without their consent.
Amendment III of the Constitution
The beginning of the U.S. Constitution. It sets out the purpose of this document.
The U.S. Constitution: Preamble
These are the first 10 Amendments in the Constitution
The Bill of Rights
Prevents excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment VIII of the Constitution
Citizens of the U.S. who are involved in a civil court case are guaranteed a trial by a jury of their peers by this amendment to the Constitution.
Amendment VII of the Constitution
In the words of Abraham Lincoln, ‘a government of the people, by the people, for the people.’
Democratic government
Abolished slavery
The 13th Amendment
The powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution are retained by the states.
The 10th Amendment
to be ratified, an amendment must be approved by three-fourths of the state legislatures
Ratifying an amendment
In this case, the Court decided it was unconstitutional for Maryland to tax the operations of the Bank of the United States because that’s a federal power
McCulloch v. Maryland
Protects the individual liberties of United States citizens
Function of the Bill of Rights
