 | Term | Definition |
| |
article |
division of the Constitution |
| |
jurisdiction |
authority |
| |
supremacy clause |
states that the Constitution, the laws passed by Congress, and treaties of the U.S. are the supreme law of the land |
| |
amendments |
changes to the Constitution |
| |
popular sovereignty |
rule by the people |
| |
federalism |
a system where power is divided between national and state governments |
| |
seperation of powers |
determines that each branch has its own responsibilities so that one branch doesn't gain too much power |
| |
checks and balances |
each branch of government exercises some control over the others |
| |
vetoing |
rejecting |
| |
judicial review |
the power of courts to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments invalid if they violate the Constitution |
| |
Marbury v. Madison |
case that established precedent of judicial review |
| |
expressed powers |
powers directly stated by the Consitution |
| |
enumerated powers |
numbered powers |
| |
elastic clause |
gives Congress the right to make all laws "necessary and proper" to meet unexpected situations |
| |
McCulloch v. Maryland |
supports the elastic clause |
| |
federal bureaucracy |
departments and agencies of the federal govenrment (esp. the executive) |
| |
ratified |
approved |
| |
petition |
appeal to |
| |
balanced budget |
one in which the federal government's spending never exceeds its income |
| |
treaty |
agrremtn between nations |
| |
executive agreement |
agreement between two heads of state |
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judicial restraint |
the Court should avoid taking the initiative on laws |
| |
judicial activism |
the Court should play a role in shaping national policies (Earl Warren) |
| |
search/arrest warrant |
orders signed by a judge describing a specific place to be searched for specific items or naming a specific person to be arrested for a specific crime |
| |
due process of law |
the government must follow proper and constitutional procedures in trials |
