Test 3 short answer SG

Question 1

Discuss the major strength of the Constitution.

Answer 1

The major strength of the constitution is its flexibility and ability to adapt and change overtime.

Question 2

List and define the 6 basic principles of the constitution

Answer 2

1) Popular Sovereignty-People are the source of the governments power.
2) Limited Government-The Government is limited in what it may do and it is not all powerful.
3) Separation of Powers- There are three branches that share the governments power.
4) Checks and Balances- Each branch is subject to restraints of the other two.
5) Judicial Review- Courts have the power to determine if what the government is doing is according to the constitution.
6) Federalism- Division of power between the national and state governments.

Question 3

What is a formal amendment?

Answer 3

A formal amendment is a permanent change in the written wording of the constitution.

Question 4

What is an informal amendment?

Answer 4

Informal amendments are day to day changes made over time but these are never written in the constitution. “Flesh and bones” of the constitution.

Question 5

List 5 ways informal amendments can be passed.

Answer 5

1) Basic legislation- Laws passed by congress.
2) Executive action- Powers granted the president.
3) Court Decision- The nations courts determine the constitutionality of cases.
4) Party practice- Ideas brought forth be the political parties.
5) Custom- Unwritten traditions

Question 6

What do the 7 articles of the constitution talk about?

Answer 6

1) Creates the legislative branch
2) Creates the Executive branch
3) Creates the judicial branch
4) Relations among the states
5) Amending the Constitution
6) Supremacy of the National law
7) Ratifying the Constitution

Question 7

On what level of government are all formal amendments proposed on?

On what level are they ratified?

Answer 7

Proposed- National level

Ratified- State level

Question 8

What are Civil Cases

Answer 8

Civil cases are disputes between 2 or more parties involving money (Lawsuits)

Question 9

What are Criminal Cases?

Answer 9

Criminal Cases are when a person is accused of committing a crime.

Question 10

Basic legislation

Answer 10

Laws passed by congress

Question 11

Executive action

Answer 11

Powers granted the president

Question 12

Court decision

Answer 12

The nations court determine the constitutionality of Cases

Question 13

Party practice

Answer 13

Ideas brought forth by the political party

Question 14

Custom

Answer 14

Unwritten traditions