Constitution And Civil Rights Test

Question 1

Explain main topics of the 7 articles of the U.S. Constitution.

Answer 1

Articles 1-3: discuss how the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branch are set up, and the “instructions” for each branch.

Article 4: discuss the states of America.

Article 5: talks about amendments or changes to the constitution.

Article 6: makes it clear that the constitution is the “law of the land”.

Article 7: talks about how the constitution can be ratified or approved and accepted into law.

Question 2

Explain the purpose of the Elastic Clause.

Answer 2

Elastic Clause- purpose is to make laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers and all other powers by the constitution.

Question 3

Why is the U.S. Constitution considered a living document?

Answer 3

Because it’s been changed 27 times and can always be changed.

Question 4

Explain the Full Faith and Credit Clause.

Answer 4

States in the U.S. have to respect other states laws and rules.

Question 5

Explain Extradition.

Answer 5

Extradition- The procedure by which a state or nation, upon receipt of a formal request by another state or nation, turns over to that second jurisdiction an individual charged with or convicted of a crime in that jurisdiction.

Question 6

Explain Privileges and Immunities.

Answer 6

Privileges and Immunities- makes sure that every citizen is treated the same in another state as citizens of those states.

Question 7

Explain the purpose of the Supremacy Clause (found in article 6, section 2).

Answer 7

Supremacy Clause says that the constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Question 8

Explain Checks and Balances.

Answer 8

Checks and Balances- Each branch has restrains on their power, and the restrains come from the other branches.

Question 9

Give examples of at least 6 Checks and Balances.

Answer 9

• Congress can make laws but the president can veto or reject a law, in turn congress can override a veto with a 2/3 majority vote from the House of Representatives and Senate.
• President and commander in chief of military, but only congress can declare war.
• President names Supreme Court judges but the Senate must vote to approve them.
• Congress can impeach or vote to remove a president from office.
• Judicial branch can declare laws “unconstitutional” or say they are unfair.
• Separation of powers through all branches

Question 10

Explain Limited Government.

Answer 10

Limited Government-gives citizens more control over how they shape their local environment and policy.

Question 11

Explain Separate and Divided.

Answer 11

Constitution distributes power among 3 branches. Legislative make laws, executive makes sure laws are being enforced, and judicial makes sure laws are fair.

Question 12

Explain Federalism.

Answer 12

Federalism- National government holds certain power, and state governments hold certain power.

Question 13

Explain Judicial Review.

Answer 13

Judicial Review- Courts can determine acts of government unlawful or illegal.

Question 14

Explain Popular Sovereignty.

Answer 14

Popular Sovereignty- The power that the government has, comes from the people of the United States.

Question 15

Why were the Articles of Confederation considered too weak?

Answer 15

They gave to much power to the states.

Question 16

Explain the 2 major compromises made during the constitutional convention.

Answer 16

Great Compromise- decided that there would be 2 chambers in congress
-The Senate and House of Representatives.

3/5 Compromise- since the House of Representatives is based on population, the northern and southern states disagree on how slaves should be counted
-Every 5 slaves would be counted as 3 people

Question 17

Explain Majority Rule and Minority Rule.

Answer 17

The majority decision should happen but not alienate the minority.

Question 18

Explain the most common method for adding an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Answer 18

The most common method is that an amendment is proposed by 2/3 vote in congress, and ratified by 3/4 of the states.

Question 19

How is the most common method of adding an amendment to the U.S. Constitution an example of federalism?

Answer 19

Federalism is shown because amendments are proposed at a national level and ratified at a state level.

Question 20

What happens when a state law conflicts with federal law?

Answer 20

The Constitution takes precedence over all forms of state laws.

Question 21

Who is the head of the executive branch of Missouri?

Answer 21

Governor.

Question 22

According to the Missouri Constitution, who holds the power over the Missouri government?

Answer 22

The people.