Principles of the Constitution
This principle states that the people are the ultimate source of government power.
Popular sovereignty
Power shared between state and national governments is called this system.
Federalism / Federal System
Division of government into branches with separate powers.
Separation of powers
This branch can veto acts of Congress.
Executive branch
A written change to the Constitution.
Amendment
The Constitution limits government by listing powers it does and doesn’t have. What principle is this?
Limited government
Powers like declaring war and coining money belong to this government level.
Federal/National government (delegated powers)
President’s group of top advisors from executive departments.
Cabinet
This branch can impeach federal judges.
Legislative branch
Formal approval by states to make an amendment official.
Ratification
What phrase in the Preamble shows that the Constitution gets its authority from the people?
“We the People”
Powers such as running schools and holding elections belong to this level.
State governments (reserved powers)
Traditions like the President’s cabinet that aren’t in the Constitution but are followed.
Unwritten Constitution
This branch can declare executive actions unconstitutional.
Judicial branch
How many states must approve an amendment for it to be ratified?
38 states (3/4 of states)
Before writing the Constitution, Pilgrims used this agreement as an early example of self-government.
The Mayflower Compact
What are powers that both state and federal governments share called?
Concurrent powers
Congress is a lawmaking body made of two houses. What is this called?
Bicameral legislature
How does the Senate check the President in treaty-making?
Must ratify treaties
What fraction of Congress must vote to propose an amendment?
2/3 vote in both houses
The Constitution protects citizens’ freedoms even when most people disagree. What principle is this?
Majority rule with minority rights
Why did the framers divide power between federal and state governments?
To prevent tyranny and protect states’ rights
Canceling or reversing a law or amendment.
Repeal
What power allows the Supreme Court to limit both Congress and the President?
Judicial review
Besides Congress, what is the other way an amendment can be proposed?
By a national convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures