Civics Test #3, Constitution

The difference between the VA and NJ plans

VA

2 legislative chambers, Number of vote depends on population, and bigger state = higher power.

NJ

1 legislative chamber, each state has 1 vote, and smaller states have equal power.

3/5 compromise

The south wanted to count enslaved people with the vote and the north wanted to count only free people.

Why were the Federalist papers written?

To convince states to ratify the constitution.

What were the main purposes of the Constitution?

1. Establish government: Stated a strong national government.

2. Guarantee: Guarantees equality.

3. Affirm: Individual dignity.

4. Provide: Provides fundamental freedoms of RAPPS

What were the 3 new ideas that were used in the US Constitution?

Federalism, Separation of Powers, and Checks and Balances.

3 parts of the constitution

Preamble

Articles

Amendments

6 purposes of the Constitution

Form a more perfect union.

Establish justice.

Insure domestic tranquility.

Provide for the common defense.

Promote the General Welfare.

Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity.

What does “We the people” in the preamble state?

The ultimate authorities in our government are the people.

Article 1

Legislative branch.

Article 2

Executive branch.

Article 3

Judicial branch.

Article 4

Organizes states and their rights (Federalism).

Article 5

The amendment process.

Article 6

Constitution is the supreme law.

Article 7

Ratification of the Constitution.

What is an amendment?

A change or addition to the Constitution.

Which article explains the amendment process?

Article V

What do amendments do?

Adapt and change.

How many amendments are there?

27

Steps to amending the Constitution

Step 1: Proposal by 2/3 of congress.

Step 2: Ratification by 3/4 of the states.

Amendment I

R.A.P.P.S.

Amendment V (5)

Due process.

Amendment XVI (14)

Defines a US citizens, equal protection, and protects at a state level.

Amendment XV (15)

All men can vote.

Amendment XIX (19)

Women can vote.

Amendment XXIII (23)

D.C. can have electors.

Amendment XXIV (24)

Ends poll taxing.

Amendment XXVI (26)

Citizens 18 or over can vote.

1st main purpose of the Constitution

Establish government: Stated a strong national gov.

2nd main purpose of the Constitution

Guaranteed equality.

3rd main purpose of the Constitution

Affirm individual dignity.

4th main purpose of the Constitution

Provides fundamental freedoms of RAPPS.