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Questions and Answers
What aspect of the federal government is outlined in Article One of the Constitution?
What aspect of the federal government is outlined in Article One of the Constitution?
How are senators chosen according to the original Constitution before the Seventeenth Amendment?
How are senators chosen according to the original Constitution before the Seventeenth Amendment?
What is the role of the president in the federal government?
What is the role of the president in the federal government?
What limit does Article Three of the Constitution place on the judiciary?
What limit does Article Three of the Constitution place on the judiciary?
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How many articles are included in the Constitution?
How many articles are included in the Constitution?
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What ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful?
What ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful?
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What significant change was made to the Constitution with the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment?
What significant change was made to the Constitution with the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment?
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How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
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Study Notes
Articles I, II, & III of the US Constitution
- The US Constitution is the supreme law of the land, written in 1787 and ratified in 1788.
- It replaced the Articles of Confederation.
- The Constitution is divided into seven articles; the first three detail the structure of the federal government.
Article I: Legislative Branch
- Congress is the legislative branch.
- It consists of two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- Representatives are elected every two years.
- The number of representatives from each state is based on population.
- Senators serve six-year terms.
- Originally, state legislatures chose senators. The Seventeenth Amendment changed this to direct election by the people.
- The vice president of the US is president of the Senate.
Article II: Executive Branch
- The executive branch is headed by the president.
- The president is responsible for carrying out laws passed by Congress.
- The president is elected every four years.
Article III: Judicial Branch
- The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court.
- The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land.
- It interprets the Constitution and laws.
- Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
- The court has nine justices.
Checks and Balances
- The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances, limiting the power of each branch.
- Branches can limit each other's power. (eg, Congress passes laws, but the president can veto them; the president nominates judges, but the Senate must confirm them; the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.)
Amendments
- The Constitution has been amended 27 times.
- Amendments have changed the Constitution in significant ways, including granting women the right to vote and abolishing slavery.
- The Constitution is considered a "living document" due to its continuous evolution through these amendments.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first three articles of the US Constitution, which outline the structure and functions of the legislative and executive branches of the government. Learn about Congress, its composition, and the role of the president. This quiz will enhance your understanding of American government fundamentals.
