Checks and Balances, Amendment process, and Federal System
What are two pieces of evidence that prove that amending the Constitution is "difficult"?
Amendments may be proposed by Congress but only with a two-thirds vote of both houses. Amendments must be approved by three fourths of the state legislatures.
1. What does the term checks and balances mean?
Check and balances is a system that enables each branch of government to block the actions of another branch.
Who has the power to propose amendments
Congress and state legislatures have the power to propose amendments.
Who controls the printing and coining of money
Congress controls the printing and coining of money.
Who can organizes the electoral college and decides when it will be cast.
Congress organizes the Electoral College and decides when the vote will be cast.
What clause requires states to accept the legality of the laws of other states?
The "full Faith and Credit" clause requires states to accept the legality of the laws of other states.
What is the constitution, and what does it do?
The Constitution is the "supreme law of the land." States cannot pass laws that conflict with the Constitution.
What amendment gives women the right to vote
The Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Who has the power to veto laws
The President has the power to veto laws.
Who must approve all ambassadors, judges, and cabinet members.
The Senate must approve ambassadors, judges, and cabinet members.
Who must approve treaties
The Senate must approve treaties made with foreign countries
What is federalism, and why do you think it has caused controversy during our nation's history?
The constitutional system that divides power between the national and state governments is called federalism. Controversies over who sets the rules and has the power to enforce them are natural when power is shared by more than one party.
Who reviews all laws and treaties
The federal courts review all laws and treaties.
Why did the framers feel the need to include checks and balances in the Constitution?
The framers were concerned that one branch would try to gain too much power.
Who can impeach federal judges
The legislative branch can impeach federal judges.
Who can override a veto
The legislative branch can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
How many amendments are there
There are 27 amendments.
Why did the framers make it possible to change the Constitution?
They knew that the Constitution would have to change with the times.
Why did the framers create a federal system of government in which power is shared between the national and state government?
They wanted a strong national government, but with the states keeping significant powers
How many state legislatures must approve amendments.
Three fourths of state legislatures (or special conventions) must approve amendments.
