The Constitution 1
What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
to immediately state the goals of the Constitution
What person or body holds the final authority for interpreting the Constitution?
the Supreme Court
The branch is the part of government that enforces the laws.
executive
Intentionally spreading lies that will harm a person’s reputation is called_____________ .
slander
A__________ hears evidence and decides whether someone should be indicted for a crime.
grand jury
What is the purpose of the first three articles of the U.S. Constitution?
to establish three branches of government
What part of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press?
the First Amendment
What does the supremacy clause mean?
States are required to follow federal laws.
What are ways the Bill of Rights protects people who are accused of crimes?
by forbidding cruel and unusual punishment
by granting the right to a trial by jury
by letting the accused choose a lawyer
by requiring probable cause to search property
How did the Fourteenth Amendment protect and expand the rights of African Americans?
by expanding the definition of “citizen”
by giving all citizens equal protection under law
Which power did the Constitution give the federal government that it did not have under the Articles of Confederation?
the power to tax citizens and enforce laws
How does the Constitution guarantee popular sovereignty?
through the election of representatives
What are concurrent powers?
powers shared by federal and state governments
What did the Northwest Ordinances of 1785 and 1787 do?
forbid slavery in all states in the Northwest Territory
What powers allow the branches of government to check each others’ powers? Give 2 Examples
The president can veto a law passed by Congress.
Congress can impeach the president.
What are “implied powers”?
powers not directly stated in the Constitution
Which principle of government divides the authority and duties of the government?
separation of powers
What did the Anti-Federalists insist on adding to the Constitution before they would ratify it?
a bill of rights guaranteeing civil liberties to citizens
What individual rights are protected by the First Amendment?
How have Supreme Court cases upheld principles of the Constitution? Choose one of the following cases discussed in this topic and use it to explain your answer.
Near v. Minnesota
Tinker v. Des Moines
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
Brown v. Board of Education
Free points
Which principle of government states that the law applies to everyone, including those who govern?
the rule of law
Which principle of government allows one branch of the government to overturn an act by another branch?
checks and balances
______________ powers are those powers the U.S. Constitution gives to the federal government.
Delegated
After an amendment is proposed by Congress, which of the following is required to ratify it?
a three-fourths vote of each state legislature
How have states blocked voting and civil rights granted by the Constitution?