constitution

what is not mentioned in the consitution?

equality

the state legislatures USED to…

elect the senate

New Jersey plan

“small state” plan. unicameral legislature and equal representation (each state has one vote in congress)

Virginia plan

“big state” plan. bicameral legislation and proportional representation (amount of votes depend on population)

Great compromise

bicameral legislature, senate has equal rep. and house and proportional rep

Amendment process is Article…

V (5)

Amendment process methods

-2/3 vote in senate and house (federal govt. initiates amendments)

-2/3 state legislatures requesting a convention (state govt. proposes amendments)

***regardless ¾ of states MUST approve

The amendment process…

served as a compromise that balanced federal and state interests

Most common way to change the Constitution is…

2/3 vote by senate and house, then ¾ vote by state legislature (16 and 17 amendments)

Most common way to change laws/executive actions is…

court cases/judicial review (like Roe v. Wade)

Fed. #51

separation of powers and checks and balances

Fed #10

factions

Fed #70

singular energetic executive

Fed #78

judicial branch must be independent

Article I

legislative branch: consists of Senate and HOR (power to make laws, declare war, and regulate commerce)

Article II

Executive branch: led by President (enforces laws, commands military, appoints federal judges, vetoes and signs legislation)

president serves 4 year terms (capped at 2 terms ← 22 amendment)

Article III

judicial branch: headed by supreme court (interprets the law and resolves disputes)

-judicial review declares laws unconstitutional, keeping balance of power (Marbury v. Madison)

electoral college

elects the president

Impeachment

HOUSE impeaches, SENATE removes

legislative CHECKS executive

impeaching President and overriding vetoes

executive CHECKS legislative

issuing orders, vetoing, and appointing judges

judicial CHECKS legislative and executive

declaring actions and laws unconstitutional

stakeholders

people affected by/interested in public policies