Political Institutions Constitutional Law Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Political Institutions - Constitutional Law Flash Cards for quick learning



Separation of Powers

The division of government powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration of power in one entity.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to review and invalidate laws or actions that are deemed unconstitutional.

Constitutional Amendments

Changes or additions made to the constitution to adapt to the evolving needs and values of society.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day operations of the state.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws and representing the interests of the people.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and freedoms.

Due Process

The legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, including fair treatment through the judicial system.

Equal Protection

The principle that all individuals are entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express one's opinions and ideas without censorship or restraint from the government.

Freedom of Religion

The right to practice one's religion freely without interference or persecution from the government.

Freedom of the Press

The right of journalists and media organizations to publish information without censorship or government control.

Right to Privacy

The right to be free from unwarranted government intrusion into one's personal life and affairs.

Civil Rights

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and protection under the law, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law, ensuring fairness and justice.

Constitutional Interpretation

The process of analyzing and understanding the meaning and intent of the constitution, often through the lens of judicial interpretation.

Checks and Balances

A system in which each branch of government has the power to limit or check the actions of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Impeachment

The process of charging and removing a government official, such as the president, from office for high crimes or misdemeanors.

Voting Rights

The rights of citizens to participate in the electoral process and have their voices heard through voting.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering of delegates to revise or draft a new constitution, often held to address significant political or social changes.

Presidential Powers

The powers and responsibilities granted to the president of a country, including executive orders, veto power, and commander-in-chief authority.

Congressional Oversight

The power of Congress to oversee and investigate the executive branch, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Judicial Activism

The judicial philosophy that encourages judges to interpret the law in a way that promotes social justice and progressive change.

Judicial Restraint

The judicial philosophy that advocates for judges to limit their interpretation of the law to the original intent of the framers and defer to the legislative branch.

Constitutional Rights

The fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Constitutional Law

The body of law that defines the relationship between different entities within a state, including the government, individuals, and organizations, based on the constitution.

Amendment Process

The process by which changes or additions are made to the constitution, requiring approval from a specified number of states or a constitutional convention.