Founding Documents
This 1776 document declared independence from England.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
The Preamble lists six reasons for this document’s existence, beginning with “to form a more perfect Union.”
What is the Constitution?
Powers assigned only to the federal government.
What are enumerated powers?
Supporters of ratifying the Constitution, including authors of The Federalist Papers.
Who were the Federalists?
This amendment states that rights not listed in the Constitution are still retained by the people.
What is the Ninth Amendment?
Alongside the Declaration, this document is considered one of the two foundational texts of the United States.
What is the Constitution?
Article I establishes this branch of government.
What is the Legislative Branch?
Powers retained by the states.
What are reserved powers?
Opponents of ratification who feared a too-strong central government.
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
This amendment changed Senate elections so they were chosen by popular vote.
What is the 17th Amendment?
John Adams described this as the “Real Revolution,” a change in people’s principles and opinions about government.
What is a radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people?
Article VI contains this clause, which makes the Constitution the highest law of the land.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
Powers that both federal and state governments share.
What are concurrent powers?
He was the key Federalist author of Federalist 10 and Federalist 51.
Who was James Madison?
This amendment requires due process before someone is deprived of life, liberty, or property.
What is the Fifth Amendment?
The first U.S. governing document, replaced in 1789 by the Constitution.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
Article V outlines this process for changing the Constitution.
What is amending the Constitution?
The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?
This rebellion by Revolutionary War veterans in Massachusetts pushed states toward the Constitutional Convention.
What was Shays’ Rebellion?
This amendment requires a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.
What is the Sixth Amendment?
Ratified in 1791, these first 10 amendments safeguard key rights and freedoms.
What is the Bill of Rights?
This compromise at the Constitutional Convention created a bicameral legislature.
What is the Great Compromise?
The President can check Congress by refusing to sign a bill.
What is the veto?
This person serves as President of the Senate and casts tie-breaking votes.
Who is the Vice President?
Every 10 years, House seats are divided among the states in this process.
What is apportionment?