US Constitution Key Terms

Question 1

Bipartisanship

Answer 1

Attempts within the structure of the US Congress to try and ensure that the 2 main parties must work together in order to fulfil congressional functions

Question 2

Checks and balances

Answer 2

The division of power between the 3 branches of government where each branch has a direct ability to prevent action from another branch

Question 3

Codification

Answer 3

A constitution that is written down in one document

Question 4

Constitution

Answer 4

A set of rules determining where sovereignty lies in a political system, and establishing the precise relationship between the govt. and the governed

Question 5

Entrenchment

Answer 5

A system by which the US constitution is protected from change by law; in this case, by the Amendment Process of Art. 5

Question 6

Enumerated powers

Answer 6

Such powers are stated explicitly in the US Const - for example Art. 1, S8. Provides a list of Congressional powers

Question 7

Federalism

Answer 7

The US system in which sovereignty is shared between a central government (federal government) and the individual states, with each having their own specific rights

Question 8

Limited Government

Answer 8

The power of the US federal government over its states and citizens is subject to limitations as laid out in the Constitution

Question 9

‘Principle’

Answer 9

The core structural aspects of how the US Constitution was defined by the Founding Fathers when it was drafted

Question 10

Separation of powers

Answer 10

The three key bodies of government, legislature, executive and judiciary each have their own powers, personnel and buildings