Definition
The principle dividing government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
More Constitutional Terms
Amendment
A change or addition to the Constitution. Requires two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791.
Checks and Balances
The constitutional system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.
Commerce Clause
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, giving Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.
Federalism
The division of power between a central (federal) government and regional (state) governments.
Supremacy Clause
Article VI of the Constitution, establishing federal law as the "supreme law of the land."