Foundations
The first written plan of government for the United States, which created a weak national government and gave most powers to the states.
Articles of Confederation
Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution. Declaring war, coining money, and regulating interstate commerce.
Delegated Powers
The branch of government responsible for enforcing federal laws. Led by the president of the United States.
Executive Branch
Supporters of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution who favored a stronger national government. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
Federalist
A Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.
Significance: Strengthened the judicial branch by establishing the Supreme Court's authority to declare federal laws unconstitutional.
Marbury vs Madison 1803
The supreme law of the United States that establishes the structure, powers, and limits of the federal government. Written in 1787 and establishes the three branches of government.
US Constitution
Powers not given to the federal government or prohibited to the states by the Constitution; they are reserved for the states or the people. Establishing public schools and administering state elections.
Reserved Powers
The branch of government responsible for making federal laws. Congress consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Legislative Branch
Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution who feared a powerful national government would threaten individual rights and state authority.
Anti-Federalist
A Supreme Court case that strengthened federal authority over interstate commerce.
Significance: Established that Congress has broad constitutional authority to regulate commerce between states.
Gibbons vs Ogden 1824
The principle that the government's power comes from the people. Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Popular Sovereignty
Powers shared by both the federal and state governments. Collecting taxes, establishing courts, and building roads.
Concurrent Powers
The branch of government responsible for interpreting federal laws and deciding legal disputes. Includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
Judicial Branch
A collection of 85 essays written to persuade Americans to support ratification of the Constitution. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
The Federalist Papers
State and local laws that enforced racial segregation and discrimination, primarily in the Southern United States following Reconstruction. Laws requiring separate schools, transportation, and public facilities for Black and white Americans.
The principle that government officials and institutions must follow the law and cannot exercise unlimited power.The president cannot create laws without Congress.
Limited Government
The division of government responsibilities among three branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Separation of Powers
The power of courts to determine whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution. The Supreme Court can declare a federal law unconstitutional.
Judicial Review
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that protect individual freedoms and place limits on government power.
Bill of Rights
Basic freedoms and protections against government interference guaranteed by the Constitution.
Civil Liberties
A system of government in which power is divided between the national government and state governments.
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.
Checks and Balances
The process by which Congress monitors and investigates the executive branch to ensure laws are being enforced properly.
Legislative Oversight
Official changes or additions to the U.S. Constitution.
Amendments
Random Trivia
Random Trivia