Preamble and Goals
What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
Preamble
What does the phrase “We the People” mean?
Government power comes from the people
How many branches of government does the Constitution create?
Three
What does “limited government” mean?
Government only has powers the Constitution gives it
What is an amendment?
A formal change to the Constitution
Name the goals listed in the Preamble. (6)
Promote the General Welfare
Establish Justice
Insure Domestic Tranquility
Provide for the Common Defense
Secure the Blessings of Liberty and the Posterity of the Nation
Name the First Amendment protections (5)
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Press
Freedom of Assembly
Freedom to Petition the Govt
Freedom of Religion
Which branch makes the laws?
Legislative
What are enumerated powers?
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution that belong to the federal government.
How many amendments make up the Bill of Rights?
Ten
Why is the Constitution called “the supreme law of the land”?
It overrides state laws/conflicts)
Give an example of citizens influencing government today
Voting, petitions, protests
Which branch enforces the laws?
Executive
Give one example of an enumerated power
Declaring war, coining money, regulating interstate commerce, etc
How many total amendments are in the Constitution today?
27
Which phrase in the Preamble shows the government’s role in protecting citizens’ freedoms?
"secure the blessings of liberty”
Why might the Framers have chosen to start the Constitution with “We the People” instead of naming the states?
To emphasize unity as one nation and collective authority of all citizens
Which branch interprets the laws?
Judicial
What is the difference between reserved powers and concurrent powers?
Reserved = powers kept by the states;
Concurrent = shared by both federal and state governments.
How can the Supreme Court change how we understand the Constitution?
Judicial Review / Interpretation
Which part of the U.S. government is mainly responsible for carrying out the goal to “provide for the common defense”?
The Executive Branch, through the President as Commander-in-Chief and the military.
Give one modern example that proves the principle of “We the People” is still important today.
Voter initiatives, protests, petitions, elections — any direct citizen action shaping government, etc.
What is the purpose of separating power among the three branches?
Congress creates the IRS to collect taxes, even though the Constitution doesn’t mention an IRS. What type of power is this, and why is it allowed?
An implied power — it is necessary and proper to carry out the enumerated power of collecting taxes
What is inspirational about the Constitution? (5 responses)
1. It is a single document
2. It lists Citizen's Rights
3. It has a system of Checks and Balances / Separation of Powers
4. It was written through Convention
5. It has power of Judicial Review