Foundations of Government
This principle means that the people are the source of government power.
What is popular sovereignty?
The main purpose of the Constitution is to set up the structure and __________ of government.
What are the limits?
Congress is a __________ legislature, meaning it has two houses.
What is bicameral?
The president must be this age.
What is 35 years old?
A business sues another company while its CEO faces criminal fraud charges. Why do the cases use different legal processes? This branch interprets the laws.
What is civil vs. criminal law have different burdens and purposes?
Congress makes laws, the president enforces them, and the courts do this.
What is interpret them?
This phrase from the Preamble means the Founders wanted to improve the government.
What is “in order to form a more perfect Union”?
This amendment protects freedom of speech, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the 1st Amendment? What is freedom of speech?
Before a bill can reach the president, both the House and Senate must do this.
What is pass the same version of the bill?
The president leads the military under this role.
What is Commander-in-Chief?
This is the highest court in the United States.
What is the Supreme Court?
This branch controls the federal budget (the “power of the purse”).
What is the Legislative Branch?
This principle states that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.
What is rule of law?
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches.
What is the 4th Amendment?
This chamber confirms presidential appointments and treaties.
What is the Senate?
The president checks Congress by doing this to a bill.
What is veto it?
Civil cases require a “preponderance of __________,” while criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
What is evidence?
The president appoints judges, but this branch checks that power.
What is the Legislative Branch (Senate)?
Power is divided between national and state governments in this system
What is federalism?
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches.
What is the 4th Amendment?
Congress controls government spending through this important power.
What is the power of the purse?
The president appoints judges, but this group must approve them.
What is the Senate?
This court power allows justices to strike down unconstitutional laws.
What is judicial review?
The courts check the president by doing this to executive actions.
What is declaring them unconstitutional?
This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
What are checks and balances?
Large protests break out across several states—some peaceful, some violent. Name one constitutional duty the government has AND one action it can take that still protects rights.
What is to ensure domestic tranquility while respecting freedoms (ex: protect safety, enforce laws fairly)?
Congress alone has this war-related power.
What is declare war?
A man’s appeals may take years, but serious trial flaws were revealed. Which mercy power helps him immediately?
What is a reprieve?
These are the three levels of federal courts, from lowest to highest.
What are District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court?
knowing your rights and responsibilities helps citizens do this, strengthening democracy
What is become a more active and effective citizen?