Civics Studyguide

HISTORY STUDYGUIDE OoOoOoH CONSTITUTION: Federalism: The division of powers between state and federal government Checks and Balances: The system of checks and balances gives each branch of government a way to limit the powers of the other two branches Seperation of Powers: The separation between The Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches The Executive Branch - The Presidency which runs government and requests new laws The Legislature - split into the House of Representatives which create and design laws, and the Senate who approve laws and create and design laws. The Judiciary - The Supreme Court which upholds the law, constitution, and bill of rights Amendment Process: An amendment must be approved federally and then later ratified by state courts Bill of Rights: the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution BILL OF RIGHTS ->

1. Guarantees freedom of religion, of speech and of the press, the right to assemble peacefully; the right to petition the government 2. Protects the right to possess firearms 3. Declares that the government may not require people to house soldiers during peacetime 4. Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures (confiscation of their property) 5. Guarantees that no one may be deprived life, liberty, or property without due process of the law 6. Guarantees the right to a trial by jury in criminal cases 7. Guarantees the right to a trial by jury in most civil cases 8. Prohibits excessive bail, fines, and punishments 9. Declares that rights not mentioned in the Constitution belong to the people 10. Declares that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people Elastic Clause: A clause that allows the original laws to stretch and change for the future Reserved Powers: If a power isn't specifically given to the federal government, it is reserved for the states LEGISLATIVE BRANCH: Powers of Congress: -Promoting General