Understanding the U.S. Constitution: Fundamental Principles

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental principles and components of the U.S. Constitution.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that outlines the structure of government, enumerates powers, and provides the framework for rights and the amendment process.

Living Document

A document that can be amended and interpreted over time to adapt to changing conditions.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that political power rests with the people and is exercised through elections and consent.

We the People

Opening words of the Constitution signaling popular sovereignty and consent of the governed.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into three branches with distinct duties to prevent concentration of power.

Legislative Branch (Congress)

Branch that makes laws; includes two houses and represents the people.

Executive Branch (President)

Branch that enforces laws; led by the President who can veto laws.

Judicial Branch (Courts)

Branch that interprets laws and settles disputes; includes the Supreme Court.

Checks and Balances

System where each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny.

Veto

Presidential power to reject a bill.

Override

Congress’s power to pass a bill despite a presidential veto (usually by a supermajority).

Judicial Review

Power of courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Federalism

System of shared power between national and state governments.

Enumerated (Expressed) Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government (e.g., defense, foreign relations, interstate commerce).

Reserved Powers

Powers kept for the states or the people (e.g., education, local law enforcement).

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., taxation).

Limited Government

Idea that governmental power is restricted by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments protecting individual rights and limiting government power.

Republicanism

System where citizens elect representatives to act for the public good.

Ratification

Official approval of the Constitution by the states; required for adoption.

Amendment Process

Formal method to change the Constitution through proposal and ratification.

Constitution

What is the supreme law of the U.S.?

The supreme law of the United States that outlines the structure of government, enumerates powers, and provides the framework for rights and the amendment process.

Living Document

What makes the Constitution adaptable?

A document that can be amended and interpreted over time to adapt to changing conditions.

Popular Sovereignty

Where does political power originate?

The principle that political power rests with the people and is exercised through elections and consent.

We the People

What do these words signify?

Opening words of the Constitution signaling popular sovereignty and consent of the governed.

Separation of Powers

Why is the government divided into three branches?

Division of government into three branches with distinct duties to prevent concentration of power.

Legislative Branch (Congress)

What is the main function of Congress?

Branch that makes laws; includes two houses and represents the people.

Executive Branch (President)

Who leads the Executive Branch?

Branch that enforces laws; led by the President who can veto laws.

Judicial Branch (Courts)

Which branch interprets laws?

Branch that interprets laws and settles disputes; includes the Supreme Court.

Checks and Balances

Why is there a system of checks and balances?

System where each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny.

Veto

Who can veto a bill?

Presidential power to reject a bill.

Override

How can Congress override a veto?

Congress’s power to pass a bill despite a presidential veto (usually by a supermajority).

Judicial Review

What power does judicial review give the courts?

Power of courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Federalism

What is federalism?

System of shared power between national and state governments.

Enumerated (Expressed) Powers

What are enumerated powers?

Specific powers granted to the federal government (e.g., defense, foreign relations, interstate commerce).

Reserved Powers

What are reserved powers?

Powers kept for the states or the people (e.g., education, local law enforcement).

Concurrent Powers

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., taxation).

Limited Government

What restricts governmental power?

Idea that governmental power is restricted by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

What does the Bill of Rights protect?

First ten amendments protecting individual rights and limiting government power.

Republicanism

What is republicanism?

System where citizens elect representatives to act for the public good.

Ratification

What is ratification?

Official approval of the Constitution by the states; required for adoption.

Amendment Process

How can the Constitution be amended?

Formal method to change the Constitution through proposal and ratification.

Modern Impact and Legacy

What impact does the Constitution have today?

The Constitution as a model for democracies, adaptable via amendments and interpretation.

What is the Constitution??

Supreme law

written in 1787, ratified in 1788

living doc. w/ 27 amendments

establishes rights and liberties

Popular sovereignty pt2.

people can change government through elections

voting rights protect this principle

Checks & balances pt2

pres. can veto laws

Congress can override veteos

supreme court can declare laws unconstitutional

senate confirms presidential appts

congress can impeach federals officials

Republicanism

regular elections

term limits

representative accountability

constitutional limits

The Preamble: Purpose & Goals

“We the people” establishes popular sovereignty

-establish justice and ensure domestic peace

-provide common defense

-promote general welfare

-secure liberty for current & future generations