Foundations of U.S. constitutional government

Question 1

what is a system of constitutional government based on?

Answer 1

supporting principles of government
laws

Question 2

what is consent?

Answer 2

agreement
permission

Question 3

people give authority to the government in exchange for the protection of rights

Answer 3

consent of the governed

Question 4

what is limited government?

Answer 4

government is not all powerful

Question 5

what is rule of law?

Answer 5

everyone in the country, from top of government to regular citizens must follow the law
surfaced in Magna Carta

Question 6

what does democracy mean?

Answer 6

people rule

Question 7

what is representative government?

Answer 7

citizens elect officeholders to make laws on their behalf

Question 8

what is the importance of the Magna Carta?

Answer 8

first document to establish the fact that everyone is subject to law
gave English men basic rights

Question 9

What is the importance of the charters of the VA co. of Londen?

Answer 9

outlined the new colony
guaranteed rights to colonists
groundwork for representative government

Question 10

What was VA declaration of rights?

Answer 10

writen as constitution for colonists during Revolutionary war
model for Bill of Rights

Question 11

What was the Virginia Statute for religious freedom?

Answer 11

granted right to warship freely
basis for freedom of religion in first amendment

Question 12

What was the purpose of the Declaration of independence?

Answer 12

stated long list of grievances against king
declared colonies independence
declared “certain unalienable rights” including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
all people are created equal

Question 13

what was the first form of government for the USA?

Answer 13

Articles of Confederation

Question 14

what were the cons of the Articles of Confederation?

Answer 14

weak central government with no power to tax or enforce laws

Question 15

first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Answer 15

Bill of Rights

Question 16

what are the 4 objectives the Constitution has accomplished?

Answer 16

establishes the stucture of US government
guarantees equality under law with majority rule and protect rights of minority
affirms individual worth and dignity of all people
protects fundamental freedoms

Question 17

what is the preamble?

Answer 17

introduction to US constitution
lists goals of constitution

Question 18

what are the 6 goals listed in the preamble?

Answer 18

form a more perfect union
establish justice
insure domestic tranquility
provide for the common defense
promote general welfare
secure blessing of liberty

Question 19

how many amendments are there?

Answer 19

27

Question 20

how can the constitution be changed?

Answer 20

it can be amended

Question 21

what are the two steps of the amendment process?

Answer 21

must be introduced when 2/3 of congress think its necessary
must be approved by 3/4 of states