Chapter 4: Key Questions

How many amendments have been added to the Constitution?

27

Which Article deals with the Judicial Branch?

Article 3

Which Article deals with Relations Among the States?

Article 4

Which Article deals with making Amendments?

Article 5

Which Article deals with the Ratification process?

Article 7

Name given to the first 10 amendments

Bill of Rights

The process of amending the Constitution involves who?

Congress and the states

Which term refers to the principle that people accused of a crime must be granted certain legal rights?

Due Process

What's the job of the Executive Branch?

Enforce laws

The framers wanted government to ensure peace and order.

Ensure domestic tranquility

The framers hoped to create a system of government based on fair laws that apply equally to all people.

Establish justice

Article 2 of the constitution states the responsibilities of which branch of govt?

Executive

The framers of the Constitution wanted to ensure cooperation among the states, and between the states and the national government.

Form a more perfect union.

Law that states recognize and honor official documents like diver's license, birth certificates, and marriage license.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Describe the concept of limited government?

Government must operate within certain rules set by a constitution.

A system of judges and courts that is separate from other branches of government.

Independent Judiciary

What's the job of the Judicial Branch?

Interpret laws

Why 3 branches of government?

Keep any one group from gaining too much power

Which branch of government does Article I explain?

Legislative

What's the job of the Legislative Branch?

Make laws

Where do the first words of the Constitution indicate that power and authority in our system of government come from?

People

Basic principle of the Constitution explains that the people are the source of the authority and legitimacy of a government

Popular Sovereignty

What is the defining characteristic of a federal system of government?

Power is divided between central and regional governments.

The framers hoped the government would ensure the well-being of the citizens.

Promote the general welfare

The framers wanted the government to protect the nation against foreign enemies.

Provide for the common defense

What does the Preamble list?

Purpose and goals to be served by the Constitution

Concept in which the govt and its officials are subject to, never above, the law.

Rule of law

The framers hoped to guarantee freedom for Americans, then and in the future.

Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

How did the decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) strengthen the power of the Supreme Court?

Set the Court's right to use Judicial Review to declare laws as unconstitutional.

What is true of the Constitution?

Sets guidelines for government, open to interpretation and highest law.

The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution indicates how to resolve conflicts between what?

State and federal laws

Example of the checks and balances system?

Supreme Court declares law unconstitutional, or president vetoes a bill, or impeachment trial in Senate