Purpose
What is the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
To establish a new government for the United States and designate its powers and limits
What do the first three Articles of the Constitution do?
They set up the three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) and outline their powers and limits.
Which branch is headed by the President?
Executive Branch.
What are powers explicitly written for the federal government called?
Enumerated powers.
How many of the original 13 states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect?
9 of the 13 states.
Which document records the reasons the framers wrote the Constitution and opens with "We the People"?
The Preamble (opening lines of the Constitution).
Which Article explains the powers and limits of the legislative branch?
Article I.
Which branch makes the laws for the country?
Legislative Branch (Congress).
What are powers kept by the states called?
Reserved powers.
Name one way an amendment can be proposed.
An amendment can be proposed by two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
List one key reason the Constitution was created rather than continuing under British rule.
To declare independence from Great Britain / to establish a government with separated powers (acceptable short answers).
Which Article requires that every state have a republican form of government and explains admitting new states?
Article IV.
Who appoints Supreme Court Justices?
The President nominates; Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. (Short: President nominates; Senate confirms.)
What kind of power is it when both federal and state governments can tax?
Concurrent powers.
After Congress proposes an amendment, what is one way it can be ratified by the states?
Ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures or state ratifying conventions.
Explain briefly how the Constitution balances giving government power and limiting it.
It sets up limited government with separated powers and checks and balances; it grants authority but constrains it through enumerated powers, amendments, and government structure.
What is the Supremacy Clause and which Article contains it?
The Supremacy Clause establishes that federal law is the "supreme Law of the Land"; it is in Article VI.
The Legislative Branch can check the Executive Branch by what method that removes officials from office?
Impeachment and removal (the House impeaches and the Senate convicts/removes).
What is an example of an implied power (also called the "Necessary and Proper" power) granted to Congress? (Give an example)
Example: Establishing a national bank as necessary to carry out taxing and spending functions (historical example).
Explain what "compromise" means in the context of writing the Constitution (short answer).
A compromise is when both sides give something up to reach agreement (example: Connecticut Compromise / Great Compromise).
Describe the role of the Constitution in defining the relationship between people and government.
It is the supreme law that organizes government, protects rights, and outlines limits on government power.
Which Article describes how to amend the Constitution and what is one key step required to ratify an amendment?
Article V; one key step: ratification requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions.
Name two ways the Judicial Branch can check the other branches.
Judicial Review (declaring laws or executive actions unconstitutional); interpreting laws; (can mention declaring executive actions unconstitutional and striking down laws).
Which amendment protects the rights of citizens generally (hint: it's often described as protecting rights not specifically listed) and which amendment gave women the right to vote?
Ninth Amendment protects rights retained by the people; Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Describe the two-step process required to add an amendment to the Constitution (one sentence).
Proposed (by Congress with two-thirds in both houses or convention called by two-thirds of states) and ratified (by three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions).