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37 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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How is the Constitution organized? |
In articles. |
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Why is the Constitution organized in articles? |
So ordinary citizens can understand and support the Constitution. |
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Why is the Constitution said to be a living document? |
It is strong, flexible, and can change with the times. |
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What comes at the beginning of the Constitution? |
The preamble. |
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What phrase does the preamble start with? |
"We the People" |
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Why does the Constitution start with the words "We the People"? |
To show that the Constitution gets its power from the people. |
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What is the primary responsibility of Congress? |
To make laws for the country. |
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How many houses make up Congress? |
2 |
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What are the houses of Congress called? |
The Senate and the House of Representatives. |
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How long is a term for a senator? |
6 years |
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How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives? |
2 years |
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Why is Congress set up with two houses? |
To balance the rights of large and small states. |
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Which house of Congress can submit a proposal for new taxes? |
The House of Representatives. |
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What is the final step before a national bill becomes a law? |
The president signs it. |
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What branch of government carries out the laws? |
The executive branch. |
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Who is the head of the executive branch of government? |
The president. |
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How long is the term of the president? |
4 years |
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How many times may the president be reelected? |
1 |
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What are the duties of the president? |
The president serves as commander and chief of the military forces, can make treaties, can nominate ambassadors and supreme court justices, and grant pardons. |
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What can the Constitution be called? |
The supreme law of the land. |
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What is a primary responsibility of the judicial branch of government? |
To interpret the law and to resolve disputes under the law. |
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How many Supreme Court justices are there? |
9 |
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What is the term for a Supreme Court justice? |
life |
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What is the power of the Supreme Court called? |
Judicial review. |
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Why was the system of checks and balances created? |
To keep any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. |
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What does Article Five describe? |
How amendments to the Constitution can be made. |
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Which branch of government can propose an amendment to the Constitution? |
Congress |
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Congress can propose an amendment by a vote of what fraction of each house/state legislatures? |
2/3's |
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An amendment can be ratified by a vote of what fraction of state legislatures? |
3/4's |
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National and state governments share powers. What is this called? |
Federalism. |
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What is trade between two or more states called? |
Interstate commerce. |
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What clause of the Constitution gives the national government power to regulate interstate commerce? |
The commerce clause. |
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What was created by the commerce clause? |
A common market in the states. |
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What are the advantages of a common market being shared by the states? |
Goods can move easily, large businesses can be located in several states, and it created a single national economy. |
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What are some of the powers shared by the national and state governments? |
Raising taxes, providing for public safety, establishing courts, and borrowing money. |
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Why does the Constitution establish the principle of majority rule? |
Decisions will be based on what most people want. |
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How can people participate in government? |
By belonging to political parties, joining interest groups, and by voting. |
