Civics Unit 3: Constitutional Principles

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the Preamble of the Constitution?

Introduce Constitution and state the goals of government.

What are the goals written in the Preamble to the Constitution?

Establish Justice, Ensure Domestic Tranquility, Provide for the Common Defense, Promote the General Welfare, and Secure the Blessings of Liberty, to Ourselves and our Posterity.

What is Democracy?

A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them.

What is Representative Democracy?

Power is held by the people and exercised through the efforts of representatives elected by the people. Signup and view all the answers

What is Direct Democracy?

A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is Monarchy?

A government ruled by a monarch who usually inherits the authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is Oligarchy?

A political system governed by a small group of people, usually turns into a dictatorship. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dictatorship?

A form of government in which the leader has absolute power and authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is Anarchy?

Total absence of rule or government; chaos; disorder. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of government do we have in the U.S.?

Representative Democracy. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of government is fairest to the people?

Either of the democracies because they are based on the people's opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of government is the most productive?

Dictatorship. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three branches of government?

Legislative, Executive, Judicial. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Legislative Branch of government at all three levels?

Congress, State Legislative, City Council (or Board of Alderman). Signup and view all the answers

What is the Executive Branch of government at all three levels?

President, Governor, Mayor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Judicial Branch of government at all three levels?

Supreme Court, State Supreme Court, Municipal Court. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important power of the Legislative Branch?

Making Laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important power of the Executive Branch?

Enforcing Laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important power of the Judicial Branch?

Interpreting Laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function and purpose of checks and balances?

To keep an eye over the different branches so the rights of the people are kept in mind and so nothing drastic ever occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is federalism and why do we have it?

Federalism is the division of governmental power between the National Government and the 50 States. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They state the basic rights of citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the First Amendment?

An amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the right of free expression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Second Amendment?

Right to keep and bear arms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Third Amendment?

The government may not house soldiers in private homes without consent of the owner. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Fourth Amendment?

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Fifth Amendment?

Due process of law (right to trial, attorney, etc.). Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sixth Amendment?

A constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Seventh Amendment?

Right to a trial by jury. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Eighth Amendment?

Forbids cruel and unusual punishment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preamble of the Constitution

Introduces the Constitution and outlines the government's goals.
Aims to establish Justice, ensure Domestic Tranquility, provide for the Common Defense, promote General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty.

Types of Government

Democracy: A political system where the supreme power lies with citizens who elect representatives.
Representative Democracy: Power is held by the people, exercised through elected representatives.
Direct Democracy: Citizens rule directly, not through representatives.
Monarchy: Governed by a monarch who typically inherits authority.
Oligarchy: Rule by a small group that often leads to dictatorship.
Dictatorship: Government where the leader holds absolute power.
Anarchy: Absence of government, resulting in chaos and disorder.

U.S. Government Structure

The U.S. operates as a Representative Democracy, with Congress members elected by citizens, reflecting their will.
The fairest government type for people is either form of democracy, as they consider public opinion.
Dictatorship is noted as being the most productive form of governance.

Branches of Government

Legislative Branch: Responsible for making laws; includes Congress, State Legislature, and City Council.
Executive Branch: In charge of enforcing laws; consists of the President, Governor, and Mayor.
Judicial Branch: Interprets laws; encompasses the Supreme Court, State Supreme Court, and Municipal Court.

Powers of Government Branches

Legislative Branch: Primary power is law-making.
Executive Branch: Main power is law enforcement.
Judicial Branch: Key function is law interpretation.

Checks and Balances

Designed to maintain oversight among branches, ensuring citizens' rights are protected and preventing drastic government actions.

Federalism

A system dividing governmental powers between the National Government and the 50 States, allowing for a balance of authority.

Bill of Rights

Comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, detailing basic citizen rights.

Amendments Overview

First Amendment: Guarantees the right to free expression.
Second Amendment: Establishes the right to keep and bear arms.
Third Amendment: Prohibits housing soldiers in private homes without consent.
Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants based on probable cause.
Fifth Amendment: Ensures due process rights, including the right to trial and legal counsel.
Sixth Amendment: Protects accused individuals, guaranteeing rights to counsel, confront witnesses, and a speedy trial.
Seventh Amendment: Affirms the right to a trial by jury.
Eighth Amendment: Forbids cruel and unusual punishment, without explicitly defining the term.

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Test your knowledge on the foundational concepts of the U.S. Constitution with this flashcard set. Explore the purpose of the Preamble and the key goals that outline the function of government. Perfect for students studying civics and constitutional principles.