The Constitution Flashcards
Limited government
Principle that that powers and functions of government are restricted by the U.S. Constitution and other laws
Separation of powers
Duties of governing are divided among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial
Checks and balances
System that gives each branch of government the power to change or cancel acts of another branch
Veto
Presidential power to reject legislation
Judicial review
Power to determine whether the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government are constitutional
Marbury v Madison
First case with judicial review
Unconstitutional
Any law or government action that is found to violate a part of the Constitution
Federalism
Principe under which the powers of government are distributed between the national government and state governments
Supremacy clause
Declares that the Constitution, together with the U.S. Laws passed under the Constitution and treaties made by the national governs, is the supreme law of the land (Article VI)
Supermajority
A majority that is larger than a simple majority (more than 1/2)
Repeal
To cancel or revoke a law by legislative act
Executive agreements
Arrangements or compacts with foreign leaders or foreign government
Presidential power found nowhere in Constitution
Political party
Organized group that seeks to win elections in order to influence the activities of government
Electoral college
Body of 538 people elected from the 50 states and the District of Columbia
Winner-take-all election
An election for US Congress in which the candidate who receives the most votes is elected to the House of Senate
Other candidates go home and get nothing
Loose constructionist
View point that the Constitution should be interpreted to fit the needs of society
Strict constructionist
Viewpoint that the Constitution should be followed word for word
2/3 vote
Congress vote to override veto
Constitution
Plan of government
6 Basic Principles of Government
Popular sovereignty Separation of powers Judicial review Federalism Checks and balances Limited government
An amendment
Addition or change to the Constitution
12th Amendment
Changed the electoral college
Civil rights amendments
13,14,15th
16th Amendment
Authorized income tax
19th Amendment
Women’s right to vote
26th Amendment
Lowered voting age to 18
Popular sovereignty
Concept that government gets its authority from the people and that ultimate political power remains with the people
5 Principles of Democracy
Give people the opportunity to make choices
Recognize the divinity and worth of each person
Promote respect for the law
Protect the rights of the minority
Produce policies that promote the public good
