The Branches of Government
This branch of government makes the laws.
The Legislative Branch
First Constitution used in the United States
What is the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was a failure because it gave what too much power?
State governments
10
Power the resides with the people, they can vote
popular sovereignty
This branch of government enforces, or carries out, laws.
Executive Branch
On May 25th, 1787 our founding fathers met in Philadelphia to create a new constitution at
the Constitutional Convention
In order to ratify amendments onto the Constitution, Congress must approve with a 2/3rds vote. How many states must approve the Amendment?
3/4
Who is considered the father of the constitution? He helped write the original document and the Bill of Rights
James Madison
What is Judicial Review
Courts have the power to rule a law to be unconstitutional
This branch of government interprets the law.
Judicial Branch
Plan created at the Constitutional Convention that said representation in Congress should be based on population
Virginia Plan
These powers are clearly listed or numbered in the Constitution.
What are expressed (or enumerated) powers?
Protects your freedoms of speech, religion, assembly and petition.
What is the First (1st) Amendment?
This is the division of power between a central (national or federal) government and regional (state and local) government.
What is federalism?
The part of the Constitution that states the powers given to the each branch of the government
the 7 Articles (First 3)
Plan created at the constitutional convention that said representation should be equal in congress
New Jersey Plan
allows citizens to not have to testify in court if they feel that it might incriminate themselves.
5th amendment
Creator of the three house checks and balance system
Montesquieu
A system of restrictions placed on individual branches of government by the other branches of government to maintain a balance of power.
checks and balances
What state did not send a representative to the Constitutional Convention
All powers not belonging to the federal government but to the states (e.g. the powers to establish schools and set speed limits).
What are reserved powers?
prevents government from forcing homeowners to allow soldiers to use their homes. Before the Revolutionary War, laws gave British soldiers the right to take over private homes.
3rd amendment
This is the act of formally accusing a public official (e.g. the president) of a crime (e.g. treason) that can result in removal from office.
Impeachment