The Founding And Consitution Flashcards
Martial Law
When the military is charged with government administration and maintaining public order.
Usually martial law is instituted during times of crisis.
Sovereignty
Political power, independence or authority. Popular sovereignty refers to a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who make political decisions or elect officials to make political decisions on their behalf
Constitution
A framework that outlines the structure and power of government
Confederation
An alliance of sovereign states united for common objectives
Republic
A form of government in which people elect representatives to act on their behalf
Democracy
A form of government in which political power is held by the citizens
Ratification
Formal and legally binding approval
Bicameral
Composed of two chambers. A bicameral legislature has two houses
Congressional Representation
U.S. Senate - two from each state
U.S House of Reps. - number based on states population
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the US Constitution containing the civil liberty guarantees to states and individuals
Direct Election
A system of elections in which voters select candidates for parties to hold power. By contrast, an indirect election is a system in which voters select officials who then select candidates or parties to hold power; an example would be electors chosen by voters to vote in the electoral college for president
Enumerated Powers
A list of powers specifically granted to the government. The enumerated powers of congress are found in the first 17 clauses of Article I, sec. 8, of the US Constitution
Due Process
The principle that government must protect the legal rights to citizens. These protections are grounded in the Bill of Rights and inform the American judicial system
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records and judicial proceeding of every other state.
Supremacy Clause
Common term for the provision in Article VI of the US Constitution establishing that national law overrides state law in classes where the two conflict
