5 Basic Principles of the US Constitution

Questions and Answers

What are the five basic principles of the US Constitution?

Popular sovereignty 2. Limited government 3. Separation of powers 4. Checks and balances 5. Federalism

What does popular sovereignty mean?

All political power resides with the people; people rule; the consent of the governed.

Give an example of popular sovereignty.

Mayflower Compact

What is limited government?

Government must obey the law; no government is all-powerful and may only do what the people give it the power to do. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of limited government?

Magna Carta Signup and view all the answers

What does separation of powers refer to?

Powers are distributed nationally to Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

What is the power of the legislative branch?

Power to make laws. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the legislative branch?

Congress = Senate + House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

How many members are in the Senate?

100, 2 per state. Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of members in the House of Representatives?

435, based on population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the power of the executive branch?

Power to enforce laws. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the President of the United States?

Barack Obama Signup and view all the answers

What is the power of the judicial branch?

Power to interpret laws/Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are checks and balances?

Each branch of government is checked or restrained by the other two branches. Signup and view all the answers

The President can veto a law passed by Congress, and Congress can ___ that veto.

override Signup and view all the answers

What is federalism?

Division of power among National and State governments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a power of the federal (national) government? (Select all that apply)

Declares war Signup and view all the answers

What powers do state governments have? (Select all that apply)

Conduct elections Signup and view all the answers

Which powers are shared by both federal and state governments? (Select all that apply)

Define crimes/punishments Signup and view all the answers

What are reserved powers?

State powers. Signup and view all the answers

What are delegated powers?

Federal/national powers. Signup and view all the answers

What are concurrent powers?

Both state and federal powers. Signup and view all the answers

What are inherent powers?

Given to national government because it is a sovereign state (e.g., regulate immigration). Signup and view all the answers

What are expressed powers?

Written in the Constitution (e.g., Congress may declare war). Signup and view all the answers

What are implied powers?

Given to national government but not written in Constitution (e.g., printing paper money). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Principles of the US Constitution

Five fundamental principles: Popular sovereignty, Limited government, Separation of powers, Checks and balances, Federalism.

Popular Sovereignty

Political power resides with the people; governance derives from the consent of the governed.
Exemplified by the phrase "We the people..."

Example of Popular Sovereignty

The Mayflower Compact serves as an early example of self-governance and popular sovereignty.

Limited Government

Government authority is restricted by law; no entity holds absolute power.
The 1st Amendment underscores this principle with the phrase, "Congress shall make no law..."

Example of Limited Government

The Magna Carta is a historical document that established the principle of limited governmental authority.

Separation of Powers

Government powers are distinctly allocated among three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
Enshrined in Articles 1-3 of the Constitution.

Legislative Branch

Holds the authority to create laws.
Comprises Congress, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Legislative Branch Composition

Congress consists of the Senate (100 members, 2 from each state) and the House of Representatives (435 members based on population).

Senate

Each state has two Senators, totaling 100.
Notable Senators include Richard Burr and Thom Tillis.

House of Representatives

Membership is determined by state population, totaling 435 members.
Example member: Robert Pittenger from North Carolina, representing District #9.

Executive Branch

Responsible for enforcing laws.
Key figures: President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

Judicial Branch

Interprets laws and ensures adherence to the Constitution.
The Supreme Court is led by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that each government branch can regulate and restrain the others.
Examples include presidential vetoes, Congressional overrides, and judicial reviews of laws.

Examples of Checks and Balances

The President can veto Congressional laws.
Congress may override a presidential veto.
Congress can refuse judicial appointments.
The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalism

Establishes a division of power between national and state governments.

Federal (National) Government Powers

Includes powers such as coining money and declaring war.

State Government Powers

Includes establishing schools and conducting elections.

Shared Powers

Both federal and state authorities can collect taxes and define crimes and their punishments.

Reserved Powers

Powers reserved specifically for State governments.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically assigned to the Federal government.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

Inherent Powers

Powers inherent to the national government due to its sovereign status, such as immigration regulation.

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly outlined in the Constitution, like Congress's ability to declare war.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary for the national government to function, such as the power to print money.

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Explore the five basic principles that form the foundation of the US Constitution through these flashcards. Understand concepts like popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. Perfect for students and anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of American government.