Preamble & Constitutional Goals
What phrase begins the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing popular sovereignty?
We The People
Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press?
First Amendment
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Define federalism in the U.S. government.
The division of power between national and state governments.
What 1787 event led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution?
The Constitutional Convention
Name two of the six goals outlined in the Preamble.
(Multiple Answers): establish justice, provide for the common defense)
The Fourth Amendment protects against what government action?
Unreasonable searches and seizures
Which branch interprets laws and can declare them unconstitutional?
Judicial
What is the principle that government gets its power from the people?
Popular Sovereignty
What was the Great Compromise?
An agreement to have a bicameral legislature with population-based representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
What does "Ensure Domestic Tranquility" mean in the context of the Constitution?
Maintain peace and stability within the nation.
What amendment ensures due process and protection from self-incrimination?
Fifth Amendment
How can Congress check the President's power to veto a bill?
Override with a two-thirds majority vote.
Name one power shared between federal and state governments.
Taxation, law enforcement, infrastructure development.
What case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
How did the Preamble address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It aimed to form a more perfect union, strengthening national governance.
How did the Fourteenth Amendment expand the Bill of Rights?
It applied due process and equal protection to state governments.
Name one way the President checks the Judiciary.
Appointing Supreme Court justices.
How does the Tenth Amendment reinforce federalism?
It reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.
How did Shays' Rebellion influence the Constitution?
It exposed weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and led to a stronger federal government.
Which Enlightenment ideas influenced the Preamble’s principles?
John Locke’s social contract, Montesquieu’s separation of powers, Rousseau’s general will.
Name one Supreme Court case that significantly impacted the interpretation of the Bill of Rights
Examples: Gideon v. Wainwright, Obergefell v. Hodges, Gitlow v. New York.
What is an example of Congress limiting an executive order?
Passing a law to overturn it or withholding funding.
Give an example of a state law differing from federal law due to federalism.
Examples: Marijuana legalization, education policies.
How does the Constitution remain flexible over time?
Through the amendment process and judicial interpretation.