Articles of Confederation
How many forms of Government did we have BEFORE the Constitution that we have today?
1- The Articles
What is a constitution?
A government's rule book.
It explains the government's purpose, how it is structured, the processes of how it works, and its ideals.
What are the names of the 3 branches of government?
Legislative - Executive - Judicial
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights.
Who was the first American president?
George Washington
True or False: Under the Articles of Confederation, the United States was able to pay back it's debt from the previous war.
False
What is the name of the beginning paragraph of the Constitution?
The Preamble
What is the main purpose of the Legislative Branch?
The Legislative Branch's main purpose is to make laws.
What is an amendment?
Any change made to the original Constitution.
What do we call the leader of the Executive Branch?
The President
The Articles of Confederation placed too much power in the: State Government, or Federal Government. (Choose 1)
Individual States Government
To make a law official or to formally approve it is called what?
Ratify
What is the main purpose of the Executive Branch of government?
Enforcing the laws is the main purpose of the Executive Branch.
What amendment says the government cannot inflict cruel and unusual punishments upon you?
The 8th amendment
What was the name of the meeting that the Founding Fathers had to write up the Constitution?
The Constitutional Convention
What was the main issue regarding money with the Articles of Confederation? Why did they have no money?
Wouldn't tax their citizens (Didn't want to be like King George)
Who is credited with writing the majority of the Constitution that we have today?
James Madison
What is the main purpose of the Judicial Branch of government?
Interpreting the laws to ensure they are constitutional is the main purpose of the Judicial Branch.
Which amendment says that police officers cannot just go into your house and go through your stuff without a warrant/probable cause?
The Fourth Amendment
Are there limits to the First Amendment right we have regarding the freedom of speech?
Yes!
Hate Speech/Threats don't count
What event sparked the need to revise the USA's first government?
Shays' Rebellion
What are the first three words in our Constitution?
"We the People"
What is the name of the concept that keeps each branch from having more power than another one?
Hint:
_______ and ________.
Checks and Balances
What does it mean if someone says, "I plead the 5th."?
They are invoking their 5th amendment right by choosing to not answer a question and get themselves in trouble.
(Won't speak without a lawyer present)
Which branch of government holds the most power?
None of them.
Powers are equally separated among the 3 branches of government.