Government Flashcards - U.S. Constitution

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Questions and Answers

What is a qualification for president under Article II of the Constitution?

Being born in Washington DC.

Living for ten years in the United States.

Being born in the United States. (correct)

Living for ten years in Washington DC.

Which best describes how the executive branch affects the power of the military?

The executive branch checks the power of the military. (correct)

The executive branch strengthens the power of the military.

The executive branch shares power with the military.

The executive branch gives power to the military.

Which best describes how the Electoral College affects the executive branch?

The Electoral College chooses the president and some cabinet members.

The Electoral College chooses the vice president and the cabinet.

The Electoral College chooses the president and vice president. (correct)

The Electoral College chooses the president and the cabinet.

Which statement best explains why the Constitution limits the power of the executive branch?

The Constitution limits the executive branch to keep the president from becoming too powerful. Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a presidential power that has no clear limitation?

Granting pardons Signup and view all the answers

Which best explains how the president selects a justice for the Supreme Court?

The president selects a judge whom he considers the most qualified and will most likely support his agenda. Signup and view all the answers

In which jurisdiction would further review of a federal court decision fall under?

Appellate Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution gives Congress the power to create federal courts:

Lower than the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

An unanswered Constitutional question about the judicial branch is:

How to create lower federal courts. Signup and view all the answers

Which would most likely fall under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

A case between two states. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the most likely reason the framers of the Constitution did not tell the judicial branch how to interpret the document?

They wanted the judicial branch to reach its own conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

The selection of federal judges by the executive branch is an example of:

Checks and balances. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of jurisdiction, the Supreme Court has:

Original and appellate. Signup and view all the answers

The final authority on legal questions in the United States is:

The Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes how the structure of the judicial branch affects its interpretation of the Constitution?

The system of federal courts and a Supreme Court give the judicial branch many opportunities to interpret the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

During criminal cases, which are guaranteed by the Constitution?

Trials and juries Signup and view all the answers

Which process does Article V of the Constitution describe?

Amending the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

To modify the Constitution, an amendment must first be proposed by:

Congress or the states. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a true statement about the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

The Full Faith and Credit Clause deals with legal proceedings between states. Signup and view all the answers

The House and Senate can only pass amendments to the Constitution if:

The amendment receives a two-thirds vote. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement summarizes the Enslaved Persons Clause?

Enslaved persons who escape must be returned to their home states. Signup and view all the answers

Which best explains how Article IV is connected to federalism?

Article IV grants powers to states while limiting the powers of the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the Supremacy Clause, which must US judges support?

The Constitution Signup and view all the answers

How many states must approve an amendment before it can be added to the Constitution?

Three-fourths Signup and view all the answers

What does the Supremacy Clause do?

It establishes a foundation for government. Signup and view all the answers

Amendments to the Constitution can be proposed by:

Congress and state legislatures. Signup and view all the answers

According to Anti-Federalists, the Constitution:

Could give the president too much influence. Signup and view all the answers

What did Anti-Federalists fear would happen if the Constitution became law?

Congress would have too much power over states. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement summarizes the publication's view of government?

We need government because people are flawed. Signup and view all the answers

A faction is a group that:

Strongly opposes ratifying the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Centinel's view of the three-party system?

People could not create a fair system with three separate powers. Signup and view all the answers

How would Federalists most likely respond to the view of government regarding control?

They would agree and be confident that the Constitution meets those goals. Signup and view all the answers

Federalists believed a workable government:

Must separate government into branches. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Federalists' view of the Constitution?

They approved of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Anti-Federalists argued that:

It was impossible to separate government into equal branches. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes Patrick Henry?

He was an Anti-Federalist and opposed the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Before McCulloch v. Maryland went to court, the state of Maryland:

Passed a law that required federal banks to pay state taxes. Signup and view all the answers

What was James Madison's position regarding the Supreme Court ruling in Marbury v. Madison?

He supported the Supreme Court ruling in Marbury v. Madison. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the best definition of 'supremacy'?

Highest authority Signup and view all the answers

Read the excerpt from the Constitution of the United States, Article 1, Section 8. [Congress shall have power] to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States. This excerpt reinforces the idea of:

Federal supremacy Signup and view all the answers

An implied power is one that:

Is suggested by the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Writing a state constitution is an example of:

A reserved power. Signup and view all the answers

According to Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, each state representative must have:

Reached a minimum age of twenty-five years old. Signup and view all the answers

The power to declare war belongs to:

National government. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects Thomas Gibbons's view of interstate commerce?

The federal government should have power over interstate commerce. Signup and view all the answers

Supreme Court justices are approved by:

The Senate. Signup and view all the answers

The Judiciary Act of 1789 gave powers to the judicial branch that went beyond what the Constitution outlined. Because of this, the act:

Was ruled unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Supremacy Clause considered to be 'the root of federalism'?

It describes the relationship between federal and state power. Signup and view all the answers

Which key idea in the Constitution creates a division of power between national and state governments?

Federalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a true statement about James McCulloch of McCulloch v. Maryland?

He ran a federal bank in Maryland. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these powers are under the control of the state?

Administering elections. Signup and view all the answers

Protection of habeas corpus means that:

Citizens cannot be held without legal action. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the term used for the legislative branch setting aside or reversing a decision?

Override. Signup and view all the answers

What is the last step in the process of getting a bill passed into law?

Sending it to the president. Signup and view all the answers

Who heads the judicial branch of government?

The Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

Which individual freedom is protected under the Constitution?

Freedom to meet peacefully. Signup and view all the answers

Which had the greatest influence in prompting the Second Continental Congress to declare independence?

Increased open public support for independence. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes a natural right?

The rights that cannot, or should not, be taken away. Signup and view all the answers

The Declaration of Independence intended to end British rule in the colonies and grant citizens:

The right to self-govern. Signup and view all the answers

As the colonies moved toward independence, the First Continental Congress was created in:

<ol start="1774"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Which best summarizes the social contract outlined in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence?

Government has the power to protect natural rights, but people can change their government if it fails to do so. Signup and view all the answers

In which section of the Declaration of Independence is the purpose of government described?

The Preamble. Signup and view all the answers

Does the preamble to the Declaration of Independence indicate reasons why the new independent government might be similarly removed or overthrown? Why or why not?

No. It demands reconciliation between the government and the governed. Signup and view all the answers

Was the Declaration of Independence intended to be a formal declaration of war? Why or why not?

No. The war started a year before the Declaration of Independence was written. Signup and view all the answers

Read the quotation from the Declaration of Independence. 'For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world.' Which reason best explains why this grievance was included in the Declaration?

Trade focused on generating income for the Crown only. Signup and view all the answers

The preamble to the Declaration of Independence outlines the principles upon which the new government would be based. Which of these best describes one of those principles?

A government based on a social contract. Signup and view all the answers

Read the Preamble to the US Constitution. According to the preamble, where does the power of government come from?

The people. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the best example of how the Constitution made the federal government stronger in dealing with other countries?

The federal government has the power to maintain a military. Signup and view all the answers

The idea that government is not above the law is an example of:

Limited government. Signup and view all the answers

To which branch of government does the power to interpret laws and apply the Constitution to the law belong?

Judicial. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Constitution, the right of freedom of religion supports:

Practicing any religion that one chooses. Signup and view all the answers

Read the Preamble to the US Constitution. According to the Preamble, where does the power for government come from?

The people. Signup and view all the answers

Read the excerpt from the preamble to the Constitution. According to this excerpt of the preamble, who were freedoms and rights established for?

Framers of the Constitution and future generations. Signup and view all the answers

Which power does the federal government share with state governments?

Collecting taxes. Signup and view all the answers

When the Supreme Court declares a law that was created by Congress unconstitutional, it is an example of:

Checks and balances. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes a role of the executive branch of the federal government?

Enforcing laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best definition of federalism?

A government in which power is divided between state and national levels. Signup and view all the answers

Declaring war and coining money are considered:

Expressed powers. Signup and view all the answers

Read the quote from the US Constitution. Which type of powers is this describing?

Powers held by the states alone. Signup and view all the answers

Expressed powers are those that are:

Specifically granted in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is considered a concurrent power?

Collecting taxes. Signup and view all the answers

Which is an implied power of the federal government?

Drafting soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

The sources of state power are specifically outlined in:

The Tenth Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

The Supremacy Clause forms the root of what aspect of the country's government system?

The concept of federalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these powers is considered an implied power?

Creating a national bank. Signup and view all the answers

Which powers are given directly to the people?

Reserved. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most important power Congress holds?

Creating laws. Signup and view all the answers

Congress checks on the power of the presidency by:

Overriding a presidential reversal or veto. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Congress is accurate?

It is based on the Constitution's bicameral legislature. Signup and view all the answers

Congress has the express financial power to:

Create and collect new taxes. Signup and view all the answers

What statement about the Necessary and Proper Clause is accurate?

It is the source of implied powers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an expressed power of Congress?

Admitting new states. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Article I of the Constitution?

Describing the powers of the legislative branch. Signup and view all the answers

After a bill has been introduced, what happens next?

It is reviewed in committee. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement applies to both senators and representatives?

They can be expelled for breaking rules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions is forbidden by the Constitution?

Creating a law ex post facto. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Constitution, the amount of time the president and vice president serve in office together for one term is:

Four years. Signup and view all the answers

A limitation on the president's power to appoint ambassadors is that:

The Senate must approve them. Signup and view all the answers

A main purpose of the president's State of the Union address is to:

Identify major policy issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which describes how Congress affects the president's abilities to grant pardons and appoint cabinet members?

The Senate approves cabinet members but not pardons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Government Powers and Structure

Writing a state constitution is a reserved power, reflecting state authority.
Article I, Section 2 mandates state representatives to be at least 25 years old.
National government holds the power to declare war, emphasizing federal authority.
Thomas Gibbons advocated for federal power over interstate commerce, seeking uniformity.
Supreme Court justices are confirmed by the Senate.
The Judiciary Act of 1789 was ruled unconstitutional, highlighting the limits of legislative power.
The Supremacy Clause defines the relationship between federal and state powers, reinforcing federal authority.
Federalism is the concept creating a division of power between national and state governments.
James McCulloch ran a federal bank in Maryland, significant in federal versus state power debates.
Administering elections is a state power, showcasing state responsibilities.

Rights and Legal Principles

Habeas corpus protects citizens from being held without legal action.
The override process allows the legislative branch to set aside decisions.
The last step in passing a bill involves sending it to the president for approval.
The Supreme Court heads the judicial branch, ensuring checks on power.
The Constitution protects the freedom to meet peacefully as a fundamental right.
The Second Continental Congress was influenced by strong public support for independence.
Natural rights are those that should not be taken away by government, central to democratic principles.
The Declaration of Independence promoted the right to self-governance.
The First Continental Congress was established in 1774, reflecting colonial unity against Britain.

Government Foundations

The Preamble of the Declaration of Independence outlines the purpose of government as protection of natural rights.
The preamble demands people can change government if it fails its purpose.
The grievances in the Declaration included the cutting off of trade, aimed at highlighting British oppression.
The Constitution's preamble emphasizes that the power of government comes from the people.
Federalism is rooted in the Supremacy Clause, asserting federal law's dominance.
Implied powers allow flexibility in governance, such as creating a national bank.
State powers are specifically outlined in the Tenth Amendment, limiting federal overreach.
Expressed powers like declaring war and coining money are explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Congressional Roles and Responsibilities

Congress holds significant powers, such as creating laws, reflecting legislative authority.
Legislative power includes the authority to collect taxes, demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
The Necessary and Proper Clause provides a basis for implied powers, expanding Congressional authority.
The process for a bill involves committee review before debate and a vote.
Both senators and representatives can be expelled for misconduct, reinforcing accountability.
The Constitution prohibits creating ex post facto laws, ensuring fairness in legislation.

Executive Branch Characteristics

The President and Vice President serve a four-year term, emphasizing electoral cycles.
Ambassador appointments require Senate approval, showcasing checks on presidential power.
The State of the Union address allows the president to address major policy issues.
The Electoral College selects the president and vice president, a unique electoral system.
The Constitution limits the executive branch's power to prevent the president from becoming too powerful.
Granting pardons is an example of an executive power without clear limitation.

Judicial Branch Overview

The judicial branch interprets laws and ensures they align with the Constitution.
Powers held by the states are those not specifically granted to the federal government.
The legislative branch's focus is on the description of its powers in Article I of the Constitution.
Congressional actions, such as overriding a veto, demonstrate the system of checks and balances in government.

Implications of Constitutional Principles

Federalism emphasizes the division of power and responsibilities between national and state governments, crucial for governance.
The concept of limited government ensures that all branches abide by the law, promoting justice and fairness.
Natural rights underscore democratic ideologies, serving as the foundation for American political philosophy.
The Constitution establishes a framework for governance and civil rights, ensuring accountability and protection for citizens.### Judicial Appointments
Presidents select judges based on qualifications, support for their agenda, or Congress's and existing judges' recommendations.
Appellate jurisdiction refers to the authority to review decisions made by lower courts.
Congress can create federal courts that are lower than the Supreme Court, impacting the judicial system's hierarchy.

Constitutional Powers and Responsibilities

The Constitution provides Congress the power to establish federal courts beneath the Supreme Court.
Unanswered questions about judicial processes include the method of creating lower federal courts.
The selection process for federal judges exemplifies checks and balances within government.

Supreme Court and Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court holds original and appellate jurisdiction, handling cases directly or through appeals.
A case involving two states falls under original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Judicial interpretation of the Constitution is influenced by the structure of federal courts and the Supreme Court's dual roles.

Rights in Criminal Cases

The Constitution guarantees trials and juries during criminal cases.
Article V describes the process for amending the Constitution, requiring proposals from Congress or states, with ratification needing approval from three-fourths of the states.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

This clause mandates states to honor legal proceedings from other states, fostering legal consistency across jurisdictions.

Federalism and Powers

Article IV of the Constitution delineates powers allocated to states while limiting federal authority, emphasizing the principle of federalism.
The Supremacy Clause establishes that judges must support the Constitution over state laws.

Amendments and Legislative Processes

Amendments must receive a two-thirds vote from both the House and Senate to pass.
The Enslaved Persons Clause mandates the return of escaped enslaved individuals to their home states.

Perspectives on Government Structure

Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution fearing it would grant too much power to Congress over states and created concerns about individual rights.
Federalists, arguing for a separation of powers, supported the Constitution believing in a balance that would prevent abuses.
Patrick Henry emerged as a notable Anti-Federalist figure opposing the Constitution.

Supreme Court Landmark Cases

McCulloch v. Maryland affirmed federal authority over state law regarding taxation of federal institutions.
Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, strengthening the judiciary's role in maintaining constitutional government.

Definition of Key Terms

Supremacy refers to the highest authority within the government structure.
Implied powers are those not explicitly stated but suggested through the Constitution's provisions, allowing flexibility in governance.

Constitutional Understanding

The Federal government’s powers extend to regulating commerce, reflecting federal supremacy in economic affairs.
Debates surrounding the Constitution reflect concerns over power distribution and the efficacy of checks and balances within government structures.

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Test your knowledge on the powers and requirements set forth in the U.S. Constitution with these flashcards. Each card covers crucial aspects of governmental structure, including reserved powers and qualifications for representatives. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of American government.