Ch. 9: The Constitution- A More Perfect Union
5.0(8)
Studied by 355 people
Learn
Practice Test
Spaced Repetition
Match
FlashcardsCard Sorting
1/57
Earn XP
Description and Tags
Study Analytics
Name | Mastery | Learn | Test | Matching | Spaced |
|---|
No study sessions yet.
58 Terms
1
New cards
Ingenious
An especially original, intelligent, or clever idea.
2
New cards
Popular sovereignty
The idea that the government's authority comes from the people.
3
New cards
Domestic
Relating to issues within a country.
4
New cards
Legislative branch
The lawmaking part of government, called the legislature.
5
New cards
Executive branch
The part of government that carries out, or executes, the laws.
6
New cards
Judicial branch
The part of government, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, that interprets the laws.
7
New cards
Judicial review
The power of the Supreme Court to decide whether laws and acts made by the legislative and executive branches are unconstitutional.
8
New cards
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.
9
New cards
Interstate Commerce
Trade and other business dealings between two or more states.
10
New cards
Discriminate
To treat a person or group unfairly
11
New cards
Federalism
The constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments.
12
New cards
Function
The use or purpose of something.
13
New cards
Interest group
An organization that actively promotes the view of some part of the public on specific issues in order to influence government policy.
14
New cards
Why has the Constitution been effective for over 200 years?
Because it combines a framework for the government with flexibility for change
15
New cards
Why is the Constitution considered a living document?
It has changed with time
16
New cards
What does the Preamble list?
The purposes of the government
17
New cards
Why does the Constitution begin with "We the People?"
To state that government power comes from the people
18
New cards
What does "establish justice" mean?
Why we need federal courts
19
New cards
What is tranquility?
Peace & order
20
New cards
What does the Preamble mean by "provide for the common defense?"
Protect Americans from foreign enemies
21
New cards
Who does "our posterity" represent?
Children, grandchildren, etc.
22
New cards
What is the main job of the Legislative Branch?
Make laws
23
New cards
Why are there two senators from each state?
To balance the rights of large and small states
24
New cards
What is the final step before a national bill become a law?
Approved by Congress and signed by the President
25
New cards
What is the "elastic clause" give Congress the power to do?
Pass laws needed to carry out its other powers
26
New cards
What are the powers of the Executive Branch?
Carry out laws, make treaties, nominate federal judges
27
New cards
What are the powers of the Judicial Branch?
Interpret laws & decides whether laws/actions are Constitutional
28
New cards
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
29
New cards
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
30
New cards
How can an amendment be ratified?
-Approved by the legislatures in ¾ of the states -Approved by the state conventions in ¾ of the state
31
New cards
What powers are shared by the state and national governments?
Raising taxes
32
New cards
How can the U.S. population directly participate in government?
Join interest groups, vote, belong to political parties, etc.
33
New cards
Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
34
New cards
Who has the power to print & coin money?
Congress
35
New cards
Who is the commander in chief of the U.S. military forces?
President
36
New cards
What is the length of a term of office for members of the Senate?
6 years
37
New cards
What is the length of a term of office for members of the House of Representatives?
2 years
38
New cards
What is the length of a term of office for the president?
4 years
39
New cards
How old must one be to hold the office of the president?
35
40
New cards
How many members of the Supreme Court are there?
9
41
New cards
What is the length of a term of office for justices of the Supreme Court?
Life
42
New cards
Who has the power to settle disputes between different states?
Federal Courts
43
New cards
Who has the power to propose a law to raise revenue (a tax law)?
House of Representatives
44
New cards
Who must approve judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors that the president appoints to government positions?
Senate
45
New cards
Who has the power to veto laws?
President
46
New cards
How many amendments have been made to the Constitution?
27
47
New cards
How many members of Congress are there?
535 (100 in Senate + 435 in House)
48
New cards
What is the "supreme law of the land?"
The Constitution
49
New cards
Who has the power to nominate ambassadors, public ministers, or other officers of the U.S. such as members of the Cabinet?
President
50
New cards
How old must a person be to be elected to the House of Representatives?
25
51
New cards
What fraction of states must approve an amendment to the Constitution?
3/4
52
New cards
How many branches does the American government have?
3
53
New cards
Why does the Constitution establish the principle of majority rule?
So decisions represent what most people want
54
New cards
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
55
New cards
What is the main responsibility of the U.S. Supreme Court?
To review laws
56
New cards
What does impeach mean?
To formally accuse the President of crimes specified in the Constitution
57
New cards
What does the Preamble mean by "promote the general welfare?"
Support an economy and society where people can prosper
58
New cards
How is the Constitution organized?
Into parts called articles
Note 
Flashcards (146)