US Constitution Overview Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why was the Constitution written?

To form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.

How is Congress organized?

With the Senate and House of Representatives.

What are the qualifications of the President?

Must be a natural born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the US for at least 14 years.

How long may the President serve?

4 year term. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions does the Vice President take over for the President?

In case of removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office. Signup and view all the answers

How are the federal courts established?

The Supreme Court is the highest court and inferior courts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the federal government guarantee to the states?

A Republican form of government, and shall protect each state against invasion, and on application of the legislature or of the Executive against domestic Violence. Signup and view all the answers

How may the Constitution be amended?

2/3 of both houses may propose amendments to the Constitution, or on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states shall call a convention for proposing amendments. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase describes the supremacy of the Constitution?

Supreme law of the land. Signup and view all the answers

What are all federal and state officers to support?

The Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What was required to put the Constitution into operation?

Require 9 states to ratify the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What five rights are protected in the First Amendment?

<ol> <li>Freedom of religion, 2) Freedom of speech and the press, 3) Right to assembly, 4) Right to appeal to the government for action.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Thirteenth Amendment abolish?

Slavery throughout the United States. Signup and view all the answers

The privilege of voting was extended to which groups of people by each of the following amendments (15, 19, 26)?

15 - race, color, or previous condition of servitude; 19 - gender; 26 - account of age. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of the Constitution

Aimed to create a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, and provide common defense.
Promotes general Welfare and secures the Blessings of Liberty for current and future generations.

Organization of Congress

Composed of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Presidential Qualifications

Must be a natural-born citizen.
At least 35 years old.
Resident of the U.S. for a minimum of 14 years.

Presidential Term

The President serves a term of four years.

Vice Presidential Succession

The Vice President assumes the role of President in cases of removal, death, resignation, or inability to perform presidential duties.

Establishment of Federal Courts

The Supreme Court is the highest court, alongside inferior courts established by Congress.

Federal Government Guarantees

Assures states a Republican form of government and protection against invasion and domestic violence.

Amending the Constitution

Amendments may be proposed by two-thirds of both legislative houses or by conventions called by two-thirds of state legislatures.

Supremacy of the Constitution

Described as the "supreme law of the land."

Support for the Constitution

All federal and state officers are required to uphold the Constitution.

Ratification of the Constitution

Required ratification from at least nine states to become operational.

First Amendment Rights

Protects four fundamental freedoms: freedom of religion, speech and press, right to assemble, and right to petition the government.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery throughout the United States.

Voting Rights Amendments

15th Amendment: Extends voting rights regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
19th Amendment: Grants voting rights regardless of gender.
26th Amendment: Lowers voting age, extending rights based on age.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of the US Constitution, including its purpose, the organization of Congress, and the qualifications for the President. Study these flashcards to reinforce your understanding of the foundational document of the United States.