Understanding the Constitution

How is the Constitution organized?

• into parts called articles

• into sentences called sections

• into columns called delegations

• into paragraphs called statements

Why did the delegates start the Preamble to the Constitution with the words “We, the people”?

• to record that all the citizens wrote the Constitution

• to state that government power comes from the people

• to declare that the people were separating from Great Britain

• to provide an introduction that would interest readers

Why does each state have two senators?

• to balance the rights of large and small states

• so the Senate does not become overcrowded

• to assure there are enough people to pass the laws

• so that one can take over if the other is unavailable

What is the primary work of Congress?

• to make laws for the country

• to debate whether laws are constitutional

• to determine who will be the candidate for president

• to be the chief executives of the states they represent

What is the final step before a national bill becomes a law?

• It is signed by the president.

• It is voted on by the citizens.

• It is passed by the Supreme Court.

• It is approved by the state legislators

All of these are duties of the executive branch except

• negotiating treaties.

• carrying out the laws.

• proposing new taxes.

• nominating federal judges.

Which of these describes the responsibility of the judicial branch?

• to put laws into effect

• to resolve disputes under the law

• to veto decisions of the Supreme Court

• to propose bills needed to achieve justice

What name is given to the Supreme Court’s power to declare a law unconstitutional?

• federalism

• veto power

• impeachment

• judicial review

What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?

• to list the responsibilities of elected officials

• to make it difficult to amend the Constitution

• to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• to share power between state and national governments

An amendment to the Constitution can be ratified by three-fourths of the

• Senate.

• citizens.

• state legislatures.

• Supreme Court justices.