Unit Five - The US Constitution

What is the US Constitution? - The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the government and outlining the rights of the citizens.

Impeach - To bring charges against a political leader.

Veto (#SayNo) - To reject a bill in order to prevent it from becoming a law.

Constitutional - A law or action that follows the laws and rights listed in the US Constitution.

Articles - The different sections of the US Constitution, like chapters in a book.

Unconstitutional - A law or an action that does NOT follow the laws + rights listed in the US Constitution.

Principle - A basic rule or important idea that helps guide how a person or group behaves.

Rule of law - The idea that no one is above the law, + everyone is obligated equally to obey the law.

Preamble - The introduction to the US Constitution in which the goals of the US government are stated.

Judicial review - The ability of supreme court to decide if a law or action of the government follows the constitution.

Electoral college - Special group of electors, chosen to vote for the president and vice president of the United States.

Federalism - Sharing power between SG and NG.

Limited government - Government’s actions and power is kept in check.

Individual rights - Everyone has freedoms and protections.

Popular sovereignty - Power of government is controlled by the people.

Republicanism - Citizens choose leaders to make choices for them.

Checks and balances - Keeps the branches at equal/similar power.

Separation of powers - Government is split into 3 branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

PRESIDENT - The leader of the US. Main job = enforce laws, make important decisions, reps the US.

VICE PRESIDENT - The second-highest leader of US. Main job = president’s assistant/understudy

SUPREME COURT - Highest/most important court in the US. Made of 9 justices. Main job = makes sure laws follow the constitution.

CONGRESS - Divided into 2 groups - the HOR and the Senate. Main job = makes laws for the US.

SENATE - Each state has 2 senators. 100 senators total. Main job = helps congress make laws.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HOR) - Part of the congress. 435 reps in total. Main job = starts bills about taxes, creates and passes laws.

Judicial branch:

Role in Government - Judicial review, can overturn rulings

Main components - SCOTUS

Term Length - serve for life

Legislative branch:

Role in Government - Creates laws

Main components - HOR + the senate

Term Length - HOR = 2 years SEN = 6 years

Executive branch:

Role in Government - enforce laws, develop treaties

Main components - POTUS, VPOTUS, the cabinet

Term Length - 4 year terms (can serve twice)

Delegated powers - constitution gives powers to the NG.

Concurrent powers - SG and NG shares powers.

Reserved powers - Power kept by the states → not given to NG → from the constitution.

First commandment: freedom of speech, press, petition, assembly, and religion (aka. SPPAR)