The Constitution, 7 Articles of the Constitution, The Bill of Rights – Flashcards
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Article I
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Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress) and the two houses
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Article II
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Establishes the Executive Branch and its powers
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Article III
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Establishes the Judicial Branch and its powers
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Article III
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Establishes the Judicial Branch and its powers
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Article IV
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Relations between the states - they must respect the laws of other states and citizens must be treated fairly in all states
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Article V
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Describes the process for Amending the Constitution (2/3 of both houses).
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Article VI
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Establishes the Constitution as the Supreme Law of the Land; all federal officials are bound by oath to support the Constitution, and no religious test will be required
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Article VII
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Ratification of the Constitution required nine states; in 1787 12 states ratified the Constitution.
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Popular Sovereignty
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The PEOPLE are the only source for any and all government power. Government can only rule with the consent of the governed.
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Limited Government
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Government is not all-powerful; it may only do those things that the people have given it the power to do. It only has the powers given to it in the Constitution. Everyone is subject to the law.
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Separation of Powers
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The powers of the national government are divided between the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
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Checks and Balances
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The power of each branch of government is checked and restrained by the other two, creating a balance of power between all three.
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Judicial Review
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The courts have the power to decide if the government has done something unconstitutional.
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Federalism
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Government power is divided between the central (federal) government and regional governments (states).
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Three Sections of the Constitution
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Preamble, Articles and the Amendments
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Preamble
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Introduction to the Constitution. Begins with the words "We the People" which is the most important principle on which all our government is based.
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Constitution
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The Law of the Land which sets up our government. It was written in Philadelphia by the Framers and became official in 1789.
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Amendments
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Changes to the Constitution. There have been 27 ratified but only 26 are in force today as one (Prohibition - 18th Amendment) was repealed.
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Ratify
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To approve.
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Amend
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To change.
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How are Amendments proposed?
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By 2/3 Congress or a national convention - at national level
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How are Amendments approved?
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By 3/4 of State legislatures or State conventions in 3/4 states -at regional level
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The Bill of Rights
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First 10 Amendments to the Constitution that state the basic rights of the people.
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Responsibilities of the Legislative Branch
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To write laws.
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Responsibilities of the Executive Branch
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To carry out, enforce, and administer laws.
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Responsibilities of the Judicial Branch
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To interpret laws and determine if theyre constitutional
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Individual Rights
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The right guaranteed to individual citizens by the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution. Personal Liberties.
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Republicanism
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The idea that government is controlled by the people who hold power and ELECT or vote for their representatives.
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Who is the leader of the executive branch?
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The President
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Who is the leader of the legislative branch?
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Congress
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Who is the leader of the Judicial Branch?
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Supreme Court
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Who has final say over whether a law is unconstitutional due to judicial review?
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The Supreme Court
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Anti Federalist
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Argued that the Constitution was taking power away from the States. Did not want a strong central government.
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Federalists
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People who supported the ratification of the Constitution and they wanted a strong central government.
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Federalists
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People who supported the ratification of the Constitution and they wanted a strong central government.
