The Constitution Key Terms

6. The introduction of the Constitution that starts with "We the people," and states the purpose of the document.
9. This amendment is the principle of federalism, powers not given to federal govt. go to the states.
10. A system of government in which a written constitution divides power between a central, or national, government and several regional governments
12. Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
13. Electing representatives to serve in government.
16. The power to make laws. Legislative branch; bicameral; made up of Senate and House of Reps
18. there are 3 branches of government and they each have their own functions and powers
19. This was a deal between Northern and Southern states deciding how slaves would be counted for population.

1. This was a deal between the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan that decided how representation would be based in Congress.
2. People Rule the government by voting and getting involved..."We the people"
3. These were listed in the Declaration of Independence as rights given to all people, life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
4. Is elected every 4 years, by the Electoral College. Signs or veto's bills passed to them by Congress.
5. The power of the president to reject laws. Congress can override this with 2/3 votes to approve.
7. A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
8. This amendment states no cruel or unusual punishment for crimes.
11. In this type of government everyone, including all authority figures, must obey laws.
14. These are a group of amendments added to the Constitution to address grievances our Founding Fathers had against Britain.
15. Made up of 9 justices, exercised the power to determine constitutionality of laws.
17. This amendment gave freedom of religion, assembly, press, petition, speech (RAPPS)