Constitution

Question 1

Form a more perfect union

Answer 1

Build better relationships between the states, and the states and national government

Question 2

Establish justice

Answer 2

Provide/administer laws that are reasonable, fair, and impartial

Question 3

Ensure domestic tranquility

Answer 3

Keep peace and maintain order within our country

Question 4

Provide for the common defense

Answer 4

Defend the nation against outside threats and foreign enemies

Question 5

Promote the general welfare

Answer 5

Allow all states to benefit militarily and economically from the protection of a strong national government

Question 6

Secure the blessings of liberty

Answer 6

Protect liberties won in the American Revolution and preserve them going forward for future generations

Question 7

Goals of the constitution

Answer 7

Form a more perfect union
Establish justice
Ensure domestic tranquility
Provide for the common defense
Promote the general welfare
Secure the blessings of liberty

Question 8

Popular sovereignty

Answer 8

The government gets its authority from the people and the ultimate political power remains with the people

Question 9

Limited government

Answer 9

Restricting government power to protect individual rights

Question 10

Separation of powers

Answer 10

Power id divided between the three branches which prevents the abuse of power by any one branch.

Question 11

Checks and balances

Answer 11

Each branch has the power to “check” or restrain some of the powers of the two other branches.

Question 12

Judicial Check

Answer 12

Can declare acts of congress and the executive branch unconstitutional.

Question 13

Executive Check

Answer 13

Can veto acts of Congress, appoint federal judges

Question 14

Legislative Check

Answer 14

Can impeach president/federal judges

Question 15

Expressed powers

Answer 15

Powers listed in the Constitution and are granted to the national government (ex: Congress has the power to collect taxes)

Question 16

Implied powers

Answer 16

Powers not specifically listed in the Constitution, but are logical extensions of expressed powers (ex: constitution does not state how to tax, so the government had the power to create the IRS)

Question 17

Inherent powers

Answer 17

Powers that historically have been recognized as naturally belonging to all governments. (ex: power to acquire new territory and conduct foreign affairs)

Question 18

Reserved powers

Answer 18

Not mentioned in the Constitution, but they belong to the states because they are not granted to the national government by the Constitution nor prohibited by the states. (ex: regulate marriage, conduct elections, control public school systems, issue licenses)

Question 19

Concurrent powers

Answer 19

Powers held by both the national gov. and state gov. If the Constitution does not state that the power belongs ONLY to the national government, then it is shred with the states.(ex: levy taxes, establish courts, enforce laws, borrow/spend money)

Question 20

Federalism

Answer 20

divides the powers between the national and state governments (this protects state rights).

Question 21

Supremacy Clause

Answer 21

Federal laws are superior to state laws

Question 22

Fiscal federalism

Answer 22

Uses a system of spending, taxing, and providing aid in the federal system. This helps influence state policies.

Question 23

Grants in aids

Answer 23

Money and other resources that the national government provides to pay for state and local activities

Question 24

1st amendment

Answer 24

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition

Question 25

2nd amendment

Answer 25

The right to bear arms

Question 26

3rd amendment

Answer 26

The right to deny housing to a soldier

Question 27

4th amendment

Answer 27

Your home cannot be searched unreasonably or without a warrant. For a warrant to be granted, there must be probable cause.

Question 28

5th amendment

Answer 28

Prohibits self incrimination and double jeopardy. Mandates due process of law. The government can use eminent-domain

Question 29

6th amendment

Answer 29

Right to a speedy, public trial. Right to know the crime you’re being accused of. Right to a lawyer and a witness.

Question 30

7th amendment

Answer 30

Right to a jury. Can’t sue the same person over the same issue.

Question 31

8th amendment

Answer 31

Right to a reasonable bail, fines, and punishment

Question 32

9th amendment

Answer 32

The people’s rights are not limited to the rights listed in the Constitution.

Question 33

10th amendment

Answer 33

Any power not given to the federal government goes to the states.

Question 34

Two ways to propose an amendment

Answer 34

1. By Congress: approved by 2/3s of the HOUSE and SENATE
2. By Delegates: discussed at national convention called by Congress. The convention is held at the request of at least 2/3s state legislators

Question 35

Two ways to ratify and amendment

Answer 35

1. 3/4s of state legislatures must approve the amendment
2. Citizen elect delegates for their state. These delegates meet at the state convention to discuss the amendment. 3/4s of state delegates must agree to pass the amendment

Question 36

Significance of Marbury vs Madison

Answer 36

The principle of judicial review was created. This gave the judicial branch to determine acts of the other branches unconstitutional.