Constitution Vocabulary

Government gets its authority from the people, where the ultimate power remains.

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks & Balances

• Limited Government

The principle that the powers of and functions of government are restricted by the U.S. Constitution and other laws.

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks & Balances

• Limited Government

Under this principle, the duties of governing are divided among 3 branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. These are covered in the first 3 Articles in the Constitution.

• Separation of Powers

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks & Balances

• Limited Government

Under the Constitution, each branch has its own area of governmental responsibility, but they are not completely separate from each other to make sure t none of them (especially executive) becomes too powerful.

• Separation of Powers

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks & Balances

• Limited Government

Powers of Government are distributed between the national, state and local governments.

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks & Balances

• Limited Government

What are enumerated powers?

• Powers of Congress
• Powers of the President
• Power of the Supreme Court
• Power of the people

What is the purpose of the Legislative Branch?

• Make laws
• Enforce laws
• Interpret laws
• Ignore laws

What is the purpose of the Executive Branch?

• Make laws
• Enforce laws
• Interpret laws
• Deny laws

What is the purpose of the Judicial Branch?

• Make laws
• Enforce laws
• Interpret laws
• Accept laws

What were the supporters of the Constitution called?

• Federalists
• Antifederalists