POS 2041 CHAPTER 2 QUIZ

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law.

Statutory Law

Formal, written laws created by a legislative body and applicable to everyone within that jurisdiction.

Constitutional Law

Law that arises from the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, which defines the structure of government and rights of individuals.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the American colonies' intent to separate from British rule, emphasizing natural rights and government by consent.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

A document outlining basic rights and freedoms, influential in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

The Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak national government that posed problems of governance.

Federalism

The division of power between the national and state governments, allowing both to retain significant authority.

The Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in one house and equal representation in the other.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise where enslaved individuals were counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared it gave too much power to the national government and weakened state sovereignty.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong national government to address issues like foreign threats and internal conflicts.

Elastic Clause

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for executing its responsibilities.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with the means to limit the others.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all people, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Consent of the Governed

The principle that a government derives its legitimacy from the will and consent of the people it governs.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that national laws take precedence over state laws.