Constitution Basics
What are the three major parts of the U.S. Constitution?
The Preamble, the seven articles, and the amendments
What principle means that government receives its power from the people?
Popular sovereignty.
Which branch of the federal government makes laws?
The legislative branch (Congress).
What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights.
Who is the head of a state's executive branch?
The governor.
Which article of the Constitution establishes the legislative branch?
Article I.
What principle divides power between the national government and state governments?
Federalism.
What are the two houses of Congress?
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
What five freedoms are protected by the First Amendment?
Religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and petition.
What does the term bicameral mean?
A legislature consisting of two chambers or houses.
What phrase in the Preamble demonstrates that government authority comes from the people?
We the People.
What principle divides national government power among three branches?
Separation of powers.
What is an enumerated power? Give one example.
A power specifically listed in the Constitution, such as Congress's power to declare war or coin money.
What two major stages are required to amend the U.S. Constitution?
Proposal and ratification.
Which state has the only unicameral state legislature?
Nebraska.
Which article explains the process for amending the Constitution?
Article V.
What principle allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches?
Checks and balances.
Why is the Necessary and Proper Clause called the elastic clause?
It allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers, providing flexibility without granting unlimited authority.
What fractions of Congress and the states are normally needed to propose and ratify an amendment?
Two-thirds of both houses of Congress to propose; three-fourths of the states to ratify.
What is a local charter?
A document that establishes a local government's legal authority, organization, powers, and responsibilities.
What is the purpose of the Supremacy Clause in Article VI?
It establishes that the U.S. Constitution, valid federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.
How does republicanism differ from popular sovereignty?
Popular sovereignty means authority comes from the people; republicanism means the people elect representatives to govern on their behalf.
What important constitutional principle was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
Judicial review: the authority of courts to determine whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution.
What did the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments accomplish?
The Thirteenth abolished slavery; the Fourteenth protected citizenship, due process, and equal protection; the Fifteenth prohibited denying voting rights on the basis of race.
If a city ordinance conflicts with its state constitution, which has greater legal authority?
The state constitution; the conflicting local ordinance may be invalidated.