Unit 3 US Constitution Flashcards
What is the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
To establish the framework for the government and outline the rights of citizens.
What does popular sovereignty mean?
The authority of the government comes from the consent of the governed.
What are the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
Explain the principle of separation of powers.
It divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
This is to ensure that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others and prevent abuse of power.
Define federalism.
The distribution of power between the national government and state governments.
What does limited government mean?
The government’s powers are restricted by law to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny.
What is judicial review?
The power of courts to determine if governmental actions are constitutional was established by the case Marbury v. Madison.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which outline individual rights and protections for citizens.
What does the First Amendment protect?
The First Amendment protects the freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the Second Amendment about?
The Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to keep and bear arms.
What rights are protected by the Fourth Amendment?
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants to be issued based on probable cause.
What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?
The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
