Unit 2 Flashcards
What does Article 1 of the Constitution create?
The legislative branch, also known as Congress.
What is the main function of the executive branch as defined in Article 2?
To enforce the laws through the president.
Which article establishes the judicial branch?
Article 3.
What is the purpose of Article 4?
To define federalism and how states interact with the national government.
What does Article 5 outline?
How to amend or change the Constitution.
What is stated in Article 6?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
How many states are needed to approve the Constitution according to Article 7?
9 of 13 states.
Define ‘Jurisdiction’.
Authority to rule on cases.
What does the Supremacy Clause state?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
How many amendments are there in the Constitution?
27 amendments.
What is ‘Popular Sovereignty’?
Rule by the people.
Define ‘Federalism’.
A division of power between the state and the national government.
What is meant by ‘Separation of Powers’?
Each branch has their own responsibilities.
What are ‘Checks and Balances’?
Each branch controls or checks the other.
What is a ‘Veto’?
When the executive rejects legislation.
What is ‘Judicial Review’?
The ability for the court to declare laws unconstitutional.
What does the Preamble to the Constitution do?
It introduces the document.
List the five purposes outlined in the Preamble.
- Establish justice or laws
- Ensure domestic tranquility
- Provide for the common defense
- Promote the general welfare
- Secure the blessings of liberty
What are ‘Expressed Powers’?
Powers directly stated in the Constitution for Congress.
What are ‘Enumerated Powers’?
Powers listed in Article 1, Section 8, numbers 1-18.
What was the significance of McCulloch vs. Maryland?
Validated Congress’s ability to expand and create laws necessary and proper.
What did Marbury vs. Madison establish?
Judicial review.
What is the ‘Elastic Clause’?
Article 1, Section 8, number 18.
Define ‘Federal Bureaucracy’.
Organization that helps the president and executive branch run the country.
What does ‘Ratify’ mean?
To approve.
What does ‘Petition’ mean?
To appeal.
What does ‘Impeach’ mean?
To accuse; the House impeaches and the Senate holds the trial.
What is a ‘Treaty’?
A formal agreement between two nations.
What is ‘Judicial Restraint’?
Supreme Court interprets the law and nothing else.
What is ‘Judicial Activism’?
The Supreme Court should help shape policy.
What is the first step in the amendment process?
Proposal by a ⅔ vote by each branch of Congress.
What is the second step in the amendment process?
¾ ratification by state legislatures.
What does ‘Due Process of Law’ refer to?
The Constitution must be followed at all times.
Define ‘Eminent Domain’.
Government takes private property for public use.
What is the ‘Bill of Rights’?
The first ten amendments written by James Madison.
What are the five freedoms protected by Amendment #1?
- Press
- Petition
- Speech
- Religion
- Assembly
Amendment #2
The right to bear arms.
Amendment #3
Quartering troops.
Amendment #4
Unreasonable search and seizure.
Amendment #5
Due process of law.
Amendment #6
A fair and speedy trial.
Amendment #7
Civil suits over $20.
Amendment #8
Excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment #9
Power to the people.
Amendment #10
Power to the states.
Amendment #11
Lawsuits among states.
Amendment #12
The election of the president and vice president.
Amendment #13
Abolishes slavery.
Amendment #14
Rights of citizens, specifically to blacks.
Amendment #15
Men’s right to vote.
Amendment #16
Income taxes.
Amendment #17
Direct election of senators.
Amendment #18
Alcohol (prohibition).
Amendment #19
Women’s right to vote.
Amendment #20
Lame duck amendment
Amendment #21
Repeals the 18th amendment, except for alcohol being transported into a state where it is illegal.
Amendment #22
The term of a president to two four-year terms.
Amendment #23
DC gets electoral votes.
Amendment #24
Poll taxes.
Amendment #25
Presidential succession.
What is the new voting age established by Amendment #26?
Lowers voting age to 18 years.
Amendment #27
Congress cannot raise their pay until the next election.
What are ‘Delegated Powers’?
Powers given to the national government by the Constitution.
What are ‘Implied Powers’?
Powers required to carry out the laws.
What is the ‘Necessary and Proper Clause’?
A clause that allows Congress to make laws.
What are ‘Reserved Powers’?
Powers directly given to the states.
What are ‘Concurrent Powers’?
Powers that both the national government and states share.
What is an ‘Interstate Compact’?
A written agreement between states.
What does ‘Extradite’ mean?
To move a criminal to the place of their crime.
What does ‘Full Faith and Credit’ refer to?
Each state must give citizens of another state privileges and immunities.
What is the ‘State’s Rights Position’?
A person who favors state and local government.
What is the ‘Nationalist Position’?
A person who favors the national government.
Executive agreement
Agreement between the heads of government of 2 or more nations
