us constitution

Question 1

natures of the uS constitution

Answer 1

• codified constitution
• it is a blend of specificity and vagueness
• its provisions are entrenched

Question 2

define entrenched

Answer 2

the constitution is protected from changes by law or abolished [ also makes it harder to amend ]

Question 3

define enumerated powers

Answer 3

• these are stated in the first 3 articles in the us constitution
• these are powers delegated to the federal government under the constitution [ it is written down SPECIFICALLY ]

Question 4

What are the powers not specifically specified in the constitution called

Answer 4

implied powers

Question 5

what do the implied powers allow the federal government to do

Answer 5

they allow the the federal government perform the enumerated powers and this is done through the wording of the constitution [ implying how they should run the country ]

Question 6

what are the necessary and proper clause and the elastic clause

Answer 6

this empowers congress to make all laws as long they are necessary and proper in order to carry out the federal duties
- it is called the elastic clause as it allows congress to stretch its powers

Question 7

where in the constitution does it say about the amendment process

Answer 7

article 5

Question 8

what are the two ways the constitution can be ammended

Answer 8

• a two thirds majority in each of the houses of congress ( house of rep and senate
• or by a special constitutional convention that is called by at least two thirds of the states
• a proposed amendment must then be ratified by 3/4 of states

Question 9

when were the bill of rights written

Answer 9

1791

Question 10

what is the bill of rights

Answer 10

• this is the first 10 amendments in the US constitution
• it contains most of the key individual rights of an American citizen

Question 11

what are the key individual rights in the US constitution

Answer 11

• first amendment –> right to freedom of expression
• sixth amendment –> the right to a fair and speedy trial

Question 12

how is the separation of powers split in the US constitution

Answer 12

• executive ( president )
• legislative ( congress )
• judicial ( Supreme Court )

Question 13

what are checks and balances

Answer 13

• the abilities and powers that are exclusively given to one branch of government in order to ‘check’ the actions of the other branches.
• These powers are often constitutionally enshrined.

Question 14

what are the checks from congress to the president?

Answer 14

make laws and allocate funds

Question 15

what are the checks from president to congress

Answer 15

veto legislation

Question 16

what are the checks from congress to the Supreme Court

Answer 16

confirms judicial appointments

Question 17

what are the checks from the Supreme Court to congress

Answer 17

rules on legislation

Question 18

what are the checks from president to Supreme Court

Answer 18

appoints justices

Question 19

what are the checks from Supreme Court to president

Answer 19

rules on executive action

Question 20

what is federalism

Answer 20

when the power is shared between the ( federal ) government and the 50 individual states

Question 21

key principles of the US constitution

Answer 21

• federalism
• limited government
  -seperation of powers

Question 22

examples of federalism

Answer 22

in 2019, 19 states passed laws to restrict voting rights whilst 25 states passed laws expanding voting rights. the power if controlling how elections are run belong to the states based on article 1 of the constitution

Question 23

examples of limited government

Answer 23

the bill of rights prevents the federal government from restricting the rights of individuals and states
- such as the 1st amendment (freedom of expression) limits the government by protecting individual freedom

Question 24

examples of separations of powers

Answer 24

because no one is allowed in more than one branch at the same time, in order to avoid tyranny, in 2009 Barack Obama had to give up his senate seat to align with the founding fathers constitutional rules.

Question 25

define articles of confederation

Answer 25

the original constitution before the founding fathers rewrote it