features Flashcards
what type of constitution does america have?
codified - all written in one place so hard to change
what does the constitution being judicable mean?
the constitution is the highest law that all laws are judged against.
the supreme court makes sure the constitution is upheld by having the ability to strike down a law as unconstitutional
what does the constitution being entrenched mean?
cannot be easily changed because of a complicated amendment process, which makes the constitution easy to understand and for citizens to know their rights
does the constitution promote separation of powers?
YES
the founding fathers were fearful of power being in the hands of one person, so they made sure the constitution could ensure separation of powers between the institutions so they can check and balance the power of other institutions
describe how the constitution is specific and vague:
-there are implied powers e.g. the federal power to draft people into the army is implied by congress
-also specific articles that relate to a branch of government
describe limited government:
-power resides in a variety of locations across the state with power being permanently shared out, which limits the power of government
-government enables individual freedoms
-government only gets involved when necessary e.g. during covid
describe representative government
-larger states can’t dominate smaller ones, and smaller ones can’t have disproportionate influence
-achieved through conneticut compromise
is the constitution sovereign?
YES it has ultimate sovereignty and acts as a source of loyalty and attatchment for most americans
what are reserved powers?
powers reserved for the states alone e.g. right to raise taxation
what are concurrent powers?
powers held by both the federal and state governments e.g. collecting taxes, building roads
