U.S. Guiding Principles
Branches of Government
Checks & Balances
Elections & Systems
Constitution in Action
100

This principle means government power comes from the people.

What is popular sovereignty?


100

This branch makes laws.

What is the Legislative Branch?


100

This is the president’s power to reject a law

What is a veto?

100

This group officially elects the president.

What is the Electoral College?

100

If the president ignores a bill for 10 days and Congress is in session, this happens.

What is it becomes a law?

200

This idea means no one is above the law.

What is rule of law?

200

This branch enforces laws.

What is the Executive Branch?

200

This is Congress’s power to override a veto.

What is a two-thirds vote?

200

This is the number of electoral votes needed to win

What is 270?

200

This group must approve amendments by 2/3 vote.

What is Congress?

300

This principle limits government power to protect freedoms.

What is limited government?

300

This branch interprets laws.

What is the Judicial Branch?

300

This is when the House brings charges against an official.

What is impeachment?

300

In most states, this candidate wins all electoral votes

Who is the candidate with the most votes?

300

This fraction of states must approve an amendment.

What is 3/4?

400

This divides power between national and state governments.

What is federalism?

400

This group has the power to declare war and collect taxes.

What is Congress?

400

This is when the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional.

What is judicial review?

400

This is voting directly by the people.

What is the popular vote?

400

These are powers shared by both state and national governments.

What are concurrent powers?

500

This system makes sure each branch can limit the others.

What are checks and balances?

500

These judges serve for life on the highest court.

Who are Supreme Court justices?

500

This branch confirms presidential appointments.

What is the Senate?

500

This system shares power between national and state governments.

What is federalism?

500

These are powers kept by the states

What are reserved powers?