1. Chapter 3 An Enduring Document
Section 1
Constitutional Principles

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?