Show:
Articles of Confederation & Constitutional Convention
Preamble & Branches of Government
Constitutional
Principles & Amendment Process
Federalism and the Bill of Rights
Amendments 2-10
100
What are the Articles of Confedration?
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States. It gave little power to the national government.
100
What is the preamble of the Constitution of the United States? And how does it begin?
The Preamble introduces the constitution and tells the basic goals and jobs of the government. "We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union..."
100
What is an amendment?
An amendment is a change to the Constitution.
100
What is the Bill of Rights? Name two rights.
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. It contains the basic rights of citizens which the federal government may not interfere with. Students can name any of the first ten amendments to the Constitution
100
What right does the second amendment guarantee?
the right to bear arms
200
In the Virginia Plan to the Constitutional Convention, James Madison proposed to create a two-house legislature with what kind of representation? What part of the Legislative branch does this resemble today?
Each state would send a number of representatives based on the state’s population. House of Representatives.
200
What does separation of powers mean in regard to the Constitution? Give an example...
The division of powers among the different branches of government. In the United States, powers are divided among three branches.
200
What body or office is Legislative Branch and what does it do?
The Legislative Branch is the Congress, which is made up of Senate and House of Representatives. The Legislative Branch makes laws.
200
What freedoms are guaranteed under the first amendment?
The First Amendment guarentees the freedom of speech, of religion, of press, to assemble, and to petition.
200
What right does the fourth amendment guarantee?
The right to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure
300
In the New Jersey Plan to the Constitutional Convention, William Paterson proposed to create what kind of legislature? What part of the Legislative branch does this resemble today?
A one-house legislature, with one vote for each state. Senate.
300
What does "Checks and Balances" mean in regard to the Constitution? Give an example...
Check and Balances refers to the sharing and balancing of power between different branches so no one branch can completely control the others; an example is when the President vetoes a bill Congress passed.
300
What body or office is Executive Branch and what does it do? Who heads this branch and many terms can they serve?
The Executive Branch is the Office of the President. The Executive Branch enforces laws and runs the country. Two terms of four years.
300
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution? Which group wanted it added.
The Bill of Rights was added to the constitution to protect the rights of citizens. The Anti-Federalists wanted the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution.
300
What is the sixth amendment?
Right to a fair and speedy trial.
400
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention? And where did it take place?
To fix the Articles of Confederation. It took place in Philadelphia.
400
What is Federalism (or the Federal System)? Name three federalists.
Federalism is a form of government in which power is divided between a national government and state governments. Federalists include Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, etc.
400
What body or office is Judicial Branch and what does it do? Who heads this branch and many terms can they serve?
The Judicial Branch is the Supreme Court and Judicial System. The Judicial Branch interpret laws. Supreme Court Justices (9) serve a life sentence.
400
What were the Federalist Papers?
They were a series of 85 published essays supporting the Constitution, written under the pseudonym “Publius.” They were written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.
400
What is double jeopardy and what amendment does it fall under?
Being tried for the same crime twice. This is prevented under the fifth amendment.
500
What did the Great Compromise do? Name another compromise of the Constitutional Convention.
The Great Compromise solved the problem between the large and small states at the Consitutional Convention by giving equal representation in the Senate (2 Senators per state) and representation based on population in the House of Representatives. Three-Fifths Compromise.
500
Why was it necessary for the Framers to limit the powers of the national government?
They didn’t want an unfair ruler to treat them poorly again like King George III. NO TYRANNY!
500
How did the founding fathers ensure that the President didn’t become too powerful? What happens to the president if he misbehaves.
They created three branches of government to separate powers. He could be impeached meaning "to bring charges against"
500
Which government has the right to declare war? Which government has the right to establish schools? Which government has the right to tax the people? Which government has the right to print money?
Federal (National). State. Both. Federal.
500
What is the third amendment and what act influenced its creation?
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered (eat and sleep) in any house, without the permission of the Owner. This was influenced by the Quartering Act.