WHY THE CONSTITUTION?
What document created a national government that proved too weak to handle important national problems?
The Articles of Confederation
What part of the Constitution introduces the document and explains the purpose of the new government?
The Preamble
Which branch makes laws?
Legislative
What are the two parts of Congress?
House of Representatives and Senate
What system divides federal power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Separation of Powers
The Constitution created a stronger national government, but what important thing did it also place on government power?
Limits
Which principle means government has power, but that power has limits?
Limited government
Which branch carries out or enforces laws?
Executive
How many senators does each state have?
2
What system lets the branches limit the power of one another?
Checks and balances
What principle means that government gets its authority from the people?
Popular sovereignty
“Establish Justice” means the government should help create what kind of system?
A fair legal system
Which branch interprets laws and applies them to cases?
Judicial
Representation in which chamber is based on state population?
House of Representatives
What system has the national government and state governments share power?
Federalism
What principle says everyone, including government officials, must follow the law?
Rule of law
“Insure domestic Tranquility” refers to keeping what?
Peace/order at home
Which Article creates the legislative branch?
Article I
Name ONE major power of Congress from the lesson.
Accept: collect taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, coin money, declare war/support the military.
According to Article VI, what wins when a state law conflicts with federal law?
Federal law / the supreme law of the land
What idea says people agree to create and follow government in exchange for order, protection, and other benefits?
Social contract
Name TWO purposes of government identified in the Preamble.
Any two: form a more perfect Union; establish justice; insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare; secure liberty.
Name all three branches AND their main jobs.
Legislative—makes laws; Executive—carries out/enforces laws; Judicial—interprets laws
Name TWO responsibilities or powers of the president discussed in the lesson.
Accept any two: carry out laws, commander in chief, negotiate treaties, appoint federal judges/officials, represent the U.S. in foreign affairs.
Match the Articles: Which covers states, which covers federalism/supreme law, and which covers ratification: Articles IV, VI, and VII?
IV = states; VI = federalism/supreme law; VII = ratification