American Government Constitution Test Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What are the three components of the US Constitution?

Preamble, Articles, and the Amendment

What is the purpose of the preamble?

Lists the nation's six goals

Why is the Constitution considered a 'living' document?

Because it can be amended

What is popular sovereignty?

The idea that the power of government is in the hands/control of the people Signup and view all the answers

What are the key differences in the way power is distributed in the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of 1787?

The Constitution created a strong national government; the Articles have strong state governments Signup and view all the answers

Define 'Checks and Balances'.

The system in which each branch of government can monitor and control the other 2 so that no one branch gets too powerful or oppressive. Signup and view all the answers

List the ways in which the executive branch can check the power of the legislative and judicial branches.

Executive branch can veto bills passed by the legislature and can call Congress into session. Executive branch appoints the justices on the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

List the way the legislative branch can check the judicial and executive branches.

Legislative branch can impeach the president, can refuse to confirm presidential appointments or treaties, and can override a presidential veto. Legislative branch can impeach a Supreme Court justice and can propose constitutional amendments to get around an unfavorable Supreme Court decision. Signup and view all the answers

List the ways the judicial branch can check the executive and legislative branches.

Supreme Court can declare presidential actions or laws unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Compromise?

Resolved the conflict between big and small states at the Constitutional Convention. It created a bicameral legislature wherein representation in one house was based on population and where all states had equal representation in the other. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the legislative branch?

Declaring war, drafting and passing laws Signup and view all the answers

What is bicameralism?

A legislative body with 2 houses which provide checks and balances on policymaking Signup and view all the answers

What is the term of office for a member of the House of Representatives?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the elastic clause?

Allows Congress to make laws which are 'necessary and proper' to carry out its expressed powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process for impeachment of a governmental official?

House of Representatives brings the charges and the Senate holds the trial. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age to be elected a United States Senator?

30 Signup and view all the answers

What is a similar requirement for the service in both the House and the Senate?

Have to be a resident of the state from which he or she is elected Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps in which a bill becomes a law?

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What is a conference committee and what happens there?

Where differences between House and Senate versions of a bill are resolved and a common bill is produced. Signup and view all the answers

How do the procedures for debate differ in the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Rules are more relaxed and less formal in the Senate. Filibusters can occur in the Senate because there is unlimited debate. In the House, there are rules for the time and number of debates. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age to be elected a member of the House of Representatives?

25 Signup and view all the answers

In which house of Congress must bills of revenue start?

House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

How is debate different in the United States House of Representatives compared to the US Senate?

What are the requirements to be President of the United States?

35 years old, natural born citizen, 14 years a resident in the US Signup and view all the answers

What might disqualify someone from becoming President?

Being a naturalized citizen, being un... Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Constitution Components

Three components: Preamble, Articles, Amendments.

Preamble Purpose

Establishes six national goals including justice, tranquility, and liberty.

Living Document Concept

Constitution is amendable, allowing it to adapt over time.

Popular Sovereignty

Power of government resides with the people, emphasizing democratic principles.

Power Distribution Differences

Constitution of 1787 created a strong national government, contrasting with the Articles of Confederation's emphasis on state power.

Checks and Balances

Each government branch can monitor and limit the powers of the others to prevent dominance.

Executive Branch Checks

Can veto legislative bills and summon Congress.
Appoints Supreme Court justices.

Legislative Branch Checks

Can impeach the president, reject appointments/treaties, and override vetoes.
Has the power to impeach justices and propose constitutional amendments.

Judicial Branch Checks

Supreme Court can declare laws and presidential actions unconstitutional (judicial review not explicitly stated in the Constitution).

Great Compromise

Resolved conflict at the Constitutional Convention by creating a bicameral legislature: House based on population and Senate with equal representation.

Legislative Functions

Responsibilities include declaring war, drafting, and passing laws.

Bicameralism

Structure of a legislature with two houses to maintain checks and balances.

House of Representatives Term

Members serve a term of 2 years.

Elastic Clause

Grants Congress authority to enact laws deemed "necessary and proper" for exercising its powers.

Impeachment Process

Initiated by the House of Representatives, followed by a trial in the Senate.

Senate Age Requirement

Minimum age to be elected is 30.

Residency Requirement

Candidates for both the House and Senate must reside in the state they represent.

Bill to Law Process

Involves multiple steps, including proposals, debates, and votes in both houses.

Conference Committee

Resolves differences in House and Senate versions of bills.

Debate Procedures

Senate allows relaxed rules and unlimited debate, enabling filibusters.
House has strict rules on time and number of debates.

House of Representatives Age Requirement

Minimum age to be elected is 25.

Revenue Bills Origination

All revenue-related bills must start in the House of Representatives.

Presidential Requirements

Must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident of the U.S. for 14 years.

Presidential Disqualifications

Naturalized citizens are ineligible to serve as President.

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Description

Prepare for your American Government Constitution test with this study guide flashcards quiz. Explore key concepts including the components of the Constitution, the purpose of the preamble, and the significance of popular sovereignty. Boost your understanding of this foundational document.