Foundations of the Constitution
What document did the US Constitution replace?
The Articles of Confederation
How many articles are in the US Constitution?
Seven
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution
What principle prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful?
Checks and Balances
What is the principle that divides power between federal and state governments?
Federalism
Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
What is the Primary Focus of Article 1?
The Legislative Branch (Congress)
Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press?
The First Amendment
What is the main power of the judicial branch?
Judicial review (interpreting laws and determining constitutionality)
Give an example of a power reserved for state governments.
establishing and regulating public education, issuing licenses (like driver’s licenses and marriage licenses), conducting elections, and overseeing intrastate commerce.
In what year was the US Constitution ratified?
1788
Which article outlines the amendment process?
Article V (5)
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
The Fourth Amendment
Which branch can override a presidential veto?
The Legislative Branch (Congress)
Give an example of a power shared by both federal and state governments.
Collecting Taxes
What were the two main groups that debated the ratification of the Constitution?
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
What is the primary focus of Article III (3)?
The Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)
Which amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial?
The Sixth Amendment
Who appoints Supreme Court justices, and who confirms them?
The President appoints; the Senate confirms
Which clause in the Constitution establishes federal law as the supreme law of the land?
The Supremacy Clause
What is the purpose of the Preamble?
It outlines the goals and guiding principles of the Constitution.
What doe Article VI (6) establish?
The Supremacy Clause (Federal law is the supreme law of the land)
What does the Tenth Amendment State?
Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states.
What happens if the President is impeached and removed from office?
The Vice President becomes President
What type of powers are explicitly given to the federal government?
Enumerated Powers