1. Constitutional Principles
Review for Test

2. 5. republic / republicanism
the government gets its power from the citizens
people vote for representatives to govern them
Individuals must place the good of the country above their own interests
republic
promotes the idea of the “common good”
SENTENCE: (use the term “republic” in a sentence to demonstrate the meaning of the
word)

3. 6. Representative Government
Definition:
Sentence or Picture
In colonial era . . .
In the U.S. today . . .
Individuals are elected to represent the people they serve
(use the term “representative government” in the sentence)
the Colonial Assembly
(House of Burgesses-VA)
each colony had their own colonial assembly
the U.S. Congress
the President of the United States

4. 8. limited government What it meant . . . Definition Sentence
Government has limitations—it can’t just do whatever it wants to do!
Government leaders have to follow the laws—just like its citizens do
1. Sentence should include the
term “limited government”
&
2. it should demonstrate your
understanding of the word
a “constitutional government” is limited by the specific words/content of the country’s constitution
The rights of the people cannot be taken away by the government

5. 9. Separation of Power—Constitutional Principle
Definition:
Picture
What It Is
Our government is divided into 3 branches
Keeps too much political power from one individual or group
Sentence:
(use “separation of power” in a sentence to demonstrate the meaning of the term)
Each branch has specific duties & responsibilities.
Legislative, Executive, & Judicial Branches

6. 10. Checks & Balances—Constitutional Principle
Definition: Each branch . . .
Picture
Examples
has equal power
“checks” the decisions of other branches
can stop another branch from doing something it doesn’t approve of
Sentence:
(use “checks & balances” in a sentence to demonstrate the meaning of the term)
Senate must approve presidential appointments
President must sign all new legislation (laws)
Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional

7. 16. federalism What it is What it is not Definition:
The powers of government are SHARED between the federal (national) and state levels of government.
Picture
What it is
Federal
State
military
sha r ed
set up schools
declare war
marriage laws
postal service
state business laws
copyrights & patents
shared = taxes, court systems, punish
criminals, etc.
What it is not
each level of government has specific power/responsibilities
some power/responsibilities are shared between both
Sentence: Use the term “federalism” in a sentence to show what it means

8. people participating in government popular = people
18. popular sovereignty
Definition
What it is . . .
Sentence
people participating in government
popular = people
write a sentence using the term “popular sovereignty”
that demonstrates the meaning of the word
sovereign = power/powerful
foundation for a democracy
people have power to control government
partner to limited government (power of gov is limited)

9. College: the way we elect our Pres.
40. electoral college
states elect members of electoral college
# per state=# of state’s members in Congress
(H.O.R. + Senate)
problem: winner of popular vote not always the winner of electoral college
Electoral
College: the way we elect our Pres.
Framers established this system in order that candidates could be chosen which best served the needs of the people
SENTENCE: (use the term “electoral college” in a sentence to demonstrate its meaning)

10. 46. judicial review
Definition:
Sentence
(use “judicial review” in a sentence –demonstrate the meaning or give an example)
What It Is . . . ??
The power of the Supreme Court to declare an act of Congress “unconstitutional”
(laws they have passed)
What it is not . . .
part of checks & balances—judicial branch checking legislative/executive branches
Demonstrates the supremacy clause—all laws have to measure up to the Constitution

11. Individual Rights—Constitutional Principle
Definition
What it is . . .
Sentence
basic rights/freedoms our government cannot take away from us
keeps us protected from an oppressive government
(write a sentence that demonstrates your understanding of the term)
Bill of Rights, protect property & privacy, unreasonable fines & punishments, etc.
Our “natural rights”
(John Locke)