Our Constitution & Federalism
These powers belong to the states. Examples are: power to establish schools, pass marriage and divorce laws, and regulate trade within a state.
What are reserved powers?
It is the right to think, express and act upon what you deeply believe, according to the dictates of conscience.
What is freedom of religion?
This gives Congress power to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations.
This branch can impeach judges.
What is the Legislative Branch?
This is the second step in the amendment process.
What is ratification?
The Constitution begins with an introduction, or preamble. With its first words "We the People" - the preamble lays the foundation of the American system of government, or the authority of the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
Generally speaking, it means that the government may not jail, fine, or impose civil liability on people or organizations based on what they say or write, except in exceptional circumstances.
What is freedom of speech and press?
These powers are suggested but not directly stated in the Constitution.
What is implied powers?
This branch can veto legislature?
What is the Executive Branch?
This branch of government can declare presidential actions unconstitutional.
What is the Judicial Branch?
Under the Constitution, the federal government and the state governments share certain powers. Examples are right to raise taxes, borrow money, provide welfare, and carry out criminal justice.
What is concurrent powers?
The government of the United States generally cannot prohibit people from gathering together and/or protesting. Some restrictions may apply to this right, but citizens are constitutionally guaranteed the freedom to protest.
What is the freedom to assemble in groups and protest the government?
After an amendment is proposed, it must be signed by 3/4 of the legislatures or by 3/4 of the conventions in the states.
What is ratification?
This branch declares acts of legislature unconstitutional and can declare presidential actions unconstitutional.
What is the Judicial Branch?
This law was meant to grant full citizenship to formerly enslaved African Americans.
What is the 14th Amendment?
Under this system, each branch of government can check, or limit, the power of the other branches. This system helps maintain a balance in the power of the three branches.
What are checks and balances?
Person's right to possess weapons.
What is the right to bear arms?
This is a constitutional amendment that can be done one of two way: by 2/3 of the members of both the House and Senate or a convention called by 2/3 of the states.
What is a proposal?
This branch can appoint judges.
What is the Executive Branch?
The United States has a federal government where the many state governments and the single federal government share power.
What is federalism?
These powers of government are strictly defined. This government has only those powers that are given to it by the people.
What is limited government?
The accused must be brought to trial or released within a reasonable amount of time. The government is not legally permitted to lock people up indefinitely without trying them.
What is the right to a speedy and public trial by jury?
Amending the Constitution involves two steps.
What are proposals and ratifications?
This branch can impeach the president, can override and veto, can reject appointments, can refuse to approve treaties.
What is the Legislative Branch?
The original thirteen colonies fought hard to win independence from Great Britain. This document protected that independence.
What are The Articles of Confederation?