The Constitution

Question 1

Separation of Powers

Answer 1

Power distributed and shared among the 3 branches acting separately

Question 2

Bill of Rights

Answer 2

First 10 of 17 amendments to the constitution proposed in 1789 by Congress, restoring citizens rights

Question 3

Checks & Balances

Answer 3

branches have means to partially control power exercised by the other branches.

Question 4

Federalism

Answer 4

Power divided between national and state governments through decentralisation

Question 5

Nature of Constitution

Answer 5

Codified
Specificity & Vageness
Provisions are entrenched

Question 6

Dual Federalism

Answer 6

‘Layer Cake’ federalism - strict division between the two governments
National government - roads, taxes & currency

Question 7

Where is the Amendment Process mentioned

Answer 7

Article 5

Question 8

How are Civil Rights/Liberties protected

Answer 8

Bill of Rights

Question 9

What are implied powers?

Answer 9

Powers mentioned in the constitution for the federal government

Question 10

What are concurrent powers?

Answer 10

powers possessed by federal & state governments

Question 11

What are reserved powers?

Answer 11

Powers that have been reserved for the States (10th amendment)

Question 12

Articles of Confederation?

Answer 12

document established in 1781 as the colonies first constitution, later overthrown due to shays rebellion and replaced by the constitution in 1787

Question 13

What is the Amendment process?

Answer 13

Amendment is proposed in congress or at a national constitutional convention (although this has never happened)
The Amendment is ratified by either 3/4 of congress or at a State Ratifying Convention held in each state

Question 14

Why has the constitution been amended so rarely?

Answer 14

Difficult process
Unspecific
Judicial Review

Question 15

Advantages of Amendment Process?

Answer 15

Super-Majority Required
Federal & State Government approval
Voice to smaller states

Question 16

Disadvantages of Amendment Process?

Answer 16

Difficult to Amend
Supreme Court interprets amendments and are unelected
Small-population states are overrepresented

Question 17

Example of Amendment ratified by a State Convention?

Answer 17

21st amendment - prohibition of alcohol

Question 18

Principles of the US Constitution

Answer 18

Separation of Powers
Checks & Balances 
Bipartisanship 
Divided Government 
Federalism

Question 19

Co-operative Federalism

Answer 19

‘Marble Cake federalism’ state and national government powers and hard to separate

Question 20

Creative Federalism

Answer 20

National Government understands the needs of states and provides them with the money to execute change efficiently

Question 21

New Federalism

Answer 21

Nixons response to states loss of power, granting states freedom with national governments money and devolvement of power

Question 22

Progressive Federalism

Answer 22

National Government Acts as a benchmark for policy which states have to comply with but can go further with if they want.

Question 23

Federalism under Bush

Answer 23

Increased decentralisation, giving national grants to fund education policy ‘no child left behind’

Question 24

Positives of Federalism

Answer 24

State loyalties
Problems on a local level
Separation of powers & prevents tyranny
Creates Democracy - play w policy

Question 25

Negatives of Federalism

Answer 25

prevents national policy
lack of accountability
citizens ignorance