The Constitution
What is the name of the document that sets up the rules for the U.S. government?
The U.S. Constitution
What do we call a formal change or addition to the Constitution?
Amendment
Which plan at the Constitutional Convention wanted representation based on state population? (name the plan)
Virginia Plan
Who is a person chosen to represent others at a meeting?
Delegate
In what year was the U.S. Constitution written?
1787.
What is the purpose of the Preamble at the start of the Constitution?
The Preamble explains the goals of the Constitution (for example: to form a better government, ensure justice, and provide for the common defense).
What does it mean to ratify something?
To officially approve something by vote (ratify).
Which plan wanted each state to have equal representation?
New Jersey Plan
What is an agreement where both sides give up a little to move forward?
Compromise
How many of the original 13 states had to approve the Constitution under Article VII for it to become official?
9
Which branch of government makes the laws?
The legislative branch (Congress).
How many votes in each house of Congress are required to propose an amendment? Answer using a fraction.
2/3 of each house (both the House of Representatives and the Senate).
Name one problem the Great Compromise solved between big and small states.
It balanced power so large states would be heard by population in the House while small states kept equal power in the Senate.
What does it mean to propose an amendment?
To officially suggest a change to the Constitution.
How many senators does each state have?
2
Who is known as "the Father of the Constitution" because he helped write much of it and the records of the Constitutional Convention?
James Madison.
After Congress proposes an amendment, how many states must approve (ratify) it for the amendment to become part of the Constitution?
9 out of 13
Give one problem the Great Compromise solved between large and small states.
It balanced power so large states had representation by population in the House while small states kept equal representation in the Senate.
Define delegate in one sentence related to the Constitutional Convention.
A delegate is a person chosen to represent others at a meeting.
How many states must approve a proposed amendment for it to become part of the Constitution?
3/4
Explain one reason the Framers wanted a written Constitution instead of just informal rules.
To have clear, written rules that everyone must follow so government is fair and stable.
Describe the two main ways an amendment can be proposed and the two main ways it can be ratified.
Propose: by 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress OR by a national convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures. Ratify: by 3/4 of state legislatures OR by special state conventions in 3/4 of the states.
Explain one difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The House has representatives based on population; the Senate gives each state two equal votes.
Use "amendment," "ratify," and "propose" in two sentences that show how they connect.
An amendment is a formal change to the Constitution. People in Congress can propose an amendment, and then the states must ratify it for it to become part of the Constitution.
Why did the Framers require large fractions (like two-thirds and three-fourths) to change the Constitution?
The Framers required large majorities so changes would happen only when many people agreed, which protects important rights and keeps the government stable. At the same time, the process allows the Constitution to be updated when there is wide support for a change.