Chapter 3

Question 1

One goal of the Constitution is to- form a more perfect union. What does that mean?

Answer 1

Make the relationship between the states stronger and help them to work together as a part of a union

Question 2

A goal of the Constitution is to establish justice. What does that mean?

Answer 2

Provide fair and reasonable laws

Question 3

Ensure domestic tranquility (constitutional goal) means what?

Answer 3

Keep peace within the country

Question 4

Constitutional goal- provide for the common defense

Answer 4

Protect the country against foreign invaders

Question 5

Constitutional goal- promote the general welfare

Answer 5

Allow all states and citizens to benefit from the military and the economy

Question 6

Secure the blessings of liberty

Answer 6

Protect the liberties (freedoms) won in the Revolutionary War for then and now

Question 7

Popular sovereignty

Answer 7

The concept that government gets its authority from the people and that the ultimate power remains with the people

Question 8

What is a major way that citizens of the United States demonstrate their power?

Answer 8

Voting

Question 9

Limited government

Answer 9

The idea that the powers and functions of government are restricted/limited by the Constitution

Question 10

Rule of law

Answer 10

The idea that every member of society (including the government) must obey the law. Means that nobody is above the law.

Question 11

Separation of powers

Answer 11

Duties of government are divided

Question 12

The three branches of government are…

Answer 12

Legislative, executive, and judicial

Question 13

What does the legislative branch of the government do?

Answer 13

Makes laws

Question 14

What does the executive branch of the government do?

Answer 14

Carries out laws. The President is our chief executive

Question 15

What does the judicial branch do?

Answer 15

Interprets laws–the Supreme Court System

Question 16

Checks and balances

Answer 16

The system that gives each branch of the government the power to change or cancel acts of another branch

Question 17

Veto

Answer 17

The power to reject legislation-say no to it

Question 18

Judicial review

Answer 18

The power to determine if the actions of the legislative and executive branches of the government are constitutional

Question 19

Unconstitutional

Answer 19

An action that is found to violate a part of the Constitution.

Question 20

Marbury vs Madison

Answer 20

Court case that the Supreme Court’s power to decide whether laws are constitutional

Question 21

What are the six goals of the Constitution?

Answer 21

1. Form a more perfect union, 2. Establish justice, 3. Ensure domestic tranquility 4. Provide for the common defense, 5. Promote the general welfare, 6. Secure the blessings of liberty

Question 22

Blueprint for the government

Answer 22

The Constitution lays out the branches of government and the powers that each one has

Question 23

Give a Checks and balance example-

Answer 23

Congress can check the president by controlling taxes; president can veto a law; judicial can declare a law unconstitutional

Question 24

Supremacy clause

Answer 24

Makes the Constitution the supreme law. If we did not have this clause, states could make their own laws against the Constitution

Question 25

Jefferson view vs Madison view

Answer 25

Jefferson view is that laws should change with society; Madison thinks they should be unchanged

Question 26

Ways to amend (change) the Constitution

Answer 26

Proposed by Congress and 2/3 of house and senate approve or proposed by delegates at a national convention at the request of 2/3 of the states

Question 27

Two ways to ratify amendments

Answer 27

3/4 of state legislatures or 3/4 state conventions

Question 28

Principle of Constitution: popular sovereignty

Answer 28

The people establish government and are the source of its power

Question 29

Principle of Constitution: limited government

Answer 29

Government powers restricted to protect individual rights

Question 30

Principle of constitution : separation of powers

Answer 30

Power to govern divided among 3 branches

Question 31

Principle of constitution : checks and balance

Answer 31

Each branch can check or restrain the other

Question 32

Principle of constitution: judicial review

Answer 32

Supreme Court can strike down laws as unconstitutional

Question 33

Principle of constitution: federalism

Answer 33

Rights of states protected by dividing powers between the state and national government

Question 34

13th amendment

Answer 34

Abolished slavery

Question 35

19th amendment

Answer 35

Gave women the right to vote

Question 36

26th amendment

Answer 36

Gave 18 year olds right to vote

Question 37

Executive agreements

Answer 37

Arrangements or compacts with foreign leaders

Question 38

How can the constitution be added to?

Answer 38

By an amendment

Question 39

Political parties impact Constitutional interpretation in what way?

Answer 39

They help determine the choice of candidates, policies and programs presented to voters

Question 40

4 criticisms of the Constitution

Answer 40

1. System that creates gridlock
2. Questions about representation
3. The electoral college
4. Winner take all elections.