Gov&soc

Front 1

Introduction

Back 1

Preamble

Front 2

Numbered sections of a document; the unamended Constitution divided into seven articles.

Back 2

Articles

Front 3

The basic principle that government and those who govern must obey the law; the rule of law.

Back 3

Constitutionalism

Front 4

Concept that holds that government and its officers are always subject to the law.

Back 4

Rule of Law

Front 5

The basic principle of American system of government that the executive, legislative and judicial powers are divided among three independent and coequal branches of government.

Back 5

Separation of Powers

Front 6

System of overlapping powers of legislative, executive, and judicial branches, to permit each branch to check the actions of the others.

Back 6

Checks & balances

Front 7

Chief executive’s power to reject the bill passed by a legislature; literally in Latin: forbid

Back 7

Veto

Front 8

The power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action.

Back 8

Judicial Review

Front 9

Contrary to constitutional provision, and so illegal, null and void, of no force and effect.

Back 9

Unconstitutional

Front 10

A system of government in which a written constitution divides power between a central or national government and several regional governments.

Back 10

Federalism

Front 11

A change in or addition to a constitution or law.

Back 11

Amendment

Front 12

Change or addition that becomes part of the written language of the constitution itself thru 1 of four methods set forth in the constitution.

Back 12

Formal Amendment

Front 13

The first 10 amendments to the constitution.

Back 13

Bill of Rights