Founding Documents
This document justifies revolution by asserting natural rights and government by consent. Written by Thomas Jefferson.
Declaration of Independence
A system in which power is divided between national and state governments.
Federalism
This branch is responsible for creating statutory law.
Legislative Branch
The first ten amendments that limit government power.
Bill of Rights
The governing document that establishes Ohio’s state government.
Ohio Constitution
This document limited national power by prioritizing state sovereignty. This was the first Constitution of the US.
Articles of Confederation
A principle in which each branch can limit the powers of the others.
Checks and Balances
This branch carries out and enforces laws passed by Congress.
Executive Branch
This amendment protects freedoms including speech and religion from government interference.
First Amendment
The lawmaking body of Ohio, consisting of two chambers.
General Assembly
This compromise resolved representation disputes by creating two legislative chambers with different bases of representation.
Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise)
The idea that political power originates from the people.
Popular Sovereignty
This branch resolves disputes by interpreting laws and the Constitution.
Judicial Branch
This amendment requires warrants based on probable cause for searches.
Fourth Amendment
The two chambers of Ohio’s legislature.
House of Representatives & Senate
These writings argued that a strong central government could control factions. Written under the pseudonym "Publius"
Federalist Papers
A clause establishing that federal law overrides conflicting state law.
Supremacy Clause
The constitutional process that allows Congress to remove a president from office.
Impeachment
This amendment extends due process and equal protection to state actions.
14th Amendment
What year was the CURRENT Ohio Constitution created?
This Enlightenment concept directly influenced the idea that government must protect life, liberty, and property.
Natural Rights by John Locke
The distribution of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Separation of Powers
The authority of courts to invalidate laws that violate the Constitution.
Judicial Review
The concept that government must follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.
Due Process
The three problems with the initial 1803 Ohio Constitution
Too powerful General Assembly
Overwhelmed Judicial Branch
Lack of a Debt Ceiling