Big Ideas
Our natural rights according to Declaration of Independence.
life
liberty
pursuit of happiness
Name the 3 branches and what their job is
Legislative- makes laws
Judicial- interprets laws
Executive- executes laws
Gives congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers
Elastic Clause / Necessary & Proper Clause
People have the right to fair and reasonable laws. Officials have to follow rules when enforcing laws and need to treat all people in the same way.
due process
Name two ways a bill can be prevented from becoming a law
-One house of Congress can kill the bill before it reaches the president
-The president can veto
powers that the Constitution does not give to the national government that are kept by the states
reserved powers
ensures that no one branch/person has all the powers. Each branch/person "checks" another to ensure that there is a "balance" of power
checks and balances
Who has the power to impeach the President?
Congress
Powers not specifically mentioned, but inferred from the expressed powers, that allow Congress to carry out its functions
implied powers
A government that has been limited in power by a constitution, or written agreement.
limited government
A law making body made of two houses
bicameral congress
A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
Federalism
All people must follow the laws, and the laws should be enforced fairly.
rule of law
the highest federal court in the United States
Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.
concurrent powers