Articles of the Constitution
This document established a stronger central government by replacing the Articles of Confederation.
The Constitution
The role of commander-in-chief is held by this individual.
The President
These powers, such as taxation, are held by both state and federal governments.
Concurrent Powers
The U.S. employs this form of democracy where officials are chosen to represent citizens.
Representative Democracy
The freedom of speech and religion is protected by this foundational amendment.
The 1st Amendment
The Articles of Confederation focused power primarily at this level.
The States
This branch is responsible for confirming presidential appointments.
The Legislative Branch (Senate)
The Necessary and Proper Clause is also referred to by this name.
The Elastic Clause
This system allows smaller states to have disproportionate influence in presidential elections.
Electoral College
This amendment guarantees protections against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.
The 5th Amendment
The main weakness of the Articles of Confederation was its lack of this authority.
Federal/central power
This Supreme Court case established the judiciary’s authority to overrule laws deemed unconstitutional.
Marbury vs. Madison
This landmark Supreme Court case expanded federal power through a broad interpretation of the Necessary and Proper Clause.
McCulloch vs. Maryland
This voting reform proposal suggests eliminating the Electoral College in favor of a direct popular vote to elect the President.
National Popular Vote
This amendment limits the President to two terms in office.
The 22nd Amendment
This major compromise during the Constitutional Convention balanced representation between large and small states.
The Great Compromise
Congress can override a presidential veto with this specific action.
Two-thirds vote in both houses
Federalism creates potential conflicts between state and federal law, as exemplified by disputes over this controversial issue.
The legalization of marijuana
This principle of government ensures that ultimate political authority resides with the people.
Popular sovereignty
The 15th and 19th Amendments both expanded this democratic right.
The Right to Vote
The shift from the Articles to the Constitution exemplifies this principle of government.
Federalism
This is the only branch that can formally declare war.
The Legislative Branch (Congress)
This constitutional principle ensures that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.
The 10th Amendment
This amendment lowered the voting age to 18 in response to debates during the Vietnam War.
The 26th Amendment
This process, outlined in the Constitution, is required to amend it.
Two-thirds vote in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states