Key Concepts of the US Constitution

Separation of Powers

the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

a statement in the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8) granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Amendments to the Constitution

there are 27 currently; how the Constitution can be changed so that it is relevant.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

Republicanism

A form of government in which people elect representatives to create and enforce laws

Executive Branch

President, Vice President, and the President's Cabinet; enforces laws

Legislative Branch

also called Congress; makes the laws

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court and other federal and state courts; Interprets the laws-decides if laws are constitutional.

Limited Government

A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

Individual Rights

Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.