C1
What was America’s first national constitution?
Articles of the Confederation
What were the three Congresses in American history (in order, no need to know the years)?
Continental, Confederation, Federal Congress
After the Articles of Confederation, when did the Americans meet to create the constitution we use today? – and where?
1787 in Philadelphia, PA
How many houses are in the Federal Congress? What are they?
2; House of Representatives & Senate
What article in the Constitution establishes the legislative branch?
Article 1
What is a republic?
Limited government where the people hold the governmental power. The people elect representatives, who are in charge of conducting the government.
What is federalism?
The power to govern is shared between the state and national governments.
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, & Judicial
What is the definition of checks and balances?
Process in which the government can check, or limit the power of the other branches (prevent an abuse of power and preserve the balance of power)
What is the beginning of the U.S. Constitution known as?
The Preamble
What is federalism?
Limited government where the people hold the governmental power.
How many representatives are in the House of Representatives?
435
How many senators are in the Senate?
100
What is the definition of impeachment?
Bring charges against any federal official suspected of wrongdoing
Who has the power to ratify, or approve, all Federal appointments and treaties?
Senate
What does popular sovereignty mean?
“Authority of the People”
What are the four steps (in order) for how a bill becomes a law?
Bill, Committee, Debate, Law
Who does the bill go to if it is approved by the House & Senate?
President
What is the definition of checks and balances?
Process in which the government can check, or limit the power of the other branches (prevent an abuse of power and preserve the balance of power)
Where does a bill typically begin (it can start in either house/chamber, but where do most bills start)?
House of Representatives
What are the qualifications to be a Representative?
At least 25 years old, must live in the state you are representing, and *serve 2-year terms
What are the qualifications to be a Senator?
At least 30 years old, must live in the state you are representing, and *serve 6-year terms
Which article of the Constitution establishes the executive branch?
Article 2
What can the president do to a bill? (2 things)
Sign it into law or veto it
What are the five goals and purposes of and for the government in the Preamble? *Write the Preamble correctly
We the People of the United States, in order to 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 to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.