Module 6 Flashcards
What is limited government?
Gov’t that is not all powerful
Why did the framers work so hard to limit the powers of the gov’t and avoid concentrations of power?
Avoid concentrations of power so that their rights will not be taken away as they had under Britain’s rule
Examples of limited government
Federalism, Checks & Balances, 3 branches (separation of powers)
What is federalism?
Power is shared (not necessarily equally) b/t States and the Federal Government
How does federalism demonstrate limited government?
Avoids a concentration of power by giving some powers to the Federal gov’t and some to the States
What was the Enlightenment?
An intellectual movement that stressed new ideas
Many Enlightenment Philosophers wrote about ideas for the gov’t.
What is the elastic clause and what is its purpose?
Necessary and Proper clause”- Congress can make laws that are necessary (needed)
Constitution is Flexible!
What are the three branches of government, who is associated with each and what does each do?
Legislative Branch –> Congress –> Makes the laws
Executive Branch –> President –> Enforces the laws
Judicial Branch –> Supreme Court –> Interprets the laws
What are the qualifications and terms for the President?
35 years old, a natural born citizen, lived in the US for 14 years minimum
4 year term, 1 reallocation eligibility
How do you become a Supreme Court Justice and how long is the term?
The term is for life
Why did the framers create 3 branches of government?
Separate powers and limit powers of the gov’t (No concentration of Power)
What Constitution principle is the framers creating 3 branches of government?
Separation of powers
What are checks and balances?
Controls that branches have over the others
Why were checks and balances created?
To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power (Avoid concentration of power)
Examples of checks and balances
The President can veto law (Executive check on the Legislative)
Congress can override a veto with a 2/3 majority vote. (Legislative Branch check on the Executive Branch)
Who can declare war?
Congress
What is judicial review?
The Judicial Branch interprets laws to decide if they are Constitutional or not (Came from Marbury vs. Madison)
Why is judicial review important?
Example of checks and balances
What is the Bill of Rights?
First 10 Amendments to the Constitution
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
Protect individual liberties and Freedoms
What is the Electoral College?
Indirect system to elect the President
How many electoral votes does a person need to be President?
270
What does the 5th Amendment protect from?
Ensures your due process (Cannot be deprived of life, liberty and property w/o a procedure)
Protection from Self Incrimination
Double Jeopardy
How does the 14th Amendment protect your rights?
Grants Equal Protection under the law (Cannot be deprived of rights based on race, gender, age or religion)
What rights does the 1st Amendment guarantee? (5)
Freedom of:
Speech
Religion
Press
Petition
Peaceful Assembly
How many amendments are there today?
27
How is the Constitution set up?
Preamble
7 Articles
27 Amendments
How did the Enlightenment influence the Constitution?
Many ideas are included in the Constitution.
