Foundations of Government
What is maintaining security?
This is the main purpose of government that involves keeping order and protecting citizens.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
What is popular sovereignty
The idea that government power comes from the people.
What is the legislative branch?
The branch that makes the laws
What is veto it?
The president can do this to reject a bill from Congress.
What is a republic (or representative democracy)?
A system where people elect representatives to make decisions for them.
What is the Preamble?
The introduction to the Constitution that states its goals.
What is separation of powers?
The principle that prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
What is the executive branch
The branch that enforces laws.
What is impeachment?
Congress can do this to remove a president from office/there ability to do so
What is the social contract theory?
This theory says governments get their power from the people.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
This clause makes the Constitution the highest law of the land.
What are individual rights?
This principle protects individual freedoms from government overreach.
What is the judicial branch?
The branch that interprets laws.
What are appointments (like judges or cabinet members)?
The Senate must approve these presidential choices.
What is the rule of law?
The idea that no one is above the law not even leaders.
What is the amendment process?
The process that allows the Constitution to be changed.
What is limited government?
The idea that government should only have the powers the people give it.
What are the House of Representatives and the Senate?
The two houses of Congress.
What is declare laws or actions unconstitutional?
The Supreme Court can do this to limit Congress and the president.
Who is John Locke?
This philosopher believed people had natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
What is federalism
The principle that divides power between national and state governments.
What is rule of law?
The principle that ensures government leaders must follow the same laws as citizens.
what is judicial review?
The Supreme Court’s power to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is a two‑thirds vote?
Congress can override a presidential veto with this fraction of votes.