Constitution Flashcards
When was the constitution first ratified?
Between 1787 and 1790
How many articles does the constitution?
7
How many times had the constitution been amended by 1787
27
What did the first 10 constitutional amendments become?
Bill of Rights
How many attempts has there been to amend the constitution and how many have been successful?
12000 and 27 successful
What were two plans for counting the population
Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan
What does the “Virginia Plan” state
Came from states with large populations who want more representation due to their
size
What does the “New Jersey” state
Came from states with smaller populations who wanted equal representation across all states
What was the 3/5 compromise?
Southern states agreed to count slaves 3/5 of a person
Three features of the US Constitution`
Authoritative
Entrenched
Judiciable
Emurated (delegated) powers
Powers delegated to the federal government under the constitution
Implied Powers
Powers inferred from those delegated in the constitution
What is The Necessary and Proper Clause
Congress has the power ‘to make laws which state be necessary and proper’ for carrying into execution
What is The Supremacy Clause
The constitution and the laws that shall be made in pursuance thereof shall be the supreme Law of the Land
Outline case study “McCullah V Maryland 1819”
Supreme court ruled that the government had the right to create a national bank which the state of Maryland could not tax
Congress has ** enumerated** power to collect tax which means that a national bank was proper and necessary
What is commerce
Tax
What does Commerce Clause (Article 1, Section 8)
To regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states and with the Indian tribes
Outline the case: “US V Lopez 1995”
Alfonso Lopez violated the “Gun free school zones act” which was created under the interstate commerce clause
However, his charges were dropped because the Supreme Court ruled that Congress was doing something unconstitutional
What was the number of colonies who rebelled against Great Britain in 1776
13
Who was the author of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
Why was the declaration of independence written
To announce and explain separation from Great Britain
What year were the articles of Confederation established
1781
Complete the gaps:
“No taxation without _____"=
Representation
How can the judiciary check the legislative?
Interpreting laws and declaring laws unconstitutional (judicial review)
How can the executive check the judiciary?
President appoints judges to fill vacancies
President can grant pardons
How can the legislative check the judiciary?
Authority to impeach judges
Can create lower courts
Can propose constitutional amendments to overrule SC decision
How can the legislative check the executive
Can override a presidential veto
Ratify treaties
Refuse presidential appointments
Impeach and remove the president from office
What are appropriations?
The legislative claiming that laws can’t be passed because it’s too expensive or a negative use of tax money
How can the executive check the legislative
The president can veto bills
Can recommend legislation
When was the Voting Rights Act enacted?
1965
What is the commerce clause?
Congress has the power to “regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states and with Indian tribes”
What is an example of the commerce clause being enacted?
US v Lopez 1995
“Gun-free School Zones Act” which was created under the interstate commerce clause.
Lopez was charged for violating this law but his charges were dropped by the Supreme Court as the federal government was acting unconstitutionally.
What is commerce?
Trade
Outline the first stage of the amendment process
- A two-third vote of each house of congress proposes amendment
- Amendment is proposed by a national convention called by congress
Outline the second stage of the amendment process
- The amendment is ratified by 3/4 of the state legislature
- Amendment is ratified by 3/4 of the state conventions
Why did The Equal Rights Amendment never pass
Due to conflicting views on the role of women in society
During the war, it would’ve meant that women could be conscripted
An example of an amendment that wasn’t introduced
The District of Columbia Amendment which failed in 1985
