Preamble & Articles
This is the name for the introductory section of the Constitution that states its purposes and goals.
What is the Preamble?
This is the name for the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
What is the Bill of Rights?
Which amendment states that US citizens have the right to bare arms?
2nd Amendment
This principle divides power between national and state governments, each with their own laws and duties.
What is Federalism?
This principle means the government cannot do whatever it wants
What is Limited Government?
This three-word phrase begins the Preamble and establishes that the American people are the source of the Constitution's authority.
What is "We the People"?
This fraction of Congress must vote to propose an amendment, according to Article V.
What is two-thirds (⅔)?
This fraction of state legislatures (or state conventions) must ratify a proposed amendment.
What is three-fourths (¾)?
This principle divides power among the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches.
What is Separation of Powers?
This principle means no one is above the law, not even government officials.
What is Rule of Law?
This Article created the Legislative Branch to make laws.
What is Article I?
This debate between two groups — those who wanted a strong national government and those who feared it — led to the Bill of Rights being added as a compromise.
What is the Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist debate?
The police pull you over and demand to search your car. They search every part of the car and take some of your personal items.
4th Amendment
This principle allows each branch of government to exercise some control over the others, preventing abuse of power.
What is Checks and Balances?
This principle holds that the people are the ultimate source of all government power, reflected in the phrase "We the People."
What is Popular Sovereignty?
This Article explains how the Constitution can be amended, or changed.
What is Article V?
You are called to the office because the principal thinks you vandalized the restroom. You refuse to answer any questions.
5th Amendment
Due to the expense of a war with Iraq, the government asks American households to provide the cost to feed and house three Soldiers.
3rd Amendment
This power lets the Supreme Court declare a law or act unconstitutional.
What is Judicial Review?
This principle means people agree to give up certain rights only if the government agrees to protect and serve them.
What is Consent of the Governed?
This Article establishes that laws and treaties made by Congress are the "supreme law of the land."
What is Article VI (the Supremacy Clause)?
What amendment states that people have rights outside of those stated in the Constitution?
Amendments modify the "Supreme Law of the Land", a document also known as...
What amendment states that any powers not stated in the Constitution belong to state?
10th Amendment
This 1803 case established the precedent for judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
This type of democracy allows citizens to elect leaders who make decisions on their behalf.
What is a Representative Democracy?