Honors History Constitution Test

I. Philosophy of government

Self-evident truth

Core principles of human equality, unalienable rights, and the purpose of government

Inalienable

Unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor

Inalienable Rights

Inherent to all human beings by nature, cannot be surrendered, transferred, or taken by authority

Purpose of government

To secure unalienable rights of the people, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Limited or unlimited

Promotes limited government, not unlimited power

When can governments be changed?

“Destructive of these ends.” Destruction of rights, pattern of abuses, failure of consent

II. understanding the constitution

What is federalism?

Where power is divided and shared between national and state governments

What is popular sovereignty? 

Asserts that the power to govern comes from the people, not from a monarch or ruling class

What are checks and balances?

To create a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches

What is republicanism?

A system that replaces or accompanies inherited rule

What is the preamble?

The introductory part of the document that explains the inherent rights of individuals and the purpose of government

What are the six states purposes of the government?

To form a more perfect union, establish Justice, insure Domestic Tranquility, provide for the Common Defense, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty

IV. Structure/Function of government

Legislative Branch:

What is the name of this branch of government?

Legislative Branch

Who makes up this branch

The congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate

What is the difference between Congress, the Senate, and the House of Representatives?

Senators represent their entire states, but members of the House represent individual districts

What is their primary function?

Chief function of congress is the making of laws

What are the qualifications for members?

At least 25 years old

U.S. citizen for 7 years +

Resident of the state you’re representing

How long do they serve?

Senate - 6 years

House of Representatives - 2 years

Who is the president of the Senate? When does he/she vote?

The vice president. They shall no vote, unless they be equally divided

What are some of the powers granted to Congress?

Regulate commerce, declare war, establish lower federal courts, tax, create “necessary and proper” laws

What are some powers denied to Congress?

Suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus, taxing exports, and a bill of attainder

What is the Elastic Clause? Why is it called this?

Grants congress the power to make laws that are “necessary and proper.” It allows Congress to stretch its authority to adapt to new situations

What are some powers denied to the states?

Coin money, engage in foreign treaties, declare war, pass bills of attainder or ex post facto laws, and impair contracts

Do both houses have to approve a bill for it to become a law?

Yes

Executive Branch

What is the name of this branch?

Executive Branch

Who makes up this branch?

President, VP, cabinet

What is their primary function?

To enforce U.S. laws

What are qualifications to be president?

Natural born U.S. citizen

At least 35 years of age

U.S. resident for 14 years

How long does the president serve?

4 year terms

How are electors determined in the electoral college?

Each state is allocated several electors equal to the total U.S. Representatives and Senators

How many electors do you need to become president?

270

What day is election day?

First Tuesday in November

What are some of the executive powers?

Commander in chief of the military, can make treaties with foreign nations, can veto legislation by congress

If a President vetoes a bill, can it still become a law? If yes, how?

Yes, by a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate, overriding the president’s approval

Judicial Branch

What is the name of this branch?

Judicial Branch

Who makes up this branch?

Supreme court and the federal court system

What is their primary function?

To interpret U.S. laws

How long do Supreme Court judges serve? Why?

For life, to ensure decisions are free from political pressure

Relationships among states

What is the topic of Article IV?

Relationships among states

What are some responsibilities between the states? (Full Faith and Credit/Privileges and Immunities.)

Requires states to recognize laws, records, and court decisions

Prevents a state from discriminating against citizens

What limitations are put on admitting new states to the Union?

Congress can admit new states, but no state can be formed and joined together

Changing the Constitution

What fraction of the houses of Congress is necessary to approve a proposed Amendment?

Two-thirds of both houses

Supremacy Clause

What does the Constitution say about which law shall predominate if there is any conflict between laws?

A federal law

Ratifying the Constitution

How many states had to ratify the Constitution for it to become a law?

9 out of 13

Rights

Civil liberties

The first amendment

Right to Bear Arms

The second amendment

Quartering of Soldiers

The third amendment

Unlawful Searches and Seizures

The fourth amendment

Due Process of Law

The fifth amendment

Rights of the Accused

The sixth amendment

Trial by Jury in Civil Case

The seventh amendment

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

The eighth amendment

Other Rights Retained by the People

The ninth amendment

Limited Government

The tenth amendment

Abolished Slavery

The thirteenth amendment

Citizenship/Equal Protection Under the Law

The fourteenth amendment

African Americans Right to Vote

The fifteenth amendment

Women Right to Vote

The nineteenth Amendment

Right to Vote at 18

The twenty-sixth Amendment