Constitution and Bill of Rights Vocabulary

Popular sovereignty—Power in the people, literally, people rule Federalism- the division of power between the national, state, and local governments.

Checks and balances-powers that each branch has over the others so that one branch cannot become more powerful than the other two. Judicial review- review by the Supreme Court of the constitutionality of actions or laws

Separation of powers-division of power of government into three branches, legislative, executive, and judicial Expressed powers-those powers stated in the Constitution

Implied powers-those powers covered by the Elastic or “necessary and proper” clause Inherent powers-those powers inherent in the sovereignty of any nation

Reserved powers-those powers reserved to the states Concurrent powers-powers shared by the states and the federal government Elastic Clause-also called the “necessary and proper” clause, it gives government implied powers

Slander-False speech that damages a person’s reputation Libel-Written or published statements that damage a person’s reputation

Bail-money or property deposited with a court to gain release from jail Eminent domain-the government’s power to take private property for public use Probable cause-reasonable basis for believing a person or premise is connected to a crime