Constitution
Principles
Congress
Three
Branches
Bill of Rights
Grab Bag
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20 pt 45 pt
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Shared powers
between national
and state
governments
federalism
The people have
political power
through voting
popular
sovereignty
Change to the
Constitution
amendment
Government divided
into three branches
with different jobs
separation of
powers
Government
through elected
representatives
republicanism
Basic freedoms
guaranteed to all
citizens
individual
rights
Government that
must obey its laws
limited
government
First ten
amendments
to the
Constitution
Bill of Rights
Each branch of
government has
powers over the
others
checks and
balances
Basis of all U.S.
law – “supreme
law of the land”
U.S.
Constitution
Legislature with two
chambers
bicameral
What are the two
chambers of the
U.S. legislature?
House of
Representatives
and Senate
Number of
representatives in
the U.S. House
435
Term length for a
U.S. senator
6 years
How is the number
of representatives
per state
determined?
By state
population –
ex. Texas 36,
Alaska 1
Term length for a
U.S. representative
2 years
Number of senators
in the U.S. Senate
100
What is the
role of the
legislative
branch?
Makes laws
What is the
term limit for
members of
Congress?
no term limit
How is the number
of senators per
state determined?
two senators
for each state
Branch that enforces
the laws
executive
branch
Branch that decides
if laws or acts are
constitutional
judicial branch
head of the
executive branch
president
Which branch
controls money,
taxes, and
spending?
legislative
branch
highest court in the
judicial branch
Supreme
Court
Which branch serves
as commander-inchief of the military?
executive
branch
How are federal
judges chosen?
appointed by
the president
Term length for
the president
4 years
What check does
Congress have on
the president’s
appointment
powers?
Power to
confirm or
reject
appointments
Which branch has
veto power over
legislation?
executive
st
1
Amendment
rights
Religion
Assembly
Press
Petition
Speech
States have
rights not in
the Constitution
th
10
Amendment
th
5
Amendment
Due process of law:
indictment, no
double jeopardy,
right to remain
silent
right to jury in
civil trial
th
7
Amendment
nd
2
Amendment
Right to bear
arms
Guns – I hazz ‘em
Citizens have
rights not in
the Constitution
th
9
Amendment
th
4
Amendment
No
unreasonable
search and
seizure
No quartering
troops
rd
3
Amendment
th
6
Amendment
Right to
speedy trial
(and counsel)
No cruel or
unusual
punishment
th
8
Amendment
How may a
constitutional
amendment be
proposed?
2/3 of Congress
or state
legislatures
Clause that gives
Congress all
“necessary and
proper” powers to
do its job
Elastic
Clause
How is the
Constitution a
“living
document”?
It is flexible
to deal with
changes to
the country
Term limit for
the presidency
Two terms
(8 years)
Name that bill:
Police officer gets
a warrant before
searching a private
home
th
4
Amendment
How many
electors does
each state get?
Number of
representatives
+ senators
How is a
constitutional
amendment
ratified?
¾ of state
legislatures or
conventions
Term limit for
Supreme Court
justices
None –
appointed for
life
Body that
actually elects
the president
and vicepresident
Electoral
college
Name that bill:
States set their
own traffic laws
th
10
Amendment