Government Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why did the framers of the Constitution write the words 'We the People' so much larger than the rest of the Preamble?

They wanted to make clear that the power of our national government comes from the people.

What does the phrase 'insure domestic Tranquility' mean?

The government would establish peace and order in the nation.

What was the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

To set out the goals of the national government formed by the Constitution.

Why is it significant that this preamble begins with 'We the People'?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government does Article I explain?

Legislative. Signup and view all the answers

What are the qualifications to be a member of the House of Representatives?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

According to the Three-Fifths Compromise, included in Article I, three fifths of which group counted toward a state's population?

'All other Persons,' or slaves. Signup and view all the answers

Which governing body has the power to impeach officials?

House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What does Article VI say about the issue of debts incurred under the Articles of Confederation?

The new government under the Constitution would consider those debts valid and would pay them. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that the Constitution is the supreme 'Law of the Land'?

When state laws conflict with federal laws, the federal laws prevail. Signup and view all the answers

What do Senators and Representatives need to do in order to take office?

Take an oath swearing their allegiance to the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What does Article VI say about religious tests?

Candidates' religious affiliations cannot disqualify them from holding office. Signup and view all the answers

According to the First Amendment, how may Congress address the issue of religion?

Congress cannot declare any official religion and must let citizens practice their religions freely. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Third Amendment say about the quartering of soldiers?

Soldiers need the owners' permission to be quartered in citizens' homes during peacetime. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects citizens against the unlawful search or seizure of private property by police or other authorities?

Fourth Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Fifth Amendment, when can private property be taken for public use?

After fair payment is made to the owner. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment were the people in this photograph campaigning for?

Nineteenth Amendment, granting the vote to adult female citizens. Signup and view all the answers

Of these groups listed below, which was the most recent recipient of voting rights?

Women. Signup and view all the answers

When the Twenty-sixth Amendment was ratified, which group gained the right to vote?

Adults between the ages of 18 and 20. Signup and view all the answers

Until the passage of the Twenty-third Amendment, which Americans could not vote in presidential elections?

Residents of the District of Columbia. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preamble of the Constitution

"We the People" emphasizes that governmental power originates from the citizens.
"Insure domestic Tranquility" refers to the government's role in maintaining peace and order within the nation.
The Preamble outlines the objectives of the national government established by the Constitution.

Significance of "We the People"

Indicates that national authority stems from the population, not individual states.
Highlights the democratic essence of the U.S. government, ensuring the people's voice precedes governmental power.

Legislative Branch

Article I of the Constitution describes the legislative branch of government, responsible for making laws.
Members of the House of Representatives must meet specific qualifications: residency in their represented state, minimum age of 25, and at least seven years as a U.S. citizen.

Three-Fifths Compromise

This agreement counted three-fifths of enslaved individuals for determining state populations and legislative representation.

Impeachment Powers

Only the House of Representatives holds the authority to impeach federal officials.

Debts Under the Articles of Confederation

Article VI maintains that debts from the Articles of Confederation are acknowledged as valid and will be settled by the new government.

Supremacy of the Constitution

The Constitution is designated as the highest law, meaning federal laws take precedence over conflicting state laws.

Oaths of Office

Senators and Representatives are required to affirm an oath pledging loyalty to the Constitution upon taking office.

Religious Tests and Officeholding

Article VI prohibits disqualifying candidates from holding office based on their religious beliefs, ensuring religious freedom.

First Amendment and Religion

Congress is barred from establishing a national religion and must respect citizens' rights to practice their religions freely.

Third Amendment

Protects homeowners from having soldiers quartered in their residences without permission during peacetime.

Fourth Amendment

Safeguards citizens against unlawful searches and seizures of private property by law enforcement.

Fifth Amendment

Private property cannot be seized for public use without just compensation to the owner.

Women's Voting Rights

The Nineteenth Amendment extends voting rights to adult women, marking a significant civil rights advancement.
Women were the most recent group to secure voting rights in the U.S.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment

Ratified to grant voting rights to citizens aged 18 to 20, significantly lowering the voting age.

District of Columbia Voting Rights

Prior to the Twenty-Third Amendment, residents in the District of Columbia were disenfranchised in presidential elections.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts from Chapter 4 of the Government textbook. It includes questions about the Preamble of the Constitution and the intentions of the framers. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of foundational governance principles.