Gov unit 2 constiution and marbury v madison

Purpose of the Preamble

Introduces the Constitution, outlines government goals, and establishes popular sovereignty ("We the People").

Number of Articles

7 main sections detailing government organization and powers.

Number of Amendments

27 official changes made to the U.S. Constitution.

Practical reason for Bicameralism

Settled the debate between large and small states through the Great Compromise (House by population, Senate equal).

Theoretical reason for Bicameralism

Allowed the two legislative houses to check each other and prevent hasty lawmaking.

Article 1 argument over Executive Power

Ongoing debate over whether presidential power is broad and sweeping or strictly limited.

Why Article 2 debate persists

The wording is brief and vague, leaving key executive powers open to interpretation during national crises.

Need for Federal Courts under Article 3

Fixed a major flaw of the Articles of Confederation by creating uniform federal law enforcement across states.

3 Types of Constitutional Courts

District Courts, Courts of Appeals (Circuit Courts), and the Supreme Court.

Function of Special Courts

Created by Congress to hear narrow, specific types of cases (e.g., U.S. Tax Court).

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that political power comes directly from the consent of the governed people.

Limited Government

The concept that government is restricted in power and never above the law.

Constitutionalism / Rule of Law

Idea that government officials must follow constitutional principles at all times.

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities into three coequal branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Checks and Balances

System allowing each branch of government to restrain the power of the other two branches.

Presidential Veto

Executive power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Veto Override

Congress power to override a presidential veto with a 2/3 majority vote in both houses.

Senate Confirmation Check

Congressional power to approve or reject important presidential appointments and treaties.

Judicial Review

Power of the courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Federalism

The division of power between a national central government and regional state governments.

Marbury v. Madison (1803) Background

Outgoing President Adams appointed midnight judges, and incoming President Jefferson refused to deliver their commissions.

Marbury v. Madison (1803) Ruling

Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the section of the Judiciary Act of 1789 Marbury used was unconstitutional.

Significance of Marbury v. Madison

Formally established the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review.