Constitution Exam: Concepts to Ponder

Question 1

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?:

Answer 1

• The federal government did not have the POWER TO TAX citizens
• Did not have the power REGULATE TRADE
• Had to give up its power to STATES
  ~ States could form alliances with foreign nations

Question 2

Where was the Constitution written?:

Answer 2

Philadelphia, PA

Question 3

America’s economy post Revolutionary War:

Answer 3

Going through a recession (downturn) due to:
- Britain’s tariffs (tax imposed by a government)
- Britain’s unloading cheap goods into US markets

Question 4

Separation of Power’s:

Answer 4

• Division of government responsibilities into branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another

Question 5

Roles of the 3 branches of government:

Answer 5

LEGISLATIVE: Power to make laws and pass taxes onto citizens

EXECUTIVE: Power to enforce laws and treaties as the Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces

JUDICIAL: Relating to the legal system and to judgments made in a court of law
- Power to explain and interpret the Constitution while checking to be sure LAWS ARE CONSTITUTIONAL and has ABSOLUTE VETOING POWERS that cannot be checked by the other 2 branches of federal government

Question 6

Amount of votes for a proposal of a bill in both houses to pass:

Answer 6

• 2/3’s

Question 7

Amount of votes for an Amendment or override of a presidential vote:

Answer 7

• 3/4’s

Question 8

How a bill turns into a law:

Answer 8

• Both the House of Representative and the Senate have to vote “yes” (2/3’s) to bill and the president can sign it into law
• The president can also veto a bill and the Congress can override a presidential veto with both houses voting (3/4’s) “yes”