Sources of American Law and Constitutional Law

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering sources of American law and key constitutional law concepts.

Primary sources of law

U.S. Constitution,

state constitutions,

statutory law,

regulations by administrative agencies,

and case law/common law doctrines.

Secondary sources of law

Books and articles that summarize and clarify primary sources (e.g., legal encyclopedias and treatises).

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the land and the basis of all law in the United States.

Statutory law

Laws passed by Congress, state legislatures, or local governing bodies.

Regulations by administrative agencies

Rules created by agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission.

Case law and common law doctrines

Laws developed through judicial decisions and established common-law principles.

Constitutional law

Law based on the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of the states.

Unconstitutional

A law that violates the Constitution and will not be enforced, no matter its source.

State constitution

The constitution of a state; within the state's borders it is supreme unless it conflicts with the U.S. Constitution or federal law.