Principles and Clauses

supremacy clause

the constitution reigns supreme even if power is shared. (states cannot contradict federal law)

commerce clause

congress has the power to regulate commerce.

implied, elastic, necessary and proper clause

Congress has the power to do anything that is proper and carries out the power granted to the federal government by the constitution.

Great compromise

senate equal - representation

house of representatives- proportional representation

basically Congress

3/5 compromise

every five slaves would count as three people for representation in the house of representatives

Full faith and credit clause

States should respect the acts of other states

checks and balances

each branch checks on each other to make sure no one is abusing their power

federalism

The national government shares power with the individual state governments

consent of the governed

A government’s power comes from the approval of the people it governs

social contract

A union of people live together to provide, protect, and advance

popular sovereignty

people are the source of the governments power and the government is created by and serves the people

judicial review

gives Supreme Court power to interpret the constitution

Limited government

Government only has powers given through law, in other words a constitution

majority rule

greater number equals greater power

natural rights

everyone has the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

individual rights

The rights that people have to live free and fair lives without interference from the government and other individuals in other words the Bill of Rights or the 10 amendments

separation of powers

The three branches of government