Preamble
Explain what is meant when the preamble states that the government intends to "provide for the common defense"?
Emphasizes the need for a strong military to protect the nation from supposed external threats & ensure the security of its citizens.
Provide the year that the Declaration of Independence was signed & the year the U.S. Constitution was drafted and/or ratified.
1. 1776
2. 1787 / 1788
Explain what the supremacy clause of the Constitution does.
It is a clause that ensures that federal law precedes state law (takes priority).
What does the word "unalienable" mean in the term "unalienable rights"?
The the rights are fundamental & inherent rights that every individual possesses by virtue of being human.
Explain the political concept of separation of powers.
This is the division of the tasks of the government into different roles. The 3 types of governmental powers are be assigned to different bodies with the intent of ensuring that no 1 body has complete control.
Explain what is meant when the preamble states that the government intends to "establish justice"?
Highlights the importance of creating a fair & impartial legal system that upholds the rule of law & treats all citizens equally.
Explain the difference between the Declaration of Independence (DoI) & the Constitution.
The DoI declares the independence of the United States from British rule. The Constitution establishes the structure of the U.S. government & outlines its powers & limitations.
Explain what the concurrent powers of the U.S. Constitution are.
These are the powers of government that are shared by both the national government & its various regional governments.
Identify the 3 unalienable rights & identify which document they are from.
Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness.
Declaration of Independence.
Explain what the elastic clause of the Constitution does.
Allows Congress to create laws that might not be explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are still needed to carry out its duties effectively.
Explain what is meant when the preamble states that the government intends to "promote the general welfare"?
Implies that the gov’t should pursue policies & programs that contribute to the overall welfare & health of the nation.
What was the Enlightenment?
A philosophical spread of reason, critical thinking, & individualism. It questioned religious & traditional belief systems.
Explain what the delegated powers of the U.S. Constitution are.
These are the powers granted to the national government under the Constitution.
Explain what the inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness is intended to mean.
The right to seek out activities, goals, & experiences that bring joy and fulfillment to one's life.
Explain what is meant when the preamble states that the government intends to "secure the blessings of liberty"?
Reflects the government's role in safeguarding the personal liberties & rights of citizens, both for the current generation & for future generations ("our posterity").
Explain what is meant when the preamble states that the government intends to "ensure domestic tranquility"?
Highlights the government’s responsibility to prevent internal conflicts, promote social harmony, & ensure the safety & well-being of the American people.
Explain what the Enlightenment is and how it relates to the founding of the U.S. government.
Spread of reason, critical thinking, & individual rights. It questioned religious & traditional belief systems. U.S. founders were heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideals.
Explain what the reserved powers of the U.S. constitution are.
The powers that are not specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution, nor denied to the states.
Explain what the inalienable right to liberty is intended to mean.
People are permitted to make choices, express opinions, & live their lives as they see fit within the bounds of the law.
Explain the political concept of checks & balances.
The idea that each branch of gov’t has some measure of influence over the other branches. Ideally prevents any one branch from having too much power.
Explain what is meant when the preamble states that the government intends to "form a more perfect union"?
Reflects the desire to create a stronger and more unified nation compared to the earlier Articles of Confederation
We have a handful of videos so far this semester. What is the most important takeaway that you've had from watching any of the videos of your choice?
Multiple satisfactory responses.
Explain what the implied powers of the U.S. Constitution are.
These are the powers granted to the national government that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution. They are considered “necessary & proper” to carry out the expressed powers granted to the federal government.
Explain what the inalienable right to life is intended to mean.
The government is supposed to prevent your life from being unjustly taken away. The government should create a society where nobody should have to fear for their survivial.
Explain what the concept of federalism is (think of the candy bar analogy).
The political concept of power being shared between a central national government & individual state governments.