Constitution - Important Questions

Question 1

The main duty of the legislative branch (Congress) is to

Answer 1

Make (write) laws

Question 2

The 2 main duties of the Executive Branch (President) are to:

Answer 2

1. Administer (enforce) laws

2. Appoint ambassadors (including supreme court justices)

Question 3

The main duty of the judicial branch (supreme court) is to

Answer 3

Interpret (explain) the Constitution + laws

Question 4

The Constitution has lasted over 200 years due to

Answer 4

Its framework and flexibility

Question 5

What type of government is the U.S.?

Answer 5

Democratic Republic

Question 6

Explain this part of the Preamble: “In order to from a mor perfect union”

Answer 6

To create a union in which states work together

No tax placed on products that are shipped from one state to another

Question 7

The Constitution states that no tax should be placed on

Answer 7

Products that are shipped from one state to another

Question 8

Explain this part of the Preamble: “Ensure domestic tranquility”

Answer 8

To keep peace within the country (hire police officers)

Question 9

Explain this part of the Preamble: “Provide a common defense”

Answer 9

To keep the country safe against attack (bombers, tanks, guns)

Question 10

Explain this part of the Preamble: “Promote the general welfare”

Answer 10

Contribute to the well being and happiness of all people (Protects against natural disasters including tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods)

Question 11

Explain this part of the Preamble: “and secure the blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity

Answer 11

Protect citizens rights (freedom of press, assembly, petition, religion, etc.)

Question 12

The U.S. Legislature is a

Answer 12

Bicameral (2 house) system

Question 13

The legislature consists of what two houses? What are they based on?

Answer 13

House of Representatives- # of representatives based on population
Senate - based on equality - 2 senators each

Question 14

Who is our representative in Franklin?

Answer 14

Marsha Blackburn

Question 15

Name Tennessee’s 2 senators:

Answer 15

Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander

Question 16

What body has the sole power to impeach?

Answer 16

House of Representatives

Question 17

Name the order of succession from the president if he dies.

Answer 17

Vice president, speaker of the house, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Secretary of State

Question 18

Name 2 of the President’s powers.

Answer 18

1. Make treaties and appoint officials (including justices to the supreme court)
2. Appoints a cabinet to advise him and help him enforce the laws

Question 19

The Marbury vs. Madison case oversees what?

Answer 19

the judicial review case

Question 20

The judicial branch rules on what?

Answer 20

Whether something is unconstitutional or constitutional.

Question 21

Define Amendment

Answer 21

The changing or correcting of the Constitution

Question 22

Either _____ or _____ can propose an amendment to the Constitution

Answer 22

2/3 of both houses in congress

2/3 of the states requesting a convention to propose amendments

Question 23

Either _____ or _____ can ratify an amendment

Answer 23

3/4 of state ratification

3/4 of state legislatures

Question 24

Ratify means

Answer 24

To approve

Question 25

A federal system of government...

Answer 25

Divides powers between states and federal government

Question 26

The powers assigned to the national government are called

Answer 26

Delegated powers

Question 27

Name 1 main delegated power

Answer 27

Declare war

Question 28

The powers kept by the states are known as

Answer 28

Reserved states

Question 29

Name 2 main reserved powers

Answer 29

Establish and maintain schools | Make marriage laws

Question 30

The powers shared by the federal and state governments are called

Answer 30

Concurrent powers

Question 31

Name 2 important concurrent powers

Answer 31

1. Maintain law and order (enforce laws) | 2. Levy (raise) taxes

Question 32

The Bill of Rights are listed in the first _____ amendments of the Constitution

Answer 32

10

Question 33

In the first amendment, 5 rights are mentioned. Name 2 of the most important ones and explain them

Answer 33

1. Freedom of Assembly - right to peaceably protest government policies 2. Freedom of the Press - The press can express their own opinions

Question 34

Name the 2 clauses that go with Freedom of Religion and explain them. Asterisk the most important one.

Answer 34

* 1. Establishment clause - separation of church and state - government cannot establish a particular religion 2. Free exercise clause - you can practice your religion however you want to

Question 35

Under the free exercise clause, one cannot (1):

Answer 35

Break the law and claim it was a religious belief

Question 36

Under the freedom of speech, one cannot (1):

Answer 36

Create too much social chaos

Question 37

According to the freedom of assembly, congress shall make no law

Answer 37

abridging the people to peaceably assemble

Question 38

Under the freedom of assembly, one cannot (3):

Answer 38

1. Protest by throwing rocks and breaking windows. 2. Hang out on private land against the owner's will 3. Minors cannot protest past curfew

Question 39

Under the freedom of assembly, one can (1):

Answer 39

Join any political party

Question 40

What is the 2nd amendment?

Answer 40

The right to bear arms to protect yourself

Question 41

What is the 3rd amendment?

Answer 41

Quartering troops (the government cannot force you to house a soldier)

Question 42

The 4th amendment....

Answer 42

Guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon (unless of)the Probable Cause (Supported by oath or affirmation, it particularly describes the place or person to be searched.)

Question 43

According to the 5th amendment,

Answer 43

You don't have to testify against yourself (pleading the 5th or self incrimination)

Question 44

According to the 6th amendment, if you are accused of a crime, you have the right to what 2 main things?

Answer 44

1. A speedy trial | 2. A trial in front of an impartial jury

Question 45

The 7th amendment states that

Answer 45

Trials must be held in front of a jury

Question 46

The 8th amendment states that

Answer 46

The government cannot set your bail really high or make you pay excessive fines (arguments over defining excessive)

Question 47

According to the 9th amendment,

Answer 47

The rights listed in the bill of Rights cannot be taken away from the citizens of the United States

Question 48

According to the 10th amendment,

Answer 48

Any rights or privileges not laid out in the constitution go to the states or the people. (Limits the authority of the federal government)

Question 49

The bill of rights protects the people accused of a crime with what process? What is it?

Answer 49

Due process; even if you're accused of a crime, you still have rights to protect you.