Separation of Powers
Which branch of government is bicameral and what does that mean?
Legislative branch - 2 houses
What are the first 3 words of the preamble? Who does this mean the authority of the constitution comes from?
We the people - Ordinary Americans.
What is the electoral college?
Which branch decides if laws and actions of government are right according to the constitution?
What is the Bill of Rights?
First 10 amendments to the Constitution.
What was the biggest fear for Anti-federalists?
That the national government would get too big and and restrict the liberties of the people.
The Preamble says Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. What is our posterity?
What was the 3/5ths compromise?
Slaves would be counted as 3/5th's of a person for population so states could get more representatives in the House of Representatives. Slave states had to pay taxes on slaves.
Which branch has the right to impeach the president?
Legislative Branch
What is the first Amendment?
Freedom of speech and religion
Name the 3 branches of the federal government.
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
Executive Branch
The preamble says to ensure domestic tranquility.
What does this mean?
Peace in the homelands
What was the great compromise?
The number of members of each part of the legislative branch is based on
Senate - 2 per state
House of Representatives - based on population of state
Which branch enforces the laws?
Executive Branch
What is the 2nd amendment?
Right to bear arms.
What is federalism?
Power is divided between the states and the federal government.
What was the purpose of the preamble?
To list the goals of the government.
What problems were happening between the states that was not improved under the Articles of Confederation?
States had different money systems
States ignored the needs of other states
States competed in trade
Which branch can make laws?
The legislative branch
The 3rd amendment says you don't have to house soldiers. Why was this amendment added?
Colonists were forced to house British Soldiers during the American Revolution.
Why is it important to have a separation of powers in our government?
So we know who's job it is to do what.
The preamble says provide for the common defense. What does this mean and why is it an important role of government.
Protect the US from invaders. When the states ban together they are stronger and can ensure safety from other countries.
List three reasons the Articles of Confederation didn't work.
No army to enforce laws
No way to collect taxes
There is no court system
There is no chief executive
No regulation between states
Why do we have checks and balances?
To make sure no one branch of government gets to powerful and takes over.
Why was the Bill of Rights needed to ratify the constitution?
After the abuses of the British Government, people were afraid a big national government would take advantage of them.