14 Constitutional Government in Practice Free Online FlashCards

What do checks and balances depend on?

Checks and balances: branches share overlapping powers so each can limit the others, rather than operating in complete isolation.

What is the constitutional principle of federalism?

Federalism divides authority between the national government and the states. Valid federal law prevails over conflicting state law under the Supremacy Clause.

What principle did Marbury v. Madison establish?

Judicial review is the power of courts to determine whether legislative or executive actions are consistent with the Constitution.

What two principles did McCulloch v. Maryland affirm?

McCulloch v. Maryland affirmed that Congress has implied powers to use reasonable means for its enumerated powers and that states may not interfere with valid federal operations.

Why are political parties important to constitutional government?

Political parties developed outside the constitutional text but became essential for organizing representatives, coordinating institutions, framing policy, and helping citizens hold officials accountable.

What solution to factional conflict did Federalist No. 10 propose?

Madison argued that a large republic containing many competing interests would make it difficult for one faction to dominate.

What are civil liberties?

Civil liberties are protections against governmental interference, including freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

What role did the Fourteenth Amendment play in civil liberties?

The Fourteenth Amendment became a major vehicle for applying many Bill of Rights protections to state and local governments.

What did Tinker v. Des Moines protect?

Tinker v. Des Moines held that students’ quiet, non-disruptive political expression through black armbands was protected by the First Amendment.

What did Brown v. Board of Education hold?

Brown v. Board of Education held that state-mandated racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause.

Why may a constitutional ruling require enforcement beyond the court?

A judicial decision declaring a constitutional principle does not automatically secure compliance; enforcement may require executive officials, Congress, state governments, local institutions, and public pressure.

How does constitutional meaning change over time?

Constitutional meaning can develop through judicial interpretation, legislation, executive action, formal amendments, social movements, and enforcement.