Unit 1- Principles of Government

What were the Bill of Rights and why were they written

First 10 amendments and written to protect individuals and limit central government

Democracy

The people having some power in their government

Basics of democracy

Civil participation, being informed, voting, town meetings, rule of law, free press

Principle over Party

When your own principles override the party that you support

What document gives the government their power

The Constitution

Importance of supremacy clause

Establishes the constitution as the law of the land

# Of amendments

27

Federalism and how does it protect democracy and rights of citizens

Two or more governments exercising power over the same people in the same territory; Gives a balance of power

Significance of judicial review and case that established it

Power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, and national governments constitutional. Mabury v Madison

Purpose of courts

Promote rule of law

Purpose of separation of power and how does the Constitution protect that balance

Limiting power of one group/person; making sure each branch has the power they need

How national government aids state governments in emergencies

They use emergency powers

Ways to make a difference in our government

Vote, contact those in charge, stay informed, take part in meeting

Know the powers of government and who holds them accountable to their actions

Delegated- given to national gov; Expressed- “enumerated”, directly expressed in constitution; Implied- powers required to carry out expressed; Reserved- given to the state; Concurrent- shared by national and state; Denied- specific denials in the government

Know the role of each branch of government

Legislative- makes the law

Judicial- interprets the law

Executive- upholds the law

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause

“Elastic clause” - allows congress to expand. Their role (if it is needed) is to have power not written in the Constitution

Type of Government the US is

Constitutional Republic as a Democracy