constitution Flashcards
What is the Preamble? What does it say?
the first section of the const
it says the six goals of the const and nation
what does “form a more perfect union” mean
to create a better nation
what does “establish justice” mean
to create fairness
what does “ensure domestic tranquility” mean
to make sure there is peace between states
provide for the common defense
to provide safety and allow people to protect themselves
promote the general welfare
make sure the people are doing fine
secure the blessing of liberty
create freedom
What section of the Constitution sets up the Legislative Branch and outlines its powers? What are some of the powers?
article I
-create laws
-treaties
What does it mean to Impeach? Who has that power?
punish govt official for wrongdoing
congress
How is the Legislative Branch set up?
congress and house of reps
How many Senators does each state have? How many Senators are there?
2 senators
100 senators
How long is the term for a Senator? Who does a Senator represent?
2 years
their district
What is a Bill? What does it mean if it becomes ratified?
-draft for a law
-becomes a law
How do the Elastic Clause and Amendments help the Constitution adapt to changing times?
Allows the Constitution to adapt to changing times with Amendment process
It stretches the power of Congress
How many Representatives are in the House of Representatives?
435
How do they determine the number of Representatives for each state in the House of Representatives?
based on population
1 representative per 30,000 people
What section of the Constitution sets up the Executive Branch and outlines its powers? What are some of the powers?
Article II
Enforce laws
President:Commander in Chief of military, vetoes or ratifies laws, negotiates treaties, pardons criminals, updates Congress on the country
Vice President: President of the Senate, advises and helps President, first in line of succession
Cabinet: run executive departments, advise and report to the President
What does it mean to Veto something?
to reject (as in the President rejecting a proposed law)
What are the requirements for a person to be eligible for President?
Born a citizen of the US
At least 35 years old
How long is a Presidential term? How many terms can a President serve?
Four year term
Maximum of two terms
Who makes up the Executive branch? (it’s not just one person!) What does the term Cabinet mean?
President
Vice President
Cabinet
What section of the Constitution sets up the Judicial Branch and outlines its powers? What are some of the powers?
Article III
Settles disputes between state governments, settles disputes between citizens in different states, settles disputes between the federal government and citizens or states
Judicial Review (see definitions)
What is Judicial Review?
the most important power of the Supreme Court: the power to declare laws unconstitutional (to strike them down)
How many justices are in the Supreme Court? How long is their term?
Nine justices
Serve life terms (until the retire or pass away)
What is a Federalist?
a person who supported ratifying the Constitution - wrote the Federalist Papers to explain why it should be ratified
What is an Anti-Federalist?
a person who did not support ratifying the Constitution without adding a list of protected individual rights (Bill of Rights)
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten Amendments to the Constitution
What does the Bill of Rights give us?
A list of freedoms and rights that the government must protect and cannot take away
Ex: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to a trial by a jury of your peers
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
Anti-Federalists argued against ratifying the Constitution because they believed the government was still too strong
They wanted a list of individual freedoms and rights added
