Citizens vote for representatives who debate and pass laws in a legislature instead of voting on every national bill themselves. Which constitutional principle describes this arrangement?

The Constitution gives some powers to the national government, leaves other powers to the states, and denies certain powers to both. What principle organizes power this way?

A federal officer wants to act, but the Constitution and statutes give that office no authority to do it. Which principle says the officer lacks that power?

A constitutional convention proposes a new frame of government, but it takes effect only after ratifying conventions approve it. Which principle does that reflect?

The national government has a Congress to legislate, a President to execute laws, and courts to decide cases. Which principle divides power by function?

A court refuses to enforce a statute because it conflicts with the Constitution. What principle is the court using?

The President nominates a Supreme Court justice, but the Senate must decide whether to confirm the nominee. Which principle is built into this process?

Congress may create lower federal courts, but judges decide cases without Congress deciding the outcome. Which principle does that structure mainly reflect?

The Preamble begins "We the People." Which principle is expressed by grounding the Constitution's authority in the people?

Articles I-III assign "legislative Powers," "executive Power," and "judicial Power" to different institutions. Which principle does this text show?

The President negotiates a treaty, but it does not bind the United States until two-thirds of the Senators present vote to approve it. Which principle does this ratification requirement protect?

Article I says Treasury money is spent through "Appropriations made by Law." Which principle lets Congress restrain executive spending this way?

Article VI calls the Constitution and valid federal statutes the "supreme Law of the Land." Which principle governs conflicts between national and state law here?

Article IV requires the United States to guarantee every state a government in which the people elect representatives to make laws. Which principle does that clause protect?

The Tenth Amendment says undelegated powers are "reserved" to states or people. Which principle does that protect?

Marbury v. Madison says a law "repugnant to the Constitution is void." Which principle lets courts apply that rule?

A state court has a state statute on one side and a valid federal statute on the same issue on the other. The judge follows the federal statute. Which principle controls the dispute?

Congress passes a bill, the President vetoes it, and both houses repass it by the required supermajority so it becomes law. What principle is operating?

Congress tells a federal judge how to rule in one pending case, and the judge objects that deciding cases belongs to the judiciary. Which principle is at stake?

A legislature passes a law banning criticism of government officials, and citizens challenge it as beyond government power under the First Amendment. Which principle is central?

The Supreme Court reviews a challenged federal statute, finds it consistent with the Constitution, and upholds it as valid law. Which principle explains the Court's authority to make that determination?

A federal court rules that an executive order exceeds the President's constitutional authority and blocks it from taking effect. Which principle does the court's ruling illustrate?

A national law orders state legislatures to pass a particular state statute, and the states argue their reserved authority is being invaded. Which principle is in dispute?

After an election, officials peacefully transfer power to the winners because governing authority comes from voters' consent. Which principle gives the election its authority?

The House impeaches a federal officer, and the Senate holds the trial instead of the President deciding removal alone. Which principle is at work?