Basic Principles of the United States Constitution

Which constitutional principle is identified with the concept of consent of the governed?

• rule of law

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• popular sovereignty

Before the U.S. Constitution was adopted, each state held a ratifying convention to discuss and vote on the Constitution.

​Alexander Hamilton attended the New York state rectification convention. A quote from one of his speeches during the convention is shown.

"Here [in the U.S. House of Representatives], sir, the people govern; here they act by their immediate representative​s."

Which basic principle of government is Hamilton highlighting in this quote?

• federalism

• limited government

• popular sovereignty

• separation of powers

Federalism: A way of organizing a nation so that two or more levels of government have authority over the same land and people.

Part A

Which fact about American government reflects the above definition of federalism?

• Power is divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

• Private organizations in the United States do much of the work that is performed by local governments in other countries.

• Citizens in the United States are subject to both state and federal laws.

• Citizens in the United States have a right to protection from intrusion into their private affairs.

Which idea was at the center of the Anti-Federalist position as expressed in the Anti-Federalist Papers?

• Standing Army

• Limited Government

• Checks and Balances

• Strong Central Government

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or the people."

This quotation from the 10th Amendment of The Bill of Rights, was primarily intended to...

• give the people the right to vote on important issues

• limit the rights of American citizens

• place limits on the powers of the national government

• Assure the national government would control the state governments

The President is responsible for executing, enforcing, and administering the law. 

• limited government 
• federalism 
• checks and balances 
• separation of powers 

A two-thirds vote in each house of Congress is needed to override a veto. 

• Checks and Balances 
• Limited Government 
• Judicial Review 
• Federalism 

This practice was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)

• Federalism 
• Popular Sovereignty 
• Judicial Review 
• Separation of powers 

Only Congress has the power to declare war. 

• Limited Government 
• Federalism 
• Separation of Powers 
• Judicial Review 

Powers not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution are retained by the states. 

• Federalism 
• Judicial Review 
• Checks and Balances 
• Limited Government