U.S. Government Principles
This principle states that the government’s power comes from the consent of the governed, meaning the people have the ultimate authority.
What is Popular Sovereignty?
This 1803 case established the principle of judicial review, which gives the courts the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
What is Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
This part of the Constitution begins with "We the People" and outlines the purpose of the document, including establishing justice and promoting the general welfare.
What is the Preamble to the Constitution?
This amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and the right to assemble and petition the government.
What is the First Amendment?
This document, signed in 1776, declared the American colonies' independence from Great Britain and listed grievances against King George III.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This branch of government is responsible for making laws and is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is the Legislative Branch?
This amendment, passed in 1865, abolished slavery in the United States.
What is the Thirteenth Amendment?
This principle of government ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch specific powers to limit the others.
What is Checks and Balances?
This landmark 1973 case ruled that a woman’s right to have an abortion is protected by the constitutional right to privacy.
What is Roe v. Wade (1973)?
This section of the Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the legislative branch, which is known as Congress.
What is Article I?
This amendment ensures the right to keep and bear arms.
What is the Second Amendment?
This document served as the first constitution of the United States and created a weak central government, eventually being replaced by the U.S. Constitution.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This branch of government is responsible for enforcing the laws and is headed by the President.
What is the Executive Branch?
This amendment, passed in 1920, granted women the right to vote.
What is the Nineteenth Amendment?
This concept means the government only has the powers that are explicitly granted by the Constitution, and any power not listed is reserved for the states or the people.
What is Limited Government?
This 1954 case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson.
What is Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?
This section of the Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch, headed by the President.
What is Article II?
This amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and guarantees due process of law.
What is the Fifth Amendment?
This Founding Father, known as the "Father of the Constitution," played a key role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and advocating for its ratification.
Who is James Madison?
This branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws and is headed by the Supreme Court.
What is the Judicial Branch?
This amendment, passed in 1964, banned discrimination in voting based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
What is the Sixteenth Amendment?
This principle ensures that all people, including government officials, are subject to the law and that the law is applied equally to everyone.
What is the Rule of Law?
This 1963 case ruled that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel for criminal defendants, even if they cannot afford an attorney.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?
This article discusses the ratification process of the Constitution and how states can agree to the document.
What is Article VII?
This amendment protects citizens from excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
What is the Eighth Amendment?
This Founding Father, known for his famous quote “Give me liberty, or give me death!” was a strong advocate for independence from Britain.
Who is Patrick Henry?
This system divides power and responsibilities among the three branches of government to ensure no one branch becomes too powerful.
What is the system of Checks and Balances?
This amendment gave Congress the power to tax incomes.
What is the Sixteenth Amendment?
This concept refers to the division of powers between the national government and the state governments, ensuring that both levels of government have certain powers and responsibilities.
What is Federalism?
This 1966 case required police to inform suspects of their rights before questioning, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
What is Miranda v. Arizona (1966)?
This article establishes the judicial branch, including the Supreme Court, and grants it the power to interpret the law and determine its constitutionality.
What is Article III?
This amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants to be issued based on probable cause.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
What Founding Document contains the following quote "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..."
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This process allows the President to reject laws passed by Congress.
What is a Presidential Veto?
This amendment limits the president to two terms in office.
What is the Twenty-Second Amendment?
This principle ensures that government authority is divided among different levels, such as federal, state, and local, to prevent too much power from being concentrated in one area.
What is the Separation of Powers?
This case, decided in 1819, affirmed the supremacy of federal law over state law and upheld the creation of the Bank of the United States.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
This article contains the process for amending the Constitution and specifies how the Constitution can be changed over time.
What is Article V?
This amendment grants the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and the right to counsel in criminal cases.
What is the Sixth Amendment?
This Founding Father is known for his diplomatic role in securing French support during the American Revolution and later becoming the third President of the United States.
Who is Thomas Jefferson?
This type of vote requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress to override a presidential veto.
What is a Veto Override?
This amendment gave 18-year-olds the right to vote, lowering the voting age from 21.
What is the Twenty-Sixth Amendment?