Limited Gov’t
(A principle of the Constitution) Gov’t only has the powers the people give it.
Popular Sovereignty
(A principle of the Constitution) Gov’t can exist and function ONLY with the consent of the people.
Constitutionalism
Gov’t must be conducted according to constitutional principles.
Rule of Law
Gov’t and its officers are always subject to–never above–the law.
Separation of Powers
(A principle of the Constitution) Executive, Legislative, & Judicial powers are divided among 3 independent and coequal branches of the gov’t.
Checks and Balances
(A principle of the Constitution) System of overlapping powers of the 3 branches to permit each branch to check the actions of the others.
Veto
President’s power to reject a bill passed by the legislative.
Federalist Papers
Persuasive, logical essays used to convince voters to ratify the Constitution
Judicial Review
(A principle of the Constitution) Power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the legislative and executive branches
Unconstitutional
Contrary to constitutional provision & so illegal, null & void of no force and effect
Federalism
(A principle of the Constitution) Division of power among a central gov’t & several regional gov’ts
Amendment
A change in or addition to a constitution or law
Formal Amendment
Changes or additions that become part of the Constitution itself
Bill of Rights
1st 10 Amendments of the Constitution
Informal Amendment
Process by which many changes have been made in the Constitution that have not led the document’s written words
Executive Agreement
Pact made by the POTUS with the head of a foreign state; binding international agreement with force of law not requiring state consent
Treaty
Formal agreement between 2 or more sovereign states
Electoral College
Group of persons chosen in each state & DC every 4 years who make a formal selection of the president and vice president
Cabinet
Presidential advisory body, traditionally made up of the heads of the executive departments and other officers
What are the two Main Safeguards in the Constitution Against Tyranny?
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
What are the two Formal Amendment Methods?
National (must be proposed nationally)
States (must be approved by the states)
What are the 6 Principles of the Constitution?
Popular Sovereignty Limited Gov't Separation of Powers Checks & Bakances Judicial Review Federalism
What are the 5 Sources of the Informal Amendment Process?
Laws Executive Action Court Decisions Political Party Practices Custom and Usage