Constitutional Context
Give three facts about the Constitutional Convention.
- Philadelphia, Summer of ‘87
- 55 Delegates from 12 states attend
- Most delegates were very wealthy, half were
college educated
- RI did not attend
- Notable Attendees: Franklin, Hamilton,
Washington, Madison
- Washington chosen as presiding officer
- Madison recognized by history as taking the
most complete notes
WHICH ARTICLE describes the “power of the purse” and sets the federal budget.
Article I - The Legislature
Can President Donald Trump declare war on a foreign nation?
No - I Sec 8.11 - a power of Congress
Give an example of separation of powers in the Constitution.
(Answers may vary)
Who is the President of the US Senate?
The Vice President
Currently - VP Mike Pence
How does Federalism set up the relationship between the national and state governments?
Federalism established a political system in which the national gov’t and state gov’ts share power
WHICH ARTICLE describes the power to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
Article III - The Judiciary
Ms. Fiero is 29 years old and has lived in Massachusetts for her entire life. Can she serve as a Senator for Massachusetts?
No - I Sec 3.3
Give an example of checks and balances in the Constitution.
(Answers may vary)
Give two reasons why it is difficult to amend the US Constitution.
- it is a two step process requiring 2/3 approval for proposal and 3/4 approval for ratification
- as the country has added states, that threshold has become increasingly difficult
- the US as a country has grown more polarized
- (additional answers may be correct)
What was one compromise made related to slavery in the Constitution?
- Slaves counted as 3/5ths of a person
- The new government can regulate trade, but may
- not interfere in the slave trade for 20 years
- Compromise settled the political issue, not the economic issue
WHICH ARTICLE describes the power to make treaties and negotiate with foreign nations.
Article II - Executive
50 out of the 100 U.S. Senators vote to pass an amendment to the Constitution, after it has already passed in the House of Representatives. Will it pass and become an amendment?
No - Article V
Give an example of popular sovereignty in the Constitution.
(Answers may vary)
What are concurrent powers? Give an example of one.
Powers shared by both the federal government and state governments
Example: collect taxes
What was the Great Compromise?
Congress will be a bicameral (two house)
legislature
House of Representatives and the Senate
House Reps. appointed by population
Senate - equal representation
WHICH ARTICLE describes the supremacy of the national government and the US Constitution.
Article VI - Supremacy of the National Government
The president has negotiated a treaty with Canada about trading agricultural products. Will the treaty go into effect immediately?
No - II Sec 2.2
Give an example of Federalism in the Constitution.
(Answers may vary)
Name two current justices serving on the US Supreme Court.
John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh
What role did compromise play at the Constitutional Convention?
(Answers may vary)
WHICH ARTICLE describes information on how to amend the Constitution.
Article V - Amendments
Can the state government of New Hampshire establish a Post Office?
No - I Sec 8.7
Give an example of Republicanism in the Constitution.
(Answers may vary)
Ms. Harlow dreams of becoming a Supreme Court Justice. Does she need to go to law school in order to fulfill her dream?
No - III Sec 1