Principles of the Constitution Flashcards
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
What does “popular sovereignty” mean?
Government power comes from the people.
What does “limited government” mean?
The government can only do what the Constitution allows it to do.
What is “rule of law”?
Everyone must follow the laws, even leaders.
What does the Legislative branch do?
Makes laws.
What is an example of “checks and balances”?
Congress makes laws, but the President can veto them.
What are “concurrent powers” in federalism?
Powers shared by federal and state governments, like collecting taxes.
How does federalism divide power?
States have reserved powers (like education), and the federal government has enumerated powers (like declaring war).
What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence?
To explain why the colonies were separating from Great Britain.
What does the Judicial branch do?
Interprets laws.
How does “separation of powers” prevent one branch from being too powerful?
It divides government power into three equal branches.
What does “federalism” allow both state and federal governments to do?
Share certain powers, like collecting taxes.
Why is “limited government” important in the Constitution?
It ensures the government doesn’t have more power than what is written in the Constitution.
How is “popular sovereignty” shown in the Constitution?
Through phrases like “We the People” and voting rights.
How does “checks and balances” keep the government fair?
Each branch can limit the powers of the others, like Congress making laws and the President vetoing them.
