Ch. 9: The Constitution- A More Perfect Union

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Description and Tags

58 Terms

1

Ingenious

An especially original, intelligent, or clever idea.

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2

Popular sovereignty

The idea that the government's authority comes from the people.

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3

Domestic

Relating to issues within a country.

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4

Legislative branch

The lawmaking part of government, called the legislature.

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5

Executive branch

The part of government that carries out, or executes, the laws.

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6

Judicial branch

The part of government, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, that interprets the laws.

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7

Judicial review

The power of the Supreme Court to decide whether laws and acts made by the legislative and executive branches are unconstitutional.

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8

Separation of powers

Key constitutional principle that divides the functions of government among three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

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9

Interstate Commerce

Trade and other business dealings between two or more states.

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10

Discriminate

To treat a person or group unfairly

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11

Federalism

The constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments.

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12

Function

The use or purpose of something.

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13

Interest group

An organization that actively promotes the view of some part of the public on specific issues in order to influence government policy.

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14

Why has the Constitution been effective for over 200 years?

Because it combines a framework for the government with flexibility for change

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15

Why is the Constitution considered a living document?

It has changed with time

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16

What does the Preamble list?

The purposes of the government

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17

Why does the Constitution begin with "We the People?"

To state that government power comes from the people

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18

What does "establish justice" mean?

Why we need federal courts

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19

What is tranquility?

Peace & order

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20

What does the Preamble mean by "provide for the common defense?"

Protect Americans from foreign enemies

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21

Who does "our posterity" represent?

Children, grandchildren, etc.

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22

What is the main job of the Legislative Branch?

Make laws

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23

Why are there two senators from each state?

To balance the rights of large and small states

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24

What is the final step before a national bill become a law?

Approved by Congress and signed by the President

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25

What is the "elastic clause" give Congress the power to do?

Pass laws needed to carry out its other powers

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26

What are the powers of the Executive Branch?

Carry out laws, make treaties, nominate federal judges

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27

What are the powers of the Judicial Branch?

Interpret laws & decides whether laws/actions are Constitutional

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28

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

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29

How can an amendment be proposed?

-2/3 vote from both houses of Congress -National Convention called by congress request of 2/3 legislatures of all states

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30

How can an amendment be ratified?

-Approved by the legislatures in Âľ of the states -Approved by the state conventions in Âľ of the state

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31

What powers are shared by the state and national governments?

Raising taxes

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32

How can the U.S. population directly participate in government?

Join interest groups, vote, belong to political parties, etc.

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33

Who has the power to declare war?

Congress

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34

Who has the power to print & coin money?

Congress

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35

Who is the commander in chief of the U.S. military forces?

President

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36

What is the length of a term of office for members of the Senate?

6 years

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37

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

2 years

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38

What is the length of a term of office for the president?

4 years

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39

How old must one be to hold the office of the president?

35

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40

How many members of the Supreme Court are there?

9

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41

What is the length of a term of office for justices of the Supreme Court?

Life

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42

Who has the power to settle disputes between different states?

Federal Courts

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43

Who has the power to propose a law to raise revenue (a tax law)?

House of Representatives

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44

Who must approve judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors that the president appoints to government positions?

Senate

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45

Who has the power to veto laws?

President

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46

How many amendments have been made to the Constitution?

27

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47

How many members of Congress are there?

535 (100 in Senate + 435 in House)

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48

What is the "supreme law of the land?"

The Constitution

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49

Who has the power to nominate ambassadors, public ministers, or other officers of the U.S. such as members of the Cabinet?

President

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50

How old must a person be to be elected to the House of Representatives?

25

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51

What fraction of states must approve an amendment to the Constitution?

3/4

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52

How many branches does the American government have?

3

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53

Why does the Constitution establish the principle of majority rule?

So decisions represent what most people want

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54

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

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55

What is the main responsibility of the U.S. Supreme Court?

To review laws

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56

What does impeach mean?

To formally accuse the President of crimes specified in the Constitution

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57

What does the Preamble mean by "promote the general welfare?"

Support an economy and society where people can prosper

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58

How is the Constitution organized?

Into parts called articles

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