CONSTITUTION

Self-evident truth

All people are created equal and are given basic rights, unalienable rights, by their Creator, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Inalienable rights

Fundamental human rights that the government cannot grant, sell, transfer, or lawfully take away

Purpose of government

To provide structure, maintain order, protect basic rights, and supply important public services that people can't manage on their own.

limited or unlimited

The constitution is a limited which means the federal government only has the specific powers granted, so there limited.

When can governments be changed?

When regular elections happen, when a political coalition shifts, or when the public calls for major structural reform.

What is Federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and individual regional governments.

What is popular Sovereignty?

The political principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.

What are checks and balances?

A system of government where separate branches have the power to limit and oversee one another’s actions to prevent any single branch from gaining too much power.

What is Republicanism?

Republicanism is a political ideology and philosophy centered on self-governance, where power resides in the people and their elected representatives rather than a monarch or authoritarian ruler.

What is the preamble?

An introductory statement or explanation at the beginning of a formal document, speech, or legal text that outlines its purpose and underlying intent.

What are 6 stated purposes of the government?

to form a more perfect union, to establish justice, to insure domestic tranquility, to provide for the common defense, to promote the general welfare, to secure the blessings of liberty.

Who makes up the legislative branch in government?

The House of Representatives and the Senate

What is the difference between the House of Representatives, Congress, and the Senate?

The number of representatives in the House is based on state population, while the senate has equal representation from each side with two senators per state.

What is the primary function of Legislative Branch?

Making Laws

What are qualifications for members of legislative branch?

At least 25 years of age for the House, at least 30 years of age for the Senate and be U.S citizen for seven years for the House and nine years for the Senate.

How long do legislation officials serve?

A term in the legislative branch is two years for a member of the House and six years for a Senator.

Who is the president of the Senate and when do they vote?

Vice president is president of Senate and they vote when it is a tie

What are some of the powers granted to Congress?

The US Constitution grants Congress the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, declare war, and make laws necessary for executing its powers.

What are some powers denied by Congress?

enact ex post facto law, pass a bill of attainderor grant titles of nobility.

What is the elastic clause? Why is it called this?

The elastic clause gives congress the power to make all laws needed to execute its listed duties. It is called the elastic clause because it lets Congress stretch or expand its power over time.

What are some powers denied of the states?

Powers that are denied to the states are the power to coin money, make treaties, and wage war.

Do both houses have to approve a bill for it to become a law?

The senate and the House of Representatives have to approve legislation for it to be passed.

Who makes up the executive branch?

President, vice president, and other executive officials.

What is the primary function of executive branch?

To enforce the laws of the federal government

What are qualifications to be president?

A natural born citizen, at least 35 years old, US resident for at least 14 years.

How long does the President serve?

4 years

How are electors determined in the Elecoral College?

Through the popular vote within each state

How many electors do you need to become president?

270

What day is election day?

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

What are some of the executive powers?

Issuing executive orders, conducting foreign diplomacy, commanding the militery, and implementing and enforcing laws.

If a president vetoes a bill, can it still become a law? If yes, how?

Yes, because Congress can override the veto with a two thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Who makes up the Judicial Branch?

Courts and Judges

What is the primary function of Judicial branch?

Interpret Laws

How long do Supreme Court judges serve? Why?

They serve until death, retirement, or impeachment. They do this because the Constitution says that they must remain on office during good behavior.

What is the topic of Article IV (4)?

The supremacy of the federal government and the role of the states in the United States?

What are some of the responsibilities between the states?

Recognize legislative acts, public records, and judicial decisions of the other states within the United States

What limitations are put on admitting new states to the Union?

No new state shall be formed or erected within the authority of any other state, nor shall any state be formed by the junction of two or more states or parts of states, without the consent of the legislators of the states concerned as well as of the Congress.

What fraction of the houses of Congress is necessary to apporve a proposed amendment?

Two thirds of both houses

What fraction of the houses of the states must approve a proposed amendment for it to be ratified?

three fourths

What does the Constitution say about which law shall predominate if there is any conflict between laws?

Federal Law comes first

How many states had to ratify the constitution for it to become law?

9 of 13 original states

Amendment I (1)

Civil Liberties

Amendment II (2)

Right to Bear Arms

Amendment III (3)

Quartering of Soldiers

Amendment IV (4)

Unlawful Searches and Seizures

Amendment V (5)

Due process of Law

Amendment VI ( 6)

Rights of the Accused

Amendment VII (7)

Trial by Jury in Civil case

Amendment VIII (8)

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Amendment IX (9)

Other rights retained by the people

Amendment X (10)

Limited Government

Amendment XIII (13)

Abolish Slavery

Amendment XIV (14)

Citizenship/Equal Protection Under the Law

Amendment XV (15)

African Americans right to Vote

Amendment XIX (19)

Womens right to vote

Amendment XXVI (26)

Right to vote at 18