US Constitution Structure and Principles

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Questions and Answers

Which principle of the Constitution ensures no single branch of government gains too much power?

  • Checks and Balances (correct)
  • Popular Sovereignty
  • Individual Rights
  • Limited Government

Which amendment guarantees the right to bear arms?

  • Amendment 3
  • Amendment 1
  • Amendment 4
  • Amendment 2 (correct)

What is the primary difference between Federalists and Anti-Federalists in regards to the Constitution?

  • Federalists wanted a stronger central government, while Anti-Federalists favored more state power. (correct)
  • Federalists believed in a system of checks and balances, while Anti-Federalists did not.
  • Federalists wanted a more direct democracy, while Anti-Federalists preferred a representative republic.
  • Anti-Federalists opposed adding a Bill of Rights, while Federalists supported it.

Which principle highlights the idea that the people hold the ultimate power in government?

<p>Popular Sovereignty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'We the People' in the Preamble of the Constitution reflects which core principle?

<p>Popular Sovereignty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a right protected by the First Amendment?

<p>Right to bear arms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of Republicanism involve?

<p>Appointing representatives to make laws and govern (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment ensures the right to a fair trial?

<p>Amendment 6 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

<p>To protect individual liberties from government overreach (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle allows for the division of power between the national government and the states?

<p>Federalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To establish the goals and purposes of the U.S. government (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ‘popular sovereignty’ mean in the context of the Constitution?

<p>The government's power is derived from the people (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the U.S. Constitution is primarily responsible for making laws?

<p>The Congress (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase ‘establish justice’ in the Preamble signify?

<p>Developing a legal system that is fair and equitable for all (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to a legislature with two houses?

<p>Bicameral (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Constitution

A document outlining the principles and laws of a government.

Ratify

To sign or give formal consent to a document.

Bicameral

A legislature with two houses.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government power comes from the people.

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Preamble

An introductory statement that outlines the goals of the Constitution.

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Federalism

The principle of shared power between states and national government.

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Limited Government

A government restricted by law to protect citizens from tyranny.

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Individual Rights

Rights guaranteed to every citizen listed in the Bill of Rights.

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Republicanism

A political ideology centered on electing representatives to govern.

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Checks and Balances

A system that prevents one government branch from dominating the others.

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Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches: legislative, executive, judicial.

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Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual freedoms.

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Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported the Constitution; Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights.

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Amendment

A change or addition to a legal document, such as the Constitution.

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Study Notes

4.1 The Structure of the Constitution

  • The Constitution is divided into 7 articles.
  • The legislative branch (Congress) creates laws.
  • The executive branch (President) enforces laws.
  • The judicial branch (Supreme Court) interprets laws.

4.2 The Preamble

  • The Preamble establishes the goals of the U.S. government.
  • Popular Sovereignty: Government power comes from the people.
  • Union: Creates a unified nation.
  • Justice: Aims for fair treatment.
  • Domestic Tranquility: Seeks peace within the country.
  • General Welfare: Promotes the well-being of citizens.
  • Posterity: Guarantees freedoms for future generations.
  • Ordain: Officially establishes the Constitution.

4.3 The Principles of the Constitution

  • FLIPRCS: These are key principles of the Constitution.
  • Federalism: Shared power between states and the national government.
  • Limited Government: Restrains government power, with defined limitations in the Constitution.
  • Individual Rights: Guarantees liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights.
  • Popular Sovereignty: Government authority derived from the people.
  • Republicanism: Electing representatives to govern.
  • Checks and Balances: Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
  • Separation of Powers: Three distinct branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial).

4.4 The Bill of Rights and the Amendments

  • Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: Different viewpoints on ratification of the Constitution.
  • The Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments to the Constitution.
  • Amendment 1: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
  • Amendment 2: Right to bear arms.
  • Amendment 3: Prohibits quartering of soldiers without permission.
  • Amendment 4: Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures (requires warrants).
  • Amendment 5: Right to remain silent, due process of law.
  • Amendment 6: Right to a fair and speedy trial, legal representation.
  • Amendment 7: Trial by jury in civil cases.
  • Amendment 8: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
  • Amendment 9: Unenumerated rights, meaning not every right is explicitly listed.
  • Amendment 10: Reserved powers (powers not given to the federal government belong to states or the people).
  • Amendment: A statement added, changed, or improving on/revisions to a proposal/document.
  • Total Amendments: 27 total amendments.

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