Principles of the Constitution

This set of flashcards includes key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the principles of the Constitution and the structure of American government.

What does it mean for a government action to be unconstitutional?

It means the action violates some provision of the Constitution.

What is judicial review?

The power of the courts to determine if government actions violate the Constitution.

What is the principle of separation of powers?

It is the division of government powers among the judicial, legislative, and executive branches.

What is federalism?

The division of powers between the federal government and the states.

What does a veto mean?

It means refusing to sign a bill.

What is meant by limited government?

It refers to a government that is restricted in what it can do.

What are checks and balances?

It is a system where each branch of government has the power to check the other two branches.

What is popular sovereignty?

The notion that the people are the only source of government authority.

What does rule of law entail?

It means that government and its officers are always subject to the law.

What do Federalists support?

They favored ratification of the Constitution.

What do Anti-Federalists advocate?

They opposed ratification of the Constitution.

What were arguments for a strong national government?

It can foster national pride and unity, enforce laws, and raise a unified army.

What were arguments for states' rights?

State governments possess a degree of sovereignty comparable to that of the federal government.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution.

What is the role of the president?

Head of state and government, leading the entire executive branch.

What does the Declaration of Independence explain?

It outlines the reasons for independence and natural rights.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

They established a weak national structure resembling an alliance of independent states.

What is the United States Constitution?

The supreme law of the USA consisting of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments.

What are natural rights?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that all humans possess by birth.

What is the social contract?

An agreement where a population gives up power to a government to promote the well-being of all.

Who was John Locke?

An Enlightenment thinker known for his ideas on natural rights and social contract theory.

Who was Thomas Hobbes?

An English philosopher who argued for strong central power for security.

What is the Preamble of the Constitution?

It spells out the purpose and identifies the values of the U.S. Constitution.

What does it mean to establish justice?

Creating a legal system that ensures equal treatment and accountability.

What does it mean to promote the general welfare?

Acting for the well-being and prosperity of all citizens.

What does providing for the common defense entail?

Funding and equipping the military to protect the nation.

What are expressed powers?

Powers expressly spelled out in the Constitution for the National Government.

What are implied powers?

Powers not directly stated in the Constitution but are implied.

What are reserved powers?

Powers not granted to the national government or denied to the states.

What are concurrent powers?

Powers that both the National government and states have and can exercise.

What does the 10th Amendment state?

Powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.

What is sovereignty?

The state has absolute power within its territory and can decide its own policies.

What is a federal system of government?

A system where power is divided and shared between national and state governments.

What is an amendment?

A change that becomes part of the written language of the Constitution.

What is the formal amendment process?

The process involves proposal, ratification, and then certification.

What is the Connecticut (Great) Compromise?

Proposal for a bicameral Congress with equal representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the House.

What is the Virginia Plan?

A plan that called for a government with three separate branches.

What is the New Jersey Plan?

A plan that retained the unicameral Congress with equal representation for states.

What is a unicameral legislature?

A legislature with one house.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two houses.

What is autocracy?

A government where a single person holds unlimited political power.

What is oligarchy?

A government where a small elite holds the power to rule.

What is monarchy?

A government where a single person holds absolute power.

What is a republic?

A representative government.

What is strict constructionism?

A belief in a limited government with most power remaining with the states.

What is liberal constructionism?

A belief in a liberal interpretation of the Constitution.

What is meant by the 'Living Constitution'?

The idea that the Constitution is a dynamic document whose meaning can evolve.

What does original intent refer to?

Interpreting a text based on the authors' specific meanings and goals.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic to delay or block a bill by prolonging debate.

What is cloture?

The procedure to limit debate in the Senate.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

The elected presiding officer and leader of the House majority party.

What is the Vice President's role in the Senate?

To cast the deciding vote in case of a tie.

What are party whips?

Assistant floor leaders who manage party members' votes.

What does impeachment mean?

Bringing formal charges against a government official.

What is the role of the House of Representatives in elections?

To elect the President in case of a tie and to impeach federal officials.

What is the Senate's role regarding treaties?

To approve treaties with foreign nations.

What is the first step in how a bill becomes law?

The introduction of a bill by a member of Congress.

What is committee action?

The process where a bill is studied and revised by a committee.

What is the passage of a bill?

The act of the Senate giving formal approval to a bill.

What is a presidential veto?

When the President refuses to sign a bill.

What is a veto override?

When the legislature overturns a presidential veto, requiring a 2/3 vote.

What are the qualifications for President?

Must be a natural born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident for 14 years.

What is the State of the Union address?

The President's report to Congress on the state of the nation.

What does the President do as Commander in Chief?

Directs the military and makes defense decisions.

What is the President's role as Chief Executive?

Enforces federal laws and oversees the executive branch.

What does the President do as Chief Diplomat?

Acts as the main architect of American foreign policy.

What is the President’s role as Chief Legislator?

Principal author of public policies.

What does it mean to be Chief of Party?

Being the acknowledged leader of the political party controlling the executive branch.

What is the federal bureaucracy?

Agencies that carry out and enforce laws.

What is the executive branch?

The branch headed by the President, responsible for implementing laws.

What are executive departments?

15 large agencies managing specific areas of government.

What is the role of bureaucracy?

To implement, administer, and regulate laws and policies.