Term
| What are the 6 goals of the Constitution? |
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Definition
1) Form a more perf union
2) Est justice
3) Ensure domestic tranquility
4) Provide for the common defense
5) Promote the general welfare
6) Secure the blessings of liberty |
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Term
| What are the 6 principles of govt in the Constitution? |
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Definition
1) Pop sovereignty
2) Limited govt
3) Separation of powers
4) Checks & balances
5) Judicial review
6) Federalism |
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Term
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Definition
| The concept that govt gets its authority from the people & that ultimate political power remains w/ the people |
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Term
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Definition
| The principle that the powers & functions of govt are restricted by the US Constitution & other laws |
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Term
| How does the Constitution create a separation of the powers of govt? |
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Definition
| The 1st 3 articles (of the Constitution) list the responsibilities & powers of each branch |
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Term
| How does the system of checks & balances limit the powers of govt? |
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Definition
| It gives each branch of govt the power to change or cancel acts of another branch |
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Term
| Why is the principle of judicial review so powerful? |
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Definition
| Because it determines whether the actions of the legislative & executive branches of govt are constitutional |
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Term
| Why is the principle of federalism still a topic of debate? |
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Definition
| Bc it insures that nat govt has sufficient powers to be effective w/o infringing on the rights of states |
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Term
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Definition
| Every member of society, including the ruler or govt, must obey the law & is never above it |
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Term
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Definition
| Duties of governing are divided among 3 branches: legislative, executive, & judicial |
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Term
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Definition
| Gives each branch of govt the power to change or cancel acts of another branch |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Power to determine whether the actions of the legislative & executive branches of govt are constitutional |
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Term
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Definition
| Any law or govt action that is found to violate a part of the Constitution |
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Term
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Definition
| Powers of govt are distributed between the nat govt & state govts |
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Term
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Definition
| The Constitution along w/ laws is "the supreme law of the land" |
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Term
| How did Jefferson & Madison differ in their views on amending the Constitution? |
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Definition
Jefferson saw change as inevitable & positive
Madison saw change as uncertain & negative |
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Term
| Why might the Constitution be called a doc for all time? |
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Definition
| It's ability to incorporate changing ideas of freedom & liberty |
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Term
| By what processes can the Constitution be amended? |
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Definition
| Proposed by Congress or Nat Convention, then ratified by Legislatures or Conventions |
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Term
| What types of amendments have been added to the Constitution over the last 220 yrs? |
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Definition
Bill of Rights
Amendments 11-27 |
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Term
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Definition
| A majority that is larger than a simple majority |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| How have the 3 branches of govt applied the Constitution? |
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Definition
Legislative: passed min wage laws
Executive: negotiate agreements w/ foreign leaders & govts
Judicial: upheld laws as being constitutional |
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Term
| How have political parties, customs, & traditions changed how the Constitution is applied? |
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Definition
Political parties: help determine choice of candidates, policies, & programs
Customs & traditions: influence how American govt behaves |
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Term
| What criticisms have some people made of the Constitution? |
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Definition
| System that creates gridlock, questions about representation, electoral college, & winner-take-all elections |
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Term
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Definition
| Arrangements or compacts w/ foreign leaders or foreign govts |
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Term
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Definition
| An organized group that seeks to win elections in order to influence the activities of govt |
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Term
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Definition
| A group of advisers consisting of the heads of the executive depts |
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Term
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Definition
| Inability to govern effectively due to separation of powers |
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Term
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Definition
| The body of 538 people elected from the 50 states & D.C. |
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