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US Constitution

Terms in this set (30)

US Constitution
The formal document that established the federal system of government in the United States; it replaced the Articles of Confederation.
Government
An institution society uses to make and enforce its public policies (local, state, national).
Preamble
The introductory paragraph of the Constitution; it states the purposes of government according to our Founding Fathers.
Articles
The body paragraphs of the Constitution; they outline the structure and powers of government.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments of the Constitution; they were added to help ratify the Constitution.
Amendments
Formal changes made to the Constitution; there are 27 amendments to the Constitution.
To Form a More Perfect Union
A purpose of government in the Preamble; It means to create a nation in which the states work together.
To Establish Justice
A purpose of government in the Preamble; It makes laws and sets up a fair court system.
To Ensure Domestic Tranquility
A purpose of government in the Preamble; It helps keeps peace inside the country.
To Provide for the Common Defense
A purpose of government in the Preamble; It protects the country from attack by a foreign country.
To Promote the General Welfare
A purpose of government in the Preamble; It means to provide for the happiness and well-being of the people.
To Secure the Blessings of Liberty
A purpose of government in the Preamble; It protects the rights of the people now and for future generations.
Purposes of Government
The reasons why governments exist; In our country, they are contained in the Preamble.
Principles of Government
The foundation of the Constitution and the government of the United States of America.
Popular Sovereignty
A principle of government; The power belongs to the people; Government can only govern with the consent (permission)of the people.
Limited Government
A principle of government; The government is not all powerful; It can only do those things that it is given the power to do; Government must obey the law.
Separation of Powers
A principle of government; Power is distributed between three different and independent branches of government; Legislative, Executive and Judicial.
Checks and Balances
A principle of government; Each branch has certain powers to ensure that the other branches do not abuse their power.
Judicial Review
A principle of government; The power of a court to decide whether or not an action taken is constitutional or unconstitutional (illegal).
Federalism
A principle of government; The division of power between a central government and several state government; It was a compromise to ensure a strong central government and strong states.
Informal Amendments
Changes to the meaning of the Constitution but not to the actual written (formal) document.
First Amendment
This amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion and your right to assemble, protest and petition the government.
Second Amendment
This amendment protects your right to bear arms (to own a gun).
Fourth Amendment
This amendment protects a person from unreasonable searches and seizures; searches require a warrant (probable cause).
Fifth Amendment
This amendment guarantees due process; it also protects a person from double jeopardy and self-incrimination.
Sixth Amendment
This amendment guarantees a person's right to a lawyer.
Eighth Amendment
This amendment protects a person from excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment.
Ninth Amendment
This amendment guarantees that a person's rights are NOT limited to just those listed in the Constitution.
Tenth Amendment
This amendment says that those powers not given to the national government nor denied to the states, belongs to the states.
Marbury v. Madision
The Supreme Court case that established judicial review. Please know the constitutional issues and the Court's decision/rationale for each issue.
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