Lesson 1
What can each branch pf government do under the systems of checks and balances?
Check, or limit, the power of the other two branches
What are the basic freedoms and liberties included in the Bill of Rights?
Freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the press, the right to bear arms, the right to a speedy and public trial by jury
What is the legislative branch of the government?
Congress
What is the executive branch's main job?
Administrate, or carry out, the nation's laws
Define popular sovereignty
Authority of the people
Who cannot exercise enumerated powers?
State governments
How many times has the Constitution been amended?
27
What are the two houses of Congress?
House of Representatives, Senate
What are district courts for the federal government?
Main trial courts
What is a republic?
Government in which people rule through elected representatives
Why did the Framers of the Constitution want a limited government?
They were wary of a government that might take away the people's rights or favor certain groups.
What are the two steps in the amendment process?
Formal proposal; ratification
How many voting members are there in the House of Representatives?
435
What cases do appeals courts hear?
What is the court's opinion?
In general, what two terms mean the same thing?
Representative government; Republic
What are the two ways a formal proposal of an amendment can happen?
Congress's two-thirds vote; Two-thirds of the state legislatures call a convention
How many members does the Senate have?
100
What are responsibilities?
What are duties?
Things we should do.
Things we must do.
Define citizen.
A person who owes loyalty to a nation and is entitled to its protection
Name 3 of the 7 key principles of out constitution.
Popular Sovereignty, Republican form of government, Limited Government, Checks and Balances, Separation of powers, Federalism, Individual rights
What does ratification require?
Approval of three-fourths of the states
Who is the head of the executive branch?
How long are the terms of each office?
President and Vice President
4
What does due process mean?
Following established procedures in taking action against a citizen
What is naturalization?
Process for a person born in another to become a citizen.