United States Constitution Prep Guide

What is Federalism?

A form of government in the US that designates certain powers to the federal government and reserves others for the state governments.

What is the purpose of the Preamble of the US Constitution?

To outline the purpose and promises of the US Constitution and government.

What do the Articles of the Constitution provide?

A structure of what the government will look like, detailing the functions and powers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

What are the first ten Amendments of the U.S. Constitution called?

The Bill of Rights.

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To highlight the protection of civil liberties that the government cannot infringe upon.

Who argued for the passage of the Bill of Rights?

The Anti-Federalists.

What does the First Amendment protect?

Freedom of Expression: Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly, and Petition.

What are examples of Federal or Delegated powers?

Power to coin money, make war, and sign treaties with foreign nations.

What are examples of State or Reserved powers?

Power to make laws on marriage and divorce, provide a system of licenses, and make decisions on issues like abortion and education.

What are examples of Shared or Concurrent Powers?

Power to tax and create lower court systems.

What is the purpose of Checks and Balances?

To prevent a consolidation of power between the three branches of government.

What are examples of Legislative Checks?

Override a Presidential Veto, Confirmation of judges, Power of the purse, Impeachment Process, and Declaration of War.

What powers does the Executive Branch have?

Enforcing laws, veto power, commander-in-chief, foreign policy, appointments, executive orders, and pardon power.

What are the requirements to serve as President?

Minimum age of 35 years, natural-born citizen, and must have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

What are the levels of the Judicial Branch?

District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

What is Judicial Review?

The power of the Supreme Court to determine whether laws or executive actions violate the Constitution.

How does a bill become law?

Introduced in Congress, reviewed by committees, debated and voted on, resolved by conference committees if needed, and then sent to the President.

What is a Pocket Veto?

When a President takes no action on a bill for 10 days while Congress is adjourned, causing the bill not to become law.

What are the Post Civil War Amendments?

Amendments 13 (ends slavery), 14 (grants citizenship), and 15 (provides voting rights for African-American men).

What is the Electoral College?

A system where residents of a state vote for electors who then cast their votes for President.

What happens if no candidate receives 270 electoral votes?

The House of Representatives chooses the President and the Senate chooses the Vice President.

What is the difference between the United States Constitution and the Illinois State Constitution regarding judges?

Illinois voters select state judges and ratify amendments, but do not interpret laws.