U.S. Government Structure and Preamble

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the legislative branch of the U.S. government?

  • To enforce laws
  • To make laws (correct)
  • To oversee the military
  • To interpret laws

Which principle ensures that no single branch of government has absolute power?

  • Checks and balances (correct)
  • Federalism
  • Limited Government
  • Popular sovereignty

How many members are there in the U.S. Senate from each state?

  • Three
  • Two (correct)
  • Varies by state size
  • One

What does the Bill of Rights primarily protect?

<p>The rights of the individual citizens (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for interpreting laws in the United States?

<p>The Supreme Court (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

<p>13th Amendment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does federalism refer to in the context of government structure?

<p>The division of powers between federal and state governments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government is primarily responsible for enforcing laws?

<p>Executive Branch (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes enumerated powers in the Constitution?

<p>They are specifically granted to the federal government. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about reserved powers is true?

<p>They are retained by the states and the people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are implied powers based on?

<p>Powers not mentioned in the Constitution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

<p>Federal laws have precedence over state laws in case of conflict. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What requirement is needed to amend the Constitution?

<p>A two-thirds vote from both houses of Congress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What established the concept of judicial review?

<p>The Supreme Court case of <em>Marbury v. Madison</em>. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the debate around the interpretation of the Constitution often involve?

<p>The balance of power between federal and state governments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government?

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

Flashcards

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers explicitly given to the federal government in the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers not given to the federal government, kept by the states or the people.

Implied Powers

Powers not directly stated in the Constitution but logically suggested by its stated powers.

Supremacy Clause

Federal laws are superior to state laws in conflicts.

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Amendment Process

The formal way to change the Constitution.

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Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to determine if laws are constitutional.

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Interpretation of the Constitution

Ongoing discussions about how to apply the Constitution today.

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Relationship between Constitution and States

Federalism: The division of power between federal and state governments.

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US Government Purpose

To create a better society, ensuring justice, peace, safety, well-being, and freedom for all citizens and future generations.

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Legislative Branch

Makes laws, and involves the House of Representatives (representation based on population) and the Senate (two senators per state).

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Executive Branch

Enforces laws, headed by the President; includes Vice President, Cabinet, and agencies to carry out laws.

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Judicial Branch

Interprets laws, through courts like the Supreme Court; ensuring fair application and resolving disputes.

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Popular Sovereignty

Government's power comes from the people.

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Separation of Powers

Dividing governmental power among the three branches to prevent abuse.

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Checks and Balances

Each branch limits the power of the other two.

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Federalism

Distributes power between federal and state governments.

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Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting basic rights.

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Amendments

Formal changes to the US Constitution, addressing various issues and concerns over time.

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Study Notes

Preamble

  • Outlines the purposes and goals of the U.S. government
  • Establishes the foundation for a just and ordered society
  • States the desire to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity.

Structure of Government

  • Three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial
  • Legislative Branch: Congress, responsible for making laws.
    • Composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
    • Each state has varying numbers of representatives based on population density.
    • Senate has two senators per state, regardless of size.
  • Executive Branch: President, responsible for enforcing laws.
    • Includes Vice President, cabinet secretaries, and various agencies.
    • Powers include commanding the military, negotiating treaties, and carrying out laws passed by Congress.
  • Judicial Branch: Supreme Court and lower federal courts, responsible for interpreting laws.
    • Ensures laws are applied fairly and consistently; resolves legal disputes.
    • The Supreme Court is the highest court, with nine justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Key Principles

  • Popular sovereignty: Government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
  • Separation of powers: Divides governmental powers among three distinct branches to prevent tyranny.
  • Checks and balances: Gives each branch of government ways to limit the power of the other two.
  • Federalism: Divides powers between the federal government and state governments.
  • Individual rights/Limited Government: Guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for citizens.

Bill of Rights

  • First ten amendments to the Constitution.
  • Protects fundamental rights of individual citizens, including freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms.
  • Also guarantees protection against unreasonable search and seizure, due process of law, and protection against self-incrimination and cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendments

  • Formal changes to the Constitution.
  • Numerous amendments have been added addressing various issues.
  • Examples include abolishing slavery, granting voting rights to various groups (including women and minorities), and addressing issues related to citizenship and due process.

Enumerated Powers

  • Specific powers explicitly given to the federal government in the Constitution.
  • These powers are limited to enable the functioning of a national government while preserving state autonomy.
  • Examples include the power to coin money, regulate interstate commerce, and declare war.

Reserved Powers

  • Powers not specifically given to the federal government, retained by the states or the people.
  • Protects state autonomy and local control over governmental functions.

Implied Powers

  • Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are reasonably suggested by powers that are stated.
  • Implied powers allow Congress to fulfill its expressed powers and carry out its responsibilities.

Supremacy Clause

  • Establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties made under its authority are supreme to state and local laws when there is a conflict.

Amendment Process

  • Formal process for amending the Constitution.
  • Requires a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or a convention in three-fourths of the states.

Judicial Review

  • Established through the Supreme Court's ruling in Marbury v. Madison.
  • The power of the court to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality.

Interpretation of the Constitution

  • Ongoing debate about the meaning and application of the Constitution in modern contexts.
  • Different interpretations have shaped government policies and jurisprudence.
  • This includes discussions around individual rights, federal vs. state powers, and the evolution of societal norms.

Relationship between the Constitution and the States

  • Federalism: Division of powers between the federal and state governments.
  • The 10th Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states respectively, or the people.
  • States have their own constitutions and laws within the boundaries of the federal framework established by the U.S. Constitution.

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