Foundations and Vocabulary
What was the name of the first plan of government for the United States that proved too weak?
Articles of Confederation
Which branch of government makes the laws?
Legislative Branch
What power does the president have to stop a bill from becoming a law?
Veto
In what city did the Constitutional Convention meet in 1787?
Philadelphia
Under the Articles of Confederation what was the only branch of government?
Legislative Branch
What word means a formal change or addition to a document like the Constitution?
Amendment
Who is the head of the executive branch?
President
How can Congress override a presidential veto?
By a two-thirds vote of both the House and the Senate
Who presided as president of the Constitutional Convention?
George Washington
DAILY DOUBLE: Under the Articles of Confederation who held most of the power?
States
DAILY DOUBLE: What is a federal system of government?
A system that divides power between the national and state governments
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
9
Which branch can declare a law unconstitutional?
Judicial Branch
What event helped convince leaders that the federal government needed to be stronger?
Shay's Rebellion
When did the Constitution go into effect? (month and year)
June, 1788
What is the Preamble's opening phrase that begins the Constitution?
We the People
Give 2 powers of Congress listed in Article I
Examples: Collect taxes, declare war, coin money, regulate commerce, write laws
Name a way the Senate checks the executive branch when the president appoints someone.
The Senate approves or rejects nominees
What was Roger Sherman's idea that helped smaller and larger states agree?
The Great Compromise-a 2 house legislature with equal representation in the Senate and representation by population in the House
According to the Constitution how often must a census of the population be conducted?
Every ten years
What document did the Founding Fathers look to for inspiration in creating a new government? Why?
Magna Carta
They wanted to limit government power and protect people's rights
What must happen before a Supreme Court justice can take the job? (2 steps)
The president nominates the justice and the Senate must approve the nomination
Describe how impeachment shows checks and balances.
The House impeaches (brings charges) and the Senate hold a trial and can remove the official if convicted by two-thirds
Name 2 delegates from the reading and describe their roles at the Constitutional Convention.
George Washington-president of the convention and kept debates respectful
Benjamin Franklin- Calmed heated tempers
James Madison-Designed a plan for a strong national government
Gouverneur Morris-Wrote much of the final draft of the Constitution
The reading compares the Articles to a one-legged stool; what three part feature of the Constitution makes it a steady three legged stool?
Separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial