Parts of the Constitution
Which part introduces the Constitution and lists reasons why the people are creating a new government?
The Preamble
What does "We the People. . ." mean?
Power comes from citizens through popular sovereignty.
Which principle that asserts that the people are the source of any and all governmental power and a government can exist only with the consent of the governed?
popular sovereignty
What are the first 10 Amendments called?
The Bill of Rights
What is a veto?
The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress prevents it from becoming law.
This article outlines the relationship between the states and between each state and the federal government
Article 4
What does "to form a more perfect Union" mean?
The government will continuously strive to be better.
Which principle states that government is restricted in what it may do, and each individual has rights that government cannot take away?
limited government
What does the 13th Amendment (1865) do?
Abolishes slavery except as a punishment for a crime.
What is a formal amendment?
A change to the U.S. Constitution which requires a supermajority of support from Congress and the states.
Which article declares that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land?
Article 6
What does "establish Justice" mean?
To create a fair system of laws where all people are treated equally under the law.
Which principle states that the executive, legislative, and judicial powers are divided among three independent branches of power
separation of powers
What does the 19th Amendment (1920) do?
Granted women the right to vote
What is a rule of law?
All people, institutions and government entities are equally accountable to enforced laws.
What does Article 7 do?
Explains the process for ratifying the Constitution.
What does "insure domestic tranquility" mean?
The government's duty to keep things running smoothly and orderly in the nation.
What is judicial review?
the power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action.
What are the two parts of the 14th Amendment (1868)?
Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the US and guarantees all citizens 'equal protection under the laws". (1868)
What is bicameralism?
A legislative system with two separate chambers or houses.
In order list the branches of government established by Articles I, II, & III.
I. Legislative Branch
II. Executive Branch
III. Judicial Branch
What does "secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity" mean?
To protect and serve individual freedoms and rights for both current and future generations
What is federalism?
a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of government on a territorial basis between a central, or national government and several regional governments.
What does the 15th Amendment (1870) do?
Granted the right to vote to all male citizens regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude
What is Congress?
A bicameral system composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives