The Preamble & Articles
What are the six goals mentioned in the Preamble?
form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.
What is the Bill of Rights?
It is the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution
What is the primary role of the Judicial Branch?
The main role is to interpret and apply laws to specific cases, determine the constitutionality of laws, and settle legal disputes.
What is the primary role of the Executive Branch?
The main duty of the executive branch is to enforce and carry out laws passed by Congress.
What is the main role of the legislative branch?
make laws
according to the Preamble, where does the government’s power come from?
Power comes from "We the People," signifying that the government exists to serve the citizens and relies on their consent.
Why was the Bill of Rights added?
It was promised during the ratification of the Constitution to address concerns raised by Anti-Federalists
What is judicial review?
Established by Marbury v. Madison, it is the power of courts to decide whether actions by the legislative or executive branches are constitutional.
What are the qualifications to be President?
According to the Constitution, a president must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for at least 14 years.
What is the two champers?
The House and The Senate
What is the primary role of each branch described in Articles I, II, and III?
Article I: (Legislative): Makes laws
Article II: (Executive): Enforces laws
Article III: Interprets laws
What are the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment?
The First Amendment protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government
How are federal judges chosen?
Federal judges and Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate
How long is a presidential term?
4 years
How long are the terms for members of Congress?
Representatives are elected for two-year terms, while Senators are elected for six-year terms.
What does Article VI establish?
It establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the "supreme law of the land," meaning federal law overrides state law if they conflict.
What protections does the Fourth Amendment provide?
It protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants to be issued only with probable cause.
How long do federal judges serve?
Federal judges hold lifetime appointments
What is the role of the Cabinet?
State, Defense, and Treasury
How does a bill become law?
A bill must be approved by both the House and the Senate by a majority vote before being sent to the President for signature
How can the Constitution be changed according to Article V?
It outlines the amendment process, requiring a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states
What does the Fifth Amendment guarantee?
It protects citizens from self-incrimination, ensures due process, prevents double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same crime), and prevents taking private property without just compensation.
How does a case reach the Supreme Court?
a request for the higher court to review a lower court's decision
Who becomes president if the president can no longer serve?
If the president can no longer serve, the Vice President becomes President, followed by the Speaker of the House.
What are the special powers of the Senate?
The Senate holds the power to ratify treaties (with a 2/3 majority) and confirm presidential appointments, such as cabinet secretaries and federal judges.