Anatomy of the Constitution Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the Preamble?

Lists what the constitution is meant to do and describes the purpose of the constitution

What does democracy mean?

The name for the idea that the power of the government comes from the people

What is a republican form of government?

A representative form of government

What does it mean to ratify?

To approve or pass an amendment Signup and view all the answers

What is federalism?

A system of government where the national government shares power with the state governments Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to execute a law?

To carry out a law Signup and view all the answers

What does propose mean in the context of constitutional amendments?

To introduce a new amendment Signup and view all the answers

What does the Legislative Branch do?

Writes bills that become laws-made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Executive Branch?

Carries out and enforces the laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Judicial Branch?

Decides what a law means Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 1 of the Constitution create?

Creates the Legislative Branch Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 2 describe?

Describes the job of the Executive Branch Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 3 do?

Creates the Judicial Branch Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 4 discuss?

Describes how the states should get along Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Article 5?

Describes how to amend the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 6 state?

States that the laws and treaties of the U.S government are 'the supreme law of the land' Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 7 say about the Constitution's effectiveness?

Says the Constitution could not take effect until at least 9/13 states approved it Signup and view all the answers

What are checks and balances?

Important part of the Constitution-used so not just only one branch in the government would have too much power Signup and view all the answers

What are the members of the Executive Branch?

Members: President, Vice President, Departments Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of term for the President?

2 terms, 4 years per term Signup and view all the answers

What is the age requirement to be President?

35 - Must be born in the U.S Signup and view all the answers

Who are the members of the Legislative Branch?

Members: Senate (100- 2 per state), House of Representatives (435) Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of term for a Senator?

6 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of term for a House Representative?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the age requirement to be a Senator?

30 Signup and view all the answers

What is the age requirement to be a House Representative?

25 Signup and view all the answers

What are the members of the Judicial Branch?

Members: Supreme Courts Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of term for Supreme Court members?

Life Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Constitution Overview

The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the United States, outlining the structure and functions of government.
It begins with a Preamble that sets forth its purpose and goals.

Key Concepts

Democracy: Government power originates from the people, highlighting the role of citizen participation.
Republicanism: Establishes a representative government where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the citizens.

Processes and Structures

Ratification: The process of formally approving amendments to the Constitution.
Federalism: Division of power between national and state governments, allowing for shared authority.
Execute: The action of implementing and enforcing laws established by the legislative branch.
Propose: The introduction of new amendments for consideration and potential adoption.

Government Branches

Legislative Branch: Composed of the Senate and House of Representatives; responsible for drafting and enacting legislation.
- Senate has 100 members (2 per state) with a 6-year term. Minimum age requirement is 30.
- House of Representatives has 435 members with a 2-year term; members must be at least 25 years old.
Executive Branch: Enforces laws and is headed by the President, who serves a maximum of two 4-year terms and must be at least 35 years old. Includes the Vice President and various departments.
Judicial Branch: Interprets laws, led by the Supreme Court, with justices serving life terms.

Articles of the Constitution

Article 1: Establishes the Legislative Branch.
Article 2: Outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Executive Branch.
Article 3: Creates the Judicial Branch, defining its authority.
Article 4: Addresses relations among states and the requirement for states to honor each other's laws.
Article 5: Details the amendment process for the Constitution.
Article 6: Declares the Constitution and federal laws as the "supreme law of the land."
Article 7: Specifies that the Constitution would take effect once ratified by nine of the thirteen states.

Checks and Balances

A fundamental principle ensuring that no single branch of government can dominate, promoting a system of governance where power is distributed and regulated.