Article 1
What is the term for the people who vote in a specific district/state/country? (Hint: They are a top consideration when bills come up for consideration.)
Constituents
How often is the President elected?
Every four years.
What are the first three words of the Preamble?
"We the people"
Who appoints federal judges?
The president nominates them and Congress approves the nomination.
What is the function of the Constitution?
It provides a framework for how our government works and operates.
Whose interests are protected by having two senators represent each state in the Senate?
The smaller states won't be overpowered by the larger states.
Who elects the President & Vice President?
The people cast votes but the Electoral votes of each state are the ones counted to determine the winner.
What branch of government helps to "establish justice"?
The Judicial Branch
What is the highest court in the land?
The Supreme Court
What is the purpose of the principle of Separation of Powers?
To ensure power is not concentrated in one branch.
How often do members of the House and the Senate get elected to answer to the voters.
House: 2 years; Senate: 6 years
What is the PRIMARY focus of the Executive Branch?
To enforce or carry out laws passed by Congress.
What does the phrase "domestic tranquility" mean?
Peace within our borders (home country)
What is a ruling that may serve as an example in a future case called?
Precedent
What principle maintains that no one - not a king or a president - is above the law?
Rule of Law
How is Congress involved in taxation?
They decide how to spend money raised by taxes.
How can be power of the President be checked by Congress? (This is a power that has been used three times in the last five presidencies!)
Congress can IMPEACH a president.
How does the government "provide for the common defense"?
Through its armed forces.
What are the age and citizenship requirements for a Supreme Court justice?
There are none listed in the Constitution!
Popular sovereignty means what?
The government rules through the people.
Other than making laws and taxation, what is a specific power that Congress has?
Declare war, coin/mint money, approve nominations made by the Executive, impeach Executives and Supreme Court justices
What is the term for when charges are brought against a government official for committing "high crimes or misdemeanors"?
Impeach
Joining interest groups, being well-informed, and voting in elections are all ways that citizens can help our country live up to what part of the Preamble?
Protect the Blessings of Liberty
How does a case reach the Supreme Court?
Through the appeals courts. Four judges just agree to hear the case.
What two types of powers are granted Congress in the Constitution?
Implied and enumerated powers
Who can check the power of the legislative branch and how?
Both the judicial and executive branches: executive can veto a law; judicial can declare a law unconstitutional.
What is the name of the group of people who work for the President and have secretaries?
What is the Cabinet?
To set the goals of the government and the Constitution.
What is it called when the Supreme Court interprets whether a law is constitutional?
Judicial review! (It's a check on the power of the other two branches!)
What are three of the four factors lawmakers consider before voting on a bill?
Can they do it (do they have the power)? What do their constituents think? What does my political party think? What is my opinion?