Government Chapter 3 Assessment

How many amendments have been formally added to the Constitution?

27 amendments have been formally added to the Constitution.

How has Congress contributed to the process of constitutional change and development?

Congress has contributed to the process of constitutional change and development by passing laws to spell out several of the Constitution's provisions.

How are popular sovereignty and limited government related, and why were those principles important to the Framers?

Popular sovereignty and limited government both say that the people give the government its authority. This principle was important because they wanted the government to be subject to the law, not above it.

By what five ways has the Constitution been changed other than by formal amendment?

The Constitution has been changed by basic legislation by Congress, actions taken by the President, key decisions of the Supreme Court, the activities of political parties, and custom.

Which amendment required the longest amount of time to ratify, and how long did it take?

The amendment that took the longest amount of time to ratify was the 27th, and it took almost 203 years.

What event led to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments?

The end of the Civil War and Reconstruction led to the addition of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments.

How can the executive branch check the legislative branch?

The executive branch can check the legislative branch by vetoing legislation, calling special sessions, recommending legislation, and appealing to the people.

How does the formal amendment process reflect federalism?

The formal amendment process reflects federalism by taking place at the national level and ratification at the state level.

How can the judicial branch check the legislative branch?

The judicial branch can check the legislative branch by determining the constitutionality and striking down those acts that are unconstitutional.

What has been the most common method for adding an amendment to the Constitution, and which method has only been used once?

The most common method for adding an amendment is a 2/3 vote in each congressional house and ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures. The method only used once is proposed by Congress and then ratified by conventions in 3/4 of the states.

How does the presidential nominating process illustrate the process of constitutional change and development?

The presidential nominating process illustrates the process of constitutional change and development because political parties formed during Washington's presidency and the electoral college shifted during the 1830s.

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

The purpose of checks and balances is to prevent an unjust combination of the majority.

What is the role of custom in government?

The role of customs in government is as strong as written law.

What are the six basic principles of the Constitution?

The six basic principles of the Constitution are popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism.

How is the text of the Constitution organized?

The text of the Constitution is organized into an introduction(Preamble) and seven articles.

Cite two examples of the exercise of presidential power that illustrate the process of constitutional change by other than formal amendment.

Two examples of the exercise of presidential power that illustrates the process of constitutional change are making the President the commander in chief and making treaties or executive agreements.