Branches of Government
What branch of government carries out the laws and is made up of the President, Vice-President, and advisors.
The Executive Branch
When and where was the Constitutional Convention held?
Philadelphia in 1787
What section of the Constitution outlines the purpose of the document?
The Preamble
Which political leader in 1789 believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution?
Thomas Jefferson
What are the two steps in the process of amending the Constitution?
Proposal and ratification
What branch of government decides whether laws are fair and are consistent with the Constitution?
The Judicial Branch
What is meant by the term, "limited government?"
A major theme of the Constitution is that government does not have absolute power, but is limited to the powers given to it through the law.
The First Amendment to the Constitution protects what rights of American citizens?
Freedom of religion
Freedom of speech
Freedom of the Press
Freedom to assemble
Freedom to petition
The Constitution gives the president authority over the army and navy. What is his title in this capacity? i
Commander and Chief
Who initiates the process of impeachment?
The House of Representatives
What branch of government is responsible for writing new laws?
The Legislative Branch
The Bill of Rights
What power does the president have to influence judicial decisions?
He can grant pardons and appoint judges.
According to Article II of the Constitution, who has the authority to sign treaties with foreign countries?
The President
Who makes the final decision in an impeachment proceeding?
The Senate
Congress is a bicameral system comprised of which two divisions or houses?
The Senate and the House of Representatives
The three branches of government represent what principle of the Constitution?
Separation of Powers
What document was the original "law of the land" for the United States?
The Articles of Confederation
Who appoints the justices to the Supreme Court?
The President of the United States
What principle of the US Constitution keeps one branch of the government from becoming too powerful?
"Checks and Balances"
This U.S. Supreme Court is a part of which branch of government?
The Judicial Branch
Article I, section 8, clause 18, authorizes Congress "to make all laws..." to carry out its duties. What do we call this clause?
The "necessary and proper" clause, also referred to as the elastic clause
Which political group in 1789 would support the idea, "If the Constitution does not prohibit, you can do it?"
The "Loose Constructionists" who were mostly Federalists
Who must approve the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice?
The Senate
What landmark court case established the principle of Judicial Review in 1803?
Marbury vs. Madison