U.S. Constitution Overview (1787-1791)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

To establish the structure and powers of the federal government (correct)

To define the duties of the military

To outline the right of states to govern independently

To promote international treaties

Which article of the U.S. Constitution outlines the powers of the Legislative Branch?

Article III

Article I (correct)

Article II

Article IV

What power is specifically granted to the president in Article II of the U.S. Constitution?

To raise taxes

To declare war

To conduct foreign affairs (correct)

To create laws

What clause requires states to respect the laws and decisions of other states?

Full Faith and Credit Clause Signup and view all the answers

How can amendments to the U.S. Constitution be proposed?

By a 2/3 majority of both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention Signup and view all the answers

What does the Supremacy Clause in Article VI establish?

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the powers of the Judicial Branch outlined in Article III?

To interpret laws and the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for enforcing federal laws according to the Constitution?

The President Signup and view all the answers

How many states were required to ratify the Constitution for it to go into effect?

9 Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination?

Amendment V Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age requirement to serve as a senator?

30 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws?

Executive Branch Signup and view all the answers

What power does Congress NOT possess?

Veto laws Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment provides the right to bear arms?

Amendment II Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Articles of Confederation compared to the U.S. Constitution?

No executive branch Signup and view all the answers

What does the system of checks and balances ensure?

No branch exceeds its authority Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment addresses excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment?

Amendment VIII Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a power reserved for the federal government?

Conduct elections Signup and view all the answers

What is the term length for members of the House of Representatives?

Two years Signup and view all the answers

What is one major responsibility of the Judicial Branch?

Interpret laws Signup and view all the answers

How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?

9 Signup and view all the answers

Which body approves presidential appointments to the Cabinet?

Senate Signup and view all the answers

What method can Congress use to propose amendments to the Constitution?

2/3 majority in Congress Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

U.S. Constitution (1787-1791)

The U.S. Constitution is the foundational document of the U.S. government.
It outlines the structure and powers of the three branches of government.
It defines the relationship between the federal and state governments.
The Constitution was written in 1787 and ratified in 1788.
The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) was added in 1791 to protect individual liberties.

Articles of the U.S. Constitution

Article I: Legislative Branch (Congress).
- Establishes Congress made up of the Senate and House of Representatives.
- Grants Congress powers to make laws, regulate commerce, declare war, and collect taxes.
- Defines the process for lawmaking and qualifications for representatives/senators.
Article II: Executive Branch (President).
- Establishes the presidency and outlines presidential powers/responsibilities.
- President is Commander-in-Chief, conducts foreign affairs, negotiates treaties (Senate approval), and enforces laws.
- Can veto laws, appoint judges, and grant pardons.
Article III: Judicial Branch (Courts).
- Establishes the Supreme Court and lower courts.
- Outlines judicial powers, including interpreting laws and resolving disputes.
- Judges have lifetime appointments.
Article IV: The States.
- Outlines the relationship between states and federal government, respecting each other's laws, and addressing new state admission.
Article V: Amendments.
- Specifies the process for amending the Constitution (2/3 majority of Congress OR convention, 3/4 of states approval).
Article VI: The Supremacy Clause.
- Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.
- Requires oaths of office and no religious tests for holders of offices.
Article VII: Ratification.
- Details the ratification process (approval from 9 states required).

Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)

Amendment I: Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.
Amendment II: Right to keep and bear arms.
Amendment III: Protection from quartering of soldiers.
Amendment IV: Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Amendment V: Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process/eminent domain.
Amendment VI: Right to a speedy trial, impartial jury, and legal counsel.
Amendment VII: Right to a trial by jury in civil cases.
Amendment VIII: Protection from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail.
Amendment IX: Rights not specifically listed are still protected.
Amendment X: Powers not given to the federal government belong to states or the people.

Office Requirements

President: At least 35 years old, natural-born citizen, lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. Two-term limit.
Vice President: Same requirements as president.
Cabinet Members: Appointed by the president, Senate approval.
House of Representatives: At least 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, resident of the state. Two-year terms.
Senate: At least 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, resident of the state. Six-year terms.

Branch Powers/Responsibilities

Legislative (Congress): Makes laws, declares war, overrides vetoes, impeachment power, approves treaties/appointments.
Executive (President): Enforces laws, vetoes, Commander-in-Chief, appoints judges/Cabinet, negotiates treaties, grants pardons.
Judicial (Courts): Interprets laws, declares laws unconstitutional (judicial review), resolves disputes.

Checks and Balances

Each branch has some measure of influence over the others; no one branch is too powerful.
Legislative checks on Executive: override vetoes, impeach.
Executive checks on Legislative: veto power.
Judicial checks on Executive and Legislative: declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalism

Division of power between federal and state governments.
Federal Powers: declare war, regulate commerce, military.
State Powers: education, elections, local governments.
Shared Powers: taxation, law enforcement, courts.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. governing document (1781).
Weak central government, most power to states.
Key weaknesses: No power to tax, no executive branch, no national judiciary, etc.

Constitution vs. Articles of Confederation

Constitution: Stronger central government, defined legislative (bicameral), executive (president), and judicial branches, power to tax, stronger amendment process.
Articles: Weak central government, unicameral legislature, no executive/judicial branch, unanimous consent needed for amendments.

Branch Leaders/Numbers

Legislative: Senate (100 senators), House of Representatives (435 members), led by the Vice President and Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the House.
Executive: President (1), Vice President (1), Cabinet (various members).
Judicial: Supreme Court (9 justices), Chief Justice, lower courts (many judges).

Important Events (1787-1791)

1787: Constitutional Convention
1788: Constitution ratified (New Hampshire)
1789: Judiciary Act established federal judiciary
1790: First Census
1791: Bill of Rights ratified.

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Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of the U.S. Constitution, including its structure, powers of government branches, and significant amendments. This quiz covers key articles that establish the legislative and executive branches, providing insight into the Constitution's role in American governance.