| A | B |
|---|
| Limited Government | Idea that the govt. is not allowed to do certain things. Many of these are listed in the Constitution or the Amendments. |
| Checks and Balances | Idea that all three branches of govt. are designed so that they have the ability to stop other branches from becoming abusive. |
| Separation of Powers | Idea that the powers of govt. should be divided so that govt. will be less likely to abuse the rights of citizens. |
| Popular Sovereignty | Idea that people have the right to rule themselves through the democratic process of voting. |
| Federalism | System of having multiple governments on the national, state, and local levels that are able to better respond to the needs of citizens. |
| Enumerated Powers | Powers that are given only to the national govt. such as the power to declare war, raise an army, coin money, or make treaties. |
| Concurrent Powers | Powers that are shared by all levels of govt. such as the power to tax, pass laws, and enforce laws. |
| Reserved Powers | Powers that are only given to states such as education, marriage laws, zoning regulations. |
| Necessary and Proper Clause | Statement in Article I of the Constitution to stretch its enermerated powers to do almost anything in the best interests of others |
| Implied Powers | Powers that are not specifically written in the Constitution but are interpreted to exist. |
| Strict Interpretation | Idea that the Constitution should be defined by the exact wording used. |
| Loose Interpretation | Idea that the Contitution should be defined by using a broader definition of words used |
| Orginal Intent | Idea that the Constitution's meaning should be determined by the Founding Fathers had written it to mean in their time. |
| Eminent Domain | Power of the govt. to take land from citizens when needed for public benefit as long as the citizen is compensated. |
| Grand Jury | Type of jury that determines whether there is enough evidence in a case to formally charge (indict) someone with the crime. |
