Chapter 3 An Enduring Document Section 1 Constitutional Principles

Constitutional Terms 1. constitutionalism – basic principles that government and those who govern are bound by law 2. elastic clause – gives Congress the authority to make laws needed to carry out its othe responsibilities 3. federalism – division of power between the states and the national government 4. judicial review – power of the courts to review actions of Congress and the President to see if they are constitutional 5. impeachment – formal charge brought against a public official 6. unconstitutional – not consistent with the constitution

Powers delegated to the 3 Branches Veto - Review - Interpret - Appoint - Impeach - Override -

Main Ideas 1. In what sense is the Constitution a statement of limited government? Many sections of the Constitution set limits on the powers of the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court Other sections restrict the national government as a whole

Main Ideas 2. Explain why the American system of government is an example of federalism. In the U.S., governmental power is divided between the national, state and local governments This division of power is called federalism

Main Ideas 3. How does the system of checks and balances affect the way in which the government works? It reinforces the separation of power Limits the power of the federal government Makes compromise an important part of the governmental process

Main Ideas 4. How does the Supreme Court use judicial review to control the power of Congress and the President? Declaring laws unconstitutional Declaring executive actions unconstitutional These two things check the power of the 2 branches

Closing The government of the United States is limited by federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Without these how would our society be different?