"The supreme law of the land." Written in 1787 at Philadelphia Convention to replace Articles of Confederation and create a stronger central government. Outlines structure & power of 3 branches of national government.

1. 1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade)

1.  interprets the laws and decides whether or not they are constitutional (Supreme Court)

1. Consists of nine justices, each appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress. Appointment is for life. Supreme Court exercises the power to determine constitutionality of statutes

1.  U.S. Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review

1.  Supreme Court ruling (1819) confirming the supremacy of national over state government

1.  The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional

1. The U.S. Constitution's description of its own authority, meaning that all laws made by governments within the United States must be in compliance with the Constitution.

1.    the national legislative body of the U.S., consisting of the Senate, or upper house, and the House of Representatives, or lower house

1.  a part of Congress; based on an equal number. 2 per state

1. The larger house of Congress. Its members represent the people of their state, and the total number of representatives is based on the state's population. Has 435 members total. Members serve 2-year terms.

1. proposal to create a strong national government with proportional representation (larger states get more representation)

1. The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of the state's population.

1.  Agreement during the Constitutional Convention that Congress should be composed of a Senate, in which States would be represented equally, and a House, in which representation would be based on a State's population.

1. Agreement that each slave counted as three-fifths of a person in determining representation in the House for representation and taxation purposes (negated by the 13th amendment)

1.   A change to the Constitution.

1. Establishes the legislative branch, two houses with law making authority, specific powers Congress does and not have.

1.  establishes the judicial branch to interpret and apply the laws, calls for one supreme court plus lower courts and describes the powers of the courts

1. establishes the executive branch, has a president and vp, how they are elected and removed and their powers and duties

1. A French man who believed that Human beings are naturally good & free & can rely on their instincts. Government should exist to protect common good, and be a democracy

1.   An English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.

1.    A French Enlightenment thinker who expanded on John Locke's beliefs. He added the judiciary aspect to the executive and legislative aspects Locke had. He also wrote about separation of powers.

1.  Author of the Declaration of Independence 3rd President of the United States

1.  "Father of the Constitution," Federalist leader, and fourth President of the United States.

A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration

Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature

The minimal majority required for most actions taken by the US Congress

Contrary to what is permitted by the constitution

long and careful consideration or discussion

A session at which a committee listens to testimony from people interested in the bill

to knowingly not pay attention to something or someone

The leader of the majority party who serves as the presiding officer of the House of Representatives

What is it called when you need a minimum number of senators and house members in order to start making bills into laws?

Article 1 of the Constitution is concerned with the duties of the law-making, or _____, branch of government.

Congress is made up of two houses: the _____ and the House of Representatives.

Voters elect members of the _____ every two years.

Voters elect members of the _____ every six years.

Powers of Congress include which of the following EXCEPT

What are 2 requirements to get elected to the Senate?

Any changes to the bill must be agreed by both houses.

Where can an idea for a bill can come from?

Who are the people within a district or state that is represented by a government official?