Constitution Basics
This is the document that sets up the basic framework of our government.
What is the Constitution?
This principle says all power comes from the people.
What is Popular Sovereignty?
This is the branch that makes the laws.
What is the Legislative Branch?
These are powers that are clearly written in the Constitution.
What are Expressed Powers?
This is what standing, select, and joint refer to in Congress.
What are committees?
How many amendments does the Constitution have today?
27
This is the principle that divides power between branches.
What is Separation of Powers?
This is what bicameral means.
What is two houses in Congress?
These are powers that are implied but not directly stated.
What are Implied Powers?
This is the name for unlimited Senate debate to block a vote.
What is a filibuster?
This is where we find the purpose of the Constitution
What is the Preamble?
This is the principle that allows each branch to limit the others.
What are Checks and Balances?
This is how many members are in the House of Representatives.
What is 435?
This clause allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its duties.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
This is the process of redistributing House seats after a census.
What is reapportionment?
He is known as the Father of the Constitution?
Who is James Madison?
This is what it is called when powers are shared by federal and state governments.
What is Federalism?
This is the leader of the House and third in line for the presidency.
Who is the Speaker of the House?
This clause says the Constitution is the highest law of the land.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
This is the system of government employees who carry out laws.
What is the bureaucracy?
This was the U.S. government's first plan that failed before the Constitution.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
This is the principle that allows the courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.
What is Judicial Review?
This chamber is a continuous body.
What is the Senate?
This clause ensures states respect each other’s legal decisions like marriage and licenses.
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
These are two of the four actions the President can take when a bill reaches his desk.
What are sign it into law or veto it?
Also: Let it become law without signing, or do a pocket veto