Understanding the U.S. Constitution and Its Principles

U.S. Constitution

The foundation of the American political system, establishing the structure of government, defining the powers of each branch, and protecting individual rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The government's authority comes from the people, ensuring that leaders govern with the people's consent.

Limited Government

The government can only exercise powers explicitly granted to it by the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

Government powers are divided among the three branches to prevent abuse.

Checks and Balances

Each branch has the ability to limit the power of the others.

Federalism

Power is shared between national and state governments.

Judicial Review

The courts can determine the constitutionality of laws, established in Marbury v. Madison.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution outlining its goals.

Federalist Papers

Essays written to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic helps control factions.

Faction

A group of people with shared interests that may work against the common good.

The Problem of Factions

If a faction gains too much power, it could threaten individual rights or the stability of the government.

Madison's Solution

A large republic makes it harder for factions to dominate because many competing interests prevent any one group from taking control.

Federalist No. 51

An essay by James Madison arguing that the structure of government prevents tyranny through separation of powers and checks and balances.

Importance of Separation of Powers

Dividing power among three branches ensures no one branch becomes too powerful.

How Checks and Balances Work

Each branch can limit the powers of the others.

Override of Presidential Veto

Congress can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote.

Judicial Review by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.

Legislative Branch

Article I of the Constitution, consisting of Congress which makes laws and has powers such as levying taxes and declaring war.

Congress

The legislative body composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate that makes laws.

House of Representatives

One of the two chambers of Congress, responsible for creating laws and representing the population.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress that confirms presidential appointments and has the power to impeach.

Executive Branch

Article II of the Constitution, led by the President, responsible for enforcing laws.

President

The head of the Executive Branch who enforces laws and commands the military.

Judicial Branch

Article III of the Constitution, consisting of the Supreme Court, which interprets laws.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States that interprets laws and can declare them unconstitutional.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly given to the federal government, such as coining money and declaring war.

Reserved Powers

Powers given to the states, including education and local law enforcement.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared between national and state governments, such as taxation and establishing courts.

Dual Federalism

A type of federalism where national and state governments operate separately, each with distinct responsibilities.

Cooperative Federalism

A type of federalism where national and state governments work together, often with federal funding supporting state programs.

Fiscal Federalism

The federal government's influence over states through grants and mandates.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided for specific purposes with strict conditions.

Block Grants

Federal funds provided with fewer restrictions, allowing states to decide how to use them.

Mandates

Federal laws requiring states to follow certain regulations.

Marbury v. Madison

A Supreme Court case that established judicial review, allowing the Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A Supreme Court case that ruled Congress can create a national bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Gibbons v. Ogden

A Supreme Court case that expanded Congress's power over interstate commerce.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Found in Article I, Section 8, this clause allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its powers.

Federalist 10

An essay by James Madison arguing for a large republic to control factions and protect minority rights.

Federalist 51

An essay by James Madison explaining the necessity of checks and balances in government.