U.S. Constitution: Main Sections, Powers, and Federalism Concepts

Amendments

changes; there are 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Republicanism

the practice of a limited government with elected representatives serving at the will of the people

Federalism

when power is divided between levels of government

Ratify

to approve

Enumerated powers

a list of powers that are found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution; these powers set forth the authoritative capacity of Congress

Elastic clause

a clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the right to 'make all laws necessary and proper' to carry out the powers expressed in the other clauses of Article I

Jurisdiction

a court's authority to hear certain types of cases

Judicial review

the court's ability to interpret the Constitution and overturn laws that violate it

Convention

a meeting held for the purpose of proposing and voting on amendments

Impeach

to accuse a public official of misconduct in office

Bicameral

two parts; a two-chamber legislature

Supremacy clause

a statement in Article VI of the Constitution establishing that the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and treaties of the U.S. are the supreme law of the land

Delegated powers

powers the Constitution grants or delegates to the national government

Expressed powers

powers directly stated in the Constitution

Implied powers

powers the government requires to carry out its expressed Constitutional powers

Reserved powers

powers that belong strictly to the states

Concurrent powers

powers that both the national government and the states have

Federal grants

a sum of money given to a state or local government for a specific purpose

Mandates

a formal order given by a higher authority; an authorization to act

Interstate compacts

a written agreement between two or more states

Policy

a plan that includes goals and procedures

Public Policy

a plan of action adopted by government decision makers to solve a problem

Sunset law

a law that requires periodic checks of laws or of government agencies to see if they are still needed

Sunshine law

a law prohibiting public officials from holding meetings not open to the public

States' rights position

a position that favors state and local action in dealing with problems

Nationalist position

a position that favors national action