Features of the constitution

entrenchment

entrenchment

-extra legal safeguards to a constitutional provision

-provided through an amendment

-a supermajority is required

-proposal and ratification required

Checks and balances

checks each branch can perform on each other to ensuring equality

Separation of Powers

each of the main institutions of government are separate with checks and balances in place to ensure each branch of government is working within its power vested by the constitution

implied powers

powers that are not explicitly stated in a constitution, but are assumed to be available based on previously stated powers or the context of the document

Codified Constitution

A constitution which sets out the key rules and structure of government and politics

Supremacy clause

Article VI: The constitution as well as treaties and federal law ‘shall be the supreme law of the land’

Prohibited powers

Powers which both the states and the federal government are prohibited

Supremacy clause

The constitution as well as treaties and federal laws ‘shall be the supreme law of the land‘

Reserved powers

Powers reserved for the people and states only

Concurrent powers

Powers possessed by both the federal and state governments

necessary and proper clause/Elastic Clause

Congress is empowered to make all laws ‘necessary and proper‘ to carry out the federal government‘s duties