American Government Study Guide

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What is the principle of Separation of Powers?

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The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

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What are Checks and Balances?

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A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful, including mechanisms like veto power and Senate confirmations.

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What is Federalism?

Back

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, exemplified by the Tenth Amendment and the Elastic Clause.

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What does Popular Sovereignty mean?

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The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

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What is Limited Government?

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A political system where the legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers.

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What is the Rule of Law?

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The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law that is fairly applied and enforced.

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What is Judicial Review?

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The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution, established in Marbury v. Madison.

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What is the purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

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To establish the framework of the government and outline the rights of the citizens.

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What is the Bill of Rights?

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The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual rights.

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What is the Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)

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A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.