All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What is the main idea behind the Social Contract Theory?
Answer: People consent to government authority for protection. Citizens give up some freedom for government protection and order.
Flashcard 2: What is the Supremacy Clause?
Answer: Federal law takes precedence over state law. Federal law overrules conflicting state laws.
Flashcard 3: Identify the principle that emphasizes individual rights.
Answer: Individual rights. Protects personal freedoms from government interference.
Flashcard 4: Which clause gives Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper?
Answer: The Elastic Clause. Also called the Necessary and Proper Clause, expanding Congressional power.
Flashcard 5: What concept ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful?
Answer: Separation of powers. Divides government into three distinct branches with different roles.
Flashcard 6: Which principle involves government officials following the same laws as citizens?
Answer: Rule of Law. No one is above the law, including leaders.
Flashcard 7: Identify the clause that allows Congress to regulate commerce.
Answer: The Commerce Clause. Gives Congress broad power over interstate and international trade.
Flashcard 8: Which branch can veto legislation?
Answer: The Executive Branch. The President can reject bills passed by Congress.
Flashcard 9: What is the main function of the Legislative Branch?
Answer: To make laws. Congress creates statutes that govern the nation.
Flashcard 10: What principle supports the division between church and state?
Answer: Separation of church and state. Government cannot favor or establish any particular religion.
Flashcard 11: What does the principle of judicial review allow?
Answer: Courts can declare laws unconstitutional. Established in Marbury v. Madison to check legislative power.
Flashcard 12: What is the process of formally charging a public official with misconduct?
Answer: Impeachment. House impeaches, Senate tries the case for removal.
Flashcard 13: What is the separation of powers?
Answer: Dividing government roles into three branches. Creates legislative, executive, and judicial branches with distinct functions.
Flashcard 14: Identify the principle that allows each branch to limit the others.
Answer: Checks and balances. Prevents any branch from becoming too dominant.
Flashcard 15: Which principle supports the idea that law applies equally to all?
Answer: Rule of Law. Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.
Flashcard 16: What is the Bill of Rights?
Answer: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments protect fundamental individual freedoms.
Flashcard 17: Which document begins with 'We the People'?
Answer: The U.S. Constitution. The Preamble starts with this famous phrase establishing popular sovereignty.
Flashcard 18: What does the principle of popular sovereignty entail?
Answer: Government power derives from the consent of the governed. Authority comes from the people's agreement to be governed.
Flashcard 19: Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws?
Answer: The Judicial Branch. Courts determine what laws mean and if they're constitutional.
Flashcard 20: What is the main role of the Executive Branch?
Answer: To enforce laws. The President ensures laws passed by Congress are implemented.
Flashcard 21: Identify the concept where government power is restricted by law.
Answer: Limited government. Prevents government from having unlimited authority over citizens.
Flashcard 22: Which principle divides power between national and state governments?
Answer: Federalism. It divides authority between the federal and state levels.
Flashcard 23: What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
Answer: To establish the framework of government and protect citizens' rights. It sets up how government works and safeguards individual liberties.
Flashcard 24: Which amendment established the income tax?
Answer: The Sixteenth Amendment. Allows federal taxation of personal income.
Flashcard 25: Identify the amendment that prohibits excessive bail and fines.
Answer: The Eighth Amendment. Prevents unreasonable financial penalties in criminal cases.
Flashcard 26: What is the main purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
Answer: To outline the goals of the Constitution. States the Constitution's purposes and principles.
Flashcard 27: Which amendment limits presidential terms?
Answer: The Twenty-Second Amendment. Presidents can only serve two terms maximum.
Flashcard 28: What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
Answer: States must respect other states' laws and judicial decisions. Promotes national unity by requiring interstate legal recognition.
Flashcard 29: Identify the clause that prohibits the establishment of religion.
Answer: The Establishment Clause. Government cannot create an official national religion.
Flashcard 30: Which principle allows citizens to vote directly on laws?
Answer: Direct democracy. Citizens vote on issues themselves rather than through representatives.