About this Flash Card Set
16 Cards
by marcus_reed
Core concepts of American government: the branches, checks and balances, and the first ten amendments. Exam-ready for civics, US History, and AP Gov students.
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The Constitution
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The supreme law of the United States (ratified 1788). It establishes the federal government's structure and powers and protects individual rights.
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Preamble
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The opening statement of the Constitution ('We the People...') that lays out its purposes, such as justice, defense, and general welfare.
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Three branches of government
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Legislative (Congress — makes laws), Executive (President — enforces laws), Judicial (Courts — interprets laws).
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Separation of powers
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Dividing government power among the three branches so no single branch becomes too powerful.
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Checks and balances
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Each branch can limit the others — e.g., the President vetoes laws, Congress can override vetoes, courts can rule laws unconstitutional.
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Legislative branch
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Congress: the House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (two per state). Makes laws and controls spending.
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Executive branch
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Headed by the President; enforces laws, commands the military, and conducts foreign policy.
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Judicial branch
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The Supreme Court and lower federal courts; interpret laws and decide if they are constitutional (judicial review).
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Federalism
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The division of power between the national (federal) government and the state governments.
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Bill of Rights
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The first ten amendments to the Constitution (1791), guaranteeing fundamental individual freedoms and protections.
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First Amendment
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Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
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Second Amendment
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Addresses the right to keep and bear arms.
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Fourth Amendment
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Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; generally requires a warrant based on probable cause.
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Fifth Amendment
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Protects rights of the accused: due process, protection from self-incrimination, and no double jeopardy.
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Amendment
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A formal change or addition to the Constitution. There are 27 amendments total.
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Judicial review
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The power of courts to strike down laws or actions that violate the Constitution — established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
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