Popular Sovereignty
A principle that states that the power of the government lies within the people.
Federalism
When a central government like Washington D.C. shares power with smaller government units such as state governments.
Separation of Powers
A principle applied to a government that divides powers among different branches to ensure that one branch doesn't have all the power.
Checks and Balances
A principle applied to a government to ensure that one branch does not grow too powerful.
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court to review laws and declare them constitutional or unconstitutional.
Limited Government
The idea that the government's powers are limited, not unlimited.
Elastic Clause
A clause in the Constitution that states that Congress can pass laws that are "necessary and proper" to carry out the enumerated powers.
Supremacy Clause
A statement in Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution that states that the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land".
Writ of habeas Corpus
"produce the body"; a court order to an agency or warden holding a suspected criminal in custody to deliver that person to the court issuing the order.
Ex Post Facto
"After the fact"; prevents people from being arrested when they have committed a crime that was legal when they committed it.
Due Process of Law
A principle that gives rights to the accused. These rights include a right to a fair, speedy trial with an impartial jury of their peers.
Expressed Powers
Powers given to Congress that are specifically spelled out in the Constitution.
Implied Powers
Powers that are given to Congress but aren't specifically spelled out.
Extradition
The act of turning over an accused criminal to the jurisdiction of the foreign state in which the crime was committed.
Republic
A type of government in which people elect representatives to represent their ideas or beliefs.