Review of United States Constitution Lecture

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from the United States Constitution lecture.

Federalism

A system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government.

Preemption Doctrine

Based on the supremacy clause, it holds that state and federal laws that conflict must yield to the superior law, which is federal law.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitutional provision stating that the Constitution and federal laws made under its authority are the supreme law of the land.

State Police Power

The authority of states to regulate public safety, health, welfare, and morals.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution that are granted to the federal government.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states, which are reserved for state governments.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

A clause in Article IV requiring that states treat citizens of other states equally.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A clause in Article IV that requires states to respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Commerce Clause

The clause that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states.

Dormant Commerce Clause

The principle that state legislation may not unduly burden or discriminate against interstate commerce.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, outlining the rights of individuals.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court has applied the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

First Amendment

Protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.

Due Process

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, including fair treatment.

Takings Clause

A requirement in the Fifth Amendment that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that mandates that individuals in similar situations be treated equally by the law.

Level of Scrutiny

The standard of review used by courts to evaluate whether a law or policy is constitutional.