These are formal changes made to the Constitution.
Amendments
100
What is the purpose of the preamble?
To define the broad purpose of government and establish goals for the nation.
100
Name two protections that the first amendment guarantees.
freedom of speech, assembly, religion, petition, press
100
What are Reserved Powers?
Powers that are given to and are responsibilities of the states.
100
Which branch has the power to declare war as written in the Constitution?
The Legislative Branch (congress).
200
Powers of the national government, and particularly of Congress, that are not specifically listed in the Constitution, but which the government can claim as part of its governing responsibility
Implied Powers
200
In which article can you find powers that are granted to the executive branch?
Article 2
200
Which branch of government plays the largest role in interpreting the Bill of Rights?
The Judicial Branch or Supreme Court
200
Provide two examples of Expressed Powers.
coining money, setting up a postal system, maintaining military forces, declaring war, regulating interstate and foreign commerce, regulating immigration, and negotiating treaties
200
Which branch has the power to create treaties with foreign nations?
The Executive Branch- the President.
300
Powers that both the state governments and federal government share.
Concurrent Powers
300
What are 3 of the 6 guiding principles of the Constitution?
popular sovereignty, rule of law, individual rights, independent judiciary, separation of powers, federalism
300
What protections does the fourth amendment offer?
The fourth amendment forbids unreasonable search and seizures without a warrant and probable cause.
300
What is the commerce clause?
The commerce clause allows congress to regulate foreign and interstate trade. It is an example of an expressed power.
300
A man’s wife is murdered. He claims innocence, but is charged with the crime and is found guilty. Throughout his trial, the man is talked about in the media in a way that makes him look guilty. The man decides to appeal the decision and the Supreme Court granted his appeal. Which amendment applies to this case?
The Sixth Amendment- criminal trials must be carried out quickly, publicly, and in front of an impartial jury.
400
What is the term that describes trade within a state's borders?
InTRAstate Commerce
400
Why is the supremacy clause significant?
The supremacy clause states that when state laws conflict with the federal constitution/federal law, the federal law will prevail.
400
What is the importance of the 10th amendment?
The 10th amendment limits the powers of the federal government by reserving specific powers for the states. It establishes a federal system.
400
Name one benefit of a Federal System.
1. It protects against the tyranny of the majority
2. It promotes unity without imposing uniformity
3. It creates laboratories for policy experiments
4. It encourages political participation
400
How did the federal government and the state government conflict in the case of the Little Rock 9 in Arkansas?
The Federal Supreme Court deemed that "separate, but equal" was illegal in the case of Brown v. Board of Education, but the State Governor of Arkansas continued to segregate schools and block students from entering.
500
This term guarantees equal rights and equal treatment under the law by government, such as trial by jury and voting rights.
Civil Rights
500
Why is the necessary and proper clause AKA the elastic clause significant?
It increased the powers of the federal government.
500
While a man is attempting to rob a home, he is caught by one of the people who lives there. In his attempt to escape, the gun he is carrying goes off and kills the resident of the home. He is sentenced to the death penalty. The Supreme Court rules that the punishment of death is not appropriate to the crime. Which amendment supports the Supreme Court's argument?
The eight amendment, which protects against excessive bails/fines and cruel/unusual punishment.
500
Provide any example discussed in class of when a federal law conflicted with a state law.
Medicinal Marijuana in CA, Little Rock 9, Gun Control Laws, Pollution, Tobacco Ads
500
Which power of the federal government prevents individuals from manufacturing guns in their home state and selling them?