The United States Constitution Flashcards
What are expressed and implied powers? Provide an example for each.
An expressed power is a power directly stated in the constitution, and an implied power is something that you can insinuate from the expressed powers. An expressed power is raise and support armies and an implied power would institute a draft.
What do we call the powers given to the Federal Government and what are two examples
An enumerated power, this would be coin money and levy taxes
What do we call the powers given to the states and what are two examples
A reserved power, this would be creating marriage laws and regulating schools within that state
what do we call the powers given to both the federal and state government and what are two examples
The shared powers, these are taxing and building highways
What is the primary difference between and amendment and a law in terms of how they are passed?
an amendment is 2/3 vote and a law is 51%
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause? How does it strengthen the powers Congress has?
The necessary and Proper Clause is the “idea” that if there is something that the government wants to do and it can apply to an expressed power they are given in the constitution they can do it or apply themselves to it. This strengthens the power that congress has because they can do more things and reach their power further than the constitution states.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
The Supremacy Clause is there to estate that the federal laws will always overrule state laws no matter the situation.
What are the 7 foundational principles that went into the creation of the Constitution? Define each.
Popular Sovereignty: the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of the people within the state
Limited Government: the government is limited in power
Separation of Powers: the branches split powers so one branch of government doesn’t become to powerful
Federalism: There are powers reserved from the federal government for the states
Checks and Balances: the branches are able to check what the other branches are doing to ensure that one branch does not become to powerful
Republicanism: Elections should be free so that all citizens can elect their leaders also called consent of the governed
Individual Rights: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to privacy, the right to own property
What are the 6 purposes of government according to the preamble of the Constitution?
form a more perfect union
establish justice
insure domestic tranquility
provide for the common defense
promote the general welfare
secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
What do each of the first three articles of the U.S. Constitution cover?
The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
