Constitution Principles of Governance Flashcards

What constitutional principle prevents any single branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Answer: Checks and balances

Checks and balances give each branch mechanisms to limit the power of the others, preventing any one branch from dominating.

Under the Constitution, which level of government holds powers not delegated to the federal government?

Answer: States and the people

The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Which constitutional clause requires states to honor the laws and court decisions of other states?

Answer: Full Faith and Credit Clause

The Full Faith and Credit Clause (Article IV, Section 1) requires each state to respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

What does the principle of 'popular sovereignty' mean in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

Answer: Government authority derives from the consent of the governed

Popular sovereignty holds that all governmental power originates from the people, as expressed in the Constitution's preamble 'We the People.'

Which constitutional provision allows Congress to make laws 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its enumerated powers?

Answer: Elastic Clause

The Necessary and Proper Clause (also called the Elastic Clause) in Article I, Section 8 grants Congress flexibility to pass laws needed to execute its listed powers.

How does the Constitution establish the principle of limited government?

Answer: By listing only specific powers government may exercise

Limited government means federal power is restricted to those powers explicitly granted or reasonably implied by the Constitution.

Which constitutional mechanism allows the President to restrain Congress?

Answer: The veto power

The President's veto power (Article I, Section 7) allows rejection of legislation passed by Congress, serving as an executive check on the legislative branch.