the constitution Flashcards
(35 cards)
articles of confederation
The Articles of Confederation served as the written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain.
declaration of independence
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It was an official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule
treason
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.
checks and balances
checks and balances, principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power. Checks and balances are applied primarily in constitutional governments
separation of powers
Separation of powers, therefore, refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for checks and balances.
great compromise
The Great Compromise was an agreement made among the delegates to the Constitutional Convention that the American government would have two houses in Congress
Tariff
A tariff is a tax on goods and services imported into a country. It is typically used to increase the price of imported goods, making them more expensive than domestic goods.
Repeal
Repeal is the rescission of an existing law by subsequent legislation or constitutional amendment. Also referred to as abrogation. Repeal can be explicit or implicit.
Civil Discourse
Civil discourse is the practice of engaging in conversation to seek and foster understanding with mutual airing of views. It is not a contest; rather, it is intended to promote mutual understanding.
3/5ths Compromise
three-Fifths Compromise was reached among state delegates during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. It determined that three out of every five slaves was counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation
Constitution
In many cases, “constitution” refers to a single written document that explicitly creates government institutions, defines the scope of government power, and guarantees certain civil liberties.
Preamble
an introductory statement (as to a contract) especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
bill of rights
a summary of fundamental rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violation by the government; esp, cap B&R : the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.Oct 24, 2023
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the Congress. Among other powers, the legislative branch makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies
executive branch
the President is charged with enforcing the laws written by the legislative branch (see “Congress”) and is empowered in various ways to fulfill this duty.
judicial branch
The judicial branch decides the constitutionality of federal laws and resolves other disputes about federal laws.
congress
Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government that represents the American people and makes nations of laws
senate
the upper chamber in a bicameral legislature
house of representatives
As per the Constitution, the U.S. House of Representatives makes and passes federal laws. The House is one of Congress’s two chambers (the other is the U.S. Senate), and part of the federal government’s legislative branch.
equal representation
Equal Representation means an equal number of Employer Representatives and Fund Member Representatives; Sample 1. Equal Representation means an equal number of Employer Directors and Member Directors as Directors of the Company or as members of a committee constituted by the Board
proportional representation
Proportional representation (PR) refers to any type of electoral system under which subgroups of an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body. The concept applies mainly to political divisions (political parties) among voters.
president
The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of America, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the laws created by Congress.
supreme court
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land and the only part of the federal judiciary specifically required by the Constitution. The Constitution does not stipulate the number of Supreme Court Justices; the number is set instead by Congress.
Fugitive Slave Clause
Under the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Fugitive Slave Clause, the owner of an enslaved person had the same right to seize and repossess him in another state as the local laws of his own state granted to him, and state laws that penalized such a seizure were unconstitutional.