An Overview of the Constitution
This system of government divides power between a national government and state governments, allowing both to exercise authority over the same territory.
Federalism
True or False: The President has an official role in amending the Constitution.
False
This clause establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, overriding conflicting state laws.
Supremacy Clause
These powers are reserved solely for the national government, such as the power to declare war and regulate interstate commerce.
Exclusive Power
Name the Amendment violated in the following scenario:
A local government bans a popular social media platform to prevent citizens from organizing protests against a new law.
1st Amendment
This doctrine divides government responsibilities into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Separation of Powers
How many total ways are there to amend the Constitution?
4
This clause grants Congress the power to regulate trade among the states and with foreign nations, significantly impacting federal authority over the economy.
Commerce Clause
These are specifically listed powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the power to tax and borrow money.
Expressed/Enumerated Powers
Name the Amendment violated in the following scenario:
A state implements a new registration process that negatively affects women, effectively keeping many from voting in elections.
19th Amendment
This system allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no single branch can dominate.
Checks and balances
What fraction of both houses of Congress or a national convention of state legislatures is needed to propose an amendment?
2/3
Also known as the Elastic Clause, this provision allows Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
Necessary and Proper Clause
These powers are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause, allowing Congress to enact laws to carry out its enumerated powers.
Implied Powers
Name the Amendment violated in the following scenario:
A state law allows only certain racial groups to vote, denying others their right based on race.
15th Amendment
This principle asserts that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, often expressed through voting.
Popular Sovereignty
What fraction of state legislatures or special conventions called by the states is needed to ratify an amendment?
3/4
This clause prohibits Congress from establishing a national religion, ensuring a separation between church and state.
Establishment Clause
These powers are shared by both the national and state governments, including the powers to tax, establish courts, and enforce laws.
Concurrent Powers
Name the Amendment violated in the following scenario:
A state requires voters to pay a fee to vote in elections, effectively disenfranchising low-income citizens.
24th Amendment
Established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, this power allows the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions.
Judicial Review
How many amendments are there in the Bill of Rights?
10
Found in the Fourteenth Amendment, this clause prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Equal Protection Clause
These powers are not delegated to the national government and are reserved for the states, such as regulating education and conducting elections.
Reserved Powers
Name the Amendment violated in the following scenario:
Law enforcement enters a person's home without a warrant and seizes personal property based solely on an anonymous tip.
4th Amendment