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