American Government
Unit 3 – US Constitution
Study Guide
***Remember, this only serves as a GUIDE for your studying....this does not list ALL the
terms and concepts emphasized in lecture. Make sure you look over all the notes and
handouts covered in class ***
US map and Geography

State locations (no capitals this time) and major geographic features
Constitution

What does it mean that the Constitution is a living document?

How is the Constitution the same and not the same document that was originally
written?

How many Articles are included and what do they each outline?

6 basic principles outlined in the Constitution
o Popular Sovereignty
o Limited govt
o Separation of powers – Three parts?
o Checks and balances – what purpose does it serve?

Examples: Know at least two
o Judicial review – Define
o Federalism – Define
Amendments:
o Total number of Amendments: _____
o Formal Amendment process:
o How are federalism and popular sovereignty emphasized in the process?
o Informal Amendment process:
o 5 Sources of Informal Amendments and examples
Bill of Rights: Amendments 1-10
o Know at least 3 examples
Additional Amendments: 11-27

Know 2 examples
Federalism
National Government

Delegated Powers
o Three types

Denied Powers
o Three ways
State Governments

Reserved Powers

Denied Powers
Exclusive vs Concurrent vs Reserved Powers

Know what each of these are and some examples of each from the Venn diagram
Supremacy Clause
Nation’s Obligation to the States
How new states are admitted
Cooperative Federalism
Full Faith and Credit, Extradition, and Privileges and Immunities Clauses
Purposes?