Articles
This is the total number of articles in the Constitution.
Seven
Keeping power split between branches so no one ever becomes too powerful
Checks & Balances
The first ten amendments to the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
What is the purpose of the Supremacy Clause?
Establish that national law supersedes state / local law.
Congress is broken up into two parts. Name them!
House of Representatives & Senate
This article establishes the offices of President and Vice President.
Article II
The division of power between national and state / local government.
Federalism
ONE way that an amendment can be proposed.
The Full Faith & Credit Clause says...
States must respect each other's laws, certificates, etc.
Group that actually selects the POTUS in each election.
Electoral College
This article lays out criteria for being a member of Congress.
Article I
Judicial Review
ONE way an amendment can be proposed.
An executive agreements is...
An agreement between heads of state that has the force of law.
Membership requirements to be in the House of Representatives.
25 yrs old, 7 years of citizenship, live in state & district being represented
This article establishes the judicial branch.
Article III
The people are the source of power for the government.
Populary Sovereignty
These three amendments are considered the "Civil War amendments" and deal with issues related to the freedom, citizenship, and voting rights of former slaves.
13, 14, 15
How do political parties inspire "informal" amendments?
By pressuring officeholders to do what the party wants.
Requirements to be POTUS
35 yrs old, natural-born citizen, live in US for at least 14 years
This article establishes the ratification process.
Article VII
The US shall be governed according to a formal set of laws, not by the random will of whoever happens to be in office.
Rule of Law
Total number of amendments as of 2018.
Twenty-seven
How do the courts informally amend the Constitution?
Through rulings which shape how the Constitution is understood and applied.
Difference between original and appellate jurisdiction.
Original hears the case first; appellate hears cases on appeal.