The Constitution - Study Guide

Question 1

Major strength of the contitution

Answer 1

The ability to adapt and change over time

Question 2

6 Basic principles of the constitution

Answer 2

Popular Sovereignty - People are the source of power
Limited Government - Government is not all powerful
Separation of Powers - 3 branches share power
Checks and balances - each branch restrains the other two
Judicial Review - Power of courts to determine constitutionality of governmental actions.
Federalism - division of power between national and state governments.

Question 3

Formal Amendment

Answer 3

Change in the written wording of the constitution (permanent)

Question 4

Informal amendment

Answer 4

Unwritten, day-to-day changes, details

Question 5

5 ways an informal amendments t can be passed

Answer 5

Basic legislation: laws
Executive action: powers granted to the president
Executive action: powers granted to the president
Court decisions: The nation’s courts determine the constitutionality of cases.
Party practice:ideas brought forth by the political parties.
Custom: unwritten traditions.

Question 6

Articles of the constitution talk about - particularly the first three:

Answer 6

Branches of government

Question 7

Amendment

Answer 7

Change to the constitution

Question 8

Rule of law

Answer 8

The government is subject and never above the law

Question 9

Constitution

Answer 9

Supreme law of the land

Question 10

Unconstitutional

Answer 10

Illegal, against the constitution

Question 11

Treaty

Answer 11

Agreement between two or more parties

Question 12

Veto

Answer 12

Power of the executive branch to reject a law approved by the legislative branch

Question 13

Ratification

Answer 13

Formal approval of a law

Question 14

Bail

Answer 14

Money postage saying that the accused will show up for court date

Question 15

Bench trial

Answer 15

Wave your right to a jury (quick and cheaper)

Question 16

Grand jury

Answer 16

Decides if there is enough evidence to bring you to trial

Question 17

Petit jury

Answer 17

Decide guilt or innocence of the person

Question 18

Eminent domain

Answer 18

Government is allowed to buy private property for public use

Question 19

Double jeopardy

Answer 19

A person cannot be brought to trial again for the same case once declared innocent

Question 20

Due process

Answer 20

Government must respect all legal rights of its citizens

Question 21

On what level are all formal amendments proposed? On what level are they ratified?

Answer 21

National; local/state

Question 22

Difference between civil and criminal trial

Answer 22

Civil - money dispute

Criminal trial - person is accused of committing a crime.