Fast Facts
This document, written in 1787 with 7 original Articles, establishes the structure of the Federal government.
The US Constitution
This category is all about the powers granted to what legislative body
Congress
This is the term used to describe a change to the Constitution
Amendment
The Constitution was originally ratified between these two years
1787 to 1788
The US Constitution was written in this year
1787
The first part of the Constitution, called the Preamble, begins with this phrase.
"We the People"
The Constitution grants Congress the ability to levy these.
Taxes
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are collectively known by this name.
Bill of Rights
This many states were needed to originally ratify the Constitution
9
The original Constitution had this many Articles
7
Who is the father of the constitution?
James Maddison
Besides levying taxes, Congress also has the ability to coin this.
Money
The first 10 amendments were ratified/ added in this year
1791
This state was the last of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution.
Rhode Island
The system of "Checks and Balances" separates the powers of the government into how many branches
3
The Constitution created these three branches to separate the powers of the government.
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
This is another significant power granted to Congress by the Constitution
Declare War
Why are changes to the Constitution important?
to keep the document relevant over time
The last state ratified the Constitution in this year
1790
The Preamble starts with "We the ______.
people
This system separates government powers and is commonly known as _________ and ________________.
Checks and Balances
What is congresses specific powers outlined in the constitution?
levy taxes, coin money, and declare war
How many amendments are currently in the constitution?
27
What does ratification mean?
the action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.
The first 10 amendments are also known as The Bill of ______.
Rights