Government- Chapter 3 (The Constitution) Comprehension Questions

Article V of the Constitution, says that no amendment may do what to the states?

The federal government can't tell a state they cannot be in the Senate

Describe the concept of limited government.

The government is restricted in what it may do, and each individual has rights that the government cannot take away. (No government is all powerful)

What does the preamble to the Constitution state?

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and ensure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do or ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (That the people are the leaders basically)

What are the methods to formally amend the Constitution?

1.) A 2/3 vote in each house of Congress and then ratified by a 3/4 of the state legislatures. 2.) Proposed by Congress and then ratified by conventions- in a 3/4 of the states. 3.) Proposed by a national convention-called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures and then ratified at 3/4 of state legislatures. 4.) Proposed by national convention and ratified by convention in 3/4 of the states.

How many amendments were added to the Constitution, using the 1st method proposed by Congress and Ratified by the State?

26 amendments

How many times has the Constitution been formally amended?

27 times

The Judiciary Act of 1789 was an example of what power outlined in the Constitution?

Basic legislation or Separation of Powers

Where are the basic constitutional rights of the people found in the Constitution?

Bill of Rights or The first ten amendments

How may formal amendments be added to the constitution?

By any of the 4 methods listed in question 6

How is the President's Cabinet an example of informal amendment?

By custom or tradition

How can Congress informally amend the Constitution?

Congressional Action

What is an example of an informal amendment as a result of part practices?

Converted the electoral college

What are some of the ways that the executive branch can check the legislative branch?

Court appointments

What are some of the ways that the judicial branch can check the president?

Declaring acts unconstitutional

The President's power to veto an act of Congress is an example of what?

Executive power

All amendments being formally amended to the Constitution must be introduced at what level? And then ratified at what level?

Federal or Congressional level

What are some of the things that haven been topics of those amendments?

Income tax, Slavery, Alcohol, Women's Suffrage, Congressional Pay

How many amendments were added to the Constitution using the 2nd method of Ratification by Congress?

Only 1- The 21st amendment

What are some of the ways that the legislative branch can check the judicial branch?

Remove judges through impeachment and rejecting appointments

Why has the Constitution been able to last more than 200 years?

Rests on 6 basic principles

Describe the concept of Separation of Powers.

So that the three branches of government are not all too powerful

The words, "We the People," the Constitution establishes its authority on the basis of what?

The principle of popular sovereignty

What does the informal amendment process involve?

The process by which over time changes are made in the Constitution which have not involved any changes in its written word.

Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

To ensure the rights of the individuals

In most cases involving judicial review?

Upheld government government held judgement

Has the Constitution been changed?

With the amendments