Principles of the Constitution

Question 1

Social contract theory

Answer 1

Agreement between citizens and government to grant powers in exchange for services

Question 2

Constitution

Answer 2

Fundamental laws setting out principles, structures, and processes of government

Question 3

Articles of Confederation

Answer 3

Plan of government establishing a confederation with limited national powers

Question 4

Confederation

Answer 4

Joining of groups for a common purpose, loose alliance of states

Question 5

Unicameral

Answer 5

Legislative body with one chamber, as in the Congress under the Articles of Confederation

Question 6

Constitution of 1787

Answer 6

Document establishing principles, framework, and limits of the U.S. government

Question 7

Framers

Answer 7

Delegates who drafted the U.S. Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention

Question 8

New Jersey Plan

Answer 8

Alternative to the Virginia Plan, called for unicameral legislature with equal state representation

Question 9

Virginia Plan

Answer 9

Plan for three-branch government with bicameral legislature based on state population

Question 10

Connecticut Compromise

Answer 10

Agreement for a bicameral Congress with equal state representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House

Question 11

Bicameral

Answer 11

Legislative body composed of two chambers, as in the U.S. Congress

Question 12

Preamble

Answer 12

Introduction to the Constitution, outlining goals and principles

Question 13

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 13

Principle that government power comes from the people’s consent

Question 14

Consent of the governed

Answer 14

Approval of government actions through voting

Question 15

Articles

Answer 15

Numbered sections of a document, such as the divisions of the Constitution

Question 16

Legislative power

Answer 16

Power to make laws and frame public policies

Question 17

Executive article

Answer 17

Article II of the Constitution, establishing the presidency and executive power

Question 18

Executive power

Answer 18

Power to execute, enforce, and administer laws

Question 19

Judicial power

Answer 19

Power to interpret laws, determine meaning, and settle disputes

Question 20

Separation of Powers

Answer 20

Division of powers among three independent branches of government

Question 21

Checks & Balances

Answer 21

System of overlapping powers to allow each branch to check the actions of others

Question 22

Judicial Review

Answer 22

Power of court to determine constitutionality of governmental actions

Question 23

Unconstitutional

Answer 23

Law or action contrary to a constitutional provision

Question 24

Limited government

Answer 24

Principle that government is restricted in what it may do, individuals have rights

Question 25

Rule of law

Answer 25

Principle that government and its officers are subject to and must follow the law

Question 26

Constitutionalism

Answer 26

Principle that government and those who govern must obey the law

Question 27

Federalism

Answer 27

System of government dividing power between central and regional governments

Question 28

Division of powers

Answer 28

Principle of federalism dividing powers between national and state governments

Question 29

Federal government

(center and local)

Answer 29

Form of government with powers divided between central and local governments

Question 30

Sovereign

Answer 30

Government’s absolute power within its own borders

Question 31

Contract

Answer 31

Binding legal agreement

Question 32

Explicitly

Answer 32

Fully revealed without vagueness

Question 33

Implied/implicitly

Answer 33

Suggested or understood without being openly expressed

Question 34

Execute

Answer 34

To perform or carry out

Question 35

Federal

Answer 35

Relating to central government in a system of divided powers

Question 36

Principle

Answer 36

Basic belief, rule, or law

Question 37

Compromise

Answer 37

Blending and adjusting competing views and interests