Core Principles
Which principle states that the government's power comes from the citizens?
Popular Sovereignty
In the House of Representatives, the number of seats for each state is based on
Population
What is the primary role of the Executive Branch?
To enforce and carry out the laws passed by Congress.
Article III of the Constitution establishes which branch of government?
The Judicial Branch
What is the short introductory statement that outlines the goals of the Constitution, beginning with "We the People..."?
The Preamble
The idea that every citizen, including the President, must obey the law is known as
Rule of Law
Which body of Congress has the sole power to try (conduct the trial for) impeachments?
The Senate
In addition to age, what is one of the other two requirements to be eligible for the Presidency?
Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States.
According to Article III, how long do federal judges (including Supreme Court Justices) serve?
For life, or during good behavior.
Which political group strongly supported the ratification of the new Constitution because they wanted a strong national government?
The Federalists
Which principle is illustrated when the President vetoes a bill passed by Congress?
Checks and Balances
All bills for raising revenue (taxes) must originate in which house of Congress?
The House of Representatives
The President has the power to grant pardons for federal crimes. What does a pardon do?
It completely forgives a person for a federal crime and frees them from punishment.
What is the only specific crime actually defined in the U.S. Constitution?
Treason
The Declaration of Independence established the idea of "unalienable rights." How did the Constitution incorporate the protection of individual rights?
Which principle allows the Supreme Court to declare a federal law unconstitutional?
Judicial Review
The Legislative Branch is made up of two houses (Senate and House of Representatives). This is known as
Bicameral
Who must approve a treaty negotiated by the President before it becomes law?
Two-thirds of the Senate
How many total Articles (the main sections) are there in the U.S. Constitution?
Seven
What document served as the first national government (or "first constitution") of the United States before 1789?
The Articles of Confederation
The division of power between the Federal (National) government and the State governments is called
Federalism
Which clause in Article I, Section 8 allows Congress to stretch its powers to meet new needs, such as creating an air force or regulating the internet?
The Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)
The President must inform Congress and the public about the condition of the country in a yearly address called the
State of the Union
How many total Amendments (official changes) have been added to the U.S. Constitution?
27
What does the Supremacy Clause (Article VI) state about the relationship between federal law and state law?
Federal laws and the Constitution are the supreme Law of the Land, and states must follow them.