The US Constitution

Loose Construction

A flexible approach to interpreting the Constitution, taking into account current conditions in society

What are the 6 goals stated in the constitution?

1) Form a more perfect union 2) Establish justice 3) Ensure domestic tranquility 4) Provide for a common defense 5) Promote the general welfare 6) Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves

Who is involved in the legislative branch of government?

1) House of representatives 2) Senate

What are the 6 guiding principles of the constitution?

1) Popular sovereignty 2) Rule of Law 3) Separation of Powers and Checks and balances 4) Federalism 5) Independent judiciary 6) Individual rights

Who is involved in the judicial branch of government?

1) Supreme court 2) Courts of appeal 3) District courts

Who is involved in the executive branch of government?

1) The president 2) Executive and cabinet departments 3) Independent government agencies

Precedent

A decision by a court that serves as an example or guide for future decisions

Strict Constitution

A literal approach to interpreting the Constitution using the exact words of the document

Republican Government

A representative political system in which authority comes from the people and is exercised by elected officials

Checks and Balances

A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments

Independant Judiciary

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

Which of these terms refers to the principle that people accused of a crime must be granted certain legal rights? A) Due process B) Habeas Corpus C) Judicial Review D) Eminent Domain

A) Due process

The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution indicates how to solve conflicts between? A) State and federal laws B) Both chambers of Congress C) Strict and loose constructionists D) Majority rule and minority rights

A) State and federal laws

The process of amending the Constitution involves both? A) The Congress and the states B) The president and the Congress C) The states and the Supreme Court D) The Supreme Court and the president

A) The Congress and the states

Which of these is the best example of constitutional checks and balances? A) Treaties require senate approval B) The Constitution may be amended C) The president is paid for his services D) Courts decide conflict between states

A) Treaties require senate approval

What are 3 examples of reserved powers?

Ability to set marriage and divorce laws, issue driver's licenses, and establish public schools

How did the decision in Marbury vs. Madison (1803) strengthen the power of the Supreme Court? A) It denied state courts the authority to override federal precedent B) It asserted that the Court could order the president to carry out a law C) It intervened in a conflict between the other two branches of government D) It established the Court's right to declare and act of Congress unconstitutional

B) It asserted that the Court could order the president to carry out a law

The first words of the Constitution indicate that power and authority in our system of government come from the? A) States B) People C) Voters D) Lawmakers

B) People

Which of these is the defining characteristic of a federal system of government? A) Elected representatives make decisions for the nation B) Power is divided between central and regional bodies C) Separate branches have different areas of responsibilities D) Legislative actions are limited by a set of written guidlines

B) Power is divided between central and regional bodies

The Preamble to the Constitution lists which of the following? A) Steps for amending the Constitution B) Purpose served by the Constitution C) Procedures for ratifying the Constitution D) Guidelines for interpreting the Constitution

B) Purpose served by the Constitution

Over time, constitutional amendments have extended which right to the groups listed below? -African Americans, Women, Residents of the District of Columbia, 18-year-olds A) Right to an education B) Right to serve on a jury C) RIght to vote in elections D) Right to federal employment

C) RIght to vote in elections

Why did the framers of the Constitution create three separate branches of government? A) To help people with different opinions cooperate B) To increase the power of the central government C) To keep any one group from gaining too much power D) To provide enough officials to handle the volume of work

C) To keep any one group from gaining too much power

How does the executive branch check the legislative branch?

Can approve or veto bills

How does the judicial branch check the legislative branch?

Can declare laws unconstitutional

How does the judicial branch check the executive branch?

Can declare treaties and executive acts unconstitutional

How does the executive branch check the judicial branch?

Can nominate supreme court judges and federal judges

How does the legislative branch check the executive branch?

Can override presidential vetoes

How does the legislative branch check the judicial branch?

Can remove judges through impeachment

What controls the legislative branch?

Congress

What controls the Judicial Branch?

Courts

What is the responsibility of the legislative branch of government?

Create laws

What is the responsibility of the executive branch of government?

Enforce the laws

Amendment

Formal changes to the constitution

What is the responsibility of the judicial branch of government?

Interpret the laws

Rule of Law

People and their government must abide by a set of laws

What is an example of a enumerated power?

Power to declare war

What are delegated powers?

Powers granted to the national government

What are reserved powers?

Powers kept by the states

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically listed in the constitution

What are concurrent powers?

Powers that are shared by the federal and state governments

What are implied powers?

Powers that the legislature can claim as part of its lawmaking responsibility

What controls the executive branch?

President

Preamble

Purpose of government

What are 3 examples of delegated powers?

Regulating immigration, making treaties, declaring war

What did the founding fathers mean when they said "promote the general welfare"

The government would ensure the wellbeing of citizens

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws and executive acts unconstitutional

Veto

The power of the president to create a bill and send it back to congress

Due Process

The principle that no person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures and safegauards

What did the founding fathers mean when they wrote, "form a more perfect union"

They wanted to ensure cooperation among the states and between the states and national government

Original intent

What the framers of the US constitution meant when they wrote the original document