U.S Constitution Study Flashcards

Front

Just the Facts:  The Constitution

Back

1. Ratified in 1789

2. Based on separation of powers

3. Formed 3 branches of Gov’t.

4. The Constitution is divided into three parts

Front

Structure of the Constitution

Back

• The Preamble – the goals of the government. 

• The seven articles are the main divisions in the body of the Constitution

• The amendments, which provide for changes in the original

Front

The Preamble

Back

• 6 Goals:

1. form a more perfect union

2. establish justice

3. insure domestic tranquility

4. provide for the common defense,

5. promote the general welfare

6. Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Front

The Seven Articles

Back

• Article I: The Legislative Branch

• Article II: The Executive Branch

• Article III: The Judicial Branch

• Article IV: Relationship between the states

• Article V: Amending the Constitution

• Article VI: Supremacy Clause

• Article  VII: Ratification

Front

Major Principles of the Constitution

Back

• There are 6 major principles:

1. Popular sovereignty - rule by the people

2. Federalism - power is divided between national and state governments

3. Separation of powers among the three branches

Front

Checks and balances

Back

each branch exercises powers over the others. No branch will become too powerful. 

Front

Judicial review

Back

power of the courts to overturn laws and actions of national, state, and local governments. Established by Marbury v. Madison.

Front

Limited government

Back

 the Constitution limits government by specifying its powers and listing powers it does not have.

Front

The Legislative Branch

Back

• Congress is made up of two houses:

- House of Representatives

- Senate 

• The powers granted Congress are expressed in Article I, Section 8. 

• Expressed Powers are also called enumerated powers because they are numbered 1-18.  Also called Declared Powers. Enumerated Powers expressly say what congress can do.

Front

• Economic Powers

Back

1. Levy taxes

2. Borrow money

3. Regulate commerce

4. Coin money

5. Punish counterfeiting