Lesson 14: The Constitution

Articles of Confederation & Convention

100

The states called a Constitutional Convention in order to ________ the Articles of Confederation.

improve

200

One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was that the central government [was too strong; could not make war; could not pay its bills.; took power from the states.]

could not pay its bills.

300

This delegate from Virginia had a plan for a strong central government.

James Madison

400

This was an agreement between the large and small states.

The Great Compromise

500

This was the 1786-1787 uprising of farmers that showed the Articles of Confederation had major problems.

Shay's Rebellion

Branches of Government

100

This group within the legislative branch has the main job of making laws.

Congress

200

The judicial branch can decide whether a law is _____________.

unconstitutional.

300

This chamber of Congress has the power to start the impeachment process.

The House of Representatives

400

This group is the highest court in the United States.

The Supreme Court

500

This is the number of members in the House of Representatives.

435

Mixed Bag

100

The men in Shay's Rebellion were fighting to ________.

keep their homes.

200

This term refers to the principle that nobody is above the law.

rule of law

Checks and Balances

100

These two branches are involved signing or vetoing a bill.

executive and legislative 

(congress passes a bill then the president signs or vetoes)

200

These two branches are involved in approving a cabinet member.

executive and legislative

(president nominates someone then the Senate must approve)

300

These two branches are involved in removing a judge for misuse of power.

legislative and judicial

(House of Representatives impeaches judge then Senate holds a trial, and if found guilty, judge leaves office)

400

After a government official is impeached, the Senate _______.

holds a trial.

500

These two branches are involved in pardoning a person found guilty of a crime.

judicial and executive

(court finds someone guilty of a crime then president can grant a pardon)

Vocabulary

100

An agreement in which each side gives up some of what it wants.

Compromise

200

The branch of government that interprets the laws.

Judicial

300

The branch of government that carries out laws.

Executive

400

The group of advisors that help the president.

Cabinet

500

Congress can vote to _________, or accuse a government official, for committing a crime.

impeach