US Government

Question 1

Articles of Confederation

Answer 1

First US Constitution that established a “league of friendship” among the 13 states that preserved power and independence

Question 2

US Constitution

Answer 2

“We the People”
Document defining the branches of government and the rights of citizens. Also called the Supreme Law of the Land

Question 3

Executive Branch

Answer 3

Consists of the President (ruler), vice president (deputy), and the Cabinet (advisors).
Enforces laws by the Congress.

Question 4

Legislative Branch

Answer 4

Consists of the Congress (Senate, House of Representatives).
Creates laws, declares war, controls taxing and spending policies.

Question 5

Judicial Branch

Answer 5

Consists of the Supreme Court and the Federal Judicial Center.
Evaluates laws by interpreting meaning, applying them to cases, and seeing if they violate the Constitution.

Question 6

Bill of Rights

Answer 6

First 10 amendments in the Constitution. Lists citizen’s rights, like freedom of speech, press, and religion.

Question 7

Preamble

Answer 7

Introduces the Constitution and states the reasons why the document was written. It is NOT the law and does NOT define the government or individual rights.

Question 8

amendment

Answer 8

An alteration or addition to a text to improve it. In this case, an addition or alteration to the US Constitution.

Question 9

articles

Answer 9

Describes government structure and operation in the US Constitution.

Question 10

posterity

Answer 10

Future generations, like children or great-grandchildren.

Question 11

precedent

Answer 11

Something similar that had happened before.
Something done or said previously that justifies a similar act.

Question 12

judicial review

Answer 12

Authority given to the Supreme Court to interpret the government’s actions and determine if they align with the Constitution.

Question 13

veto

Answer 13

To officially refuse to approve of something, in this case, a law.

Question 14

ratify

Answer 14

To make something official, especially by signing a treaty, contract, etc.

Question 15

compromise

Answer 15

An agreement in which the people involved give up or change something to end an argument.

Question 16

Federalist

Answer 16

Someone who supported the ratification of the Constitution and wanted a strong central government.

Question 17

Anti-Federalist

Answer 17

Someone who opposed ratification of the Constitution because the central government would be too powerful, resulting in the lack of individual rights.

Question 18

bicameral

Answer 18

Consisting of two chambers
In government, a legislative branch having two chambers

Question 19

electoral college

Answer 19

A body of electors representing the states who vote for President and Vice President (says Britannica)
A process in which representatives of the states vote for the President and Vice President (says National Archive)

Question 20

popular sovereignty

Answer 20

Doctrine where people define the government and the government is based on people’s consent.