Understanding the U.S. Constitution

Front

What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

Back

To protect individual freedoms and rights

Front

Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the laws?

Back

Judicial

Front

Explain how the system of checks and balances works in the United States government.

Back

Each branch of government can check the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The President can veto laws, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote. The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional, but Congress can amend the Constitution.

Front

What was the main goal of the Constitutional Convention held in 1787?

Back

To revise the Articles of Confederation

Front

Describe the process for amending the United States Constitution.

Back

An amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.

Front

Identify a primary source related to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution: A textbook on American history, The Federalist Papers, A biography of George Washington, A documentary about the Constitutional Convention.

Back

The Federalist Papers

Front

What is a secondary source?

Back

A document that interprets or analyzes primary sources.

Front

How did the Haudenosaunee Confederacy influence the United States Constitution?

Back

It provided a model for a federal system of government.

Front

Who was an abolitionist?

Back

Someone who advocated for the end of slavery

Front

What was Shay's Rebellion, and why was it significant?

Back

A protest against high taxes and economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.