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Questions and Answers
What are the three branches of government established by the U.S. Constitution?
What are the three branches of government established by the U.S. Constitution?
The three branches are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Explain the principle of checks and balances as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
Explain the principle of checks and balances as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
Checks and balances ensure that each branch of government can monitor and limit the actions of the others, preventing any branch from becoming too powerful.
What was the purpose of creating a bicameral legislature in the U.S. Constitution?
What was the purpose of creating a bicameral legislature in the U.S. Constitution?
The bicameral legislature was established to balance the interests of populous states with those of smaller states through proportional and equal representation.
How did the U.S. Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
How did the U.S. Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Discuss the significance of counting slaves as 3/5ths of a person for taxation and representation.
Discuss the significance of counting slaves as 3/5ths of a person for taxation and representation.
What primary function does the legislative branch serve in the U.S. government?
What primary function does the legislative branch serve in the U.S. government?
How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
Which of the following accurately describes the Senate?
Which of the following accurately describes the Senate?
What is one of the primary responsibilities of the executive branch?
What is one of the primary responsibilities of the executive branch?
Who leads the executive branch of the U.S. government?
Who leads the executive branch of the U.S. government?
What is the primary role of the judicial branch?
What is the primary role of the judicial branch?
How many justices are there on the Supreme Court?
How many justices are there on the Supreme Court?
What authority does the Supreme Court hold regarding laws?
What authority does the Supreme Court hold regarding laws?
Flashcards
Three Branches of Government
Three Branches of Government
The U.S. Constitution established three separate branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.
Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the actions of the others.
Bicameral Legislature
Bicameral Legislature
The U.S. Congress is made up of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives, each with different representation structures.
Proportional vs. Equal Representation
Proportional vs. Equal Representation
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How does the Constitution prevent tyranny?
How does the Constitution prevent tyranny?
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Legislative Branch
Legislative Branch
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House of Representatives
House of Representatives
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Senate
Senate
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Executive Branch
Executive Branch
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President
President
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Judicial Branch
Judicial Branch
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Supreme Court
Supreme Court
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Lower Federal Courts
Lower Federal Courts
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Study Notes
U.S. Constitution Ratified in 1788
- Three Branches of Government: The Constitution established three branches—executive, legislative (Congress), and judicial—to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful. This contrasted with the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation.
- Legislative Branch: Responsible for making laws. Comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Represents the U.S. population.
- House of Representatives: Has 435 members. Each member represents a district in their state. Representation is proportional to each state's population.
- Senate: Has 100 members. Each state has two senators, providing equal representation.
- Executive Branch: Responsible for enforcing laws. Comprised of the president, vice president, and federal departments/agencies. The president appoints cabinet members and officials to lead these departments. The president can veto legislation and negotiate treaties. Responsible for daily administration, implementing policies, national security and defense.
- Judicial Branch: Responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring fair and consistent application. Composed of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court. Made up of nine justices appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The Supreme Court interprets the constitutionality of laws. Lower federal courts hear cases with federal jurisdiction, including interstate disputes. Upholds the rule of law, ensuring all branches adhere to the Constitution, and protects individual rights.
System of Checks and Balances
- This system ensures no branch of government dominates. Each branch can limit the actions of other branches.
- Example: The president can veto laws passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto.
Bicameral Legislature
- The Constitution created a bicameral (two-house) legislature to address differing interests of populous and less populous states.
- The House of Representatives has proportional representation (based on a state's population).
- The Senate has equal representation (two senators per state).
- Notably, for taxation and population purposes, slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person.
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