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Key concepts

Short definitions become useful when they stay connected to institutions, current events, and the questions citizens need to ask.

  1. Enumerated powers

    Powers the Constitution expressly assigns to a branch or institution.

    2 editorial topic connections · 33 learning-question connections

  2. Delegated authority

    Authority Congress grants to the executive through a statute, with boundaries that courts can interpret.

    3 editorial topic connections · 38 learning-question connections

  3. Judicial review

    The judiciary's practice of resolving cases by applying the Constitution and controlling law, including refusing to enforce conflicting government action.

    1 editorial topic connections · 16 learning-question connections

  4. Elections Clause

    Article I, Section 4 lets states prescribe the times, places, and manner of elections for Senators and Representatives, while allowing Congress to make or alter those rules except the places of choosing Senators.

    0 editorial topic connections · 6 learning-question connections

  5. Source and evidence evaluation

    A method for separating what an institution claims, what a public record proves, and what independent reporting verifies or disputes.

    0 editorial topic connections · 5 learning-question connections

  6. Power of the purse

    Congress controls federal taxing, borrowing, and appropriations through legislation.

    1 editorial topic connections · 22 learning-question connections

  7. Shared war powers

    The Constitution divides military authority: Congress declares war, funds forces, and regulates them, while the president commands the armed forces.

    0 editorial topic connections · 10 learning-question connections

  8. Oversight and appropriations

    Congress gathers information and attaches policy choices to the process of funding government institutions.

    2 editorial topic connections · 25 learning-question connections