C1
What was America’s first national constitution?
Articles of the Confederation
What is the beginning of the U.S. Constitution known as?
The Preamble
After the Articles of Confederation, when did the Americans meet to create the constitution we use today? – and where?
1787 in Philadelphia, PA
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, & Judicial
What does popular sovereignty mean?
“Authority of the People”
How many houses are in the Federal Congress? What are they?
2; House of Representatives & Senate
Who appoints a Supreme Court justice?
President
Where does the president live?
White House
Who does the bill go if it is approved by the House & Senate?
President
What is the highest court (federal) in the U.S.?
Supreme Court
How many senators are in the Senate?
100
What is the definition of a right?
Fundamental rules allowed of / owed to people according to a legal system
What is the definition of checks and balances?
Process in which the government can check, or limit the power of the other branches (prevent an abuse of power and preserve the balance of power)
What is a duty?
Things we are required to do by law
What are responsibilities?
Things we should do as American citizens
What are the four steps for how a bill becomes a law?
Bill, Committee, Debate, Law
How many representatives are in the House of Representatives?
435
What were the three Congresses in American history (in order, no need to know the years)?
Continental, Confederation, Federal Congress
Who were the five “master-builders” of the U.S. Constitution?
Roger Sherman, George Washington, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, James Madison, & Alexander Hamilton
What is the definition of impeachment?
Bring charges against any federal official suspected of wrongdoing
What is the definition of checks and balances?
Process in which the government can check, or limit the power of the other branches (prevent an abuse of power and preserve the balance of power)
What are the qualifications to be a Representative?
At least 25 years old, must live in the state you are representing, and serve 2-year terms
What are the qualifications to be a Senator?
At least 30 years old, must live in the state you are representing, and serve 6-year terms
What is the purpose of the State of the Union Address and when is it usually done?
To explain the programs and policies that the president wants Congress to put into effect as laws and give a status on the country as a whole (at the time); January (of every year)
Write/recite the Preamble word-for-word (100% correctly).
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.