U.S. Constitution Flashcards

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from a lecture on the U.S. Constitution for AP Government.

Articles of Confederation

The governing document for the United States prior to the Constitution, characterized by a weak central government and most power held by the states.

Republican Government

A system of government established by the Constitution in which representatives do the work on behalf of the people.

Article One of the Constitution

Deals with the form and powers of Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-house legislature, as established in the Constitution with the Senate and House of Representatives.

Section 8 of the Constitution

The section in Article One that explicitly outlines the powers of Congress.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Also known as the 'Elastic Clause,' it grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Article Two of the Constitution

Outlines the provisions for the executive branch and the powers of the President.

Electoral College

The method of electing the president.

Article Three of the Constitution

Deals with the judicial branch and states that judicial power of the U.S. shall be vested in one Supreme Court.

Jurisdiction

Indicates what kind of disputes are within the realm of the court’s power to decide.

Original Jurisdiction

Means that The Supreme Court can hear a case for the first time.

Appellate Jurisdiction

Means that the court cannot hear a case for the first time, but can only hear appeals from the lower courts.

Judicial Review

The power to interpret laws and determine whether or not they are constitutional.

Article Five of the Constitution

Indicates the process for amending the Constitution involving proposal and ratification.

Supremacy Clause

States that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land, trumping state laws.

Bill Of Rights

Specific individual liberties that the federal government cannot trample.