Unit Vocabulary: The Living Constitution
Key Learning: The U.S. Constitution is a document that outlines the fundamental principles of the United States government.
Unit Essential Question: What are the purposes, functions, and organization of the federal government of the United States and how does each of the
three separate branches keep a check on the power and authority of the others?
Concept Structure of the Federal implied powers: powers not specifically electoral college: The official method of
Government stated in the Constitution but are strongly choosing the president of the United States.
suggested by its other provisions. Implied Currently there are s38 electoral votes. A
Article I: This portion of the Constitution powers come from the “Necessary and candidate needs a minimum of 270 to be
explains the structure, function, and Proper” Clause in Article I elected. Each state has the number of
authority of the legislative branch of the bill: suggestion for a law, not yet passed electors that they have in both the House
federal government. through Congress and signed by the and the Senate. For example, Florida has 29
legislative branch: the branch of president because they have 27 House members and 2
government responsible for making the Senators.
laws. On a federal level the US Congress Article II: This portion of the Constitution swing state: A state during a presidential
heads it up. explains the structure, function, and election that is not relatively predictable.
U.S. Congress: The bicameral lawmaking authority of the Executive branch of the Because of the makeup of voters, they could
body of the United States government. There federal government. swing either way depending on the
are 535 voting members. executive branch: the branch of candidate. States such as Florida and Ohio
House of Representatives: Members of the government responsible for enforcing or are often called swing states.
House are elected by the people of the state carrying out the laws. On a federal level the
they represent. It is the lower house of the president heads it up.
US Congress. Members serve a 2-year term President: Elected by the people of the
of office. The number of representatives is country through the electoral college, this Article III: This portion of the Constitution
based on the population of the state. There person is the head of the Executive branch explains the structure, function, and
are 435 voting members in the House. Vice President: a person who is second in authority of the judicial branch of the federal
Senate: Members of the Senate are elected command to a president if something were government.
by the people of the state they represent. It to happen to the president. The president judicial branch: The branch of government
is the upper house of Congress. Members of can choose the vice president. responsible for interpreting the laws. On a
the Senate serve a 6-year term of office. veto: an action taken by the head of the federal level, the Supreme Court heads it up.
There are two Senators from each state. executive branch to say no to a a bill by U.S. Supreme Court: Highest Court in the
There are 100 members in the Senate. refusing to sign it into law. United States. There are 9 members on the
bicameral: a lawmaking body or group with Executive Order: An order from the court. Members serve for life.
two houses president that are meant to help carry out Chief Justice: The head of the Supreme
impeach: to accuse an official of the laws of Congress. They have the force of Court. Nominated by the President and
wrongdoing laws. But have not been passed by Congress. approved by the Senate.
taxes: money paid to the government to cabinet: advisors to the president. judicial review: the court reviews decisions
help pay for services the government Nominated by the president, approved by and actions to make sure they are allowed
provides the Senate by the Constitution
Unit Vocabulary: The Living Constitution
Key Learning: The U.S. Constitution is a document that outlines the fundamental principles of the United States government.
Unit Essential Question: What are the purposes, functions, and organization of the federal government of the United States and how does each of the
three separate branches keep a check on the power and authority of the others?
powers to keep the other branch from
******************************************** becoming too powerful. Article IV: Discusses state governments and
federalism: the division of power between the admission of new states into the Union.
the national and state government Article V: This article of the Constitution
limited government: a government whose discusses how amendments may be added to
power exists only within pre-defined limits the Constitution
that are established by a constitution or Article VI: This article of the Constitution,
Concept : other source of authority. often referred to as the Supremacy Clause
separation of powers: The act of giving reminds us that the Constitution and the
certain powers to distinct parts of the laws of the United States are the Supreme
Balancing powers government so that no one individual or law of the land. Federal law overrides state
SS.7.C.1.7: Describe how the Constitution limits group can overpower another. law.
the powers of government through separation of Marbury v. Madison: A Supreme Court case
powers and checks and balances.
which first established the power of judicial Article VII: This article of the Constitution
SS.7.C.3.5: Explain the Constitutional amendment
process.
review with the courts. discusses the ratification process
concurrent powers: Powers which both the Amendment X: This addition to the
state and national governments possess. Constitution guarantees to the states that
delegated or enumerated powers: powers any powers not delegated to the United
checks and balances: each branch of the given only to the national government. Also States by the Constitution are reserved to
government (executive, judicial, and known as enumerated powers the states and the people.
legislative) has some measure of influence reserved powers: powers left specifically to
over the other branches and may use their the states
