Philosophers and English Documents
This English philosopher argued that all people are born with natural rights to life, liberty, and property.
Who was John Locke?
These specific powers—such as declaring war, coining money, and regulating interstate commerce—are directly listed in Article I of the Constitution for the federal government.
What are Expressed (or Enumerated) powers?
This amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the 1st Amendment?
This agreement created a bicameral legislature, blending representation by population (House) and equal representation per state (Senate).
What is the Great Compromise?
The President can check Congress's power to pass legislation by using this power.
What is a veto?
In The Spirit of the Laws, this French Enlightenment thinker proposed dividing government powers into three distinct branches.
Who was Baron de Montesquieu?
Found in Article VI, this clause establishes that the U.S. Constitution and national laws take precedence over conflicting state laws.
What is the supremacy clause?
This amendment protects against self-incrimination ("right to remain silent") and double jeopardy.
What is the 5th Amendment?
This controversial compromise at the Constitutional Convention determined how enslaved people would be counted toward a state's population for taxation and representation in Congress.
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
This branch of government has the power to impeach the President and judges.
What is the legislative branch?
Drafted in 1215, this "Great Charter" was the first document to limit the absolute power of the English King.
What is the Magna Carta?
Powers shared by both the federal government and state governments—such as the power to tax, build roads, and establish courts—are known by this term.
What are concurrent powers?
This amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause for warrants.
What is the 4th Amendment?
This weakness in the Articles of Confederation made the federal government unable to raise money.
What is the federal government's inability to tax?
While the President nominates federal judges and cabinet members, this chamber of Congress must confirm them.
What is the Senate?
His political work Leviathan argued that without a strong ruler, life would be "nasty, brutish, and short," requiring an absolute social contract.
Who was Thomas Hobbes?
Guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment, these are powers—such as regulating public education, issuing driver's licenses, and running elections—that are kept exclusively by state governments because they are not granted to the federal government.
What are reserved powers?
This amendment explicitly reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
What is the 10th Amendment?
This political faction opposed ratifying the Constitution because they feared a strong national government and demanded a Bill of Rights be added to protect individual liberties.
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
Congress can override a presidential veto with this fraction of a vote in both houses.
What is a two-thirds (2/3) majority?
Passed in 1689, this document guaranteed free speech in Parliament and protection from cruel and unusual punishment, directly inspiring American protections.
What is the English Bill of Rights?
This landmark 1819 Supreme Court case used the Necessary and Proper Clause to confirm the implied powers of Congress and upheld the federal government's supremacy over state taxation.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland?
This amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, as well as the right to an attorney in criminal cases.
What is the 6th Amendment?
This 1786–1787 armed uprising by Massachusetts farmers highlighted the fatal weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation.
What is Shays' Rebellion?
Established in Marbury v. Madison, this power allows the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress or executive actions unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?