The Constitution and Its Amendments

Covers the 7 basic principles of the Constitution, the 7 articles, and the 27 amendments

What are the seven basic principles of the Constitution?

popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, federalism, republicanism

What is popular sovereignty?

The government is given its authority by the people.

What is limited government?

The purpose of the government is to provide for and protect the people. The government only has the rights given by the Constitution, not absolute power.

What is separation of powers?

The government is divided into core branches to eliminate the threat of one branch exercising the powers of another.

What are checks and balances?

Each branch of government can limit, review, or veto the actions of the other branches so that no single branch gains too much power.

What is judicial review?

The Supreme Court can determine the Constitutionality of a legislative act.

What is republicanism?

People elect representatives to legislate on their behalf.

What is federalism?

Power is split up between the federal and state governments.

What is the 1st article of the Constitution?

The Legislative Branch is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and their purpose is to create laws.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Congress has the authority to do what is needed to enforce the law.

What is the 2nd article of the Constitution?

The Executive Branch is made up of the President, and their purpose is to enforce the laws.

What is the 3rd article of the Constitution?

The Judicial Branch is made up of the Supreme Court, and their purpose is to interpret the law.

What is the 4th article of the Constitution?

It establishes the relationship between states.

What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

States recognize each others’ laws.

What is the 5th article of the Constitution?

It establishes the amendment process, using the Congressional Proposal Method.

What is the 6th article of the Constitution?

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

What is the 7th article of the Constitution?

The ratification