AG

What is Popular Sovereignty?

The principle that the power to govern comes from the consent and will of the people, meaning that the authority of the government is created by and depends on the people.

Example of Popular Sovereignty in government

Elections, where citizens vote for their representatives, exemplify popular sovereignty by allowing the people to choose those who will govern.

What is Limited Government?

The principle that government has restricted powers, which are defined and limited by law.

Example of Limited Government

The Constitution itself limits government power by stating specifically what the government can and cannot do.

What is Separation of Powers?

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Example of Separation of Powers

The U.S. government is divided into three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court), each with specific powers.

Checks and Balances?

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others.

Example of Checks and Balances

The President can veto legislation passed by Congress, but Congress can override that veto with a two-thirds majority.

What is Federalism?

The constitutional division of powers between the national government and the state governments.

Example of Federalism

The federal government regulates interstate commerce, while states handle education and transportation.

What is Republicanism?

A philosophy of government in the United States that upholds the principles of popular sovereignty and representative government.

Purpose of Article I of the Constitution

It establishes the legislative branch, detailing the structure and powers of Congress, which include taxation and declaiming war.

Purpose of Article II of the Constitution

It establishes the executive branch and outlines the powers of the President, such as being the commander-in-chief.

Purpose of Article III of the Constitution

It establishes the judicial branch, detailing the powers of the Supreme Court and its role in interpreting the Constitution.

Purpose of Article IV of the Constitution

It outlines the relationships between states and the federal government, including the admission of new states.

Purpose of Article V of the Constitution

It provides the process for amending the Constitution.

Purpose of Article VI of the Constitution

It establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and requires public officials to swear an oath to uphold it.

Purpose of Article VII of the Constitution

It outlines the ratification process for the Constitution, requiring approval from nine states.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

It grants Congress the power to pass laws it deems necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

What is the Commerce Clause?

It gives Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the states.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

It establishes that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

It requires states to respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

What is the Privileges and Immunities Clause?

It prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

What is the Bill of Attainder Clause?

It prohibits Congress from passing laws that punish individuals without a trial.

What is the Ex Post Facto Clause?

It prohibits laws that make an act a crime after it has been committed.

What are Federal Powers?

Powers that are exclusive to the federal government, including the ability to declare war, coin money, and regulate interstate commerce.

State Powers?

Powers reserved for the states, such as conducting elections and establishing local governments.

What are Concurrent Powers?

Powers that are shared by both federal and state governments, like collecting taxes and enforcing laws.

How to amend the Constitution?

The Constitution can be amended either by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

the 1st Amendment?

It protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

What is the 2nd Amendment?

It protects the right to keep and bear arms.

What is the 4th Amendment?

It protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

What is the 5th Amendment?

It guarantees the right to due process, prohibits self-incrimination, and prohibits double jeopardy.

What is the 6th Amendment?

It ensures the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

What is the 8th Amendment?

It prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

What is the 9th Amendment?

Just because the Constitution only states some rights does not mean those are the only rights people have.

the 10th Amendment?

It reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states or the people.

What is the 13th Amendment?

It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.

the 14th Amendment?

It provides a broad definition of citizenship and guarantees equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment?

It grants African American men the right to vote.

What is the 19th Amendment?

It grants women the right to vote.

The 26th Amendment?

It lowers the voting age to 18 years.