Vocabulary
Goals of the Constitution
Three Branches
Principles of the Constitution
Amending the Constitution
100
The principle that every member of a society, including the ruler, must follow the law.
What is Rule of Law?
100
The goal of the constitution that wants to strengthen the relationship among the states as part of a union and between the states and the national government as part of a new federal system.
To form a more perfect union.
100
The Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch.
What are the three branches of our government?
100
The principle that government powers are restricted to protect individual rights.
Limited Government
100
Who were the two people that disagreed on allowing amendments?
Jefferson and Madison
200
A refusal by the president or a governor to sign a bill.
What is Veto?
200
The goal of the constitution that wants to provide laws that are reasonable, fair, and impartial and make sure that the administration of those laws is also reasonable, fair, and impartial.
To establish justice.
200
What article of the Constitution talks about the Legislative Branch?
Article I
200
The principle that the power to govern is divided among executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration and abuse of power by any one branch.
Separation of Powers
200
This man was against the amending of the Constitution because changing of the Constitution too often could weaken its power and split the country into bitter factions.
Madison
300
The form of political organization in which power is divided among a central government and territorial subdivisions.
What is Federalism?
300
The goal of the constitution that wants to keep peace and maintain order within the country.
To ensure domestic tranquility.
300
What article in the Constitution talks about the Executive Branch?
Article 2
300
The principle that each branch of government has the authority to check, or restrain, some powers of the other two branches.
Checks and Balances
300
This man was in favor of allowing amendments to the Constitution.
Jefferson
400
The leaders of the executive departments, who also act as advisers to the president.
What is Cabinet?
400
The goal of the constitution that wants to defend the nation against foreign enemies.
To provide for the common defense.
400
What article of the constitution talks about the Judicial Branch?
Article 3
400
The principle that the judiciary has the power to strike down laws and other government actions as invalid under the Constitution.
Judicial Review
400
What is one way a new amendment can be proposed?
The Congress can propose one with the approval of at least 2/3 of the House and 2/3 of the Senate. The delegates at a national convention that is called by Congress at the request of at least 2/3 of the legislatures.
500
538 people elected from 50 states and the District of Columbia to cast official votes that elect the President and Vice President.
What is the Electoral College?
500
The goal of the constitution that wanted to allow all states and citizens to benefit militarily and economically from the protection of a strong national government.
To promote the general welfare.
500
What branch is the President the chief of?
The executive branch.
500
The principle that the people establish the government and that they are the source of it's power.
Popular Sovereignty
500
What is one way an amendment can be ratified?
The proposed amendment is voted on by the state legislatures. Legislatives in at least 3/4 of the states must approve an amendment before it is added to the Constitution. Citizens elect delegates to conventions called in each state specifically to consider the amendment. Passage by this method requires approval by conventions in at least 3/4 of the states.
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