U.S. Constitution: Structure, Principles, and Amendments

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the U.S. Constitution's articles, key amendments, branches of government, constitutional principles, vocabulary, and the amendment process.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments protecting individual liberties and limiting government power.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

18th Amendment

Banned alcohol (Prohibition).

19th Amendment

Granted women's suffrage (right to vote).

21st Amendment

Repealed the 18th Amendment (ended Prohibition).

22nd Amendment

Limited the President to two terms.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

Federalist Papers

A collection of 85 essays written between 1787–1788 and published in New York newspapers to convince states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Federalist Papers Authors

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Article I

The article of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress).

Article II

The article of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the Executive Branch (President).

Article III

The article of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court).

Article IV

The article of the U.S. Constitution addressing states' relations and powers.

Article V

The article of the U.S. Constitution outlining the amendment process.

Article VI

The article establishing that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land (Supremacy Clause).

Article VII

The article of the U.S. Constitution describing the ratification process.

Congress (Legislative Branch)

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

President (Executive Branch)

The head of the branch of government responsible for enforcing laws.

Supreme Court (Judicial Branch)

A body of 9 Justices appointed for life by the President and confirmed by the Senate, responsible for interpreting laws and reviewing constitutionality.

Judicial Review

The power of the Judicial Branch to review the constitutionality of laws.

Limited Government

The principle that government power is restricted by law to protect individual rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government rule comes entirely from the consent of the people.

Federalism

A system where power is shared and divided between the national (federal) government and state governments.

Checks and Balances

The principle that each branch of government has powers to block or limit the actions of the other two branches.

Override

Congress passing a law over a presidential veto with a $\frac{2}{3}$ majority vote.

Bill

A proposed law presented to a legislature for approval.

Cabinet

The President's group of official advisors and department heads.

Due process

Fair treatment through the judicial system before denying life, liberty, or property.

Constituents

The citizens and voters represented by an elected official.

Impeach

Formally accusing a public official of misconduct in office.

Amendment Proposal

The step in the amendment process where an amendment is proposed by a $\frac{2}{3}$ vote in both houses of Congress (or a national convention).

Amendment Ratification

The step in the amendment process where an amendment is approved by $\frac{3}{4}$ of state legislatures (or state conventions).