Cheat Sheet
5 sections
•
26 key points
1
Foundational Principles
Popular Sovereignty: Government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
Limited Government: Government is not all-powerful and must obey the law.
Separation of Powers: Government powers are divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Checks and Balances: Each branch has powers to limit the actions of the other two.
Federalism: Division of power between national and state governments.
2
Branches of Government
Legislative Branch (Congress): Makes laws. Comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Executive Branch (President): Enforces laws. Includes the President, Vice President, and Cabinet.
Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and lower courts): Interprets laws. Headed by the Supreme Court.
Each branch has specific roles and responsibilities.
Designed to prevent tyranny and promote efficiency.
3
The Amendment Process
Proposal: By a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress OR by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
Ratification: By three-fourths of the state legislatures OR by three-fourths of the states in special conventions.
Difficult process, reflecting the importance of stability.
27 Amendments have been ratified to date.
The Bill of Rights was the first 10 amendments.
4
Key Amendments in the Bill of Rights
First Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
Second Amendment: Right to bear arms.
Fourth Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Fifth Amendment: Due process, self-incrimination, double jeopardy.
Sixth Amendment: Right to a speedy and public trial, counsel, witnesses.
Eighth Amendment: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
5
Checks and Balances Examples
President (Executive) can veto legislation passed by Congress (Legislative).
Congress (Legislative) can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote.
Supreme Court (Judicial) can declare laws unconstitutional (judicial review).
President (Executive) appoints federal judges, but Senate (Legislative) must approve.
Congress (Legislative) can impeach and remove federal officials, including the President and judges.
Sample Flashcards
Card 1 of 6
Question
What are the three branches of government?
Answer
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Click the card to flip
Quick Quiz
1. Which principle states that government power comes from the people?
2. Which branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws?
3. How many states must ratify a constitutional amendment?
4. The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from:
5. Which of these is an example of a check by the Executive Branch on the Legislative Branch?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the US Constitution?
The US Constitution establishes the framework of the federal government, defines its powers, and guarantees the rights of citizens.
What are the main principles of the Constitution?
Key principles include popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms to individuals.
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