The constition Flashcards
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
-no president
-States not unified
-Led to the Constitution because didn’t work out
What is the constitutional convention?
-Came together to consider what possible changes were needed to make the Constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the needs of the Union
-It was a meeting not just to amend, or go over, but it was to produce a new constitution
Who was unanimously chosen to be the leader of the meetings for the constitutional convention?
George Washington
In both houses, the number of representative would be proportional to the state’s…
size
What is the great compromise?
-A combination of the Virginia and New Jersey Plan
-Agreement to count each state’s enslaved population. Including these enslaved people, there would be more seats in
What are the three branches of government?
- The Legislative Branch (congress)
- The Judicial Branch (President, vice president, and )
- The Executive
What are the powers of the legislative branch?
-Makes laws
-Approves presidential appointments
-Two senators from each state
-The number of congressmen is based on population
-Ratifies treaties
-Grants money
-Declares war
-Impeaches the president out of the office
-House of Representatives is based on population (not equal)
-2 senators for each state, 100 in total. (equal)
What are the powers of the Executive branch?
-4-year terms
-Must be at least 35 years old
-Power to approve/veto laws
-Power to make treaties with foreign countries
-Power to nominate judges to Supreme Court
-Power to nominate ambassadors, public ministers, or other officers
-Commander and chief of U.S. military
What are the powers of the judicial branch?
-Decides if laws are constitutional
-Are appointed by the President
-There are 9 justices
-Can overturn rulings by other judges
What are checks and balances?
-Limits the power of the branches
-The president can veto or approve the law the Legislative branch
-Congress can override the veto and passes the law
-If the president is overusing his power, Legislative branch can impeach him
-Senate can approve or deny the president’s appointment
The Legislative branch can _____ the Executive branch.
-Reject appointments
-Reject treaties
-Withhold funding for presidential initiatives
-Impeach president - Legislative branch
-Override a veto
The legislative branch can ______ the Judicial branch.
Propose constitutional amendments to overrule judicial decisions
What are the 10 amendments?
-U.S. citizens have freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
-U.S. citizens have the right to keep and bear arms, or own guns
-The government may not force U.S. citizens to shelter soldiers in their homes
-U.S. citizens are protected from unreasonable searches of a person’s property
-The government may not force U.S. citizens to testify against themselves in court
-U.S. citizens have the right to a fair and speedy trial
-U.S. citizens have the right to a trial by jury
-U.S. citizens are protected from cruel and unusual punishment
-U.S. citizens may have rights that are not listed in the Constitution
-Powers not given to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution belong to the state or to the people
What are the amendments?
-When changes can be made to the Constitution and the Constitution can be up to date
-The article that is alive (keeps on changing based on the date.)
What is citizenship?
A citizen is a member of a country who has duties and responsibilities for their nation
What are the responsibilities of citizens?
-Voting
-Being informed
-Taking part in Government
-Helping your Community
-Respecting and Protecting each other’s right
