Constitutional Convention
What was the main reason why delegates met at the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
To draft or revise a new or improved constitution
Which branch of the federal government makes the laws?
Legislative Branch
This branch of government can rule that a law passed by Congress is unconstitutional.
Judicial Branch
What did Anti-Federalists want added to the Constitution in order for them to ratify?
Bill of Rights
How many amendments make up the Bill of Rights?
10
The words "We the People" are the first words of this part of the Constitution.
Preamble
Where did the Constitutional Convention take place?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What two chambers make up Congress?
House of Representatives and Senate
The president
Amendments two, three and four reflect the experiences of American Colonists under ________ rule
British
How many senators does each state send to Congress?
2
This is a rough draft of a proposed law.
Bill
How many of the 13 states needed to ratify the Constitution in order for it to become law of the land?
9
This branch of government enforces the laws.
Executive Branch
The political feature of the U.S. government whereby power is shared between the federal and state governments is called what?
Federalism
What does the Third Amendment protect people from?
Soldiers cannot be quartered (housed) in citizens homes during peace or war
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
9
Who is considered the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
This plan proposed at the Constitutional Convention included a legislature with one house and equal representation among the 13 states.
The New Jersey Plan
What are the three qualifications to run for president of the United States?
35 years of age
Born in the U.S.
Lived in the U.S. for 14 years
This chamber of Congress must approve any appointments of judges made by the president.
Senate
The first amendment protects our freedom of speech. What four other freedoms does the first amendment protect?
Religion, assembly, press, and petition
Senators must be ____________ years old
30
The Constitution has changed over time as a result of formal _____________. Word that means change?
Amendment
This was the first plan for government proposed at the Constitutional Convention that included three branches of government and a two-house legislature with representation based on state population.
The Virginia Plan
What branch of government interprets the laws?
Judicial
Impeachment
What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?
Unreasonable searches and seizures
How many amendments are in the Constitution?
27
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The U.S. first Constitution
The conundrum of whether to count slaves in states' total population was solved by what compromise at the Constitutional Convention?
The 3/5 Compromise
What branch of government can declare war?
Legislative Branch
In a presidential election, this special group elects our president, not the popular vote.
Electoral College
Name three important rights listed in the Fifth Amendment
Protects citizens from Double Jeopardy
Prohibits Self-Incrimination -The right to remain silent
The right to a Grand Jury hearing
Due Process
Just Compensation
How many chambers are in a bicameral legislature?
2
Why were the Federalists Papers written?
To persuade citizens to support the Constitution.
Who was the leader of the Constitutional Convention?
George Washington
Name 2 duties of the president.
Commander in Chief
Appoints Federal Judges and other top officials
Make treaties with the consent of Congress
Grant Pardons
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
The system allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other two branches
For an amendment to be ratified, it must be approved by what fraction of the states?
3/4 (three-fourths)
How many government branches are there?
3
Who is the Speaker of the House?
Nancy Pelosi
Proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, this suggested a dual system of congressional representation. In the House of Representatives, each state would be assigned a number of seats in proportion to its population and in the Senate, all states would have the same number of seats.
The Great Compromise
Name two powers of the Legislative Branch
Makes laws
Approves treaties
Approves executive appointments
Establishes Federal Courts
Appropriates funds for laws and programs
Raise an army and navy
To declare war
To pay government debt
Name two powers that are shared between the federal and state government
Collect taxes
Establish Courts
Borrow money
Construct and maintain roads
Punish lawbreakers
Protect public health
Provide for public safety
Guarantee civil rights
What does the Eighth Amendment ban?
Excessive bail
Cruel and/or unusual punishment
How many total representatives are in the House of Representatives?
What does the word ratify mean?
Approve