Foundations of Government
This term describes the absolute authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference.
What is sovereignty?
The first part of the Constitution that states its goals and begins with “We the People.”
What is the Preamble
This term describes a formal change to the Constitution.
What is an amendment?
These powers are shared by both the federal and state governments.
What are concurrent powers?
This amendment protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the First Amendment?
This theory claims rulers receive their authority directly from God and were challenged by Enlightenment thinkers.
What is divine right theory?
This system prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
What are checks and balances?
The name of the first 10 amendments that were added to the Constitution to secure ratification and protect individual liberties
What is the Bill of Rights?
This Bill of Rights amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states.
What is the 10th Amendment?
This amendment protects people from being tried twice for the same crime and from being forced to testify against themselves.
What is the Fifth Amendment?
This theory explains that governments form when people agree to follow common rules in exchange for protection.
What is social contract theory?
This article creates the legislative branch and establishes a bicameral Congress.
What is Article I?
An amendment must be ratified by this fraction of the states.
What is three-fourths (¾)?
Creating public schools and issuing professional licenses are examples of these powers
What are reserved powers?
This amendment protects against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
What is the Eighth Amendment?
Fire protection, public schools, and national defense are examples of this major purpose of government.
What is providing public services?
This branch, outlined in Article III, has the power to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
What is the judicial branch?
An amendment must be ratified by this fraction of both houses of Congress.
What is two-thirds (2/3)
These federal powers are not written directly in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out expressed powers.
What are implied powers?
This amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants based on probable cause.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
This term describes strong loyalty to a political party that can shape voting behavior and contribute to division in a representative democracy.
What is partisanship?
The first three articles of the Constitution all share this main purpose.
What is creating and defining the three branches of government? (Separation of Powers)
This explains why the Constitution is difficult to amend: it requires approval at both the national and state levels.
What is federalism?
This clause requires states to respect each other’s laws, court decisions, and records.
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
This amendment clarifies that listing certain rights in the Constitution does not mean other rights belong to the government instead of the people.
What is the Ninth Amendment?