Foundations of Government & Citizenship
What is Federalism
The principle that both government and citizens must follow the law
What is Rule of Law
The idea that government derives its authority from the people's authority
What is consent of the governed
A law or action that conflicts with the constitution and can be overturned by the courts
What is "Unconstitutional"
tes the Constitution's purposes and the idea that power comes from "We the people"
What is the importance of the Preamble
Anyone born or naturalized in the United States is a U.S. citizen and protected by its laws
What is a citizen
To formally approve or confirm
What is Ratify
Separation of powers, checks and balances
What are ideas of Montesquieu
Enforces laws, serves as commander in chief, carries out federal policies and appoints officials
What are roles of the Executive Branch
A power kept by the states (education, licensing) under the 10th Amendment
What is a reserved power
The legal process by which a non- citizen becomes a U.S. citizen
What is Naturalization
No power to tax, no national court system, weak central government
What are weaknesses of the Article of Confederation
An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individual rights and ideas that influenced Founders
What is the Enlightenment
Bicameral- House of Representatives (based on population) and Senate (two per state)
What is the structure of Congress
The court's power to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional
What is Judicial Review
Mechanisms that allow each branch to limit the powers of the others (veto, override, judicial review)
What are checks and balances
What is the reason Constitution was written
Natural rights (life. liberty, property) and social contract
What are John Locke's ideas
Public education, Local law Enforcement, licensing professionals
What are powers reserved for states
The principle that government power is restricted by law to protect individual rights
What is limited government
Division of government into branches (legislative, executive, judicial) with different functions
What is separation of powers
Supporters of the Constitution that favored strong national government
Who are the Federalists
It urged independence from Britain
What was Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Coin money, declare war, regulate interstate commerce, make treaties
What are powers delegated to the National government
Veto legislation, appoint judges, grant pardons
What are ways President (Executive) checks Congress (Legislative) or Judges (Judicial)
A government where citizens elect representatives and Constitution limits government power
What is a Constitutional Republic
To guarantee individual freedoms and address Anti-Federalists concerns of government power
What is reason for adding Bill of Rights
It limited the ruler's power and introduced the idea that leaders must follow the law
What is the Magna Carta
Powers shared by state and national governments (taxation, law enforcement)
What are concurrent powers
Form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, secure the blessings of Liberty
What are the goals of the Preamble
Paying Taxes, obeying laws, serving on a jury, or registering for Selective Service
What are examples of obligations (civic)
Opponents of a strong central government who demanded a Bill of Rights to protect liberties
Who are the Anti-Federalists
Self-government and rule by consent among colonists
What is the Mayflower Compact
Interpret laws, review lower court rulings, protect constitutional rights
What are the main roles of the judicial Branch
Override a veto, refuse to confirm appointments, control funding, impeach
What are ways Congress (Legislative) can check the President (Executive)
Voting, volunteering, attending civic meetings, petitioning the government
What are examples of civic responsibility
"Taxation without representation"- being taxed by government colonists had no voice in
What is the key grievance in the Declaration of Independence
Written laws, republican ideas, equal legal protections
What are ancient Rome influences on U.S. government
Senator serve 6 years, two per state; House members serve 2 years and representation by population
What is the difference between Senate and the House
A power specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the National government
What is an enumerated power