Constitution Note Cards

6 basic principles of the US Constitution

To form a more perfect union

To establish justice

Ensure domestic tranquility

Provide for the common defense

Promote the general welfare

Secure the blessings of liberty

Federalism

The principle of the U.S. constitution that establishes division of power between the federal government and the states

Delegated Powers

Powers which are given only to the national government

Reserved Powers

Powers which are kept by the states and belong only to the state governments

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the state and the national government

Nullification

Idea that state has right to cancel federal law that state leaders consider unconstitutional

Tariff

Tax on imported goods

States Rights

The rights of states' to limit the power of the federal government

What are the 3 branches of government?

Legislative, Executive, Judicial

What is the main responsibility of the Judicial Branch?

Interpret the laws

What is the main responsibility of the Executive Branch?

Carry out (Enforce) the laws

What is the main responsibility of the Legislative Branch?

Make the laws

Three Levels of Government

National/Federal

State

Local

Who is in charge of the Legislative Branch? National Level

Congress (House of Representatives and Senate)

Who is in charge of the Legislative Branch? State Level

Ohio General Assembly

(House of Representatives and Senate)

Who is in charge of the Legislative Branch? Local Level

City Council

The House of Representatives total members is determined by?

Population of the state

The total number of Senators for each state is?

2

Length of term for U.S. Congress Senator is?

6 years

Length of term for U.S. Congress member of the House of Representatives is

2 years

Qualifications needed to be a member of the U.S. House of Representatives

At least 25 years old

A U.S. citizen for 7 years

Live in the state you represent

Qualifications needed to be a member of the U.S. Senate

At least 30 years old

A U.S. citizen for 9 years

Live in the state you represent

Who is in charge of the Executive Branch? National Level

President

Who is in charge of the Executive Branch? State Level

Governor

Who is in charge of the Executive Branch? Local Level

Mayor

Qualifications needed to be U.S. President

At least 35 years old

A natural born citizen

Resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years

Length of term for U.S President is?

4 years

(No more than 2 terms)

Who is in charge of the Judicial Branch? National Level

Supreme Court

Who is in charge of the Judicial Branch? State Level

Ohio Supreme Court

Who is in charge of the Judicial Branch? Local Level

Municipal/County Courts

Qualifications needed to be U.S. Supreme Court Justice

There are none listed in the Constitution

Length of term for U.S. Supreme Court Justice is

For life

Separation of Powers

Separating the powers of the government into 3 branches

Checks and Balances

Prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful

Popular Sovereignty

Principle that asserts that people are the primary source of the government's authority

Nationalism

Devotion to the interest of ones own country

Which branch of government must appointments of Supreme Court justices and other important officials?

Legislative

Which branch of government has the commander in chief in charge of the nation's armed forces?

Executive

Which branch of government can declare war?

Legislative

Which branch of government can reject (throw out) treaties that are unconstitutional?

Judicial

Which branch of government can call Congress together for a special session?

Executive

Which branch of government can grant pardons (release for punishment) to people guilty of federal crimes?

Executive

Which branch of government acts as the presiding judge during an impeachment trial?

Judicial

Which branch of government can nominate Supreme Court justices and other important officials?

Executive

2/3 of the Senate must approve any treaty between the United States and another country. Which branch of government is this?

Legislative

Which branch of government can reject (throw out) laws that are unconstitutional?

Judicial

Which branch of government can sign or veto (reject) all bills passed by Congress

Executive

Which branch of government can use the State of the Union speech to suggest ideas for new laws?

Executive

Which branch of government can settle disagreements about what a law means?

Judicial

Which branch of government can sign treaties with other nations?

Executive

Which branch of government can override a Presidential veto, but needs 2/3 majority to do so?

Legislative Branch

Which branch of government can write bills or proposals for new laws.

Legislative

Which branch of government can impeach government official including the president and federal judges?

Legislative