Principles of the Constitution Vocab Flashcards
authority of the people
Popular Sovereignty
introduction to the Constitution
preamble
the people rule through elected representatives, who make laws & conduct government on behalf of the people
republic
powers of the government are strictly defined; it has only those powers that are given to it by the people
limited government
Principle of shared power between the states and the national govt
federalism
Powers that are specifically given to the national govt
(coin money, regulate trade, maintain an army)
expressed powers
Powers that belong to the states
(Establish schools, issue driver’s license)
reserved powers
Powers that are shared between the state and national govt
(raise taxes, carry out criminal justice)
concurrent powers
The Constitution separates the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of govt by placing these powers in three different branches of govt
separation of powers
makes the laws (Congress)
legislative
carries out the laws (President)
executive
determines if the laws are Constitutional (Supreme Court)
judicial
Each branch of govt can check, or limit the power of the other branches
Helps to keep a balance of power
checks and balances
Basic freedoms & liberties are guaranteed under the Bill of Rights
individual rights
first 10 amendments;
These were added to the Constitution in 1791 to please the Anti-Federalists; currently have 27
bill of rights
