Preamble Promises
What does “We the People” show about where government power comes from?
The people
What is the main job of Congress?
Make laws
What is the main job of the executive branch?
Carry out/enforce laws
What is the job of the judicial branch?
Interpret laws / resolve disputes under the law
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
Prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
What is an amendment?
A change or addition to the Constitution
Which Preamble goal means keeping peace and order inside the country?
Insure domestic tranquility
What are the two parts of Congress called?
House of Representatives and Senate
How long is one presidential term?
4 years
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
What is one way the president checks Congress?
Vetoes a bill
How many states must approve (ratify) an amendment?
Three-fourths of the states = 38/50
Which Preamble goal is about protecting the country from foreign enemies?
Provide for the common defence
Which part of Congress starts tax (revenue) bills?
The House of Representatives
What are two powers the president has besides carrying out laws?
Any two (commander in chief, make treaties, nominate judges/ambassadors, grant pardons)
What is judicial review?
The power to declare laws/actions unconstitutional
What is one way Congress checks the president?
Overrides veto, approves appointments, impeaches president (any one)
What is federalism?
Sharing power between national and state governments
“Posterity” in the Preamble refers to who?
Future generations
How long is a House member’s term, and how long is a senator’s term?
House 2 years; Senate 6 years
What happens when the president vetoes a bill?
The bill is rejected unless Congress overrides it
Name the two main kinds of lower federal courts mentioned in the lesson.
District courts and appellate (appeals) courts
What is one way the courts check the other branches?
Declare a law or executive action unconstitutional (judicial review)
Which of these can propose an amendment to the Constitution?
Congress
Name TWO Preamble goals and give the main idea of what they mean.
Form a more perfect Union = states work together and build a strong national government.
Establish Justice = rule by law and fairness (not kings/soldiers).
Insure domestic Tranquility = peace and order inside the country.
Provide for the common defence = protect the nation from foreign enemies.
Promote the general Welfare = support an economy/society where people can prosper.
Secure the Blessings of Liberty… and our Posterity = protect freedom now and for future generations.
Why does each state have two senators?
to balance the rights of large and small states
What is the final step before a national bill becomes a law?
It is signed into law by the president.
For how long can a Supreme Court justice serve?
U.S. Supreme Court justices serve for life, or until they choose to retire, resign, or pass away.
Justices hold their offices during "good Behaviour," meaning they can serve for decades.
The president nominates Supreme Court justices, but who must approve them?
The Senate
Name TWO ways people can participate in government besides voting.
oin political parties; join interest groups; contact elected officials (any two)
An amendment is an official change to the Constitution. The Constitution has 27 amendments. Which amendment banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the United States?
The 18th Amendment.