The U.S. Constitution: Principles and Structure

Vocabulary flashcards covering key constitutional principles, structures, and foundational documents from the lecture notes.

Separation of Powers

Division of government powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with each branch having distinct constitutional duties to prevent concentration of power.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch to limit and monitor the others to prevent domination, often via oversight, vetoes, and appointments.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality.

Marbury v. Madison

1803 Supreme Court case that established judicial review, giving courts the power to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Power of the Purse

The legislative branch's authority to tax and spend government funds.

Power of the Sword

The executive branch's authority to command the military and enforce laws.

Executive Order

A directive from the President that has the force of law, subject to later modification or reversal by Congress or the courts.

Veto

The President’s rejection of a bill; can be overridden by a two‑thirds vote in both houses of Congress.

Advice and Consent

Senate's constitutional power to approve presidential appointments and ratify treaties.

Impeachment

Formal accusation by the lower house against a public official; the first step in removal from office; Senate conducts the trial.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Compromise counting enslaved people as three‑fifths of a person for representation and taxation; delayed prohibition of the slave trade until 1808.

Article V (Amendment Process)

The constitutional method to amend the Constitution: proposals require 2/3 of both houses (or states calling a convention), and ratification requires 3/4 of the states (or conventions).

Articles of Confederation

The first framework for U.S. government; amendments required unanimous consent of 13 states and it was eventually replaced by the Constitution.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Agreement creating a bicameral Congress with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Bicameral Legislature

A two‑house legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Electoral College

A body of electors that elects the President and Vice President, intended to balance popular influence and provide stability.

Federalist No. 51

Essay by James Madison arguing for checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny and protect liberty.

United States Constitution

The supreme law of the land, ratified in 1788; outlines the powers of the three branches and how the document is amended; includes seven articles and twenty‑seven amendments.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual civil liberties.

Ratification

Formal approval by the required number of states for the Constitution or amendments to take effect.