Six Key Ideas of the Constitution

Which key concept is the idea that the power of government comes from the will of the people?

• Separation of Power

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

• Republicanism

• Federalism

Answer explanation

Popular: means "populous" or "The People"

Sovereignty: Means "Supreme Ruler"

In our government, the people are the supreme ruler.

Which key concept means a system of government where citizens are represented by elected officials?

• Limited Government

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

Which key concept is defined as a government that is divided up into branches, and each branch has separate and independent branches?

• Federalism

• Separation of Power

• Republicanism

• Limited Government

• Checks and Balances

Answer explanation

If you said Checks and Balances, remember that C and B only refers to when one branch of the government limits the power of another.

Which key concept is where power is shared between the state and national government?

• Checks and Balances

• Separation of Power

• Popular Sovereignty

• Republicanism

• Federalism

Which key concept is where the government's power is restricted by laws to protect individual liberties?

• Limited Government

• Checks and Balances

• Popular Sovereignty

• Separation of Power

• Republicanism

Which key concept is where one branch of the government can limit the power of another branch of government?

• Federalism

• Checks and Balances

• Separation of Power

• Limited Government

• Popular Soverignty

Answer explanation

If you said Limited Government, remember that Limited Government is only when the law limits the government, not another branch.

Match the following concepts to their illustration

• Limited Government

• 
• Separation of Power

• 
• Federalism

• 
• Checks and Balances

• 
• Republicanism

• 

Answer explanation

The 6th concept is Popular Sovereignty, illustrated by this image.

What is the following an example of?

In the Constitution, some powers are given to the states. For example, states are responsible for establishing schools. Other powers, like the power to declare war, are given to the national government.

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

What is the following an example of?

The Declaration of Indepedence says, "Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."?

• Republicanism

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

What is the following an example of?

The Bill of Rights limits the power of the government by listing individual rights. For example, governments cannot limit freedom of speech or subject citizens to cruel and unusual punishments.

• Limited Government

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Separation of Powers