The Constitution
The Constitution replaced this document, which established the first government of the United States.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The legislative branch, or Congress, is composed of these two chambers.
What are the House of Representatives and the Senate?
These articles of the Constitution establish the executive and judicial branches.
What are Articles II and III?
The two major parties in the United States.
What are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party?
Ideals that are central to democratic government.
What are democratic ideals?
The Preamble to the Constitution famously begins with this three-word phrase.
What is "We the People"?
The powers specifically granted to the legislative branch by the Constitution can be separated into these two categories.
What are legislative and non-legislative powers?
As __________, the President has the power to negotiate treaties, lead the military, and meet with world leaders to discuss foreign policy and trade.
What is Commander in Chief?
The United States has this type of party system.
What is a two-party system?
The Constitution embodies seven fundamental _________, which are related to, or based on, various democratic ideals.
What are principles?
These two factions formed in support of, and in opposition to, the ratification of the Constitution.
Who are Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
In the Senate, this tactic is used to delay or prevent a bill, amendment, or resolution from coming to a vote.
What is the filibuster?
An agreement made between the defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant pleads guilty to committing a crime in exchange for a lighter sentence.
What is a plea bargain?
The three largest minor parties in the United States.
What are the Libertarian Party, Green Party, and Constitution Party?
This factor refers to situations such as war and political upheaval, which can lead to changes in democracy.
What is conflict?
The Constitution embodies seven principles of government, including this principle, which means that power is divided between the federal and state governments.
What is federalism?
In Congress, a group of legislators with expertise in a specific policy area.
What is a committee?
The concept that all people and institutions are held responsible for following the law.
What is the rule of law?
Ultimately, this body is responsible for electing the President.
What is the Electoral College?
This factor leads to changes in democratic government by empowering people to demand more rights and opportunities.
What is increased education?
This article describes the process for amending the Constitution.
What is Article V?
This term refers to the practice of redrawing electoral district boundaries in order to influence election outcomes.
What is gerrymandering?
This protocol ensures that the United States will have a leader if the President becomes unable to perform his duties in the case of death, disability, or other impediment.
What is presidential succession?
The first step that citizens must take in order to vote.
What is registering to vote?
Ultimately, democracy changes because __________ hold the government accountable by voting, running for office, or petitioning, protesting, & advocating for change.
Who are the people/citizens?