Checks and balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional. Established in Marbury v. Madison
U.S. Constitution
The supreme law of the land." Written in 1787 at Philadelphia Convention to replace Articles of Confederation and create stronger central government. Outlines structure & power of 3 branches of national government.
limited government
A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.
individual rights
Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
Bill of Rights
A formal statement of the fundamental rights of the people of the United States, incorporated in the Constitution as Amendments 1-10
First Amendment
5 freedoms: speech, press, religion, assembly, petition
Second Amendment
Right to bear arms
Third Amendment
The government may not house soldiers in private homes without consent of the owner
Fourth Amendment
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. No soldier, Gov agent, or police can search your home without a search warrant.
Fifth Amendment
Protects the rights of people accused of crimes, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.
Sixth Amendment
Guarantees the right to a speedy trial with an impartial jury to anyone accused of a crime
Seventh Amendment
right to a trial by jury
Eighth Amendment
Protects against cruel & unusual punishment and excessive bail.
Ninth Amendment
states that people's rights are not limited to just those listed in the Constitution.
Tenth Amendment
Amendment stating that the powers not delegated to the federal gov. are reserved to the states
Rights of the Accused
The protections that the Constitution guarantees to citizens who are accused of crimes in Amendments 4 - 6
ratify/ratification
To formally approve a plan or an agreement. The process of approval is called ratification.
due process
following established legal procedures
Legislative Branch
Established by Article 1 of the Constitution. Congress is the lawmaking branch of government and consists of two parts the House and the Senate
Executive Branch
Established by Article 2 of the Constitution. It consists of the President, Vice President and members of the Cabinet. It's primary job is to enforce the law.
Judicial Branch
Established by Article 3 of the Constitution. It consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. It's job is to interpret and determine the Constitutionality of all laws.
Separation of Powers
the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government in order to keep any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.