The Preamble
What is the main purpose of the Preamble of the Constitution?
It states the purposes and guiding principles of the Constitution.
What is the main function of the legislative branch?
To make laws.
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.
What is the first step in the amendment process?
A proposal by either a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
What is the Bill of Rights?
Name one of the six goals outlined in the Preamble.
To establish justice, to insure domestic tranquility, to provide for the common defense, to promote the general welfare, to secure the blessings of liberty.
Who is the head of the executive branch?
The President of the United States
How can the executive branch check the power of the judicial branch?
The President appoints federal judges.
How can an amendment be ratified?
By three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.
How is the Constitution organized?
By Articles
How do we know the Constitution applies to us?
It begins with "We the People," indicating that the authority of the government comes from the people.
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
435 members.
What is the purpose of the impeachment process?
To remove a President or federal officials for misconduct.
What is the purpose of the amendment process?
To allow the Constitution to be adapted to changing times and needs.
What name is given to the Supreme Court’s power to declare a law unconstitutional?
Judicial Review
What does "secure the blessings of liberty" mean in the context of the Preamble?
It means to protect the freedoms and rights of individuals for future generations.
How long do Supreme Court Justices serve?
for life, unless they resign, retire, or are removed.
How can the judicial branch can check the legislative branch?
By declaring laws passed by Congress unconstitutional.
A proposed constitutional amendment may be ratified by..
three-fourths of the state legislatures.
How are the presidents elected?
Electoral College
How does the Preamble set the tone for the Constitution?
It establishes what the founding fathers set out to do.
What is judicial review?
The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
How can the executive branch limit the power of the judicial branch?
It can nominate Supreme Court justices.
A constitutional amendment proposed by Congress can be ratified by..
either the state legislatures or the state conventions.
How many times can a president be elected?
2 times