The Living Document
Why is the US Constitution officially known as a "living document"?
Because it can be amended or changed when needed.
When President Theodore Roosevelt complained about wanting to be "President and Congress too," which principle was he finding frustrating?
Separation of Powers
If a governor is impeached for committing a crime, which principle is being demonstrated?
Rule of Law
Lord Acton famously warned that "absolute power" does what?
Corrupts absolutely
The U.S. Constitution is considered a "living document" primarily because it outlines the basic structure of the government.
False: It is called a "living document" because it can be changed or amended when needed.
Amending the Constitution requires a specific "fractional" agreement between the national and state governments. What is the required ratio for each?
2/3 of Congress
3/4 of States
Which principle is best illustrated by the quote: "The purse and sword must not be in the same hands"?
Separation of Powers
The 15th Amendment states that the right to vote cannot be denied based on race or color. Which principle of government does this reflect?
Popular Sovereignty
Which type of government system is characterized by heavy restrictions on personal freedoms?
Authoritarian
Under the principle of the rule of law, even a high-ranking official like a governor can be impeached for wrongdoing.
True: This demonstrates that no one is above the law.
The amendment process is a primary example of which constitutional principle involving the division of power between national and state levels?
Federalism
According to Abraham Lincoln, government should not interfere in things people can do for themselves. Which principle does this represent?
Limited Government
The Maryland Constitution states that all government "originates from the People." Which specific principle is this describing?
Consent of the Governed
If you see a political cartoon of a voter putting a ballot into a box that turns out to be a paper shredder, which government type is likely being criticized?
A dictatorship
To successfully amend the Constitution, a proposal needs approval from 2/3 of the Supreme Court.
False: The process of federalism requires approval from 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of the states.
Identify one specific weakness of the Articles of Confederation that the Constitution corrected regarding the national government's income.
It gave the national government the power to collect taxes.
Explain how the "Necessary and Proper" clause (Article 1) has impacted the reach of the Legislative branch.
It has been used to justify the expansion of Congressional powers beyond what is explicitly listed.
What is the primary difference between how a Representative Democracy and an Absolute Monarchy treat the choice of leaders?
In a representative democracy, citizens choose their leaders freely.
What is considered a key requirement for a "successful" democracy regarding citizen concerns?
Producing policies that address a variety of citizens' concerns.
The "Necessary and Proper" clause in Article 1 has been used to justify the expansion of Congressional powers.
True: It allows Congress to execute powers not explicitly listed but deemed necessary.