The Constitution
How is the Constitution organized?
Into parts called articles
What is the main job of Congress?
To make laws
Who leads the executive branch?
The President
What is the main responsibility of the judicial branch?
To resolve disputes under the law
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
Why did the delegates begin the Preamble with “We, the people”?
To show that government power comes from the people
Why does each state have two senators?
To balance the rights of large and small states
What is NOT a duty of the executive branch?
Proposing new taxes
What is the Supreme Court’s power to declare laws unconstitutional called?
Judicial review
How does Congress check the president?
By overriding vetoes or impeaching
What does the principle of majority rule mean?
Decisions represent what most of the people want
What can Congress do to check the president’s power?
Override a veto or approve appointments
How can the president balance Congress’s power?
By vetoing bills
How does the Supreme Court prevent abuse of power?
It can reject unconstitutional laws or treaties
How does the president check Congress?
By vetoing laws
Which system divides power between national and state governments?
Federalism
Which branch can propose amendments to the Constitution?
Congress
What are some other ways the president checks Congress?
By calling special sessions or recommending legislation
What branch interprets the meaning of laws?
The Judicial branch
How does the Supreme Court check Congress and the president?
By declaring laws unconstitutional
How can the Constitution be amended?
By approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures
What happens before a bill becomes a law?
It must be signed by the president
Who approves treaties the president negotiates?
The Senate (part of Congress)
Who is at the top of the federal court system?
The Supreme Court
What concept keeps all branches equal in power?
Checks and balances