History The constitution at Work Flashcards
constitution
Supreme law of the land
justice
fairness
domestic tranquility
peace at home
general welfare
well-being of all people
liberty
freedom to live as you please as long as you obey the law
representative government
people elect public officials to make laws for them
ratify
approve
tyranny
cruel and unjust government
federal
national
veto
reject
override
setting aside
bill
proposed law
unconstitutional
not permitted by the constitution
amendment
formal written change
precedent
act or decision that sets example for others to follow
cabinet
advisers appointed by the president
judicial review
right of supreme court to review laws
appropriate
set aside money for a special use
impeach
bring a formal charge of wrongdoing
constituent
people represented by an elected official
jury
panel of citizens
appeal
ask that a decision be reviewed by a higher court
due process of law
fair rules in all cases
father of the constitution
James Madison
date constitution was signed
September 17, 1787
living constitution
can be adapted and altered
rule of law
no one is above the law
checks/balances
keeps one branch of governement from being too powerful
separation of powers
each branch of gov’t has its own powers
3 parts of the constitution
preamble, 7 articles, 27 amendments
Bill of rights
first 10 amendments
1st amendment rights
RAPPS - Religion, assembly, press, petition, speech
3 branches of governemnt
legislative branch
executive branch
judicial branch
legislative branch
makes laws - congress
executive branch
enforce laws- president and VP
judicial branch
interprets law- supreme court and lower courts
House of Representatives
435 members based on population - serve 2 years
senate
100 members- 2 per state - serve 6 years
President and VP
serve 4 years, 2 term limit
Supreme Court
9 justices - serve for life
How can americans participate in democracy?
vote, run for office, obey laws, serve, learn your rights, respct rights of others, join military, volunteer
Presidential line of succession
If the president dies the vice president takes his place and then the Speaker of the House