Checks and Balances
What does the term "checks and balances" mean in the constitution?
Making sure that no branch of government is too powerful. Allowing branches to limit the others.
Which branch makes laws?
Legislative branch
What was the name of the proposed plan for representation to be based only on a state's population?
Virginia Plan
Which level of government has the power to declare war...federal, state, or both?
Federal
What is the name of the early political party that was skeptical of the Constitution and opposed a powerful national government?
Antifederalists
What is it called when the president refuses to sign a bill from Congress?
Veto
Which branch is responsible for enforcing the law?
What was the name of the proposed plan for representation in Congress to be equal for each state regardless of population?
New Jersey Plan
Which level of government has the power to tax...federal, state, or both?
What was the name of the series of essays arguing in favor of the Constitution?
The Federalist Papers
What is the right to "judicial review?"
The right of the judicial branch to review the constitutionality of a law or legal action.
Which branch can declare a law unconstitutional?
Judicial branch (Supreme Court also acceptable)
Which state proposed the "Great Compromise" that created a bicameral legislature?
Connecticut
The government of Florida recently decided not to allow AP African-American studies in its schools. Does the state of Florida have the power to make decisions about public schools?
Yes. (Although they should really allow this course!)
How many senators does DC have?
Zero! (booooo!)
What are the names of the two parts of Congress a bill must pass through?
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
Which branch declares war?
Legislative
What was the name of the plan that allowed the southern states to partially count their enslaved population toward the number of representatives they get in the House?
3/5ths compromise
Johnny was pulled over for speeding 50 miles over the limit in Maryland. Will he go to federal or state court?
State
Which founding father is known as the "father of the Constitution?"
James Madison
What proportion of Congress is needed to override a president's veto?
2/3
What is the name of the annual speech the president gives to Congress and the American people about how the country is doing?
The State of the Union
The Constitution stopped Congress from making any changes to the laws about slavery until which year?
1808
A criminal smuggles illegal drugs across the border from Canada into New York and is caught by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Will they go to federal or state court?
Federal
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