Chapter 3: The Constitution Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Chapter 3: The Constitution Deck (23)
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0
Q

Limited Gov’t

A

(A principle of the Constitution) Gov’t only has the powers the people give it.

1
Q

Popular Sovereignty

A

(A principle of the Constitution) Gov’t can exist and function ONLY with the consent of the people.

2
Q

Constitutionalism

A

Gov’t must be conducted according to constitutional principles.

3
Q

Rule of Law

A

Gov’t and its officers are always subject to–never above–the law.

4
Q

Separation of Powers

A

(A principle of the Constitution) Executive, Legislative, & Judicial powers are divided among 3 independent and coequal branches of the gov’t.

5
Q

Checks and Balances

A

(A principle of the Constitution) System of overlapping powers of the 3 branches to permit each branch to check the actions of the others.

6
Q

Veto

A

President’s power to reject a bill passed by the legislative.

7
Q

Federalist Papers

A

Persuasive, logical essays used to convince voters to ratify the Constitution

8
Q

Judicial Review

A

(A principle of the Constitution) Power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the legislative and executive branches

9
Q

Unconstitutional

A

Contrary to constitutional provision & so illegal, null & void of no force and effect

10
Q

Federalism

A

(A principle of the Constitution) Division of power among a central gov’t & several regional gov’ts

11
Q

Amendment

A

A change in or addition to a constitution or law

12
Q

Formal Amendment

A

Changes or additions that become part of the Constitution itself

13
Q

Bill of Rights

A

1st 10 Amendments of the Constitution

14
Q

Informal Amendment

A

Process by which many changes have been made in the Constitution that have not led the document’s written words

15
Q

Executive Agreement

A

Pact made by the POTUS with the head of a foreign state; binding international agreement with force of law not requiring state consent

16
Q

Treaty

A

Formal agreement between 2 or more sovereign states

17
Q

Electoral College

A

Group of persons chosen in each state & DC every 4 years who make a formal selection of the president and vice president

18
Q

Cabinet

A

Presidential advisory body, traditionally made up of the heads of the executive departments and other officers

19
Q

What are the two Main Safeguards in the Constitution Against Tyranny?

A

Separation of Powers

Checks and Balances

20
Q

What are the two Formal Amendment Methods?

A

National (must be proposed nationally)

States (must be approved by the states)

21
Q

What are the 6 Principles of the Constitution?

A
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Gov't
Separation of Powers
Checks & Bakances
Judicial Review
Federalism
22
Q

What are the 5 Sources of the Informal Amendment Process?

A
Laws 
Executive Action
Court Decisions
Political Party Practices
Custom and Usage